Learning Center

Mutual fund is a mechanism for pooling the resources by issuing units to the investors and investing funds in securities in accordance with objectives as disclosed in offer document. Investments in securities are spread across a wide cross-section of industries and sectors and thus the risk is reduced. Diversification reduces the risk because all stocks may not move in the same direction in the same proportion at the same time. Mutual fund issues units to the investors in accordance with quantum of money invested by them. Investors of mutual funds are known as unit holders.

The profits or losses are shared by the investors in proportion to their investments. The mutual funds normally come out with a number of schemes with different investment objectives which are launched from time to time. A mutual fund is required to be registered with Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) which regulates securities markets before it can collect funds from the public.

Unit Trust of India was the first mutual fund set up in India in the year 1963. In early 1990s, Government allowed public sector banks and institutions to set up mutual funds. In the year 1992, Securities and exchange Board of India (SEBI) Act was passed. The objectives of SEBI are – to protect the interest of investors in securities and to promote the development of and to regulate the securities market.

As far as mutual funds are concerned, SEBI formulates policies and regulates the mutual funds to protect the interest of the investors. SEBI notified regulations for the mutual funds in 1993. Thereafter, mutual funds sponsored by private sector entities were allowed to enter the capital market. The regulations were fully revised in 1996 and have been amended thereafter from time to time. SEBI has also issued guidelines to the mutual funds from time to time to protect the interests of investors.

All mutual funds whether promoted by public sector or private sector entities including those promoted by foreign entities are governed by the same set of Regulations. There is no distinction in regulatory requirements for these mutual funds and all are subject to monitoring and inspections by SEBI. The risks associated with the schemes launched by the mutual funds sponsored by these entities are of similar type. It may be mentioned here that Unit Trust of India (UTI) is not registered with SEBI as a mutual fund (as on January 15, 2002).

A mutual fund is set up in the form of a trust, which has sponsor, trustees, asset management company (AMC) and custodian. The trust is established by a sponsor or more than one sponsor who is like promoter of a company. The trustees of the mutual fund hold its property for the benefit of the unitholders. Asset Management Company (AMC) approved by SEBI manages the funds by making investments in various types of securities. Custodian, who is registered with SEBI, holds the securities of various schemes of the fund in its custody. The trustees are vested with the general power of superintendence and direction over AMC. They monitor the performance and compliance of SEBI Regulations by the mutual fund.

SEBI Regulations require that at least two thirds of the directors of trustee company or board of trustees must be independent i.e. they should not be associated with the sponsors. Also, 50% of the directors of AMC must be independent. All mutual funds are required to be registered with SEBI before they launch any scheme. However, Unit Trust of India (UTI) is not registered with SEBI (as on January 15, 2002).

The performance of a particular scheme of a mutual fund is denoted by Net Asset Value (NAV). Mutual funds invest the money collected from the investors in securities markets. In simple words, Net Asset Value is the market value of the securities held by the scheme. Since market value of securities changes every day, NAV of a scheme also varies on day to day basis. The NAV per unit is the market value of securities of a scheme divided by the total number of units of the scheme on any particular date. For example, if the market value of securities of a mutual fund scheme is Rs 200 lakhs and the mutual fund has issued 10 lakhs units of Rs. 10 each to the investors, then the NAV per unit of the fund is Rs.20. NAV is required to be disclosed by the mutual funds on a regular basis - daily or weekly - depending on the type of scheme.

These are the funds/schemes which invest in the securities of only those sectors or industries as specified in the offer documents. e.g. Pharmaceuticals, Software, Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Petroleum stocks, etc. The returns in these funds are dependent on the performance of the respective sectors/industries. While these funds may give higher returns, they are more risky compared to diversified funds. Investors need to keep a watch on the performance of those sectors/industries and must exit at an appropriate time. They may also seek advice of an expert.

These schemes offer tax rebates to the investors under specific provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961 as the Government offers tax incentives for investment in specified avenues. e.g. Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS). Pension schemes launched by the mutual funds also offer tax benefits. These schemes are growth oriented and invest pre-dominantly in equities. Their growth opportunities and risks associated are like any equity-oriented scheme.

A Load Fund is one that charges a percentage of NAV for entry or exit. That is, each time one buys or sells units in the fund, a charge will be payable. This charge is used by the mutual fund for marketing and distribution expenses. Suppose the NAV per unit is Rs.10. If the entry as well as exit load charged is 1%, then the investors who buy would be required to pay Rs.10.10 and those who offer their units for repurchase to the mutual fund will get only Rs.9.90 per unit. The investors should take the loads into consideration while making investment as these affect their yields/returns. However, the investors should also consider the performance track record and service standards of the mutual fund which are more important. Efficient funds may give higher returns in spite of loads.

A no-load fund is one that does not charge for entry or exit. It means the investors can enter the fund/scheme at NAV and no additional charges are payable on purchase or sale of units.

Mutual funds cannot increase the load beyond the level mentioned in the offer document. Any change in the load will be applicable only to prospective investments and not to the original investments. In case of imposition of fresh loads or increase in existing loads, the mutual funds are required to amend their offer documents so that the new investors are aware of loads at the time of investments.

The price or NAV a unitholder is charged while investing in an open-ended scheme is called sales price. It may include sales load, if applicable.

Repurchase or redemption price is the price or NAV at which an open-ended scheme purchases or redeems its units from the unitholders. It may include exit load, if applicable.

Assured return schemes are those schemes that assure a specific return to the unit holders irrespective of performance of the scheme.

A scheme cannot promise returns unless such returns are fully guaranteed by the sponsor or AMC and this is required to be disclosed in the offer document.

Investors should carefully read the offer document whether return is assured for the entire period of the scheme or only for a certain period. Some schemes assure returns one year at a time and they review and change it at the beginning of the next year.

Considering the market trends, any prudent fund managers can change the asset allocation i.e. he can invest higher or lower percentage of the fund in equity or debt instruments compared to what is disclosed in the offer document. It can be done on a short term basis on defensive considerations i.e. to protect the NAV. Hence the fund managers are allowed certain flexibility in altering the asset allocation considering the interest of the investors. In case the mutual fund wants to change the asset allocation on a permanent basis, they are required to inform the unitholders and giving them option to exit the scheme at prevailing NAV without any load.

Mutual funds normally come out with an advertisement in newspapers publishing the date of launch of the new schemes. Investors can also contact the agents and distributors of mutual funds who are spread all over the country for necessary information and application forms. Forms can be deposited with mutual funds through the agents and distributors who provide such services. Now a days, the post offices and banks also distribute the units of mutual funds. However, the investors may please note that the mutual funds schemes being marketed by banks and post offices should not be taken as their own schemes and no assurance of returns is given by them. The only role of banks and post offices is to help in distribution of mutual funds schemes to the investors.

Investors should not be carried away by commission/gifts given by agents/distributors for investing in a particular scheme. On the other hand they must consider the track record of the mutual fund and should take objective decisions.

Yes, non-resident Indians can also invest in mutual funds. Necessary details in this respect are given in the offer documents of the schemes.

An investor should take into account his risk taking capacity, age factor, financial position, etc. As already mentioned, the schemes invest in different type of securities as disclosed in the offer documents and offer different returns and risks. Investors may also consult financial experts before taking decisions. Agents and distributors may also help in this regard.

An investor must mention clearly his name, address, number of units applied for and such other information as required in the application form. He must give his bank account number so as to avoid any fraudulent encashment of any cheque/draft issued by the mutual fund at a later date for the purpose of dividend or repurchase. Any changes in the address, bank account number, etc at a later date should be informed to the mutual fund immediately.

An abridged offer document, which contains very useful information, is required to be given to the prospective investor by the mutual fund. The application form for subscription to a scheme is an integral part of the offer document. SEBI has prescribed minimum disclosures in the offer document. An investor, before investing in a scheme, should carefully read the offer document. Due care must be given to portions relating to main features of the scheme, risk factors, initial issue expenses and recurring expenses to be charged to the scheme, entry or exit loads, sponsor’s track record, educational qualification and work experience of key personnel including fund managers, performance of other schemes launched by the mutual fund in the past, pending litigations and penalties imposed, etc.

Mutual funds are required to dispatch certificates or statements of accounts within six weeks from the date of closure of the initial subscription of the scheme. In case of close-ended schemes, the investors would get either a demat account statement or unit certificates as these are traded in the stock exchanges. In case of open-ended schemes, a statement of account is issued by the mutual fund within 30 days from the date of closure of initial public offer of the scheme. The procedure of repurchase is mentioned in the offer document.

According to SEBI Regulations, transfer of units is required to be done within thirty days from the date of lodgment of certificates with the mutual fund.

A mutual fund is required to dispatch to the unit holders the dividend warrants within 30 days of the declaration of the dividend and the redemption or repurchase proceeds within 10 working days from the date of redemption or repurchase request made by the unit holder.

In case of failures to dispatch the redemption/repurchase proceeds within the stipulated time period, Asset Management Company is liable to pay interest as specified by SEBI from time to time (15% at present).

Yes. However, no change in the nature or terms of the scheme, known as fundamental attributes of the scheme e.g. structure, investment pattern, etc. can be carried out unless a written communication is sent to each unit holder and an advertisement is given in one English daily having nationwide circulation and in a newspaper published in the language of the region where the head office of the mutual fund is situated. The unit holders have the right to exit the scheme at the prevailing NAV without any exit load if they do not want to continue with the scheme. The mutual funds are also required to follow similar procedure while converting the scheme form close-ended to open-ended scheme and in case of change in sponsor.

There may be changes from time to time in a mutual fund. The mutual funds are required to inform any material changes to their unit holders. Apart from it, many mutual funds send quarterly newsletters to their investors. At present, offer documents are required to be revised and updated at least once in two years. In the meantime, new investors are informed about the material changes by way of addendum to the offer document till the time offer document is revised and reprinted.

The performance of a scheme is reflected in its net asset value (NAV) which is disclosed on daily basis in case of open-ended schemes and on weekly basis in case of close-ended schemes. The NAVs of mutual funds are required to be published in newspapers. The NAVs are also available on the web sites of mutual funds. All mutual funds are also required to put their NAVs on the web site of Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) www.amfiindia.com and thus the investors can access NAVs of all mutual funds at one place.

The mutual funds are also required to publish their performance in the form of half-yearly results which also include their returns/yields over a period of time i.e. last six months, 1 year, 3 years, 5 years and since inception of schemes. Investors can also look into other details like percentage of expenses of total assets as these have an affect on the yield and other useful information in the same half-yearly format.

The mutual funds are also required to send annual report or abridged annual report to the unit holders at the end of the year.

Various studies on mutual fund schemes including yields of different schemes are being published by the financial newspapers on a weekly basis. Apart from these, many research agencies also publish research reports on performance of mutual funds including the ranking of various schemes in terms of their performance. Investors should study these reports and keep themselves informed about the performance of various schemes of different mutual funds.

Investors can compare the performance of their schemes with those of other mutual funds under the same category. They can also compare the performance of equity oriented schemes with the benchmarks like BSE Sensitive Index, S&P CNX Nifty, etc. On the basis of performance of the mutual funds, the investors should decide when to enter or exit from a mutual fund scheme.

The mutual funds are required to disclose full portfolios of all of their schemes on half-yearly basis which are published in the newspapers. Some mutual funds send the portfolios to their unit holders.

The scheme portfolio shows investment made in each security i.e. equity, debentures, money market instruments, government securities, etc. and their quantity, market value and % to NAV. These portfolio statements also required to disclose illiquid securities in the portfolio, investment made in rated and unrated debt securities, non-performing assets (NPAs), etc.

Some of the mutual funds send newsletters to the unit holders on quarterly basis which also contain portfolios of the schemes.

Yes, there is a difference. IPOs of companies may open at lower or higher price than the issue price depending on market sentiment and perception of investors. However, in the case of mutual funds, the par value of the units may not rise or fall immediately after allotment. A mutual fund scheme takes some time to make investment in securities. NAV of the scheme depends on the value of securities in which the funds have been deployed.

Some of the investors have the tendency to prefer a scheme that is available at lower NAV compared to the one available at higher NAV. Sometimes, they prefer a new scheme which is issuing units at Rs. 10 whereas the existing schemes in the same category are available at much higher NAVs. Investors may please note that in case of mutual funds schemes, lower or higher NAVs of similar type schemes of different mutual funds have no relevance. On the other hand, investors should choose a scheme based on its merit considering performance track record of the mutual fund, service standards, professional management, etc. This is explained in an example given below.

Suppose scheme A is available at a NAV of Rs.15 and another scheme B at Rs.90. Both schemes are diversified equity oriented schemes. Investor has put Rs. 9,000 in each of the two schemes. He would get 600 units (9000/15) in scheme A and 100 units (9000/90) in scheme B. Assuming that the markets go up by 10 per cent and both the schemes perform equally good and it is reflected in their NAVs. NAV of scheme A would go up to Rs. 16.50 and that of scheme B to Rs. 99. Thus, the market value of investments would be Rs. 9,900 (600* 16.50) in scheme A and it would be the same amount of Rs. 9900 in scheme B (100*99). The investor would get the same return of 10% on his investment in each of the schemes. Thus, lower or higher NAV of the schemes and allotment of higher or lower number of units within the amount an investor is willing to invest, should not be the factors for making investment decision. Likewise, if a new equity oriented scheme is being offered at Rs.10 and an existing scheme is available for Rs. 90, should not be a factor for decision making by the investor. Similar is the case with income or debt-oriented schemes.

On the other hand, it is likely that the better managed scheme with higher NAV may give higher returns compared to a scheme which is available at lower NAV but is not managed efficiently. Similar is the case of fall in NAVs. Efficiently managed scheme at higher NAV may not fall as much as inefficiently managed scheme with lower NAV. Therefore, the investor should give more weightage to the professional management of a scheme instead of lower NAV of any scheme. He may get much higher number of units at lower NAV, but the scheme may not give higher returns if it is not managed efficiently.

As already mentioned, the investors must read the offer document of the mutual fund scheme very carefully. They may also look into the past track record of performance of the scheme or other schemes of the same mutual fund. They may also compare the performance with other schemes having similar investment objectives. Though past performance of a scheme is not an indicator of its future performance and good performance in the past may or may not be sustained in the future, this is one of the important factors for making investment decision. In case of debt oriented schemes, apart from looking into past returns, the investors should also see the quality of debt instruments which is reflected in their rating. A scheme with lower rate of return but having investments in better rated instruments may be safer. Similarly, in equities schemes also, investors may look for quality of portfolio. They may also seek advice of experts.

Investors should not assume some companies having the name "mutual benefit" as mutual funds. These companies do not come under the purview of SEBI. On the other hand, mutual funds can mobilise funds from the investors by launching schemes only after getting registered with SEBI as mutual funds.

In the offer document of any mutual fund scheme, financial performance including the net worth of the sponsor for a period of three years is required to be given. The only purpose is that the investors should know the track record of the company which has sponsored the mutual fund. However, higher net worth of the sponsor does not mean that the scheme would give better returns or the sponsor would compensate in case the NAV falls.

Almost all the mutual funds have their own web sites. Investors can also access the NAVs, half-yearly results and portfolios of all mutual funds at the web site of Association of mutual funds in India (AMFI) www.amfiindia.com. AMFI has also published useful literature for the investors.

Investors can log on to the web site of SEBI www.sebi.gov.in and go to "Mutual Funds" section for information on SEBI regulations and guidelines, data on mutual funds, draft offer documents filed by mutual funds, addresses of mutual funds, etc. Also, in the annual reports of SEBI available on the web site, a lot of information on mutual funds is given. There are a number of other web sites which give a lot of information of various schemes of mutual funds including yields over a period of time. Many newspapers also publish useful information on mutual funds on daily and weekly basis. Investors may approach their agents and distributors to guide them in this regard.

In case of winding up of a scheme, the mutual funds pay a sum based on prevailing NAV after adjustment of expenses. Unit holders are entitled to receive a report on winding up from the mutual funds which gives all necessary details.

Investors would find the name of contact person in the offer document of the mutual fund scheme whom they may approach in case of any query, complaints or grievances. Trustees of a mutual fund monitor the activities of the mutual fund. The names of the directors of asset management company and trustees are also given in the offer documents. Investors can also approach SEBI for redressal of their complaints. On receipt of complaints, SEBI takes up the matter with the concerned mutual fund and follows up with them till the matter is resolved. Investors may send their complaints to:

Securities and Exchange Board of India
Mutual Funds Department, Mittal Court 'B' wing, First Floor, 224, Nariman Point
Mumbai - 400 021.
Phone: 2850451-56, 2880962-70

Mutual Fund Service System (MFSS) is an online order collection system provided by NSE to its eligible members for placing subscription or redemption orders on the MFSS based on orders received from the investors.

Hitherto, an investor interested in subscribing to a mutual fund had to identify a distributor of the mutual fund and submit all documents along with payment instrument where applicable to the distributor or directly to Mutual Fund/AMC/RTA. The subscription/redemption request would thereafter get processed and investor would know about status of the request only in the form of direct communication from Mutual Fund/AMC/RTA.

In the MFSS, investor will have an opportunity to deal with SEBI registered NSE member who is eligible to participate in MFSS for subscription/redemption of units. Members would enter the order into MFSS. Investor would be able to know the order details and modify his order details till the order acceptance time ends i.e. up to 3.00 pm. By end of the day investor would also get to know about the validity of his order and the value at which the units would get credited/redeemed to his account.

• Investor would able to get a single view of his portfolio across multiple assets like securities, mutual fund units etc.
• Investor would be able to get services from same intermediary for different asset class
• Investor would be able to optimize his investment decisions due to reduced time lag in movement of funds
• Investor would have a voice in agreeing on charges to be paid for services rendered.
• Reduction of paperwork
• Transparency in knowing status of order till completion thereby reducing disputes
• Recourse to grievance resolution in case of deficiency in service provided by member

Individuals, HUF and Body Corporate can participate in MFSS subject to completing the KYC procedure. In case of a minor the guardian would have to be KYC compliant.

Asset Management Companies (AMC) desirous of offering MFSS to their existing and prospective customers enter into an arrangement with Exchange and only schemes of such AMCs would be available on MFSS. All schemes which are available on MFSS would be informed to the Participants and investors through issue of circulars from time to time. The currently available schemes on MFSS are available on NSE website (http://www.nseindia.com/content/mfss/mf_schemes.htm)

Only Trading Members who have obtained AMFI Registration Number (ARN) from Association of Mutual Funds of India (AMFI) are eligible to participate in MFSS. Further, eligible members also have to register as distributor with the Mutual Fund Company. Hence, eligible members would be able to place orders only in respect of Mutual Fund Companies where they have registered as distributor.

MFSS would be available for placing of orders between 9.00 am and 3.00 pm on all the working days of the Exchange. Any order placed beyond these timings could be for placing it on the MFSS the next day.

If you are already using the services of NSE member for your other investment needs and you already hold units of one or more mutual fund, member would require you to sign up a letter consenting to participate on MFSS. Thereafter, you could place subscription/redemption order by meeting the requirements applicable for placing such order.

For dealing in MFSS, client details entered in MFSS should exactly match the account holders name in the demat account. In other words, if, A and B are joint account holders of a demat account, for placing orders on MFSS, client particulars to be given to member would be that of both A and B.

Every investor investing more than Rs.50,000 in mutual fund has to necessarily complete KYC process.

The Association of Mutual Funds of India (AMFI) has facilitated a centralized platform to carry out one time KYC procedure on behalf of all Mutual Funds. Once the KYC is duly completed in all regards, the investor needs to produce a copy of the acknowledgement when investing for the first time with Mutual Fund. There is no need to repeat the KYC process individually for each mutual fund.

For more details on KYC visit AMFI site: http://www.amfiindia.com/showhtml.aspx?page=kyc

Investors have a choice of holding units either in physical form or in demat. However, for convenience of operations and ease of entry and exit it would be advisable to hold the units in demat form.

If you already have an existing demat account say for holding of your securities, same account can be used for holding units in demat form also.

After receiving complete particulars from you, member would allot a Unique Client Code (UCC) to you and report all the details to Exchange by way of UCC Upload. This UCC would form an important reference point for you. Member may allot same UCC as in Equity/F&O or allot a different UCC for MFSS.

For placing a subscription order, you would need to give the name of the Mutual Fund, Name of the Scheme, the value (i.e. money) that you intend investing, whether you would like units in physical form or demat form, whether your subscription is fresh (first time investor for a Mutual Fund company) or additional. In case you choose physical option for an additional purchase you need to provide the existing folio number also.

Orders can be placed between 9.00 am to 3.00 pm. Within this time period, you would able to request your member for correction of mistake if any including cancellation of order or placing a fresh order altogether.

For all orders received up to 3.00 p.m Net Asset Value (NAV) of the business day will be the rate at which units would be allotted to you. Illustratively if you invested Rs. 1 Lakh, NAV of the scheme is say Rs.10/- you would get 10000 units allotted to you.

For subscribing to Mutual funds through MFSS, you need to make payment in favour of the Member necessarily through cheque/Demand Draft. Member is obliged to place order only when clear balance from your end is available in Member’s account.

After closure of order acceptance time, Exchange would provide details to Mutual Fund/AMC/RTA and to Depository for validation. On receipt of valid order information from both of these entities, on T+1 day as per the settlement calendar(currently at around 10.00am), Exchange would debit the Settlement account of the Member towards all valid orders and then transfer the money to the concerned AMC/Mutual Fund Company. Thereafter the AMC/Mutual Fund/RTA would process the subscription request and credit units to your demat account by T+1 end of the day.

In case you have subscribed for units in physical form, the subscription form along with documents like copy of PAN of all holders, KYC acknowledgement of all holders needs to be sent by member to RTA/Mutual Fund essentially before 4.00pm. Based on order data sent by Exchange RTA/Mutual Fund would validate the order information along with physical papers received and return the validated order information to Exchange. Exchange would debit the funds from settlement account of the member only in respect of valid orders. In case the papers have not reached RTA/Mutual Fund order would get invalidated. Information on invalid orders would be given to Trading members who would in turn inform the investor.

Immediately on placing of order on MFSS, Member would be in a position to confirm the details of order to the investor. By end of the day member would be able to issue transaction confirmation memo containing particulars like Mutual Fund, Scheme, value of subscription, Physical/demat mode, brokerage and service tax applicable. In cases of rejection of the order, reason for rejection would also be communicated by the member.

At the time of placing order for redemption in respect of demat units, you need to mention name of the Mutual Fund, Scheme, and Number of Units to be redeemed.

Immediately on placing of order on MFSS, Member would be in a position to confirm the details of order to the investor. By end of the day member would be able to issue transaction confirmation memo containing particulars like Mutual Fund, Scheme, value of subscription, Physical/demat mode, brokerage and service tax applicable. In cases of rejection of the order, reason for rejection would also be communicated by the member.

In respect of redemption of units in demat form, you should transfer units to the pool account of “National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCCL)”. You should ensure that you have given appropriate delivery instruction to your Depository participant and that you also ensure that units have been transferred to NSCCL account before 4.30 pm.

NSCCL on T+1 day at the specified time would transfer units in its pool account to the concerned AMC/RTA’s pool account. Thereafter AMC/RTA would process the redemption request at Transaction day’s NAV and directly credit the proceeds to investors’ bank account.

In respect of redemption of physical units, order would be placed by member on receipt of necessary redemption request form along with documents including statement of account issued by mutual fund reflecting your units. Member needs to send the papers to RTA/Mutual Fund. Thereafter, the RTA/MF would process redemption request and send the payment directly to investor. If the physical papers do not reach the RTA/MF within the time stipulated for the purpose, orders may get invalidated.

There are no regulatory restrictions on the fees to be charged by the member for services rendered on MFSS. However, investor and the member may mutually agree on the commission/brokerage for services rendered on MFSS and it would be advisable to agree to terms of charges in writing. Service tax would be applicable on charges so levied by the Member.

Changes to personal information would have to be directly informed to the concerned Mutual Fund as well as to AMFI’s centralized KYC platform. MFSS as a system can be used only for subscription or redemption.

Investor can approach investor services cell of the Exchange for resolution of dispute relating to service rendered by the broker.

In case of demat transactions the maximum value of subscription or redemption for a single order is pegged at Rs. 1 Crore and there is no restriction on number of orders that can be placed. However, with reference to redemption of physical units a maximum limit of Rs.1,00,000/- per order has been kept.