Master Circular for Mutual Funds

¼ããÀ¦ããè¾ã ¹ãÆãä¦ã¼ãîãä¦ã ‚ããõÀ ãäÌããä¶ã½ã¾ã ºããñ¡Ã Securities and Exchange Board of India MASTER CIRCULAR CIR/IMD/DF/18/2014 October 1, 2014

All Mutual Funds, Asset Management Companies (AMCs) and Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI)

Dear Sir/ Madam,

Sub: Master Circular for Mutual Funds For effective regulation of the Mutual Fund Industry, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has been issuing various circulars from time to time. In order to enable the industry and other users to have an access to all the applicable circulars at one place, Master Circular for Mutual Funds has been prepared. This Master Circular is a compilation of all the circulars issued by SEBI on the above subject, which are operational as on date of this circular This Master Circular shall supersede the previous Master Circular SEBI/IMD/DF/14/2013 dated September 11, 2013. Yours faithfully, Rajesh Gujjar Deputy General Manager rajeshg@sebi.gov.in

2 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
MASTER CIRCULAR FOR MUTUAL FUNDS
BY
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE BOARD OF INDIA

This Master Circular includes circulars issued upto September 30, 2014.
In case of any inconsistency between the master circular and the
applicable circulars, the contents of the relevant circular shall prevail.
Master Circular is a compilation of all the existing/applicable circulars
issued by Investment Management Department of SEBI to Mutual Funds. Efforts have been made to incorporate certain applicable provisions of existing circulars (as on date ) issued by other Departments/Divisions of SEBI relevant to Mutual Funds.

3 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
INDEX
ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................. 5
CHAPTER 1 .................................................................................... 7
OFFER DOCUMENT FOR SCHEMES ................................................ 7
CHAPTER 2 .................................................................................. 18
CONVERSION AND CONSOLIDATION OF SCHEMES AND LAUNCH OF
ADDITIONAL PLAN ........................................................................ 18
CHAPTER 3 .................................................................................. 25
NEW PRODUCTS ........................................................................... 25
CHAPTER 4 .................................................................................. 34
RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ....................................................... 34
CHAPTER 5 .................................................................................. 37
DISCLOSURES & REPORTING NORMS ........................................... 37
CHAPTER 6 .................................................................................. 51
GOVERNANCE NORMS .................................................................. 51
CHAPTER 7 .................................................................................. 74
SECONDARY MARKET ISSUES ...................................................... 74
CHAPTER 8 .................................................................................. 78
NET ASSET VALUE........................................................................ 78
CHAPTER 9 .................................................................................. 90
VALUATION .................................................................................. 90
CHAPTER 10 ...............................................................................113
LOADS, FEES AND EXPENSES .....................................................113
CHAPTER 11 ...............................................................................123
DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTION PROCEDURE ......................................123
CHAPTER 12 ...............................................................................126
INVESTMENT BY SCHEMES .........................................................126
CHAPTER 13 ...............................................................................149
ADVERTISEMENTS ......................................................................149
CHAPTER 14 ...............................................................................154
INVESTOR RIGHTS & OBLIGATIONS ............................................154

4 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 15 ...............................................................................162
CERTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION OF INTERMEDIARIES .......163
CHAPTER 16 ...............................................................................171
TRANSACTION IN MUTUAL FUNDS UNITS ....................................171
CHAPTER 17 ...............................................................................181
MISCELLANEOUS .........................................................................181
FORMATS ------------------------------------------- Refer the attachment ANNEXURES --------------------------------------- Refer the attachment

5 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
ABBREVIATIONS
American Depository Receipt ADR
Asset Management Company AMC
Asset under Management AUM
Association of Mutual Funds in India AMFI Authorized Dealer AD Bombay Stock Exchange BSE Central Board of Direct Taxes CBDT Compliance Test Reports CTR(s) Common Account Statement CAS Contingent Deferred Sales Charge CDSC Compound Annual Growth Rate CAGR Depository Participant DP External Commercial Borrowings ECB Financial Action Task Force FATF Foreign Exchange Management Act FEMA Foreign Institutional Investor FII Fixed Maturity Plans FMP(s) Global Depository Receipt GDR Gold Exchange Traded Fund GETF Hindu Undivided Family HUF International Organization of Securities Commission IOSCO Investor Service Center ISC Key Information Memorandum KIM Know Your Client KYC Monthly Cumulative Report MCR Monthly Average Assets Under Management MAAUM Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding MMOU National Stock Exchange NSE Net Asset Value NAV New Fund Offer NFO

6 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
Non Performing Assets NPA(s)
Permanent Account Number PAN
Prevention of Money Laundering Act PMLA Qualified Foreign Investor QFI Regulation Reg. Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme RGESS SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations 1996 Regulations Securities and Exchange Board of India the Board Scheme Information Document SID Offer Statement of Additional Information SAI Document Systematic Investment Plan SIP Systematic Transfer Plan STP Systematic Withdrawal Plan SWP Trustee(s) Board of Trustee(s)/ Trustee Company Uniform Client Code UCC Unit Confirmation Receipt UCR

7 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 1
OFFER DOCUMENT FOR SCHEMES
1.1 Filing of Offer Document with the Board 1
1.1.1 The Offer Document shall have two parts i.e. Scheme Information
Document (SID) and Statement of Additional Information (SAI). SID shall incorporate all information pertaining to a particular scheme. SAI shall incorporate all statutory information on Mutual Fund.
1.1.2 The Mutual Funds shall prepare SID and SAI in the prescribed
formats 2. Contents of SID and SAI shall follow the same sequence as prescribed in the format. The Board of the AMC and the Trustee(s) shall exercise necessary due diligence, ensuring that the SID/SAI and the fees paid 3 are in conformity with the Mutual Funds Regulations 4.
1.1.3 All offer documents (ODs) of Mutual Fund schemes shall be filed
with SEBI in terms of the Regulations 5.
1.1.3.1 Filing of Draft SID:
a. Draft SID of schemes of Mutual Funds filed with the Board shall also be available on SEBI’s website – www.sebi.gov.in for 21 working days from the date of filing. b. AMC shall submit a soft copy of draft SID to the Board in HTML or PDF format. For this purpose, AMC shall be fully

1 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.5/ 126096/08 dated May 23,2008 and SEBI Circular No – SEBI/IMD/CIR No.10/178129/09 dated September 29,2009 < , , 2 For format of SID & SAI, please refer to the section on Formats 3 The filing fees was revised via gazette notification No. LAD-NRO/GN/2014-15/03/1089on SEBI (Payment of Fees) (Amendment) Regulations, 2014 dated 23 May, 2014, applicable from May 23, 2014. 4 SEBI Circular No. IIMARP/MF/CIR/01/428/97 dated February 28, 1997. 5 Regulation 28 (1) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulation 1996

8 Master Circular for Mutual Funds responsible for the contents of soft copies of the SID. AMC shall also submit an undertaking to the Board while filing the soft copy of draft SID certifying that the information contained in the soft copy matches exactly with the contents of the hard copy filed with the Board.
c. In case of any inaccurate filing, the SID will be returned and
refiling will be required. 21 working days 6 shall be calculated from the date of refiling; 7 d. If any changes to the SID are made after filing, the 21 working day(s) period will recommence from the date of submission of the last additional statement(s) 8
1.1.3.2 Filing of SAI
a. A single SAI (common for all the schemes) can be filed with Board along with first draft of SID or can be filed separately. After incorporating the comments/observations, if any, from the Board, AMC shall file a soft copy of SAI with the Board in PDF format alongwith printed copy of the same 9, upload the SAI on its website and on AMFI website.
1.1.3.3 Filing of Final SID
a. Final SID (after incorporating comments of the Board) must reach the Board before it is issued for circulation. Soft copy of the final SID in PDF format along with a printed copy should be filed with Board two working days prior to the launch of the scheme. AMC shall also submit an undertaking to the Board while filing the soft copy that

6 Regulation 29(3) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulation 1996 ,,,, 7 SEBI Circular No. IIMARP/MF/CIR/01/428/97 dated February 28, 1997. , , , , 8 SEBI Circular No. IIMARP/MF/CIR/01/428/97 dated February 28, 1997, SEBI Circular No. IIMARP/MF/CIR/07/844/97 dated May 5, 1997. 9 SEBI Circular No – SEBI/IMD/CIR No.10/178129/09 dated September 29,2009

9 Master Circular for Mutual Funds information contained in the soft copy of SID to be uploaded on SEBI website is current and relevant and matches exactly with the contents of the hard copy and that the AMC is fully responsible for the contents of the soft copy of SID. The soft copy of SID should also be uploaded on AMFI website two working days prior to launch of the scheme 10. Failure to submit the printed SID to the Board before it is issued for circulation shall invite penalties under the Mutual Funds Regulations 11. b. In case of any difference, in nature of material alteration of the suggestions made by the Board 12 between the printed SID and the SID filed with the Board, immediate withdrawal of the SID from circulation will be ordered and such withdrawal shall be publicized by the Board 13.
1.2 Updation of SID & SAI
1.2.1 Updation of SID
1.2.1.1 For the schemes launched in the first half of a financial
year, the SID shall be updated within 3 months from the end of the financial year. However, for the schemes launched in the second half of a financial year, SID shall be updated within 3 months of the end of the subsequent financial year. (For example, for a scheme launched in May, 2008 the SID shall be updated by June 30, 2009 and for a scheme launched in December 2008,

10 SEBI Circular No – SEBI/IMD/CIR No.10/178129/09 dated September 29,2009 11 SEBI Circular No. IIMARP/MF/CIR/07/844/97 dated May 5, 1997. , 12Regulation 29(2) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 13The existing schemes shall adopt the SID and KIM format as soon as possible but not later than 12 months from the date of issuance of the circular- SEBI/IMD/CIR No. 5/126096/08 dated May 23, 2008. A confirmation in this regard shall be given in the half yearly trustee report.

10 Master Circular for Mutual Funds the SID shall be updated by June 30, 2010) Thereafter, the SID shall be updated once every year.
1.2.1.2 The procedure to be followed in case of changes to the
scheme shall be as under:
a. In case of change in fundamental attributes in terms of Regulation 14, SID shall be revised and updated immediately after completion of duration of the exit option. b. In case of other changes:

The AMC shall be required to issue an addendum and
display it on its website.
The addendum shall be circulated to the entire
distributors/brokers/Investor Service Centre (ISC) so that the same can be attached to copies of SID already in stock, till the SID is updated.
In case any information in SID is amended more than
once, the latest applicable addendum shall be a part of SID. (For example, in case of changes in load structure the addendum carrying the latest applicable load structure shall be attached to all KIM and SID already in stock till it is updated).
A public notice shall be given in respect of such
changes in one English daily newspaper having nationwide circulation as well as in a newspaper published in the language of region where the Head Office of the Mutual Fund is situated.
1.2.1.3 A copy of all changes made to the scheme shall be filed
with Board within 7 days of the change. A soft copy of updated SID shall be filed with Board in PDF Format along with printed copy of the same. AMC shall also

14 Regulation 18 (15A) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulation, 1996

11 Master Circular for Mutual Funds submit an undertaking to the Board while filing the soft copy that information contained in the soft copy of SID to be uploaded on SEBI website is current and relevant and matches exactly with the contents of the hard copy and that the AMC is fully responsible for the contents of the soft copy of the SID 15.
1.2.2 Updation of SAI
1.2.2.1 A printed copy of SAI shall be made available to the
investor(s) on request. SAI shall be updated within 3 months from end of financial year and filed with SEBI.
1.2.2.2 Any material changes in the SAI shall be made on an
ongoing basis by way of updation on the Mutual Fund and AMFI website. SEBI shall be intimated of the changes made in the SAI within 7 days. The effective date for such changes shall be mentioned in the updated SAI.
1.2.2.3 A soft copy of updated SAI shall be filed with SEBI in
PDF format along with printed copy of the same. AMC shall also submit an undertaking to SEBI while filing the soft copy that information contained in the soft copy of SAI to be uploaded on SEBI website is current and relevant and matches exactly with the contents of the hard copy and that the AMC shall be fully responsible for the contents of soft copy of SAI 16.
1.3 Validity of SEBI Observations on SID
1.3.1 The AMCs shall file their replies to the modifications suggested by
SEBI on SID as required under Regulation 29 (2), if any, within

15 SEBI Circular No – SEBI/IMD/CIR No.10/178129/09 dated September 29,2009 16 SEBI Circular No – SEBI/IMD/CIR No.10/178129/09 dated September 29,2009

12 Master Circular for Mutual Funds six months from the date of the letter. In case of lapse of sixmonth period, the AMC shall be required to refile the SID alongwith filing fees.
1.3.2 The scheme shall be launched within six months from the date of
the issuance of final observations from SEBI. If the AMC intends to launch the scheme at a date later than six months, it shall refile the SID with SEBI under Regulation 28 (1) along with filing fees.
1.4 Undertaking from Trustees for new Scheme 17
1.4.1 In the certificate submitted by Trustees with regard to
compliance of AMC with Regulations, 18 the Trustees are required to certify as follows:
“The Trustees have ensured that the (name of the scheme/Fund) approved by them is a new product offered by (name of the Mutual Fund) and is not a minor modification of any existing scheme/fund/product.”
1.4.2 This certification shall be disclosed in the SID along with the date
of approval of the scheme by the Trustees.
1.4.3 This certification is not applicable to close ended schemes except
for those close ended schemes which have the option of conversion into open ended schemes on maturity.

17SEBI Cir No IMD/CIR No.5/70559/06 dated June 30,2006 18Regulation 18 (4) of SEBI ( Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996.

13 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
1.5 Standard Observations
1.5.1 Standard Observations have been prescribed to ensure minimum
level of disclosures in the SID and SAI 19.
1.5.2 SEBI may revise the Standard Observations from time to time
and in that case the date of revision shall also be mentioned.
1.5.3 While filing the SID and SAI, AMC shall highlight and clearly
mention the page number of the SAI and SID on which each standard observation has been incorporated.
1.6 KIM
1.6.1 Application forms for schemes of mutual funds shall be
accompanied by the KIM in terms of Regulation 29 (4). KIM shall be printed at least in 7 point font size with proper spacing for easy readability.
1.6.2 Format of KIM
1.6.2.1 Mutual Funds shall prepare KIM in the prescribed format 20.
The contents of KIM shall follow the same sequence as prescribed in the format.
1.6.3 Frequency of updation
1.6.3.1 KIM shall be updated at least once a year and shall be filed
with SEBI.
1.6.3.2 In case of changes in the SID other than changes in
fundamental attribute in terms of Reg 18 (15A), the addendum circulated to all the distributors/brokers/investor

19For Standard Observations, please refer to the section on Formats 20 For format of KIM please refer to the section on Formats

14 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
Service Centre (ISC) shall be attached to KIM till the KIM is updated.
1.6.3.3 In case any information in SID is amended more than once,
the latest applicable addendum shall be a part of KIM (For example, in case of changes in load structure the addendum carrying the latest applicable load structure shall be attached to all KIM and SID already in stock till it is updated).
1.7 Easy Availability of Offer Document
1.7.1 Trustees and AMCs shall ensure that the SID of the schemes and
SAI are readily available with all the distributors/ISCs and confirm the same to SEBI in the half yearly trustee report.
1.8 Selection of Benchmarks 21
1.8.1 In case of equity oriented schemes, mutual funds may
appropriately select any of the indices available, (e.g. BSE (Sensitive) Index, S&P CNX Nifty, BSE 100, BSE 200 or S&P CNX 500 etc.) as a benchmark index depending on the investment objective and portfolio.
1.8.2 Benchmarks for debt oriented and balanced fund schemes 22
developed by research and rating agencies recommended by the AMFI on a regular basis shall be used by the Mutual Funds.
1.8.3 In case of sector or industry specific schemes, Mutual Funds may
select any sectoral indices as published by the Stock Exchanges and other reputed agencies.

21SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/4/51/2000 dated June 5, 2000, SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/16/400/02 dated March 26, 2002, SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/01/071/02 April 15, 2002. 22SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/01/071/02 dated April 15, 2002. ,

15 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
1.8.4 These benchmark indices may be decided by the AMC(s) and
Trustees. Any change at a later date in the benchmark index shall be recorded and reasonably justified 23.
1.8.5 Examples of benchmarks are illustrated below 24:
1.8.5.1 Growth funds maintaining minimum 65% of their
investments in equities shall always be compared against The Bombay Stock Exchange Ltd. (BSE) Sensex or The National Stock Exchange Ltd. (NSE) Nifty or BSE 100 or CRISIL 500 or similar standard indices.
1.8.5.2 Income funds maintaining 65% or more of investments in
debt instruments shall be compared with a suitable index that is a representative of the fund’s portfolio.
1.8.5.3 Balanced funds with equity investments of 40%-60% shall be
compared with a tailored index having 50% of its weight selected from any equity index as above and the other 50% from an appropriate bond return index.
1.8.5.4 Money Market funds or liquid plans can be compared
against a suitable Money Market Instrument or a combination of such instruments.

23SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/16/400/02 dated March 26, 2002. Also please note that for review of scheme performance with benchmark indices please refer to section on governance norms. 24SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/4/51/2000 dated June 5, 2000

16 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
1.9 New Fund Offer (NFO) Period 25
1.9.1 In case of open ended and close ended schemes (except ELSS
schemes), the NFO should be open for 15 days (from 30 days in case of Open ended schemes and 45 days of close ended scheme).
1.9.2 The NFO period in case of ELSS schemes shall continue to be
governed by guidelines issued by Government of India.
1.9.3 The maximum period for which initial offering of Mutual Fund
scheme eligible under RGESS shall be open for subscription shall be thirty days 26.
1.9.4 Mutual Funds/AMCs shall make investment out of the NFO
proceeds only on or after the closure of the NFO period.
1.9.5 The mutual fund should allot units/refund of money and
dispatch statements of accounts within five business days from the closure of the NFO and all the schemes (except ELSS, RGESS) shall be available for ongoing repurchase/sale/trading within five business days of allotment”. However, for Mutual Fund scheme eligible under RGESS, the period within which Mutual Fund/ AMC should allocate the units, refund money and issue statements of accounts, shall be fifteen days from the closure of the initial subscription 27.

25SEBI Circular no MFD/Cir.No 9/120/2000 dated November 24, 2000. SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No 18 / 198647 /2010 dated March 15, 2010. The provisions mentioned shall be applicable for all NFOs launched on or after July 01, 2010 26 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/02/2013 dated February 6, 2013 27 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/02/2013 dated February 6, 2013

17 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
1.10 Discontinuation of the nomenclature – ‘Liquid Plus
Scheme(s)’28
1.10.1 The nomenclature “Liquid Plus Scheme(s)” has been discontinued
from January 2009 since it gives a wrong impression of added liquidity.
1.11 Fundamental Attributes 29
1.11.1 The words "fundamental attributes"30 are elaborated below:
1.11.1.1 Type of a scheme
a. Open ended/Close ended/Interval scheme b. Sectoral Fund/Equity Fund/Balance Fund/Income Fund/Debt Fund/Index Fund/Any other type of Fund
1.11.1.2 Investment Objective(s)
a. Main Objective - Growth/Income/Both. b. Investment pattern - The tentative Equity/Debt/Money Market portfolio break-up with minimum and maximum asset allocation, while retaining the option to alter the asset allocation for a short term period on defensive considerations.
1.11.1.3 Terms of Issue
a. Liquidity provisions such as listing, repurchase, redemption. b. Aggregate fees and expenses charged to the scheme.
c. Any safety net or guarantee provided.

28 SEBI/IMD/CIR No.13/150975 / 09 dated January 19, 2009 29 SEBI Circular No- IIMARP/MF/CIR/01/294/98 dated February 4, 1998 30 Clause (d) of sub-regulation (15) of Regulation 18 of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996

18 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 2
CONVERSION AND CONSOLIDATION OF SCHEMES AND LAUNCH OF ADDITIONAL PLAN
PART I - CONVERSION OF SCHEMES
2.1 Conversion of Close Ended Scheme(s) to Open Ended
Scheme(s) 31

2.1.1 Although the procedure for conversion of close ended scheme(s)
to open ended scheme(s) has been clearly enumerated in the Mutual Funds Regulations 32, following requirements are clarified again:
2.1.1.1 Since the scheme(s) would reopen for fresh subscriptions,
disclosures contained in the SID shall be revised and updated. A copy of the draft SID shall be filed with the Board as required under Regulation 28(1) of the Mutual Funds Regulations along with filing fees prescribed under Regulation 28(2) of the Mutual Funds Regulations. Instructions issued by the Board 33 for filing of the SID shall also be followed.
2.1.1.2 A draft of the communication to be sent to unit holders shall
be submitted to the Board which shall include the following:
a. Latest portfolio of the scheme(s) in the prescribed format 34 b. Details of the financial performance of the scheme(s) since inception in the format prescribed in SID 35 along with comparisons with appropriate benchmark(s) 36.

31 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR No.22/2311/03 dated January 30, 2003. , , 32 Regulation 33(3) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds), Regulations, 1996. , , 33 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/Cir No 5/126096/08 dated May 23, 2008 34 Refer to format of half yearly portfolio disclosure under section on formats. , 35 Please refer to format of SID under section on Formats. 36 For examples of Benchmarks, refer to chapter on SID

19 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
c. The addendum to the SID detailing the modifications (if any)
made to the scheme(s).
2.1.1.3 The letter to unit holders and revised SID (if any) shall be
issued only after the final observations as communicated by the Board in terms of Regulation 29(3) of the Mutual Funds Regulations have been incorporated therein and final copies of the same have been filed with the Board.
2.1.1.4 Unit holders shall be given at least 30 days to exercise exit
option. During this period, the unit holders who opt to redeem their holdings in part or in full shall be allowed to exit at the NAV applicable for the day on which the request is received, without charging exit load.

20 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
<,
PART II – CONSOLIDATION OF SCHEMES
2.2 Consolidation of Schemes 37
2.2.1 Any consolidation or merger of Mutual Fund schemes will be
treated as a change in the fundamental attributes of the related schemes and Mutual Funds shall be required to comply with the Mutual Funds Regulations in this regard 38.
2.2.2 Further, in order to ensure that all important disclosures are
made to the investors of the schemes sought to be consolidated or merged and their interests are protected; Mutual Funds shall take the following steps:
2.2.2.1 Approval by the Board of the AMC and Trustee(s):
a. The proposal and modalities of the consolidation or merger shall be approved by the Board of the AMC and Trustee(s), after they ensure that the interest of unit holders under all the concerned schemes have been protected in the said proposal.
2.2.2.2 Disclosures:
a. Subsequent to approval from the Board of the AMC and Trustee(s), Mutual Funds shall file the proposal with the Board, along with the draft SID, requisite fees (if a new scheme emerges after such consolidation or merger) and draft of the letter to be issued to the unit holders of all the concerned schemes. b. The letter addressed to the unit holders, giving them the option to exit at prevailing NAV without charging exit load,

37 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/MFD/CIR No.5/12031/03 dated June 23, 2003. , 38 Regulation 18(15A) of the Mutual Funds Regulations.

21 Master Circular for Mutual Funds shall disclose all relevant information enabling them to take well informed decisions. This information will include, inter alia:

Latest portfolio of the concerned schemes 39.
Details of the financial performance of the concerned schemes
since inception in the format prescribed in SID 40 along with comparisons with appropriate benchmarks.
Information on the investment objective, asset allocation and
the main features of the new consolidated scheme.
Basis of allocation of new units by way of a numerical
illustration
Percentage of total NPAs and percentage of total illiquid assets
to net assets of each individual scheme(s) as well the consolidated scheme.
Tax impact of the consolidation on the unit holders.
Any other disclosure as specified by the Trustees.
Any other disclosure as directed by the Board.

2.2.2.3 Updation of SID shall be as per the requirements for change in
fundamental attribute of the scheme 41.
2.2.2.4 Maintenance of Records:
a. AMC(s) shall maintain records of dispatch of the letters to the unit holders and the responses received from them. A report giving information on total number of unit holders in the schemes and their net assets, number of unit holders who opted to exit and net assets held by them and number of unit holders and net assets in the consolidated scheme shall be

39 Refer format of half yearly portfolio disclosure under section on Formats < 40 Please refer to SID Format under section on Formats 41 Please refer to SID chapter for further details

22 Master Circular for Mutual Funds filed with the Board within 21 days from the date of closure of the exit option 42.
2.2.2.5 Merger or consolidation shall not be seen as change in
fundamental attribute of the surviving scheme if the following conditions are met 43:
a. Fundamental attributes 44 of the surviving scheme do not change. The ‘surviving scheme’ means the scheme which remains in existence after the merger. b. Mutual Funds are able to demonstrate that the circumstances merit merger or consolidation of schemes and the interest of the unitholders of surviving scheme is not adversely affected.
c. After approval by the Boards of AMCs and Trustees, the
mutual funds shall file such proposal with SEBI. SEBI would communicate its observations on the proposal within the time period prescribed 45. d. The letter to unitholders shall be issued only after the final observations communicated by SEBI have been incorporated and final copies of the same have been filed with SEBI.

42 SEBI Circular No- SEBI / IMD / CIR No 14 / 187175/ 2009 dated December 15,2009 43 SEBI Circular No- Cir / IMD / DF / 15/ 2010 dated October 22, 2010 44 SEBI Circular No-IIMARP/MF/CIR/01/294/98 dated February 4, 1998 45 Regulation 29(3) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996

23 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
PART III – LAUNCH OF ADDITIONAL PLANS 46
2.3 Launch of Additional Plans
2.3.1 Additional plans sought to be launched under existing open
ended schemes which differ substantially from that scheme in terms of portfolio or other characteristics shall be launched as separate schemes in accordance with the regulatory provisions.
2.3.2 However, plan(s) which are consistent with the characteristics
of the scheme may be launched as additional plans as part of existing schemes by issuing an addendum. Such proposal should be approved by the Board(s) of AMC and Trustees. In this regard please note that:
2.3.2.1 The addendum shall contain information pertaining to salient
features like applicable entry/exit loads, expenses or such other details which in the opinion of the AMC/ Trustees is material. The addendum shall be filed with SEBI 21 days in advance of opening of plan(s).
2.3.2.2 AMC(s) shall publish an advertisement or issue a press release
at the time of launch of such additional plan(s).
2.4 Single Plan 47
2.4.1 Mutual funds/AMCs shall launch schemes under a single plan
and ensure that all new investors are subject to single expense structure.

46 SEBI Circular No. SEBI / IMD / CIR No 14 / 187175/ 2009 dated December 15, 2009 47 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012

24 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
2.4.2 Existing schemes with multiple plans based on the amount of
investment (i.e. retail, institutional, super-institutional, etc) shall accept fresh subscriptions only under one plan.
2.4.3 Other plans will continue till the existing investors remain
invested in the plan.
2.5 Direct Plan 48
2.5.1 Mutual funds/AMCs shall provide a separate plan for direct
investments, i.e., investments not routed through a distributor, in existing as well as new schemes.
2.5.2 Such separate plan shall have a lower expense ratio
excluding distribution expenses, commission, etc., and no commission shall be paid from such plans. The plan shall also have a separate NAV.

48 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012

25 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 3
NEW PRODUCTS
3.1 Fund of Funds Scheme 49
3.1.1 The SID and the advertisements pertaining to Fund of Funds
Scheme 50 shall disclose that the investors are bearing the recurring expenses of the scheme, in addition to the expenses of other schemes in which the Fund of Funds Scheme makes investments.
3.1.2 AMCs shall not enter into any revenue sharing arrangement
with the underlying funds in any manner and shall not receive any revenue by whatever means/head from the underlying fund. Any commission or brokerage received from the underlying fund shall be credited into concerned scheme’s account 51.
3.1.3 Fund of funds mutual fund schemes shall adopt the total
expense structures laid out in Regulations 52, which Asset Management Companies shall clearly indicate in the SIDs.
3.2 Gold Exchange Traded Fund Scheme 53
3.2.1 A Gold Exchange Traded Fund (GETF) Scheme 54 shall invest
primarily in:

49 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR. No.04/11488/2003 dated June 12, 2003. 50 Regulation 2(ma) of the Mutual Funds Regulations introduced vide Gazette Notification No. S.O 632(E) dated May 29, 2003. 51 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No 18 / 198647 /2010 dated March 15, 2010 52 Regulation 52(6)(a) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 53 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR. No.4/58422/06 dated January 24, 2006, SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.2/65348/06 dated April 21, 2006, SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.14/84243/07 dated January 15, 2007. 54 Regulation 2(mb) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 introduced vide Gazette Notification No. S.O. 38(E) dated January 12, 2006.

26 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
3.2.1.1 Gold and
3.2.1.2 Gold related instruments 55. However investments in gold
related instruments shall be done only after such instruments are specified by the Board 56
3.2.1.3 Gold Deposit Scheme (GDS) 57 of banks have been designated
as one such gold related instrument. Investment in GDS of banks by Gold ETFs of mutual funds will be subject to following conditions:
a. The total Investment in GDS will not exceed 20% of total asset under management of such schemes. b. Before investing in GDS of banks, mutual funds shall put in place a written policy with regard to investment in GDS with due approval from the Board of the Asset Management Company and the Trustees. The policy should have provision to make it necessary for the mutual funds to obtain prior approval of their trustees for each investment proposal in GDS of any Bank. The policy shall be reviewed by mutual funds, at least once a year.
c. Gold certificates issued by Banks in respect of investments
made by Gold ETFs in GDS can be held by the mutual funds in dematerialized or physical form 58.

55 Regulations 2(mc) of the Mutual Funds Regulations introduced vide Gazette Notification No. S.O. 38(E) dated January 12, 2006.

56 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No. 4/58422/06 dated January 24, 2006. 57 SEBI Circular No.CIR/IMD/DF/04/2013 dated February 15, 2013 58 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/16/2013 dated October 18, 2013

27 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
3.2.2 Valuation:
3.2.2.1 Gold shall be valued based on the methodology provided in
Clause 3A of, Schedule Eight of the Mutual Funds Regulations 59.
3.2.3 Determination of Net Asset Value 60
3.2.3.1 The NAV of units under the GETF Scheme shall be calculated
up to four decimal points as shown below:
Market or Fair Value of Scheme's investments + Current Assets - Current Liabilities and Provision NAV (in Rs. terms) = ______________________________________________ Number of Units outstanding under Scheme on the Valuation Date

59 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.14/84243/07 dated January 15, 2007 read with Gazette Notification F. No. SEBI/LAD/DoP/82534/2006 dated December 20, 2006. 60 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.2/65348/06 dated April 21, 2006.

28 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
3.2.4 Recurring Expenses 61
3.2.4.1 The recurring expenses limits applicable to equity schemes 62
shall be applicable to GETF Scheme(s).
3.2.5 Benchmarks for GETF Scheme 63
3.2.5.1 GETF Scheme(s) shall be benchmarked against the price of
gold.
3.2.6 Half yearly report by Trustees 64
3.2.6.1 Physical verification of gold underlying the Gold ETF units
shall be carried out by statutory auditors of mutual fund schemes and reported to trustees on half yearly basis.
3.2.6.2 The confirmation on physical verification of gold as above shall
also form part of half yearly report 65 by trustees to SEBI.
3.3 Capital Protection Oriented Scheme 66
3.3.1 The SID, KIM and advertisements pertaining to Capital
Protection Oriented Scheme 67 shall disclose that the scheme is “oriented towards protection of capital” and not “with guaranteed returns.” It shall also be indicated that the orientation towards protection of capital originates from the portfolio structure of the scheme and not from any bank guarantee, insurance cover etc.

61 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.2/65348/06 dated April 21, 2006. 62 Regulation 52(6) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996. 63 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.2/65348/06 dated April 21, 2006. 64 SEBI Circular No. Cir/IMD/DF/20/2010 dated December 06, 2010 65 Please refer to the section on Formats for the disclosures in the Half Yearly Trustee Report w.r.t physical verification of Gold. This will be effective from the half yearly report ending April 2011 by Trustees to SEBI. 66 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.9/74364/06 dated August 14, 2006.

67 Regulation 2(ea), 33(2A) and 38A of the Mutual Funds Regulations introduced vide Gazette Notification No. S.O. 1254(E) dated August 3, 2006.

29 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
3.3.2 The proposed portfolio structure indicated in the SID and KIM
shall be rated by a Credit Rating Agency registered with the Board from the view point of assessing the degree of certainty for achieving the objective of capital protection and the rating shall be reviewed on a quarterly basis.
3.3.3 The Trustees shall continuously monitor the portfolio structure
of the scheme and report the same in the Half Yearly Trustee Reports 68 to the Board. The AMC(s) shall also report on the same in its bimonthly (CTR(s) 69to the Board.
3.3.4 It shall also be ensured that the debt component of the portfolio
structure has the highest investment grade rating.
3.4 Real Estate Mutual Funds 70:
3.4.1 A real estate mutual fund scheme 71 can invest in real estate
assets in the cities mentioned in:

3.4.1.1 List of Million Plus Urban Agglomerations/Cities; or
3.4.1.2 List of Million Plus Cities
3.4.2 Such list appears in Census Statistics of India (2001) at
www.censusindia.gov.in. A printout of cities which appear in the foresaid categories taken from the said website is attached for ready reference at Annexure 4.
3.5 Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme 72, 2012
3.5.1 As announced in the Union Budget 2012-13, the Finance
Act 2012 has introduced a new section 80CCG on

68 For format of Half Yearly Trustee Report please refer section on Formats < 69 For format of bimonthly CTR please refer section on Formats 70 SEBI Circular No - SEBI/IMD/CIR No.4/124477/08 May 2,2008 71Regulation 49 A(a)(i) of SEBI (Mutual Fund) Regulations, 1996 72 SEBI Circular No. CIR/MRD/DP/32/2012 dated December 6, 2012

30 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
‘Deduction in respect of investment made under an equity savings scheme’ to give tax benefits to new investors who invest up to Rs. 50,000 and whose gross total annual income is less than or equal to Rs. 10 lakhs. The objective of the scheme is to encourage flow of savings in the financial instruments and improve the depth of the domestic capital market.
3.5.2 Vide notification 51/2012 dated November 23, 2012, the
scheme has been notified by the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance (MoF). The notification is available on the website of Income Tax Department under section “Notifications”.
3.5.3 AMCs / Trustees shall ensure that RGESS eligible Exchange
Traded Funds (ETFs) and Mutual Funds (MFs) schemes are in compliance with the aforementioned notification.
3.5.4 With regard to implementation of the MoF notification, the
following is clarified:
a. For RGESS eligible close-ended Mutual Funds schemes, advice given by AMCs to the depository for extinguishment of units of close-ended schemes considered as settled through depository mechanism and therefore RGESS compliant. b. AMCs shall disclose that the concerned RGESS eligible Exchange Traded Funds and Mutual Fund schemes is in compliance with the provisions of RGESS guidelines notified by Ministry of Finance vide notification no. 51/2012 F. No. 142/35/2012-TPL dated November 23, 2012, in Scheme Information Document (SID), in case of new fund offer, or by way of addendum, in case of existing RGESS eligible Exchange Traded Funds and Mutual Fund schemes.

31 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
c. Para 6(c) of the notification states that the eligible
securities brought into the demat account will automatically be subject to lock-in during the first year, unless the new investor specifies otherwise and for such specifications, the new retail investors shall submit a declaration indicating that such securities are not to be included within the above limit of investment. It is clarified that such declaration shall be submitted by an investor to its Depository Participant within a period of one month from the date of transaction. d. For transactions undertaken by investors through their RGESS designated demat account, Depositories may seek necessary transactional details from stock exchanges viz. Actual Trade value, Trading date, Settlement number, etc, for the purpose of enforcing lock-in and for generating reports mandated vide MoF notification on RGESS. On receipt of such request from depositories, stock exchanges shall provide the details to depositories on an immediate basis. It shall also be ensured that a uniform file structure is used by stock exchanges and depositories for such intimation of transaction details. e. With regard to the securities held in the RGESS designated account, treatment of the corporate actions shall be given in the prescribed format 73.
3.5.5 Mutual Funds / AMCs shall communicate list of RGESS eligible
MF schemes / ETFs to the stock exchanges.
3.5.6 Mutual Funds / AMCs are directed to create wide publicity of
the scheme among the investors, including displaying details on their website.

73 Please refer to section on Formats for requisite formats

32 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
3.6 Infrastructure Debt Schemes 74
3.6.1 Placement Memorandum:
3.6.1.1 Private Placement to less than 50 investors has been permitted
as an alternative to New Fund Offer to the public, in case of Infrastructure Debt Funds (IDF). In case of private placement, the mutual funds would have to file a Placement Memorandum with SEBI instead of a Scheme Information Document and a Key Information Memorandum. However, all the other conditions applicable to IDFs offered through the NFO route like kind of investments, investment restrictions, etc. would be applicable to IDFs offered through private placement.
3.6.1.2 In terms of regulation 49-OA of the SEBI (Mutual Funds)
Regulations, 1996, the Placement Memorandum shall be filed with SEBI as per the prescribed format 75.
3.6.2 The Asset Management Companies shall ensure that the
Placement Memorandum is uploaded on their respective websites after allotment of units, and on the website of such recognized Stock Exchange, where it is proposed to be listed, at the time of listing of the scheme.
3.6.3 FIIs which are long term investors
3.6.3.1 The universe of strategic investors in the IDF has been
expanded to include, inter alia, FIIs registered with SEBI which are long term investors subject to their existing investment limits. With reference to regulation 49L of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 the following categories of FIIs are designated as long term investors only for the purpose of IDF:
a. Foreign Central Banks b. Governmental Agencies

74 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/7/2013 dated April 23, 2013 75 Please refer to section on Formats for requisite Formats

33 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
c. Sovereign Wealth Funds
d. International/Multilateral Organizations/ Agencies e. Insurance Funds f. Pension Funds g. Foreign feeder funds, having at all times, at least 20% of their assets under management held by investors belonging to one of more of the above categories of FIIs 76
3.6.4 Investments by the IDF scheme
3.6.4.1 With reference to regulation 49P (1) of the SEBI (Mutual
Funds) Regulations, 1996, the investments in bank loans shall be made only through the securitization mode.

76 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/20/2013 dated November 29, 2013

34 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 4
RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 77
4.1 An Operating Manual 78 for Risk Management has been developed to
ensure minimum standards of due diligence and Risk Management Systems for all the Mutual Funds in various operational areas (for e.g. Fund Management, Operations, Customer Service, Marketing and Distribution, Disaster Recovery and Business Contingency, etc.) and is enclosed herewith as Annexure 2.
4.2 The Risk Management practices covered in the Operating Manual are
under three categories as detailed below:
4.2.1 Existing Industry Practices:
4.2.1.1 Under each head of risk, the Manual covers the exemplary practices
followed by some / most of Mutual Funds in India. However, the extent and degree of observance of these practices differs among the Mutual Funds. Mutual Funds shall accordingly develop their systems and follow these practices.
4.2.2 Practices to be followed on Mandatory Basis:
4.2.2.1 Mutual Funds shall follow the practices which have been indicated
as mandatory in the operating manual. These are Risk Management function that shall be assigned to Compliance Officer or Internal Risk Management Committee or to an external agency a. Disaster Recovery and Business Contingency plans, and

77 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/15/19133/2002 dated September 30, 2002.

78 The Manual has been developed by AMFI in association with Pricewaterhouse Coopers as a
part of Indo-US Financial Institutions Reforms and Expansion Project.

35 Master Circular for Mutual Funds b. Insurance cover against certain risks.
4.2.3 Best Practices to be followed by Mutual Funds:
4.2.3.1 Mutual Funds shall adopt these practices as a part of their due
diligence exercise after considering the size of their operations.
4.3 Implementation of the Risk Management System
4.3.1 Mutual Funds shall adopt the following approach to implement the
Risk Management System:
4.3.2 Identification of observance of each recommendation:
4.3.2.1 Mutual Funds shall identify areas of current adherence as well as
non-adherence of various Risk Management practices under each of the three categories. They shall examine the areas where development or improvement of systems is required.
4.3.2.2 After identifying the same, Mutual Funds shall review the progress
made on implementation of the systems on a monthly basis and place the progress report in periodical meetings of the Board of the AMC and Trustees.
4.3.3 Review of Progress of implementation by Board of AMC and Trustee(s):
4.3.3.1 The Board of the AMC and Trustee(s) shall review the progress
made by the Mutual Funds with regard to Risk Management practices and the same shall be reported to the Board at the time of sending CTR(s) and Half Yearly Trustee Reports.
4.3.4 Review by Internal Auditors:
4.3.4.1 The review of Risk Management Systems shall be a part of internal
audit and the auditors shall check their adequacy on a continuing basis. Their reports shall be placed before the Board of the AMC

36 Master Circular for Mutual Funds and Trustee(s) who shall comment on the adequacy of systems in the CTRs and Half Yearly Reports filed with the Board.

37 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 5
DISCLOSURES & REPORTING NORMS
PART I – DISCLOSURES
5.1 Monthly Portfolio Disclosures 79
5.1.1 Mutual funds/AMCs shall disclose portfolio (along with ISIN) as on
the last day of the month for all their schemes on their respective website on or before the tenth day of the succeeding month in a user-friendly and downloadable format (preferably in a spreadsheet).
5.1.2 The format for monthly portfolio disclosure 80 shall be same as that
of half yearly portfolio disclosures.
5.1.3 Mutual funds/AMCs may disclose additional information (such as
ratios, etc.) subject to compliance with the Advertisement Code.
5.2 Half Yearly disclosure of Portfolios 81
5.2.1 Mutual Funds shall send a complete statement of Scheme Portfolio
to the unit holders before the expiry of one month from the closure of each Half Year (i.e. March 31 and September 30), if such statement is not published by way of advertisement 82.
5.2.2 The Scheme Portfolio(s) 83 shall also be disclosed on the Mutual
Funds’ web sites before the expiry of one month from the closure of each Half Year (i.e. March 31 and September 30) and a copy of the

79 SEBI Cirular No. CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012 80 Please refer to section on Formats for requisite Formats 81SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR No.010/024/00 dated January 17, 2000, SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/9/120/2000 dated November 24, 2000, SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR No.10/310/01 dated September 25, 2001, SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/18337/2002 dated September 19, 2002, SEBI Circular No. IMD/CIR 8/132968/2008 dated July 24, 2008 82Regulation 59A of the Mutual Funds Regulations & SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR No.010/024/00 dated January 17, 2000 83 For format of half yearly portfolio, please refer to the section on formats

38 Master Circular for Mutual Funds same shall be filed with the Board along with the Half Yearly Results 84.
5.2.3 Disclosure of derivatives in Half Yearly Portfolios 85
5.2.3.1 A format 86 for the purpose of uniform disclosure of
investments in derivative instruments by Mutual Funds in half yearly portfolio disclosure, annual report or in any other disclosures is prescribed.
5.2.3.2 Further, while listing net assets, the margin amounts paid
should be reported separately under cash or bank balances.
5.3 Unaudited Half Yearly Financials 87
5.3.1 The publication of the unaudited half-yearly results shall be made
in line with provisions of the Regulations 88, in the format prescribed in Twelfth Schedule.
5.3.2 The half yearly disclosures 89 of the unaudited financial results
on respective website should be made in a user-friendly and downloadable format (preferably in a spreadsheet).
5.4 Mailing of Schemewise Annual Report or Abridged
Summary 90
5.4.1 Mailing of Schemewise Annual Reports 91 or abridged summary
thereof shall be subject to the following:
5.4.1.1 In case of unitholders whose email addresses are available
with the Mutual Fund, the AMCs shall communicate to them

84SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR No.10/310/01 dated September 25, 2001 85 SEBI Circular Cir/ IMD/ DF/ 11/ 2010 dated August 18, 2010 86 For formats on disclosure of derivatives, please refer to the section on Formats 87 SEBI Circular MFD/CIR/1/200/2001 dated April 20, 2001 & SEBI Circular No. IMD/CIR No.8/132968/2008 dated July 24, 2008 88 Regulation 59 of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 89 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012 90 SEBI Circular No. IMD/CIR No.8/132968/2008 dated July 24, 2008 and Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/16/2011 dated September 8, 2011 91 For format of abridged schemewise report, please refer the section on formats

39 Master Circular for Mutual Funds stating that henceforth, the scheme annual reports or abridged summary would only be sent by email.
5.4.1.2 In case of unitholders whose email addresses are not available
with the Mutual Fund, the AMCs shall communicate to the unitholders to obtain their email addresses for registration of the same in their database.
5.4.1.3 The communication in both the above cases shall clearly
mention that the scheme annual accounts or abridged summary would henceforth be sent to these email addresses and not as physical copies and the communication shall also have an option for the investors stating that those who still wish to receive the reports as physical copies may indicate as such.
5.4.1.4 In case of any request from these unitholders as detailed
above for physical copies notwithstanding their registration of email addresses, AMCs shall provide the same without demur.
5.4.1.5 For the rest of the investors, i.e. whose email addresses are
not available with the mutual fund, the AMCs shall continue to send physical copies of scheme annual reports or abridged summary.
5.4.1.6 The AMCs shall display the link of the scheme annual reports
or abridged summary prominently on their websites and make the physical copies available to the investors at their registered offices at all times. These websites should also be linked with AMFI website so that the investors and analyst(s) can access the annual reports of all mutual funds at one

40 Master Circular for Mutual Funds place 92. However, as per the Regulations 93, a copy of Scheme wise Annual Report shall be also made available to unitholder(s) on payment of nominal fees.
5.5 Disclosure of large unit holdings 94
5.5.1 The number of investors holding over 25 % of the NAV 95 in a
scheme and their total holdings in percentage terms shall be disclosed in the Statement of Accounts issued after the NFO and also in the Half Yearly and Annual Results 96.
5.6 Asset Under Management (AUM) disclosure 97
5.6.1 Wherever the Mutual Funds discloses the AUM figures for the
fund, disclosure on bifurcation of the AUM into debt/equity/ balanced etc, and percentage of AUM by geography (i.e. top 5 cities, next 10 cities, next 20 cities, next 75 cities and others) shall be made. The Mutual Funds shall disclose the aforesaid data on their respective websites & to AMFI and AMFI shall disclose industry wide figures on its website.
5.6.2 Mutual Funds shall disclose the following on monthly basis on
their website and also share the same with Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) 98:
a. Monthly AAUM 99 from different categories of schemes such as equity schemes, debt schemes, etc. b. Contribution to Monthly AAUM from B-15 cities (i.e. other than top 15 cities as identified by AMFI) and T-15 cities (Top 15 cities).

92 SEBI Cir No – MFD/CIR/15/041/2002 dated March 14,2002 93 Regulation 56(1) & 56(3) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 94 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR No.3/211/2001 dated April 30, 2001. , 95 For further details, refer Section II – Scheme Governance in the Chapter on Governance Norms , 96 Please refer the section on Formats for requisite formats 97 SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/13/2011 dated August 22, 2011 98 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/05/2014 dated March 24, 2014 99 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/07/2014 dated April 2, 2014

41 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
c. Contribution to Monthly AAUM from sponsor and its associates.
d. Contribution to Monthly AAUM from entities other than sponsor and its associates. e. Contribution to Monthly AAUM from investors type (retail, corporate, etc.) in different scheme type (equity, debt, ETF, etc.). f. Monthly AAUM garnered through sponsor group/ non-sponsor group distributors. g. State-wise/Union Territory-wise contribution to MAAUM.
5.6.3 In order to have a holistic picture, Mutual Fund wise and
consolidated data on the above parameters shall also be disclosed on AMFI website. The above shall be disclosed as per the format 100.
5.6.4 AMCs shall disclose the above on their website (in
spreadsheet format) and forward to AMFI within 7 working days from the end of the month. AMFI in turn shall disclose the consolidated data in this regard on its website (in spreadsheet format).
5.7 Commission disclosure 101
5.7.1 Mutual Funds / AMCs shall disclose on their respective websites
the total commission and expenses paid to distributors who satisfy one or more of the following conditions with respect to noninstitutional (retail and HNI) investors:-
5.7.1.1 Multiple point of presence (More than 20 locations)

100 For formats, please refer to chapter on Formats 101 SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/13/2011 dated August 22, 2011

42 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
5.7.1.2 AUM raised over Rs.100 crore across industry in the non
institutional category but including high networth individuals (HNIs).
5.7.1.3 Commission received of over Rs.1 crore p.a. across industry
5.7.1.4 Commission received of over Rs.50 lakh from a single Mutual
Fund/AMC.
5.7.2 Mutual Fund / AMCs shall, in addition to the total commission
and expenses paid to distributors, make additional disclosures 102 regarding distributor-wise gross inflows (indicating whether the distributor is an associate or group company of the sponsor(s) of the mutual fund), net inflows, average assets under management and ratio of AUM to gross inflows on their respective website on an yearly basis. In case the data mentioned above suggests that a distributor has an excessive portfolio turnover ratio, i.e. more than two times the industry average, AMCs shall conduct additional due-diligence of such distributors.
5.7.3 Mutual Funds / AMCs shall also submit the data mentioned
in 5.7.1 and 5.7.2 to AMFI and the consolidated data in this regard shall be disclosed on AMFI website.
5.8 Annual report of the AMC 103
5.8.1 Annual report containing accounts of the asset management
companies should be displayed on the website of the mutual funds. It should also be mentioned in the annual report of the mutual fund schemes that the unitholders, if they so desire, may request for a copy of the annual report of the asset management company.

102 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012. 103 MFD/CIR/9/120/2000 dated November 24, 2000

43 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
5.9 Submission of bio data of key personnel 104
5.9.1 AMCs are required to submit the bio data of all key personnel to
Trustees and the Board. For this purpose, ‘key personnel’ would be the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), fund manager(s), dealer(s) & heads of other departments of the AMC 105.
5.10 Disclosure of investor complaints with respect to
Mutual Funds 106
5.10.1 Mutual Funds shall disclose 107 on their websites, on the AMFI
website as well as in their Annual Reports, details of investor complaints received by them from all sources. The said details should be vetted and signed off by the Trustees of the concerned Mutual Fund.
5.10.2 The Mutual Funds are advised to:
5.10.2.1 Upload the report for the financial year within 2 months of the
close of the financial year.
5.10.2.2 Include the report in their annual reports, as part of the Report
of the Trustees.
5.11 Brokerage and commission paid to associates 108
5.11.1 Regulations 109 govern payment of brokerage or commission if any,
to the sponsor or any of its associates, employees or their relatives.
5.11.2 Disclosures on brokerage and commission paid to
associates/related parties/group companies of sponsor/Asset Management Company in the unaudited half yearly financial

104 IIMARP/CIR /08/845/97 dated May 7,1997,IIMARP/MF/CIR/05/788/97 date April 28,1997 105 For format of bio-data of key personnel, please refer the section on Formats 106 SEBI Circular No. Cir /IMD/DF/2/2010 dated May 13, 2010 107 For disclosure format please refer to section on Formats. 108 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No 18/198647/2010 dated March 15, 2010 109 Regulation 25 (8) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996

44 Master Circular for Mutual Funds results, the abridged scheme wise annual report and the SAI, shall be made in the format as prescribed 110.

110 Please refer to the section on Formats

45 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
PART II – REPORTS
5.12 Monthly Cumulative Report (MCR) 111
5.12.1 Date and Mode of Submission:
5.12.1.1 MCR 112 shall be submitted to the Board by 3 rd of each month by
way of an email. Hard copy should also be sent by hand delivery/courier.
5.12.2 Other Guidelines:
5.12.2.1 Details of the new schemes launched shall be reported in the
MCR for the month in which the allotment is done. For example, if an NFO closes in the month of July and the allotment is done in the month of August, then, the details of the new scheme shall be reported in the MCR for the month of August that will reach SEBI by 3 rd of September.
5.12.2.2 Further, additional report on overseas investment 113 by Mutual
Funds in ADRs/GDRs, foreign securities and overseas exchange traded funds (ETFs) shall also be provided as per the prescribed format. For format please refer to the section on formats.
5.12.2.3 Compliance officers of all the Mutual Funds are advised to take
due care while forwarding the MCR data to SEBI. Compliance Officers shall confirm that the data forwarded is correct and does not require any revision.

111 SEBI circular MFD/CIR/07/206/2001 dated July 19, 2001, SEBI circular No IMD/Cir No.15/87045/2007 dated February 22, 2007, SEBI circular SEBI/IMD/CIR No 3/124444/08 dated April 30, 2008. 112 For format of MCR please refer to section on Formats. 113 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR NO 15/87045/07 dated February 22,2007

46 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
5.13 New Scheme Report (NSR) 114
5.13.1 All Mutual Funds shall submit the NSR to SEBI complete in all
respects within 10 working days from the date of allotment in the prescribed format 115.
5.14 Bi–monthly Compliance Test Reports 116
5.14.1 AMCs’ shall do exception reporting on a bi-monthly basis. The
details sought in the annexures of the CTR shall be furnished to the Board in case of non-compliance only along with exception report. This exception report shall also be placed before the Trustee(s).
5.14.2 The CTRs 117 should be submitted by the AMC to the Board once in
every two months so as to reach within 21 days of completion of the two months period. As a compliance of SEBI Regulations is a continuous process, AMCs are advised to incorporate the modifications/additions under the relevant sections of the format, based on amendments to the Regulations/guidelines issued in the future from time to time.

114 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR NO 13/118899/08 dated February 29, 2008, SEBI Circular No MFD/CIR/12/16588/02 dated August 28, 2002 & SEBI Circular No IIMARP/MF/CIR/05/788/97 dated April 28, 1997, SEBI Circular No. IIMARP/10772/93 dated July 14,1993, 115 For details on format of NSR please refer the section on Formats. 116 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR NO 6/98057/07 dated July 5, 2007, SEBI Circular No MFD/CIR/11/36222/2005 dated March 16,2005, SEBI Circular No IIMARP/MF/CIR/10/1076/97 dated June 05,1997 & SEBI Circular No.MFD/CIR/5/360/2000 dated July 4, 2000, 117For CTR format, please refer the section on Formats.

47 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
5.15 Annual Statistical Report (ASR) 118
5.15.1 AMC should submit the annual statistical report to SEBI in the
prescribed format by 30th of April each year 119.
5.16 Daily Transaction Report 120
5.16.1 All Mutual Funds shall submit details of transactions in secondary
market on daily basis in the prescribed format 121. Accordingly, Mutual Funds are advised to make necessary arrangements with their custodians for the submission of reports on a daily basis. The report is to be submitted to the Board in both hard as well as soft copy.
5.16.2 It must be ensured by the compliance officers of the custodians as
well as that of Mutual Funds that the information submitted is correct and reaches the Board by 3.00 p.m. on the following working day (T+1).
5.17 Responsibilities of AMC(s) and Trustees 122
5.17.1 All information and documents relating to the compliance process
shall be authenticated and/or adopted by the Board of the AMC(s) to strengthen the compliance mechanism.

118 IIMARP/CIR /08/845/97 DATED May 7,1997, MFD/CIR/02/110/02 dated April 26,2002, SEBI Cir No- IMD/CIR No 6/72245/06 dated July 20,2006, 119 For format of ASR refer the section on Formats Quarterly Movement of Net Assets- SEBI CIR – IIMARP/MF/CIR/05/788/97 dated April 28, 1997 required mutual funds to submit the statement for quarterly movement of net assets. However, SEBI circular MFD/CIR/12/16588/02 dated August 28,2002 stated that such Statement of movement of net assets /portfolios are no more to be submitted 120SEBI Circular No.MFD/CIR/07/384/99 dated December 17, 1999 and MFD/CIR/08/23026/99 dated December 23, 1999 121 For format of daily transaction report, please refer the section on formats 122SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/09/014/2000 dated January 5, 2000, SEBI Circular No. SEBI/MFD/CIR/10/039/2001 dated February 9, 2001.

48 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
5.17.2 The Trustee(s) shall also review all information and documents
received from the AMC(s) as required under the compliance process.
5.17.3 AMC(s) shall develop a suitable Management Information System
for reporting to the Trustees. The report shall contain specific comments on all issues related to the operation of the Mutual Fund as undertaken by the AMC including those provided in the format for reporting by AMC to Trustees 123.
5.17.4 The half-yearly report on the activities of the mutual fund to be
submitted by the trustees to the Board under the Mutual Funds Regulations 124 shall cover all issues mentioned in the prescribed format as well as any other issue relevant to the operation of the Mutual Fund 125. The Trustees may mention in their report, if they so desire, that they have relied on the reports obtained from the independent auditor or internal/ statutory auditors or the Compliance Officer as the case may be. The report shall mention that the Trustees have satisfied themselves about the adequacy of compliance systems in the Mutual Fund.
5.17.5 AMC(s) and the Trustees shall update the reporting formats
including relevant provisions of amendments made to the Mutual Funds Regulations and/or guidelines and/or circulars issued by the Board and shall specifically comment on their compliance.

123 Please refer the formats section for format for reporting by AMC to Trustees 124 Regulation 18(23)(a) of SEBI (MF) Regulations, 1996 125 For format of Trustee Report, please refer to the formats section. <<

49 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
5.18 Filing of Annual Information Return by Mutual
Funds 126
5.18.1 Mutual Funds are required to submit the Annual Information
Return under section 285 BA in the Income-tax Act. As per this requirement, Trustees of Mutual Funds or such other person managing the affairs of the Mutual Funds (as may be duly authorized by the trustees in this behalf) have to report specified financial transactions in electronic media to Income Tax Department giving PAN of the transacting parties in an Annual Information Return (AIR).
5.18.2 Some common errors in these returns have been pointed out by
the Directorate of Income Tax (Systems) as:
5.18.2.1 Not mentioning PAN or mentioning invalid PAN.
5.18.2.2 Entering incomprehensible/ incomplete names of transacting
parties, e.g. names of 2 or 3 letters.
5.18.2.3 Entering incomprehensible/ incomplete addresses of
transacting parties, e.g. ‘Nil’, ‘N/A’, ‘_’, in all address fields, incomplete postal addresses, names of buildings split into separate fields, names of two cities in address fields, wrong PIN codes, etc.
5.18.2.4 Incorrect district and state codes.
5.18.2.5 Incorrect transaction codes.

126 SEBI cir no IMD/CIR No.8/73580/06 dated August 4,2006 It may be noted that Annual Information Returns (AIRs) constitute an important source of information to Income Tax Department and, as such, it is imperative that the data furnished to them is complete and accurate in all respects. It is therefore advised that to re-check the accuracy of the data furnished by your office for the Financial Year 2004-05 and ensure that all the columns are correctly filled-in and submit a ‘Supplementary Information Report’, if need be, to the Income Tax Department. The AIRs for the financial year 2005-2006 are required to be filed before August 31, 2006.

50 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
5.18.2.6 Wrongly showing transaction as of ‘Govt.’ party.
5.18.3 In this regard, AIRs are required to be filed only by the Mutual
Fund and no separate AIR has to be furnished for each scheme of the Mutual Fund.

51 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 6
GOVERNANCE NORMS
PART I - FUND GOVERNANCE
6.1 Formation of Audit and Valuation Committees by the
Trustees and/or AMC 127
6.1.1 Audit Committee
6.1.1.1 Trustees shall constitute an audit committee, comprising of the
Trustees and chaired by an Independent Trustee to review the internal audit systems and recommendations of the internal and statutory audit reports and ensure that the rectifications as suggested by internal and external auditors are acted upon.
6.1.2 Valuation Committee
6.1.2.1 The AMC shall constitute an in-house valuation committee
consisting of senior executives including personnel from accounts, fund management and compliance departments. This committee shall, on a regular basis review the systems and practices of valuation of securities.

127 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR No.010/024/2000 dated January 17, 2000. <

52 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
6.2 Review and Reporting of Transactions 128
6.2.1 Reporting of transactions
6.2.1.1 Transaction(s) by directors of the AMC
a. Directors of the AMC shall file with the trustees on a quarterly basis details of transactions in securities exceeding Rs.1 lac 129.
6.2.1.2 Trustee(s) Directors
a. Trustees are required to report to Mutual Funds only those transactions in securities that exceed Rs.1 lac in value 130.
6.2.2 Review of transactions
6.2.2.1 Trustees shall review all transactions of the Mutual Fund with
the associates as defined below on a regular basis and ensure that Regulations are complied with 131.
6.3 Role of Independent Director on the Board of the AMC
and Independent Trustees 132
6.3.1 An Independent Trustee shall not be associated in any manner
with the Sponsor(s) 133. The independent directors on the Board of

128 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/09/014/2000 dated January 5, 2000, SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR No.010/024/2000 dated January 17, 2000, SEBI Circular No. SEBI/MFD/CIR/10/039/2001 dated February 9, 2001. 129 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/MFD/CIR/10/039/2001 dated February 9, 2001. 130 Regulation 18(11) of SEBI (MF) Regulations, 1996 and SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/09/014/2000 dated January 5, 2000.

131 Regulations 18(6) and 18(7) of SEBI (Mutual Funds), Regulations, 1996 and SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR No.010/024/2000 dated January 17, 2000. , , 132 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/11/354/2001 dated December 20, 2001, SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/13/16799/2002 dated August 29, 2002, SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/17/21105/2002 dated October 28, 2002. 133 Regulation 16(5) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996.

53 Master Circular for Mutual Funds the AMC shall not be associate of, or associated in any manner with, the sponsor or any of its subsidiaries or the trustees 134.
6.3.2 An ‘associate’ shall be defined as:
6.3.2.1 Relatives 135 of Sponsor(s) or directors of the Sponsor Company or
relatives of Associate Directors of the AMC(s) and Trustee.
6.3.2.2 Persons providing any type of professional service to the Mutual
Funds, the AMC and the Trustees and the Sponsor(s). Also, persons having a material pecuniary relationship with the above mentioned entities that may, in the judgment of the Trustees, affect their independence.
6.3.2.3 Nominees of the companies who are stakeholders in the Sponsor
company or AMC(s) (even if they are not deemed sponsors by virtue of holding less than 40% of net worth of AMC(s)).
6.3.3 Cooling off Period
6.3.4 An “Associate”136 as defined above cannot be appointed as
Independent Director even after he ceases to be an “Associate” unless a cooling off period of three years has elapsed from the date of his disassociation.
6.3.5 Mutual Funds are required to have a minimum of 50 per cent.
and two-third independent directors on the Board of the AMC(s) and Trustees respectively 137. In case the composition of the directors does not meet these requirements, Mutual Funds are required to inform the Board along with the steps proposed to ensure compliance.

134 Regulation 21(d) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 135 As defined under Section 6 of the Companies Act 1956 136 Regulation 2(c) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 < 137 Regulation 21(d) and Regulation 16(5) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996

54 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
6.3.6 AMC(s) or Trustees shall appoint Independent Directors in place of
the resigning director(s) within a period of 3 months from the date of resignation. Where Mutual Funds are unable to meet this time limit, they shall report to the Board explaining the reasons for non compliance. Mutual Funds may maintain a panel of eligible persons who can be appointed as Independent Directors 138 as and when required. They may also consider appointing more than the required minimum number of Independent Directors to enhance the standards of corporate governance and also to meet the regulatory requirements in case of resignation of an independent director.
6.3.7 On appointment of new directors of the AMC or Trustee, their biodata 139 shall be filed with the Board for information or approval
respectively.
6.4 Investment and/or for / Trading in Securities by the
employees of the AMC(s) and Trustee(s) 140
6.4.1 The Board of the AMC and Trustees shall ensure compliance with
these Guidelines on a continuous basis and shall report any violations and remedial action taken by them in the periodical reports submitted to the Board 141.
6.4.2 The guidelines enumerated below specify the minimum
requirements that have to be followed. The AMC(s) and Trustees are free to set more stringent norms for investment and/or trading in securities by their employees.

138 For biodata of directors (AMC and Trustee), please refer to section on Formats 139 For biodata of directors (AMC and Trustee), please refer to section on Formats 140 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR No.4/216/2001 dated May 8, 2001, SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.7/13391/03 dated July 11, 2003. 141 Regulation 25(9) & 23(b) of SEBI (MF) Regulations, 1996

55 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
6.4.3 Guidelines for Investment and/or Trading in Securities by
Employees of AMC(s) and Trustees:
6.4.3.1 Applicability
a. These Guidelines shall be applicable to all employees of AMC(s) and Trustees and shall form a part of the Code of Conduct for employees adopted by the AMC(s) and/or Trustees. New employees shall be bound by these Guidelines from the date of joining the AMC(s) and/or Trustees. b. These Guidelines shall cover transactions for sale or purchase of securities made in the employees’ name, either individually or jointly, and in the name of the employees’ spouse and/or dependent children and transactions as a member of HUF.
6.4.3.2 The objectives and principles of these Guidelines are:
a. To ensure that all securities transactions made by employees in their personal capacity are conducted in consonance with these Guidelines and in such manner as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of an individual’s position of trust and responsibility. b. The employees of AMC(s) and Trustees especially Access Persons shall not take undue advantage of any price sensitive information that they may have about any company. Access Person for the purpose of these Guidelines shall mean the Head of the AMC (designated as CEO/Managing Director/President or by any other name), the Fund Managers, Dealers, Research Analysts, all employees in the Fund Operations Department, Compliance Officer and Heads of all divisions and/or departments or

56 Master Circular for Mutual Funds any other employee as decided by the AMC(s) and/or Trustees.
c. To guide employees of AMC(s) and Trustees in maintaining a
high standard of probity that one would expect from an employee in a position of responsibility. 6.4.4General
6.4.4.1 Investments Covered:
a. These Guidelines cover transactions for purchase or sale of any securities such as shares, debentures, bonds, warrants, derivatives and units of Mutual Fund schemes. b. These Guidelines do not apply to the following investments by the employees:

Investments in Fixed Deposits with banks and/or
Financial Institutions and/or companies, Life Insurance Policies, Provident Funds (including Public Provident Fund) or investment in savings schemes such as National Savings Certificates, National Savings Schemes, Kisan Vikas Patra, or any other similar investment.
Investments of a non-financial nature such as gold
etc., 142 where there is no likely conflict between the Mutual Fund’s interest and the employees’ interest.

142 Real Estate has been deleted pursuant to the amendment to the Mutual Funds Regulations launching the Real Estate Mutual Funds Schemes wherein guidelines have been prescribed for employee investment in Real Estate.

57 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
3. Investments in government securities, Money Market
instruments, Money Market Mutual Fund schemes and liquid schemes 143.
6.4.4.2 No employee shall pass on information to anybody inducing him
to buy/sell securities which are being bought and/or sold by the Mutual Fund of which the AMC is the investment manager.
6.4.4.3 Prior approval of personal investment transactions:
a. All access persons except Compliance Officer shall apply in the form prescribed by the AMC(s) and/or Trustees to the Compliance Officer for prior approval of transactions for sale or purchase of securities other than those expressly stated to be exempt under these guidelines. The Compliance Officer shall apply to the Head of the AMC(s). The decision of the Compliance Officer shall be final and binding on the employee. b. In these Guidelines, in the case of the Compliance Officer’s own transactions for purchase or sale of securities or disclosure or any other related matter, the term "Compliance Officer" wherever it appears, shall be read as "Head of the AMC."
c. The Compliance Officer may coordinate with the Fund
Management Department of the Mutual Fund, wherever necessary, to clear requests of investment and/or trading in securities by the employees. d. The approval of Compliance Officer for carrying out a transaction of sale or purchase of a security by the access

143 SEBI/IMD/DF/10/2014 dated May 22, 2014

58 Master Circular for Mutual Funds person shall not be valid for more than seven calendar days from the date of approval 144. e. If a transaction approved by Compliance Officer has not been effected within seven 145 calendar days from the date of its approval, the access person shall be required to obtain approval once again from Compliance Officer prior to effecting the transaction. f. All employees shall refrain from profiting from the purchase and sale or sale and purchase of any security within a period of 30 calendar days from the date of their personal transaction 146. However, in cases where it is done, the employee shall provide a suitable explanation to the Compliance Officer, which shall be reported to the Board of the AMC and the Trustees at the time of review.
6.4.5 Investments in Shares and/or Debentures and/or Bonds and/or
Warrants and/or Derivatives
Investments in securities shall broadly be classified into investments through (a) primary markets and (b) secondary markets.
6.4.5.1 Investments through the primary markets:
a. An employee including access person is permitted to apply to a public issue of shares and/or debentures and/or bonds and/or warrants of any company, as long as the application is made in the normal course of the public issue. Such an application may be made without seeking the clearance from the Compliance Officer. Employees of AMC(s) and Trustees are prohibited from applying in any reserved quota such as

144 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.7/13391/03 dated July 11, 2003. 145 SEBI Circular No. SEBI / IMD / CIR No 14 / 187175/ 2009 dated December 15,2009 146 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.7/13391/03 dated July 11, 2003.

59 Master Circular for Mutual Funds promoters’ quota, employees’ quota etc. Employees shall not participate in any private placement of equity by any company. b. Notwithstanding anything stated in (a) above, an employee of an AMC(s) and/or Trustees may apply for shares and/or debentures and/or bonds and/or warrants in a preferential offer, in cases where such a preferential offer is being made by a company that belongs to the same industrial group as the company in which the employee already has an investment, provided that such a preferential offer is made to all shareholders and/or debenture holders of such companies. Details of such applications made shall be intimated to the Compliance Officer.
c. The employees of the AMC(s) and/or Trustees including
access person may apply for any rights offer of any company in which they are already shareholders. Applications for additional rights (over and above the normal rights entitlement) shares may be made by the employees including access person without getting the clearance from the Compliance Officer. An employee including access person may also sell and/or renounce his rights entitlement without getting the clearance from the Compliance Officer. However, if an access person wishes to purchase the “Rights renunciations” he shall get the clearance of the Compliance Officer for the same. Such purchases shall be done only at market prices. Details of any applications made in any rights issue, whether in the normal course, or through purchase of rights renunciations, shall be intimated to the Compliance Officer.

60 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
6.4.5.2 Investments through the secondary markets:
a. An access person who wishes to make a secondary market transaction shall submit a written application to that effect to the Compliance Officer. Such an application shall specify the name of the company whose securities the employee wishes to buy and/or sell, type of security, and the number of shares and/or debentures and/or bonds and/or warrants and/or derivatives that the access person wishes to buy/sell. b. The Compliance Officer shall clear these requests if the following conditions are met:

If the shares and/or debentures and/or bonds and/or
warrants of the company or derivatives specified by the access person are not held by any scheme of the Mutual Fund of which the AMC is the investment manager;
If such shares and/or debentures and/or bonds and/or
warrants of the company or derivatives specified by the employee are held by any scheme of the Mutual Fund of which the AMC is the investment manager, there should be a “cooling off” period of 15 calendar days. The Compliance Officer shall ensure that the last transaction in that particular security was done by the Mutual Fund at least 15 calendar days prior to the date of the written application by the access person. In other words, an application for a purchase /sale transaction on a personal basis would be cleared only if the Mutual Fund has not transacted in that particular security for at least 15 calendar days.

61 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
c. The Compliance Officer shall keep a track of the transactions of the
employees and transactions of the Mutual Fund to ensure that there is no conflict of interest between them i.e. the Compliance Officer should track whether the Mutual Fund has transacted in the same securities either before or after the employee’s transaction(s). d. The Compliance Officer shall maintain a record of all requests for pre clearance regarding the purchase or sale of a security, including the date of the request, the name of the access person, the details of the proposed transaction and whether the request was approved or denied and waivers given, if any, and its reasons. e. No employee shall purchase any security (including derivatives) on a “Carry Forward” basis or indulge in “Short Sale” of any security (including derivatives) i.e. employees who effect any purchase transaction(s) shall ensure that they take delivery of the securities purchased, before selling them. f. Any transaction of Front Running by any employee directly or indirectly is strictly prohibited. For this purpose, “Front Running” means any transaction of purchase and/or sale of a security carried by any employee whether for self or for any other person, knowing fully well that the AMC also intends to purchase and/or sell the same security for its Mutual Fund operations. To ascertain that the employee had no prior knowledge of the Mutual Fund's intended transactions, the Compliance Officer may take a declaration in this regard from the employee. Such declaration may be included in the application form itself. g. Any transaction of self dealing by any employee either directly or indirectly, whether alone or in concert with another person is prohibited. For this purpose, “Self Dealing’ means trading in the

62 Master Circular for Mutual Funds securities based on price sensitive information to which the employee has access by virtue of his office. Declaration to this effect may be taken from the employee while clearing the proposals for investment. h. The employees shall not insist or suggest to the concerned brokers to charge reduced brokerage, or accept any contract with a clause on reduced brokerage charge.
6.4.6 Investments in units of Mutual Fund Schemes
6.4.6.1 Access persons as well as other employees do not require prior
permission of the Compliance Officer for purchase or sale of units of Mutual Fund schemes. However, details of each such transaction, excluding transactions in Money Market Mutual Fund schemes and liquid schemes 147 shall be reported by them to the Compliance Officer within 7 calendar days from the date of transaction.
6.4.6.2 In case of investments in SIP of any Mutual Fund scheme, the
employees may report only at the time of making the first installment of the SIP.
6.4.6.3 Notwithstanding anything mentioned earlier, in the following
cases employees of AMC & Trustees shall not purchase or sell /or repurchase or redeem units of any scheme, including Money Market Mutual Fund scheme and liquid scheme 148 of their Mutual Fund:
a. There is a likelihood of a change in the investment objectives of the concerned Mutual Fund Scheme(s) and this has not been communicated to the investors;

147 SEBI/IMD/DF/10/2014 dated May 22, 2014 148 SEBI/IMD/DF/10/2014 dated May 22, 2014

63 Master Circular for Mutual Funds b. There is a likelihood of a rights and/or bonus issue in the concerned Mutual Fund Scheme(s) and this has not been communicated to the investors;
c. The concerned Mutual Fund Scheme is contemplating to
issue dividend to the unit holders and this has not been communicated to the investors; d. There is a likelihood of a change in the accounting policy, or a significant change in the valuation of any asset, or class of assets and the same has not been communicated to the investors; e. There is a likelihood of conversion of a close ended scheme to an open ended scheme and vice versa and this has not been communicated to the investors.
6.4.7 Periodic Disclosures
6.4.7.1 All access persons shall submit, in the form prescribed by the
Mutual Fund of which the AMC is the investment manager, details of their personal transactions of purchase or sale of securities to the Compliance Officer. The details to be submitted are as follows:
a. Details of transactions effected for purchase and/or sale of securities including transactions in rights entitlements through the secondary market within 7 calendar days from the date of transaction; b. Details of allotment received against application for public and rights issues within 7 calendar days from the date of receipt of the allotment advice;

64 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
c. A statement of holding in securities as on March 31 within
30 calendar days from the end of every financial year ending March 31.
6.4.7.2 All employees other than access persons shall submit, in the form
prescribed by the Mutual Fund, to the Compliance Officer:
a. Details of each of their transactions for purchase or sale of securities including allotment in public and rights issues within 7 calendar days in tandem with SEBI (Insider Trading) Regulations. b. A statement of holding in securities as on March 31 within 30 calendar days (in tandem with SEBI (Insider Trading) Regulations) from the end of every financial year ending March 31.
c. A declaration shall also be included in the reporting
form on the lines of clause 6.4.5.2. (f) and 6.4.5.2. (g) regarding Front Running and Self Dealing. 6.4.8Review by the Board of Directors of AMC and the Trustee(s)
6.4.8.1 The Board of the AMC and the Trustees shall review the
compliance of these Guidelines in their periodic meetings. They shall review the existing procedures and recommend changes in procedures based on the AMCs experience, industry practices and/or developments in applicable laws and regulations. They shall report compliance and any violations and remedial action taken by them in their reports submitted to the Board.

65 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
6.5 Responsibilities of AMC & Trustees 149
6.5.1 For effective discharge of their responsibilities under the Mutual
Funds Regulations, the AMC(s) shall provide infrastructure and administrative support to the Trustees. The Mutual Fund may decide to appoint independent auditors and/or may have separate full fledged administrative set up for the Trustees. However, the expenditure incurred in this regard shall be within the limits as specified in Regulation 52(6) of the Mutual Funds Regulations. AMC(s) shall place correspondence and reports submitted to SEBI before the Trustees.
6.6 Applicability of Insider Trading Regulations 150
6.6.1 Securities and Exchange Board of India (Insider Trading)
(Amendment) Regulations, 2002 shall be followed strictly by the trustee companies, asset management companies and their employees and directors.

149 MFD/CIR/09/014/2000 dated January 5, 2000 150 SEBI Cir MFD/CIR/05/432/2002 June 20, 2002

66 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
PART II -SCHEME GOVERNANCE
6.7 Minimum Number of investors 151
6.7.1 Applicability for an open-ended scheme
6.7.1.1 The Scheme/Plan shall have:
a. a minimum of 20 investors and b. no single investor shall account for more than 25% of the corpus of the Scheme/Plan(s).
6.7.1.2 If either/both of such limit(s) is breached during the NFO of
the Scheme, it shall be ensured that within a period of three months or the end of the succeeding calendar quarter from the close of the NFO of the Scheme, whichever is earlier, the Scheme complies with these two conditions.
6.7.1.3 In case the Scheme / Plan(s) does not have a minimum of 20
investors in the stipulated period, the provisions of Regulation 152 would become applicable automatically without any reference from SEBI and accordingly the Scheme / Plan(s) shall be wound up and the units would be redeemed at applicable NAV.
6.7.1.4 If there is a breach of the 25% limit by any investor over the
quarter, a rebalancing period of one month would be allowed

151 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.10/22701/03 dated December 12, 2003, SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.1/42529/05 dated June 14, 2005. < < , 152 Regulation 39(2)(c) of the SEBI (MF) Regulations, 1996

67 Master Circular for Mutual Funds and thereafter the investor who is in breach of the rule shall be given 15 days notice to redeem his exposure over the 25 % limit. Failure on the part of the said investor to redeem his exposure over the 25 % limit within the aforesaid 15 days would lead to automatic redemption by the Mutual Fund on the applicable Net Asset Value on the 15th day of the notice period.
6.7.1.5 The two conditions mentioned above shall also be complied
within each subsequent calendar quarter thereafter, on an average basis, as specified by SEBI.
6.7.1.6 The Fund shall adhere to the requirements prescribed by SEBI
from time to time in this regard.
6.7.2 Applicability for a Close ended scheme/Interval scheme
6.7.2.1 The Scheme(s) and individual Plan(s) under the Scheme(s)
shall have:
a. A minimum of 20 investors and b. No single investor shall account for more than 25% of the corpus of the Scheme(s)/Plan(s).
6.7.2.2 These conditions will be complied with immediately after the
close of the NFO itself i.e. at the time of allotment.
6.7.2.3 In case of non-fulfillment with the condition of minimum 20
investors, the Scheme(s)/Plan(s) shall be wound up in accordance with Regulation 153 automatically without any reference from SEBI.
6.7.2.4 In case of non-fulfillment with the condition of 25% holding by
a single investor on the date of allotment, the application to

153 Reg. 39 (2) (c) of SEBI (MF) Regulations, 1996

68 Master Circular for Mutual Funds the extent of exposure in excess of the stipulated 25% limit would be liable to be rejected and the allotment would be effective only to the extent of 25% of the corpus collected. Consequently, such exposure over 25% limits will lead to refund within 6 weeks of the date of closure of the New Fund Offer.
6.7.2.5 For interval scheme the aforesaid provision will be applicable
at the end of NFO and specified transaction period.
6.7.2.6 Requisite disclosure in this regard shall be made in the SID.
6.7.3 Determination of breach:
6.7.3.1 The average shall be calculated, at the end of each quarter, on
the basis of number of investors at the end of the business hours of the scheme on a daily basis.
6.7.3.2 To determine breach of 25% holding limit by an investor, net
assets under the scheme shall be calculated daily and the daily holding limit shall be determined accordingly. At the end of the quarter, average daily holding by each investor shall be calculated and any breach of the 25% holding limit will be accordingly determined.
6.7.4 Applicability
6.7.4.1 These Guidelines are applicable at the Portfolio level.
6.7.4.2 These Guidelines are not applicable to Exchange Traded
Funds (ETFs).

69 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
6.7.5 Redemptions
6.7.5.1 Redemptions effected pursuant to these Guidelines shall be
completed within 10 days from the day of winding up of the scheme(s) and/or plan(s).
6.7.6 Reporting to the Board
6.7.6.1 Compliance with these Guidelines shall be reported in
Compliance Test Reports (CTRs) and Half Yearly Trustee Reports.
6.8 Minimum Assets under Management (AUM) of Debt
Oriented Schemes
6.8.1 It has been observed that many debt oriented schemes are
operating with a very low AUM. In the interest of investors, it is important that debt oriented schemes have an adequate corpus to ensure adherence to the investment objectives as stated in Scheme Information Document and compliance with investment restrictions specified under SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996.
6.8.2 In this regard, it has been decided that:
a) The minimum subscription amount of debt oriented and balanced schemes at the time of new fund offer shall be at least 20 crore and that of other schemes shall be at least 10 crore.

b) An average AUM of 20 crore on half yearly rolling basis shall be maintained for open ended debt oriented schemes.

c) The existing open ended debt oriented schemes shall comply with point (b) stated above within one year from the date of issue of this circular.

70 Master Circular for Mutual Funds d) In case of breach of points (b) and (c) above, the AMC shall scale up the AUM of such scheme within a period of six months so as to comply with point (b) stated above, failing which the provisions of Regulation 39 (2) (c) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 would become applicable.

e) The confirmation on compliance of the above shall be reported to SEBI in the Half Yearly Trustee Reports.
6.9 Scheme Performance Review
6.9.1 AMCs and Trustees shall review the performance of their schemes
on periodic basis 154. Such review can take place by comparing the performance of the schemes with benchmark indices as well as in light of the performance of the entire Mutual Funds industry by relying on data published from time to time by independent research agencies and financial newspapers and journals. Corrective action if required may be taken in case of unsatisfactory performance. Its compliance should be reported in the bimonthly CTRs of AMCs and half-yearly reports of the Trustees to SEBI (while reporting compliance of Regulation 25(2) on exercise of due diligence in investment decisions).

154 SEBI Circular No. dated July 27, 2000 & SEBI Cir 16/400/02 dated March 26, 2002.

71 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
PART III -SYSTEMS AUDIT OF MUTUAL FUNDS 155
6.10 Mutual funds shall have a systems audit conducted by an
independent CISA/CISM qualified or equivalent auditor.
6.11 The systems audit should be comprehensive encompassing audit of
systems and processes inter alia related to examination of integration of front office system with the back office system, fund accounting system for calculation of net asset values, financial accounting and reporting system for the AMC, Unit-holder administration and servicing systems for customer service, funds flow process, system processes for meeting regulatory requirements, prudential investment limits and access rights to systems interface.
6.12 Mutual Funds/ AMCs should get the above systems audit conducted
once in two years.
6.13 The Systems Audit Report and compliance status should be placed
before the Trustees of the mutual fund.
6.14 The systems audit report/findings along with trustee comments
should be communicated to SEBI.
6.15 For the financial years April 2008 – March 2010, the systems audit
should be completed by September 30, 2010.

155 SEBI Circular No SEBI/IMD/CIR No. 9/176988/2009 dated September 16, 2009

72 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
PART IV – ROLE OF MUTUAL FUNDS IN CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE OF PUBLIC LISTED COMPANIES 156
6.16 MFs should play an active role in ensuring better corporate
governance of listed companies.
6.17 AMCs shall disclose their general policies and procedures for
exercising the voting rights in respect of shares held by them on the website of the respective AMC as well as in the annual report distributed to the unit holders from the financial year 2010-11.
6.18 AMCs are required to disclose on the website of the respective AMC
as well as in the annual report distributed to the unit holders from the financial year 2010-11, the actual exercise of their proxy votes in the AGMs/EGMs of the investee companies in respect of the following matters.
6.18.1 Corporate governance matters, including changes in the state of
incorporation, merger and other corporate restructuring, and anti takeover provisions
6.18.2 Changes to capital structure, including increases and decreases of
capital and preferred stock issuances.
6.18.3 Stock option plans and other management compensation issues;
6.18.4 Social and corporate responsibility issues.
6.18.5 Appointment and Removal of Directors.
6.18.6 Any other issue that may affect the interest of the shareholders in
general and interest of the unit-holders in particular.
6.19 AMCs shall be required to record and disclose specific
rationale supporting their voting decision (for, against or abstain) with respect to each vote proposal 157.

156 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No 18 / 198647 /2010 dated March 15, 2010

73 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
6.20 AMCs shall additionally be required to publish summary of the
votes cast across all its investee company and its break-up in terms of total number of votes cast in favor, against or abstained from.
6.21 AMCs shall be required to make disclosure of votes cast on their
website (in spreadsheet format) on a quarterly basis, within 10 working days from the end of the quarter. Further, AMCs shall continue disclosing voting details in their annual report. The votes cast by the Mutual Funds may be given in the revised format 158 for disclosure of vote cast in respect of resolutions passed in general meetings of the investee companies and in the format 159 for presenting summary of votes cast.
6.22 Further, on an annual basis, AMCs shall be required to
obtain Auditor's certification on the voting reports being disclosed by them. Such auditor's certification shall be submitted to trustees and also disclosed in the relevant portion of the Mutual Funds' annual report & website.
6.23 Board of AMCs and Trustees of Mutual Funds shall be required to
review and ensure that AMCs have voted on important decisions that may affect the interest of investors and the rationale recorded for vote decision is prudent and adequate. The confirmation to the same, along with any adverse comments made by auditors, shall have to be reported to SEBI in the half yearly trustee reports.
6.24 The format 160 for disclosure of voting by mutual funds in general
meetings of listed companies is provided.

157 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/05/2014 dated March 24, 2014 158 For formats, please refer to chapter on Formats 159 For formats, please refer to chapter on Formats 160 For disclosure of voting by mutual funds in general meetings of listed companies, please refer to the section on formats

74 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 7
SECONDARY MARKET ISSUES
7.1 Non Applicability of Listing Deposit 161
7.1.1 The requirement of collecting listing deposit as specified under
Circular Letter No. SE/12936 dated April 6, 1992 shall not be applicable to Mutual Fund schemes seeking listing on the Stock Exchanges.
7.2 Payment of Margins 162
7.2.1 The applicable margins shall be paid as per the guidelines issued by
SEBI and as directed by stock exchanges from time to time.
7.3 Unique Client Codes 163
7.3.1 Mutual Funds are not permitted to operate in the securities market
without furnishing a valid Unique Client Code (UCC). 164 Mutual Funds are required to obtain UCC from the Bombay Stock Exchange Ltd. (BSE) or The National Stock Exchange Ltd. (NSE) whenever a new scheme(s) or plan(s) (wherever the portfolio of the plans is different) is launched 165. Such UCC should be obtained before

161 SEBI Circular No. SMD-II(N)/2113/94 dated April 12, 1994. Further, in this regard, circulars issued by SEBI from time to time may be considered. < 162 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/9/230/2001 dated August 14, 2001 163 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR No.8/290/01 dated July 30, 2001, SEBI Circular No. SEBI/SMD/SE/11/2003/31/03 dated March 31, 2003, SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.01/1756/04 dated January 27, 2004, SEBI Circular No. MRD/DoP/SE/Cir-35/2004 dated October 26, 2004, SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.2/46603/05 dated August 10, 2005. Further, in this regard, circulars issued by SEBI from time to time may be considered 164 SEBI Circular No. SMDRP/Policy/Cir-39/2001 dated July 18, 2001. 165 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.01/1756/04 dated January 27, 2004.

75 Master Circular for Mutual Funds commencing the trading on behalf of the scheme(s)/plan(s). At the time of entering an order, the UCC pertaining to the parent Mutual Fund shall be provided and the allocation to individual schemes shall be done in the post closing session. 166 The UCC can be shared with the unit holders to facilitate tax benefits linked to payment of Securities Transaction Tax (STT).
7.4 Trading in Exchange Traded Derivatives Contracts 167
7.4.1 For trading in Exchange Traded Derivatives Contracts, following
should be observed:
7.4.1.1 Mutual Fund schemes can participate in derivatives market as per
the guidelines issued by SEBI in this regard from time to time. 168
7.4.1.2 The Mutual Funds shall be treated at par with a registered FII in
respect of position limits in index futures, index options, stock options and stock futures contracts. The Mutual Funds will be considered as trading members like registered FIIs and the schemes of Mutual Funds will be treated as clients like subaccounts of FIIs.
7.4.1.3 Appropriate disclosures shall be made in the offer document
regarding the extent and manner of participation of the schemes of the Mutual Funds in derivatives and the risk factors, which should be explained by suitable numerical examples.

166 SEBI Circular No. MRD/DoP/SE/Cir-35/2004 dated October 26, 2004. 167 SEBI Circular No. DNPD/Cir-29/2005 dated September 14, 2005; SEBI Circular No. DNPD/Cir-30/2006 dated January 20, 2006, SEBI Circular No. SEBI/DNPD/Cir-31/2006 dated September 22, 2006. 168 SEBI Circular No. DNPD/Cir-29/2005 dated September 14, 2005.

76 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
7.4.1.4 The participation of existing schemes of the Mutual Funds in the
derivatives market shall be subject to the following conditions:
a. The extent and the manner of the proposed participation in derivatives shall be disclosed to the unit holders. b. The risks associated with such participation shall be disclosed and explained by suitable numerical examples.
c. Positive consent shall be obtained from majority of the unit
holders. d. An exit option shall be provided to the dissenting unit holders. Such option shall be kept open for a period of one month prior to the scheme commencing trading in derivatives. e. No exit load shall be charged to the unit holders exercising such exit options.
7.4.1.5 Positions limits as specified by SEBI for Mutual Funds and its
schemes from time to time shall be applicable 169.
7.5 Trading in Interest Rate Derivatives 170
7.5.1 Mutual Fund schemes are permitted to undertake transactions in
Forward Rate Agreements and Interest Rate Swaps with banks, PDs & FIs as per applicable RBI Guidelines 171, mutual funds can also trade in interest rate derivatives through the Stock Exchanges subject to requisite disclosures in the SID 172.

169 Please refer SEBI Circular No DNPD/Cir – 29/2005 Dated September 14, 2005 for position limits and subsequent circulars issued in this regard from time to time. 170 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/MFD/CIR No.03/158/03 dated June 10, 2003. 171 RBI Circular dated November 1, 1999. 172 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/MFD/CIR No.03/158/03 dated June 10, 2003.

77 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
7.5.2 The following position limits 173 in IRF shall be applicable for Mutual
Fund level and scheme level:
a. Mutual Funds shall have position limits as applicable to trading members presently. b. Schemes of Mutual Funds shall have position limits as applicable to clients presently.
7.6 Transactions of mutual funds in Government Securities
in dematerialised form 174
7.6.1 According to Regulation 175, the Mutual Funds having an aggregate of
securities worth Rs.10 crore or more are required to settle their transactions only through dematerialised securities. All Mutual Funds should enter into transactions relating to government securities only in dematerialised form.

173 SEBI Circular No. CIR/MRD/DRMNP/26/2014 dated September 15, 2014 174 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/05/432/2002 dated June 20, 2002 175 Regulation 44(1A) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996

78 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 8
NET ASSET VALUE 176
8.1 Disclosure of Net Asset Value 177
8.1.1 The NAV of schemes shall be published on a daily basis by the
Mutual Funds at least in two daily newspapers 178.
8.1.2 NAV and sale/repurchase price of all Mutual Fund schemes except
for Fund of Fund Schemes shall be updated on AMFI’s website and the Mutual Funds’ websites by 9 p.m. of the same day 179.
8.1.3 Fund of Fund Schemes shall have an extended time up to 10 a.m.
the following business day in this regard 180 and the NAVs shall be published in newspapers with an asterisk to indicate the one day time lag/or the actual time lag.
8.1.4 Delay beyond 10 a.m. of the following business day in case of Fund
of Fund schemes and 9 p.m. on the same day for all other schemes shall be explained in writing to AMFI and the Board and shall also be reported in the CTR(s) 181 in terms of number of days of non adherence of time limit for uploading NAV on AMFI’s website and the reasons for the same. Corrective steps taken by AMC to reduce the number of occurrences shall also be disclosed 182.

176 Regulation 48(1) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 177 SEBI Circular No. IIMARP/MF/CIR/07/844/97 dated May 5, 1997, SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR No.11/171/01 dated February 9, 2001, SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/13/087/2001 dated March 28, 2001; SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.5/63714/06 dated March 29, 2006, SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.5/96576/2007 dated June 25, 2007, SEBI Cir No. SEBI/IMD/Cir No.12/147132/08 dated December 11,2008 < 178 Regulation 48(2) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 179 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.5/63714/06 dated March 29, 2006. 180 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.5/96576/2007 dated June 25, 2007. 181 For format of CTR, please refer to section on formats , , , 182 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.5/63714/06 dated March 29, 2006. , ,

79 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
8.1.5 In case the NAVs are not available before the commencement of
business hours on the following day due to any reason, Mutual Funds shall issue a press release giving reasons for the delay and explain when they would be able to publish the NAVs 183.
8.2 Rounding off NAVs 184
8.2.1 To ensure uniformity, Mutual Funds shall round off NAV up to four
decimal places for index funds and all types of debt & liquid/money market schemes.
8.2.2 For all equity oriented and balanced fund schemes, Mutual Funds
shall round off NAVs up to two decimal places. However, Mutual Funds can round off the NAVs up to more than two decimal places in case of equity oriented and balanced fund schemes also, if they so desire 185. Relevant disclosure in this regard shall be made in the SID/SAI 186.
8.3 Uniform Cut off Timings for applicability of Net Asset
Value of Mutual Fund scheme(s) and/ or plan(s) 187
8.3.1 Mutual Funds should follow the Guidelines enumerated below with
respect to uniform Cut -off Timings:
8.3.2 Definitions:
8.3.2.1 In these Guidelines, unless the context otherwise requires:
a. ‘Cut-off Timing’, in relation to an investor making an application to a Mutual Fund for purchase or sale of units, shall mean, the

183 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.5/63714/06 dated March 29, 2006. , 184 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/08/514/2002 dated July 22, 2002, SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/11/16159/2002 dated August 22, 2002. , , 185 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/11/16159/2002 dated August 22, 2002. , 186 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/08/514/2002 dated July 22, 2002. 187 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No. 11/78450/06 dated October 11, 2006. ,

80 Master Circular for Mutual Funds outer limit of timing within a particular day which is relevant for determination of the NAV applicable for his transaction; b. ‘International scheme’ means a Mutual Fund scheme having substantial investments in foreign securities valued as per time zones other than Indian Standard Time zone;
c. ‘Liquid fund schemes and plans’ shall mean the schemes and
plans of a Mutual Fund as specified in the guidelines 188 issued by SEBI in this regard 189.
8.3.3 Applicability
8.3.3.1 The Guidelines on Cut off Timings for applicability of Net Asset
Value of Mutual Fund scheme(s) and/ or plan(s) shall be applicable to all schemes and plans of Mutual Funds except:
a. International schemes and b. Transactions in Mutual Fund units undertaken on a recognized Stock Exchange.
8.3.4 Fixation of uniform Cut-off Timings
8.3.4.1 Mutual Funds shall reckon the Cut-off Timings for their schemes
and plans in compliance with these Guidelines and the same shall be uniformly implemented for all investors.
8.3.4.2 Mutual Funds shall ensure that each payment instrument for
subscription or purchase of units is deposited in a bank expeditiously by utilization of the appropriate banking facility, so as to comply with the requirement in Clause 8.3.4.1 above.

188 Please refer to the Section on liquid schemes 189 SEBI Circular No.SEBI/IMD/CIR No.13/150975/09 dated January 19, 2009

81 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
8.3.4.3 AMCs shall compensate any loss occasioned to any investor or to
the scheme and/or plan on account of non compliance with Clause 8.3.4.2 above.
8.3.5 Cut-off Timings for liquid fund schemes and plans
For determining the applicable NAV 190:
8.3.5.1 The following cut-off timings shall be observed by a mutual fund
in respect of purchase of units in liquid fund schemes and their plans, and the following NAVs shall be applied for such purchase:
a. where the application is received upto 2.00 p.m. on a day and funds are available for utilization before the cut-off time without availing any credit facility, whether, intra-day or otherwise – the closing NAV of the day immediately preceding the day of receipt of application; b. where the application is received after 2.00 p.m. on a day and funds are available for utilization on the same day without availing any credit facility, whether, intra-day or otherwise – the closing NAV of the day immediately preceding the next business day ; and
c. irrespective of the time of receipt of application, where the funds
are not available for utilization before the cut-off time without availing any credit facility, whether, intra-day or otherwise – the closing NAV of the day immediately preceding the day on which the funds are available for utilization.
8.3.5.2 For allotment of units in respect of purchase in liquid schemes, it
shall be ensured that:
a. Application is received before the applicable cut-off time.

190 SEBI Circular No SEBI/IMD/DF/15/2010 dated November 26, 2010

82 Master Circular for Mutual Funds b. Funds for the entire amount of subscription/purchase as per the application are credited to the bank account of the respective liquid schemes before the cut-off time.
c. The funds are available for utilization before the cut-off time
without availing any credit facility whether intra-day or otherwise, by the respective liquid schemes.
8.3.5.3 For allotment of units in respect of switch-in to liquid schemes
from other schemes, it shall be ensured that:
a. Application for switch-in is received before the applicable cut-off time. b. Funds for the entire amount of subscription/purchase as per the switch-in request are credited to the bank account of the respective switch-in liquid schemes before the cut-off time.
c. The funds are available for utilization before the cut-off time
without availing any credit facility whether intra-day or otherwise, by the respective switch-in schemes.
8.3.5.4 The following Cut-off Timings shall be observed by Mutual Funds
with respect to repurchase of units in liquid fund schemes and plans and the following NAVs shall be applied for such repurchase:
a. Where the application is received up to 3.00 pm – the closing NAV of day immediately preceding the next business day; and b. Where the application is received after 3.00 pm – the closing NAV of the next business day.

83 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
8.3.5.5 Mutual Funds shall calculate NAV for each calendar day for their
liquid fund schemes and plans. a. Explanation: “Business Day” does not include a day on which the Money Markets are closed or otherwise not accessible.
8.3.6 Cut-off Timings for schemes and plans other than liquid fund
schemes and plans
8.3.6.1 A Mutual Fund shall reckon only prospective NAV, in accordance
with this clause, in respect of all their schemes and plans i.e. for other than liquid fund schemes and plans
8.3.6.2 The following Cut-off Timings shall be observed by Mutual Funds
in respect of purchase of units in other schemes and plans and following NAVs shall be applied for such purchase:
8.3.6.2.1 Where the application is received up to 3.00 pm with a local
cheque or demand draft payable at par at the place where it is received – closing NAV of the day on which the application is received;
8.3.6.2.2 Where the application is received after 3.00 pm with a local
cheque or demand draft payable at par at the place where it is received – closing NAV of the next business day; and
8.3.6.2.3 Where the application is received with an outstation cheque
or demand draft which is not payable on par at the place where it is received – closing NAV of day on which the cheque or demand draft is credited. In respect of purchase of units of mutual fund schemes (other than liquid schemes), the closing NAV of the day on which the funds are available for utilization shall be applicable

84 Master Circular for Mutual Funds for application amount equal to or more than Rs. 2 lakh, irrespective of the time of receipt of such application 191.
8.3.6.3 For allotment of units in respect of purchase in income/debt
oriented mutual fund schemes/plans other than liquid schemes, it shall be ensured that 192:
8.3.6.3.1 Application is received before the applicable cut-off time (3
pm).
8.3.6.3.2 Funds for the entire amount of subscription/purchase as per
the application are credited to the bank account of the respective schemes before the cut-off time (3 pm).
8.3.6.3.3 The funds are available for utilization before the cut-off time
(3 pm) without availing any credit facility whether intra-day or otherwise, by the respective scheme.
8.3.6.4 For allotment of units in respect of switch-in to income/debt
oriented mutual fund schemes/plans other than liquid schemes from other schemes, it shall be ensured that:
8.3.6.4.1 Application for switch-in is received before the applicable cutoff time.
8.3.6.4.2 Funds for the entire amount of subscription/purchase as per
the switch-in request are credited to the bank account of the respective switch-in income/debt oriented mutual fund schemes/plans before the cut-off time.
8.3.6.4.3 The funds are available for utilization before the cut-off time
without availing any credit facility whether intra-day or

191 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012. 192 SEBI Circular No SEBI/IMD/DF/15/2010 dated November 26, 2010

85 Master Circular for Mutual Funds otherwise, by the respective switch-in income/debt oriented mutual fund schemes/plans.
8.3.6.5 The following Cut-off Timings shall be observed by Mutual Funds
in respect of repurchase of units in its other schemes and their plans, and the following NAVs shall be applied for such repurchase:
8.3.6.5.1 Where the application is received up to 3.00 pm – closing
NAV of the day on which the application is received; and
8.3.6.5.2 An application received after 3.00 pm – closing NAV of the
next business day.
8.3.7 Switch and Sweep Transactions
8.3.7.1 Paragraphs 8.3.5 and 8.3.6 shall apply to ‘switch in’ transactions
as if they were purchase transactions and to ‘switch out’ transactions as if they were repurchase transactions.
8.3.7.2 Paragraphs 8.3.5 and 8.3.6 shall apply to ‘sweep’ transactions as if
they were purchase transactions and to ‘reverse sweep’ transactions as if they were repurchase transactions.
8.3.7.3 In case of ‘switch’ transactions from one scheme to another, the
allocation shall be in line with redemption payouts.
8.3.8 Time Stamping
8.3.8.1 Application from investors shall be received by Mutual Funds only
at official points of acceptance, addresses of which shall be disclosed in the SID and on Mutual Funds’ websites.

86 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
8.3.8.2 Cut off timings as prescribed under Paragraphs 8.3.5 and 8.3.6
shall apply with reference to the point of time at which the applications are received at such official points of acceptance.
8.3.8.3 Time stamping machines at all official points of acceptance shall
be in compliance with the requirements mentioned in Section 8.4.
8.3.9 Compliance Reporting
8.3.9.1 Status of compliance with these Guidelines shall be reported to
the Board in the CTR(s) 193 of the AMC(s) and the Half Yearly Trustee Reports 194.
8.3.9.2 The Half Yearly Trustee Reports shall contain a declaration on
whether the Trustees are satisfied with the systems and procedures of the Mutual Fund designed for the purpose of compliance with these Guidelines.
8.3.9.3 Further, the substance of these Guidelines shall be disclosed to
investors in the SID or in any addendum thereto.
8.3.9.4 Encumbrance of the scheme property 195
Regulations 196 provides that the AMC shall not acquire any of the assets out of the scheme property which involves the assumption of any liability which is unlimited or which may result in encumbrance of the scheme property in any way. AMC’s are advised to strictly adhere to the said provision.

193 for CTR format, please refer to the section on formats , , , , , 194 For Trustee report, please refer to the section on formats , 195 SEBI Circular No SEBI/IMD/DF/15/2010 dated November 26, 2010 196 Fourth Schedule of Securities and Exchange Board of India (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996

87 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
8.4 Requirements with respect to time stamping machines
[pursuant to Clause 8(3)]
8.4.1 For every machine, running serial number shall be stamped from
the first number to the last number as per its capacity before repetition of the cycle.
8.4.2 Every application for purchase shall be stamped on the face and
the corresponding payment instrument shall be stamped on the back indicating the date and time of receipt and running serial number. The application and the payment instrument shall contain the same serial number.
8.4.3 Every application for redemption shall be stamped on the face
thereof and on the investor’s acknowledgment copy (or twice on the application if no acknowledgment is issued) indicating the date and time of receipt and running serial number.
8.4.4 Different applications shall not be bunched together with the
same serial number.
8.4.5 Blank papers shall not be time stamped. Genuine errors, if any,
shall be recorded with reasons and the corresponding applications requests shall also be preserved.
8.4.6 The time stamping machine shall have a tamper proof seal and the
ability to open the seal for maintenance or repairs must be limited to vendors or nominated persons of the mutual fund, to be entered in a proper record.
8.4.7 Breakage of seal and/or breakdown of the time stamping process
shall be duly recorded and reported to the Trustees.
8.4.8 Every effort should be made to ensure uninterrupted functioning of
the time stamping machine. In case of breakdown, the Mutual

88 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
Funds shall take prompt action to rectify the situation. During the breakdown period, Mutual Funds shall adopt an alternative time stamping method that has already been approved by the Board of the AMC and the Trustee(s). An audit trail shall be available to check and ensure the accuracy of the time stamping process during the said period.
8.4.9 Any alternate mode of application that does not have any physical or
electronic trail shall be converted into a physical piece of information and time stamped in accordance with these Guidelines.
8.4.10 Mutual Funds shall maintain and preserve all applications/
requests, duly time stamped as aforesaid, at least for a period of eight years 197 to be able to produce them as and when required by the Board or auditors appointed by the Board.
8.5 Uniformity in calculation of sale and repurchase price 198
8.5.1 The following method is being prescribed
8.5.1.1 To streamline the calculation of sale and repurchase price of
mutual fund units 199,
8.5.1.2 To avoid variation in the amounts payable to investors and/or
number of units allotted to them, and
8.5.1.3 To make the calculations more comprehensible to the investors.

197 Regulation 50(2) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 198 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/08/514/2002 dated July 22, 2002 & SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No. 4/ 168230/09 dated June 30, 2009 , , 199 Regulation 49(3) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996.

89 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
8.5.2 Exit loads shall be charged as a percentage of the NAV i.e. applicable
load as a percentage of NAV will be subtracted from the NAV to calculate the repurchase price.

8.5.3 The formula for the same is as follows:
8.5.3.1 Sale Price = Applicable NAV
8.5.3.2 Repurchase Price = Applicable NAV *(1 – Exit Load, if any)

90 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 9
VALUATION
9.1 Definitions 200
9.1.1 Non Traded Securities 201
9.1.1.1 When a security (other than Government Securities) is not traded
on any Stock Exchange for a period of thirty days prior to the valuation date, the scrip shall be treated as a non traded security.
9.1.2 Thinly Traded Securities
9.1.2.1 Thinly traded equity/ equity related securities: 202
a. When trading in an equity and/or equity related security (such as convertible debentures, equity warrants etc.) in a month is both less than Rs.5 lacs and the total volume is less than 50,000 shares, the security shall be considered as thinly traded security and valued accordingly. b. In order to determine whether a security is thinly traded or not, the volumes traded in all recognized Stock Exchanges in India may be taken into account.
c. For example, if the volume of trade is 1,00,000 and value is
Rs.4,00,000, the shares do not qualify as thinly traded. Also if the volume traded is 40,000, but the value of trades is Rs.6, 00,000, the shares do not qualify as thinly traded.

200SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/8/92/2000 dated September 18, 2000, SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/088/2001 dated March 28, 2001 and SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/442/2002 dated February 20, 2002. < , 201 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/8/92/2000 dated September 18, 2000. , 202 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/088/2001 dated March 28, 2001.

91 Master Circular for Mutual Funds d. Where a Stock Exchange identifies the thinly traded securities by applying the above parameters for the preceding calendar month and publishes or provides the required information along with the daily quotations, the same can be used by the Mutual Funds. e. If the shares are not listed on the Stock Exchanges which provide such information, then Mutual Funds shall make their own analysis in line with the above criteria to check whether such securities are thinly traded or not and then value them accordingly.
9.1.3 Thinly traded Debt Securities 203
9.1.3.1 A debt security (other than Government Securities) shall be
considered as a thinly traded security if, on the valuation date, there are no individual trades in that security in marketable lots (currently applicable) on the principal Stock Exchange or any other Stock Exchange.
9.2 Valuation of Securities
9.2.1 Traded Securities: 204
9.2.1.1 When a security (other than debt securities) is not traded on any
Stock Exchange on a particular valuation day, the value at which it was traded on the selected Stock Exchange, as the case may be, on the earliest previous day may be used provided such date is not more than thirty days prior to valuation date.
9.2.1.2 When a debt security (other than Government Securities) is not
traded on any Stock Exchange on any particular valuation day,

203 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/442/2002 dated February 20, 2002. , 204 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/442/2002 dated February 20, 2002.

92 Master Circular for Mutual Funds the value at which it was traded on the principal Stock Exchange or any other Stock Exchange, as the case may be, on the earliest previous day may be used provided such date is not more than fifteen days prior to valuation date. When a debt security (other than Government Securities) is purchased by way of private placement, the value at which it was bought may be used for a period of fifteen days beginning from the date of purchase.
9.2.2 Non-Traded /and/or Thinly Traded Securities: 205
9.2.2.1 AMCs shall value non traded and/or thinly traded securities “in
good faith” based on the Valuation norms prescribed below:
9.2.3 Non-traded/ and/or thinly traded equity securities:
9.2.3.1 Based on the latest available Balance Sheet, Net Worth shall be
calculated as follows:
a. Net Worth per share = [Share Capital+ Reserves (excluding Revaluation Reserves) – Miscellaneous expenditure and Debit Balance in Profit and Loss Account] / Number of Paid up Shares. b. Average Capitalization rate (P/E ratio) for the industry based upon either BSE or NSE data (which shall be followed consistently and changes, if any, noted with proper justification thereof) shall be taken and discounted by 75 per cent i.e. only 25 per cent. Of the industry average P/E shall be taken as Capitalization rate (P/E ratio). Earnings per share (EPS) of the latest audited annual accounts shall be considered for this purpose.

205 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/8/92/2000 dated September 18, 2000.

93 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
c. The value as per the Net Worth value per share and the capital
earning value calculated as above shall be averaged and further discounted by 10 per cent. for illiquidity so as to arrive at the fair value per share. d. In case the EPS is negative, EPS value for that year shall be taken as zero for arriving at capitalised earning. e. In case where the latest Balance Sheet of the company is not available within nine months from the close of the year, unless the accounting year is changed, the shares of such companies shall be valued at zero. f. In case an individual security accounts for more than 5 per cent. of the total assets of the scheme, an independent valuer shall be appointed for the valuation of the said security. To determine if a security accounts for more than 5 per cent. of the total assets of the scheme, it shall be valued by the procedure above and the proportion which it bears to the total net assets of the scheme to which it belongs will be compared on the date of valuation 206. g. In case trading in an equity security is suspended up to thirty days, then the last traded price shall be considered for valuation of that security. If an equity security is suspended for more than thirty days, then the AMC(s) or Trustees shall decide the valuation norms to be followed and such norms shall be documented and recorded.

206 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/088/2001 dated March 28, 2001

94 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
9.2.4 Non traded/thinly Traded Debt security
9.2.4.1 A thinly traded debt security as defined above shall be valued as
per the norms for non traded debt security. a. Valuation 207 of money market and debt securities with residual maturity of upto 60 208 days:

All money market and debt securities, including floating rate
securities, with residual maturity of upto 60 days shall be valued at the weighted average price at which they are traded on the particular valuation day. When such securities are not traded on a particular valuation day they shall be valued on amortization basis. It is further clarified that in case of floating rate securities with floor and caps on coupon rate and residual maturity of upto 60 days then those shall be valued on amortization basis taking the coupon rate as floor. b. Valuation of money market and debt securities with residual maturity of over 60 209 days:
All money market and debt securities, including floating rate
securities, with residual maturity of over 60 days shall be valued at weighted average price at which they are traded on the particular valuation day. When such securities are not traded on a particular valuation day they shall be valued at benchmark yield/ matrix of spread over risk free benchmark yield obtained from agency(ies) entrusted for the said purpose by AMFI.

207 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.16/ 193388/2010 dated February 02, 2010 208 SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/6/2012 dated February 28, 2012 209 SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/6/2012 dated February 28, 2012

95 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
2. The approach in valuation of non traded debt securities is
based on the concept of using spreads over the benchmark rate to arrive at the yields for pricing the non traded security.
3. The Yields for pricing the non traded debt security would be
arrived at using the process as defined below.
Step 1: A Risk Free Benchmark Yield is built using the government securities as the base. Government securities are used as the benchmarks as they are traded regularly; free of credit risk; and traded across different maturity spectrums every week. Step 2: A Matrix of spreads (based on the credit risk) are built for marking up the benchmark yields. The matrix is built based on traded corporate paper on the wholesale debt segment of an appropriate stock exchange and the primary market issuances. The matrix is restricted only to investment grade corporate paper. Step 3: The yields as calculated above are Markedup/Marked-down for ill-liquidity risk Step 4: The Yields so arrived are used to price the portfolio.
9.3 Methodology:
9.3.1 Construction of Risk Free Benchmark 210
9.3.1.1 Using Government of India dated securities; the Benchmark shall
be constructed as below:
a. Government of India dated securities will be grouped into various duration buckets such as 0.164-0.25 yrs 211, 0.25- 0.5 yrs 212, 0.5-

210 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/442/2002 dated February 20, 2002. , ,

96 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
1 year, 1-2 years, 2-3 years, 4-5 years, 5-6 years and 6 years and the volume weighted yield would be computed for each bucket. These duration buckets may be changed to reflect the market value more closely by any agency suggested by AMFI giving benchmark yield/ matrix of spreads over benchmark yield. b. The benchmark as calculated above will be set at least weekly, and in the event of any significant movement in prices of Government Securities on account of any event impacting interest rated on any day such as a change in the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) policies, the benchmark will be reset to reflect any change in the market conditions.
9.3.2 Building a Matrix of Spreads for Marking-up the Benchmark Yield 213
9.3.2.1 Mark up for credit risk over the risk free benchmark YTM as
calculated in 9.3.1 above, will be determined using the trades of corporate debentures/bonds of different ratings. All trades on appropriate stock exchange during the fortnight prior to the benchmark date will be used in building the corporate YTM and spread matrices. Initially these matrices will be built only for corporate securities of investment grade. The matrices are dynamic and the spreads will be computed every week. The matrix will be built for all duration buckets for which the benchmark GOI matrix is built to effectively link the corporate matrix with the GOI securities matrix. Accordingly:
a. All traded paper (with minimum traded value of Rs.1 crore) will be classified by their ratings and grouped into 7 duration buckets; for rated securities, the most conservative publicly available rating will be used;

211 SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/6/2012 dated February 28, 2012 212 SEBI/IMD/CIR No.16/ 193388/2010 dated February 02, 2010 213 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/8/92/2000 dated September 18, 2000.

97 Master Circular for Mutual Funds b. For each rating category, average volume weighted yield will be obtained both from trades on the appropriate stock exchange and from the primary market issuances
c. Where there are no secondary trades on the appropriate stock
exchange in a particular rating category and no primary market issuances during the fortnight under consideration, then trades on appropriate stock exchange during the 30 day period prior to the benchmark date will be considered for computing the average YTM for such rating category; d. If the matrix cannot be populated using any or all of the above steps, then credit spreads from trades on appropriate stock exchange of the relevant rating category over the AAA trades will be used to populate the matrix; e. In each rating category, all outliers will be removed for smoothening the YTM matrix; f. Spreads will be obtained by deducting the YTM in each duration category from the respective YTM of the GOI securities; g. In the event of lack of trades in the secondary market and the primary market the gaps in the matrix would be filled by extrapolation. If the spreads cannot be extrapolated for the reason of practicality, the gaps in the matrix will be filled by carrying the spreads from the last matrix. h.Accordingly, all Mutual Funds shall provide transaction details of various types of debt securities like NCDs, Mibor linked floaters and CPs on daily basis in the prescribed format enclosed at Annexure 3 to the agency recommended by AMFI. Submission of data would help in daily matrix generation, would improve uniformity and accuracy of valuation in the Mutual Funds industry 214.

214 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR.No 23 / 066 /2003 dated March 7,2003

98 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
9.3.3 Mark-up/Mark-down Yield
9.3.3.1 The Yields calculated would be marked-up/marked-down to
account for the illiquidity risk, promoter background, finance company risk and the issuer class risk. As the level of illiquidity risk would be higher for non rated securities the marking process for rated and non rated securities would be differentiated as follows:
a. Adjustments for Securities rated by external rating agencies 215 Category Discretionary mark up/mark down

-
Rated instruments with duration upto 2 years 100 bps 50 bps Rated instruments with duration over 2 years 75 bps 25 bps

The rationale for the above discount structure is to take
cognizance of the differential interest rate risk of the securities. This structure will be reviewed periodically. b. Adjustments for Internally Rated Securities 216
To value an un-rated security, the fund manager shall assign
an internal credit rating, which will be used for valuation. Since un-rated instruments tend to be more illiquid than rated securities, the yields would be marked up by adding discretionary discount as under:

215 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/442/2002 dated February 20, 2002. 216 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/442/2002 dated February 20, 2002. , , , , , Category Discretionary discount Unrated instruments Discretionary discount of upto

99 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
2. The benchmark yield/ matrix of spreads over risk free
benchmark yield obtained from any agency suggested by AMFI, must be applied for valuation of securities on the day of release of such bench mark yield/ matrix of spreads by the aforesaid agency. 217
9.3.3.2 Chief Executive Officer (whatever his designation may be) of the
AMC shall give prior approval to the use of discretionary mark up or down limit.
9.4 Valuation of securities with Put/Call Options: 218
9.4.1 The option embedded securities would be valued as follows:
9.4.1.1 Securities with call option
a. The securities with call option shall be valued at the lower of the value as obtained by valuing the security to final maturity and valuing the security to call option. In case there are multiple call options, the lowest value obtained by valuing to the various call dates and valuing to the maturity date is to be taken as the value of the instrument.

217 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/442/2002 dated February 20, 2002. , 218 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/8/92/2000 dated September 18, 2000. with duration upto 2 years +50 bps over and above mandatory discount of +50 bps Unrated instruments with duration over 2 years Discretionary discount of upto +50 bps over and above mandatory discount of +25 bps

100 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
9.4.1.2 Securities with Put option
a. The securities with put option shall be valued at the higher of the value as obtained by valuing the security to final maturity and valuing the security to put option. In case there are multiple put options, the highest value obtained by valuing to the various put dates and valuing to the maturity date is to be taken as the value of the instruments.
9.4.1.3 Securities with both Put and Call option on the same day

a. The securities with both Put and Call option on the same day would be deemed to mature on the Put/Call day and would be valued accordingly.
9.5 Valuation of Government Securities
9.5.1 Government securities will be valued at prices for government
securities released by an agency suggested by AMFI to ensure uniformity in calculation of NAVs 219.
9.6 Illiquid Securities 220

219 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/442/2002 dated February 20, 2002. < , , 220 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/8/92/2000 dated September 18, 2000.

Provided that in case any scheme has illiquid securities in excess of 15% of total
assets as on September 30, 2000 then such a scheme shall within a period of two years bring down the ratio of illiquid securities within the prescribed limit of 15 per cent. in the following time frame:
a. All the illiquid securities above 20 per cent. of total assets of the scheme shall be assigned zero value on September 30, 2001. b. All the illiquid securities above 15 per cent. of total assets of the scheme shall be assigned zero value on September 30, 2002.
In respect of closed ended funds, for the purposes of valuation of illiquid
securities, the limits of 15 per cent. and 20 per cent. applicable to open ended funds should be increased to 20 per cent. and 25 per cent. respectively.
Where a scheme has illiquid securities as at September 30, 2001 not exceeding
15% in the case of an open-ended fund and 20% in the case of closed fund, the concessions of giving time period for reducing the illiquid security to the prescribed limits would not be applicable and at all time the excess over 15% or 20% shall be assigned nil value

101 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
9.6.1 Aggregate value of “illiquid securities” under a scheme, which are
defined as non-traded, thinly traded and unlisted equity shares, shall not exceed 15 per cent of the total assets of the scheme and any illiquid securities held above 15 per cent. of the total assets shall be assigned zero value.
9.6.2 All Mutual Funds shall disclose as on March 31 and September 30
the scheme wise total illiquid securities in value and percentage of the net assets while disclosing Half Yearly Portfolios to the unit holders. In the list of investments, an asterisk mark shall be given against all such investments which are recognised as illiquid securities.
9.6.3 Mutual Funds shall not be allowed to transfer illiquid securities
among their schemes.

102 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
9.7 Guidelines for Identification and Provisioning for Non
Performing Assets (Debt Securities)
221
9.7.1 Definition of a Non Performing Asset (NPA)
9.7.1.1 An ‘asset’ shall be classified as NPA if the interest and/or
principal amount have not been received or remained outstanding for one quarter from the day such income and/or installment was due.
9.7.2 Effective date for classification and provisioning of NPAs
9.7.2.1 The definition of NPA may be applied after a quarter past due date
of the interest. For e.g. if the due date for interest is 30.06.2000, it will be classified as NPA from 01.10.2000.
9.7.3 Treatment of income accrued on the NPA and further accruals
9.7.3.1 After the expiry of the 1 st quarter from the date the income has
fallen due, there will be no further interest accrual on the asset i.e. if the due date for interest falls on 30.06.2000 and if the interest is not received, accrual will continue till 30.09.2000 after which there will be no further accrual of income. In short, taking the above example, from the beginning of the 2 nd quarter there will be no further accrual on income.
9.7.3.2 On classification of the asset as NPA from a quarter past due date
of interest, all interest accrued and recognized in the books of accounts of the Mutual Fund till the date shall be provided for. For e.g. if interest income falls due on 30.06.2000, accrual of interest will continue till 30.09.2000 even if the income as on
30.06.2000 has not been received. Further, no accrual will take

221 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/8/92/2000 dated September 18, 2000.

103 Master Circular for Mutual Funds place from 01.10.2000 onwards. Full provision will be made for interest accrued and outstanding as on 30.06.2000.
9.7.4 Provision for NPAs – Debt Securities
9.7.4.1 Both secured and unsecured investments, once they are
recognized as NPAs, call for provisioning in the same manner and where these are related to close ended schemes, the phasing would be such that to ensure full provisioning prior to the closure of the scheme or the scheduled phasing which ever is earlier.
9.7.4.2 The value of the asset shall be provided in the following manner or
earlier at the discretion of the Mutual Fund. Mutual Funds will not have discretion to extend the period of provisioning. The provisioning against the principal amount or installments shall be made at the following rates irrespective of whether the principal is due for repayment or not. a. 10 percent of the book value of the asset shall be provided for after 6 months past due date of interest i.e. 3 months form the date of classification of the asset as NPA. b. 20 percent of the book value of the asset should be provided for after 9 months past due date of interest i.e. 6 months from the date of classification of the asset as NPA.
c. Another 20 percent of the book value of the assets shall be
provided for after 12 months past due date of interest i.e. 9 months from the date of classification of the asset as NPA. d. Another 25 percent of the book value of the assets shall be provided for after 15 months past due date of interest i.e. 12 months from the date of classification of the asset as NPA. e. The balance 25 percent of the book value of the asset shall be provided for after 18 months past due date of the interest i.e. 15 months from the date of classification of the assets as NPA.

104 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
9.7.4.3 Book value for the purpose of provisioning for NPAs shall be taken
as a value determined as per the prescribed valuation method.
9.7.4.4 This can be explained by an illustration:
a. Let us consider that interest income is due on a half yearly basis and the due date falls on 30.06.2000 and the interest is not received till 1 st quarter after due date i.e. 30.09.2000. The provisioning will be done in the following phased manner:

b. Thus, one and half years past the due date of income or one year and three months from the date of classification of the ‘asset’ as an NPA, the ‘asset’ will be fully provided for. If any installment is fallen due, during the period of interest default, the amount of provision shall be the installment amount or above provision amount, whichever is higher.
9.7.5 Reclassification of assets
9.7.5.1 Upon reclassification of assets as ‘performing assets’:
a. In case a company has fully cleared all the arrears of interest, the interest provisions can be written back in full. b. The asset will be reclassified as performing on clearance of all interest arrears and if the debt is regularly serviced over the next two quarters. 10% provision 01.01.2001 6 months past due date of interest i.e. 3 months from the date of classification of asset as NPA (01.10.2000) 20% provision 01.04.2001 20% provision 01.07.2001 25% provision 01.10.2001 25% provision 01.01.2002

105 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
c. In case the company has fully cleared all the arrears of interest,
the interest not credited on accrual basis shall be credited at the time of receipt. d. The provision made for the principal amount can be written back in the following manner

100% of the asset provided for in the books will be written
back at the end of the 2 nd quarter where the provision of principal was made due to the interest defaults only.
50% of the asset provided for in the books will be written
back at the end of the 2 nd quarter and 25% after every subsequent quarter where both installments and interest payment were in default earlier.
Explanation: The words “2 nd quarter” wherever appear, shall
mean 2 nd calendar quarter. 222 e. An asset is reclassified as 'standard asset' only when both, the overdue interest and overdue installments are paid in full and there is satisfactory performance for a subsequent period of 6 months.
9.7.6 Receipt of past dues:
9.7.6.1 When the Mutual Fund has received income/ principal amount
after their classifications as NPAs:
a. For the next 2 quarters, income shall be recognized on cash basis and thereafter on accrual basis. The asset will be continued to be classified as NPA for these two quarters. b. During this period of two quarters although the asset is classified as NPA no provision needs to be made for the principal if the same is not due and outstanding.

222 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/088/2001 dated March 28, 2001.

106 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
c. If part payment is received towards principal, the asset continues
to be classified as NPA and provisions are continued as per the norms set at 9.7.4 above any excess provision will be written back.
9.7.7 Classification of Deep Discount Bonds as NPAs
9.7.7.1 Investments in Deep Discount Bonds can be classified as NPAs, if
any two of the following conditions are satisfied:
a. If the rating of the Bond comes down to Grade ‘BB’ (or its equivalent) or below b. If the company is defaulting in their commitments in respect of other assets, if available.
c. Full Net worth erosion.
9.7.7.2 Provision should be made as per the norms set at 9.7.4 above as
soon as the asset is classified as NPA.
9.7.7.3 Full provision can be made if the rating comes down to Grade ‘D’
(or its equivalent).
9.7.8 Reschedulement of an asset
9.7.8.1 In case a company defaults in payment of either interest or
principal amount and the Mutual Fund has accepted a rescheduling of the schedule of payments, then the following practice shall be adhered to:
a. In case it is a first reschedulement and only payment of interest is in default, the classification of the asset as NPA shall be continued and existing provisions shall not be written back. This practice shall be continued for two quarters of regular servicing of the debt. Thereafter, this be classified as ‘performing asset’ and the interest provided can be written back.

107 Master Circular for Mutual Funds b. If the reschedulement is done due to default in interest and principal amount, the asset shall continue as NPA for a period of 4 quarters, even though the asset is continued to be serviced during these 4 quarters regularly. Thereafter, the asset can be classified as ‘performing asset’ and all the interest provided till such date shall be written back.
c. If the reschedulement is done for a second/ third time or
thereafter, the characteristics of NPA should be continued for eight quarters of regular servicing of the debt. The provision shall be written back only after the asset is reclassified as ‘performing asset’.
9.7.9 Disclosure in the Half Yearly Portfolio Reports
9.7.9.1 Mutual Funds shall make scrip wise disclosures of NPAs on Half
Yearly basis along with the Half Yearly Portfolio Disclosure in the format prescribed 223.
9.7.9.2 The total amount of provisions made against the NPAs shall be
disclosed in addition to the total quantum of NPAs and their proportion to the assets of the Mutual Fund scheme. In the list of investments and asterisk mark shall be given against such investments which are recognized as NPAs. Where the date of redemption of an investment has lapsed, the amount not redeemed shall be shown as ‘Sundry Debtors’ and not investment, provided, that where an investment is redeemable by installments, that will be shown as an investment until all installments have become overdue.

223 For formats of Half yearly disclosure, please refer to the section on Formats

108 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
9.8 Investment in Unlisted Equity Shares 224
9.8.1 To ensure uniformity in calculation of NAV the following guidelines
are issued:
9.8.1.1 Methodology for Valuation - unlisted equity shares of a company
shall be valued "in good faith" as below:
a. Based on the latest available audited balance sheet, Net Worth shall be calculated as the lower of item (1) and (2) below:

Net Worth per share = [Share Capital + Free Reserves
(excluding revaluation reserves) - Miscellaneous expenditure not written off or deferred revenue expenditure, intangible assets and accumulated losses] / Number of Paid up Shares.
After taking into account the outstanding warrants and
options, Net Worth per share shall again be calculated and shall be = [Share Capital + consideration on exercise of Option and/or Warrants received/receivable by the Company + Free Reserves (excluding Revaluation Reserves) - Miscellaneous expenditure not written off or deferred revenue expenditure, intangible assets and accumulated losses] / Number of Paid up Shares plus Number of Shares that would be obtained on conversion and/or exercise of Outstanding Warrants and Options.
The lower of (1) and (2) above shall be used for calculation of
Net Worth per share and for further calculation in (c) below. b. Average capitalisation rate (P/E ratio) for the industry based upon either BSE or NSE data (which shall be followed consistently and

224 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/03/526/2002 dated May 9, 2002.

109 Master Circular for Mutual Funds changes, if any, noted with proper justification thereof) shall be taken and discounted by 75 per cent. i.e. only 25 per cent of the industry average P/E shall be taken as capitalisation rate (P/E ratio). Earnings per share (EPS) of the latest audited annual accounts will be considered for this purpose.
c. The value as per the Net Worth value per share and the capital
earning value calculated as above shall be averaged and further discounted by 15 per cent for illiquidity so as to arrive at the fair value per share.
9.8.1.2 The above valuation methodology shall be subject to the following
conditions:
a. All calculations shall be based on audited accounts. b. If the latest Balance Sheet of the company is not available within nine months from the close of the year, unless the accounting year is changed, the shares of such companies shall be valued at zero.
c. If the Net Worth of the company is negative, the share would be
marked down to zero. d. In case the EPS is negative, EPS value for that year shall be taken as zero for arriving at capitalised earning. e. In case an individual security accounts for more than 5 per cent of the total assets of the scheme, an independent valuer shall be appointed for the valuation of the said security. To determine if a security accounts for more than 5 per cent of the total assets of the scheme, it shall be valued in accordance with the procedure as mentioned above on the date of valuation.

110 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
9.8.2 At the discretion of the AMCs and with the approval of the Trustees,
unlisted equity shares may be valued at a price lower than the value derived using the aforesaid methodology.
9.8.3 Due Diligence
9.8.3.1 Mutual Funds shall not make Investment in unlisted equity
shares at a price higher than the price obtained by using the aforesaid methodology. However, this restriction is not applicable for investment made in the Initial Public Offers (IPOs) of the companies or firm allotment in public issues where all the regulatory requirements and formalities pertaining to public issues have been complied with by the companies and where the Mutual Funds are required to pay just before the date of public issue.
9.8.3.2 The Board of the AMC and Board of Trustees shall lay down the
parameters for investing in unlisted equity shares. They shall pay specific attention as to whether due diligence was exercised while making such investments and shall review the performance of such investments in their periodical meetings 225.
9.8.4 Reporting of Compliance
9.8.4.1 Comments on compliance of these Guidelines shall be indicated
by the AMCs and Trustees in their CTRs 226 and Half Yearly Reports 227 filed with the Board.

225 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/6/73/2000 dated July 27, 2000. 226 For CTR format please refer to the section on formats 227 For Half Yearly Reports, please refer to the section on formats

111 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
9.9 Valuation of securities not covered under the current
valuation policy 228:
9.9.1 In case of securities purchased by mutual funds do not fall within
the current framework of the valuation of securities then such mutual fund shall report immediately to AMFI regarding the same. Further, at the time of investment AMCs shall ensure that the total exposure in such securities does not exceed 5% of the total AUM of the scheme.
9.9.2 AMFI has been advised that the valuation agencies should ensure
that the valuation of such securities gets covered in the valuation framework within six weeks from the date of receipt of such intimation from mutual fund.
9.9.3 In the interim period, till AMFI makes provisions to cover such
securities in the valuation of securities framework, the mutual funds shall value such securities using their proprietary model which has been approved by their independent trustees and the statutory auditors.
9.10 Dissemination of information:
9.10.1 All mutual funds shall provide transaction details, including inter
scheme transfers, of money market and debt securities on daily basis to the agency entrusted for providing the benchmark yield/ matrix of spread over risk free benchmark yield. Submission of data 229 would help in daily matrix generation and would improve uniformity and accuracy of valuation in the mutual funds industry.

228 SEBI/IMD/CIR No.16/193388/2010 dated February 02, 2010 and Cir/IMD/DF/4/2010 dated June 21, 2010 229 SEBI Circular No.MFD/CIR/23 /066 / 2003 dated March 7, 2003. For disclosure of transaction details, please refer to the section on Formats

112 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
9.10.2 The AMCs shall also disclose all details of debt and money market
securities transacted (including inter scheme transfers) in its schemes portfolio on its website and the same shall be forwarded to AMFI for consolidation and dissemination as per format 230. These disclosures shall be made settlement date wise on daily basis with a time lag of 30 days 231.
9.11 Consistency
9.11.1 All AMC’s shall ensure that similar securities held under its various
schemes shall be valued consistently.

230 For format please refer to the section on formats 231 SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/6/2012 dated February 28, 2012

113 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 10
LOADS, FEES, CHARGES AND EXPENSES
10.1 Limits on fees and expenses charged to schemes 232
10.1.1 Mutual Funds may charge certain expenses to a scheme, as
specified under Regulations. 233 Apart from the these expenses, any other expense as may be approved by SEBI under clause (xiii) of Sub Regulation 52(4) can also be charged to the Mutual Fund schemes. Other expenses directly attributable to a scheme may be charged with the approval of trustees within the overall limits as provided in the Regulation 52(6). 234
10.1.2 Additional TER 235 can be charged up to 30 basis points on daily net
assets of the scheme as per Regulation 52 236, if the new inflows from beyond top 15 cities are at least (a) 30% of gross new inflows in the scheme or (b) 15% of the average assets under management (year to date) of the scheme, whichever is higher. In case inflows from beyond top 15 cities is less than the higher of (a) or (b) above, additional TER on daily net assets of the scheme shall be charged as follows:
Daily net assets X 30 basis points X New inflows from beyond top 15 cities 365* X Higher of (a) or (b) above

366, wherever applicable.

232 SEBI Circular No. IIMARP/MF/CIR/01/428/97 dated February 28, 1997, SEBI Circular No. IIMARP/MF/CIR/07/826/98 dated April 15, 1998, SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/9/120/2000 dated November 24, 2000. 233 Regulation 52(4) of the Mutual Funds Regulations,1996 234 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/9/120/2000 dated November 24, 2000. 235 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012. 236 Regulation 52 of the Mutual Funds Regulations,1996

114 Master Circular for Mutual Funds The top 15 cities shall mean top 15 cities based on Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) data on ‘AUM by Geography – Consolidated Data for Mutual Fund Industry’ as at the end of the previous financial year.
10.1.3 The additional TER on account of inflows from beyond top 15 cities
so charged shall be clawed back in case the same is redeemed within a period of 1 year from the date of investment.
10.1.4 Mutual funds/AMCs shall make complete disclosures in the half
yearly report of Trustees to SEBI regarding the efforts undertaken by them to increase geographical penetration of mutual funds and the details of opening of new branches, especially at locations beyond top 15 cities.
10.1.5 Brokerage and transaction cost 237 incurred for the purpose of
execution of trade may be capitalized to the extent of 12bps and 5bps for cash market transactions and derivatives transactions respectively. Any payment towards brokerage and transaction cost, over and above the said 12 bps and 5bps for cash market transactions and derivatives transactions respectively may be charged to the scheme within the maximum limit of Total Expense Ratio (TER) as prescribed under regulation 52 238. Any expenditure in excess of the said prescribed limit (including brokerage and transaction cost, if any) shall be borne by the AMC or by the trustee or sponsors.

237 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012 & SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/24/2012 dated November 19, 2012. 238 Regulation 52 of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996

115 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
10.1.6 Investor Education and Awareness 239:
10.1.6.1 Mutual Funds/AMCs shall annually set apart at least 2 basis
points on daily net assets within the maximum limit of TER as per regulation 52 of the Regulations for investor education and awareness initiatives. Mutual Funds shall make complete disclosures in the half yearly trustee report to SEBI regarding the investor education and awareness initiatives undertaken.
10.1.7 The following expenses cannot be charged to the schemes of Mutual
Funds:
10.1.7.1 Penalties and fines for infraction of laws.
10.1.7.2 Interest on delayed payment to the unit holders.
10.1.7.3 Legal, marketing, publication and other general expenses not
attributable to any scheme(s).
10.1.7.4 Fund Accounting Fees.
10.1.7.5 Expenses on investment management/general management.
10.1.7.6 Expenses on general administration, corporate advertising and
infrastructure costs.
10.1.7.7 Depreciation on fixed assets and software development
expenses.
10.1.7.8 Such other costs as may be prohibited by the Board.
10.1.8 The expenditure and/or fee payable by Mutual Funds to the
Depositories may either be capitalized or included as part of

239 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012

116 Master Circular for Mutual Funds recurring expenditure within the limits prescribed under Regulation 52(6) of the Mutual Funds Regulations 240.
10.1.9 Further, each item of expenditure accounting for more than 10% of
total expenditure shall be disclosed in the accounts or the notes thereto of the schemes 241.
10.1.10 Provision of charging of additional management fees by the Asset
Management Companies in case of schemes launched on no load basis 242.
10.1.10.1 AMC shall not collect any additional management fees referred
to in Regulation 243.
10.1.10.2 Mutual Fund Schemes to be launched including those for which
observation letter have been issued under Regulation 244 would be required to carry out the changes in SID and file the same with SEBI before the launch.
10.2 Restriction on paying brokerage or commission 245
10.2.1 In case of investments made by the Sponsor(s), no brokerage or
commission shall be paid.
10.3 Restriction on charging Service Tax 246
10.3.1 AMC(s) can charge Service Tax, as per applicable Taxation Laws, to
the scheme(s) within the limits prescribed under Regulations 247

240 SEBI Circular No. IIMARP/MF/CIR/07/826/98 dated April 15, 1998. , , , 241 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/9/120/2000 dated November 24, 2000. 242 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No 18 / 198647 /2010 dated March 15, 2010 243 Regulation 52(3) of SEBI Mutual Funds Regulation, 1996 and SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No. 4/ 168230/09 dated June 30, 2009 244 Regulation 29 of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 245 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR No.3/211/2001 dated April 30, 2001, SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR No.5/153/2001 dated May 24, 2001. 246 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/04/430/2002 dated June 19, 2002, SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012. 247 Reg.52(6) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996.

117 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
10.3.2 Mutual funds /AMCs may charge service tax on investment and
advisory fees to the scheme in addition to the maximum limit of TER as prescribed in Regulation 52 248.
10.3.3 Service tax on other than investment and advisory fees, if any, shall
be borne by the scheme within the maximum limit of TER as per Regulation 52 249.
10.3.4 Service tax on exit load, if any, shall be paid out of the exit load
proceeds and exit load net of service tax, if any, shall be credited to the scheme.
10.3.5 Service tax on brokerage and transaction cost 250 paid for execution
of trade, if any, shall be within the limit prescribed under regulation 52 of the Regulations.
10.4 Empowering investors through transparency in payment
of commission and load structure 251
10.4.1 In order to empower investors in deciding the commission paid to
distributors in accordance with the level of service received, it has been mandated that:
10.4.1.1There shall be no entry load 252 for all Mutual Fund schemes.
10.4.1.2 The scheme application forms shall carry a suitable disclosure to
the effect that the upfront commission to distributors will be paid by the investor directly to the distributor, based on his

248 Regulation 52 of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 249 Regulation 52 of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 250 SEBI Circular No. CIR/ IMD/ DF/ 24/2012 dated November 19, 2012 251, 219 SEBI Circular No SEBI/IMD/CIR No. 4/ 168230/09 dated June 30, 2009 252 Waiver of load for direct applications - Vide SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.10/112153/07 dated December 31, 2007,SEBI mandated w.e.f January 4,2009 no entry load shall be charged for applications received directly by the AMC(s) through internet or submitted directly to the AMC(s) or Collection Center/Investor Service Centre and not routed through any distributor or agent or broker. This waiver was applicable to both additional purchases under the same folio and ‘switch in’ to a scheme from other schemes also done directly by the investor. AMCs shall follow the provisions pertaining to informing the unitholders upon a change in load structure as per clause 3(d) of standard observations.

118 Master Circular for Mutual Funds assessment of various factors including the service rendered by the distributor.
10.4.1.3 The load balances are maintained as ‘liabilities’ in the books of
the scheme and are not included in the net asset value (NAV). The usage 253 of the load account shall be subject to the following:
a. The load balance shall be segregated into two accounts in the books of accounts of the scheme - one to reflect the balance as on July 31, 2009 and the other to reflect accretions since August 01, 2009. b. However, not more than one- third of load balance as on July 31, 2009 shall be used in any financial year. It is clarified though the unutilized balances can be carried forward, yet in no financial year the total spending can be more than one third of the load balances on July 31, 2009. The accretions after July 31, 2009 can be used by mutual funds for marketing and selling expenses including distributor’s/agent's commissions without any restrictions mentioned in Para (b) above.
10.4.1.4 The exit load charged 254, if any, after the commencement of
SEBI (Mutual Funds) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2012, shall be credited to the scheme. 10.4.1.5The distributors should disclose all the commissions (in the form of trail commission or any other mode) payable to them for the different competing schemes of various Mutual Funds from

253 SEBI Circular No.CIR/IMD/DF/4/2011 dated March 9, 2011 254 Regulation 51A of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996.

119 Master Circular for Mutual Funds amongst which the scheme is being recommended to the investor.
10.4.2 The above guidelines became applicable for:
10.4.2.1 Investments in mutual fund schemes (including additional
purchases and switch-in to a scheme from other schemes) w.e.f August 1, 2009
10.4.2.2 Redemptions from mutual fund schemes (including switch-out
from other schemes) w.e.f August 1, 2009
10.4.2.3 New mutual fund schemes launched on or after August 1, 2009
10.4.2.4 Systematic Investment Plans (SIP) registered on or after August
1, 2009 255.
10.4.3 The AMCs are required to bring the contents of these guidelines to
the notice of their distributors and monitor compliance.
10.5 Transaction Charges 256
10.5.1 A transaction charge per subscription of Rs.10,000/- and above
be allowed to be paid to the distributors of the Mutual Fund products. However, there shall be no transaction charges on direct investments. The transaction charge shall be subject to the following:
10.5.1.1 For existing investors in a Mutual Fund, the distributor may
be paid Rs.100/- as transaction charge per subscription of Rs.10,000/- and above.
10.5.1.2 As an incentive to attract new investors, the distributor may
be paid Rs.150/- as transaction charge for a first time investor in Mutual Funds.

255 SEBI Circular No.MFD/CIR/04/430/2002 dated June 19, 2002, SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/df/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012 256 SEBI Circular no. CIR/IMD/DF/13/2011 dated August 22, 2011

120 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
10.5.1.3 The terms and conditions relating to transaction charge shall
be part of the application form in bold print.
10.5.1.4 The transaction charge, if any, shall be deducted by the
AMC from the subscription amount and paid to the distributor; and the balance shall be invested.
10.5.1.5 The statement of account shall clearly state that the net
investment as gross subscription less transaction charge and give the number of units allotted against the net investment.
10.5.1.6 Distributors shall be able to choose to opt out of charging the
transaction charge. However, the ‘opt-out’ shall be at distributor level and not investor level i.e. a distributor shall not charge one investor and choose not to charge another investor. Further, Distributors shall have also the option to either opt in or opt out of levying transaction charge based on type of the product 257.
10.5.1.7 The AMCs shall be responsible for any malpractice/mis-selling
by the distributor while charging transaction costs.
10.5.1.8 There shall be no transaction charge on subscription below
Rs.10,000/-
10.5.1.9 In case of SIPs, the transaction charge shall be applicable
only if the total commitment through SIPs amounts to Rs.10,000/- and above. In such cases the transaction charge shall be recovered in 3-4 installments.
10.5.1.10 There shall be no transaction charge on transactions other
than purchases/ subscriptions relating to new inflows.

257 SEBI Circurlar No. CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012

121 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
10.5.2 Mutual Funds shall institute systems to detect if a distributor is
splitting investments in order to enhance the amount of transaction charges and take stringent action including recommendations to AMFI to take appropriate action.
10.5.3 Mutual Funds/AMCs shall carry out an exercise of de-duplication
of folios across all Mutual Funds within a period of 6 months from August 22, 2011.
10.6 No Load on Bonus Units and Units allotted on
Reinvestment of Dividend 258
10.6.1 AMC(s) shall not charge entry and/or exit load on bonus units and
units allotted on reinvestment of dividend. Necessary disclosures in this regard shall be made in the SID filed with the Board 259
10.7 Filing fees 260
10.7.1 Revised filing fee 261 as per the SEBI (Payment of Fees) Amendment
Regulations 2014 would be applicable to those scheme(s) whose SID has been filed with SEBI on or after May 23, 2014.
10.8 Exit load parity
10.8.1 While charging exit loads, no distinction among unit holders
should be made based on the amount of subscription 262. While complying with the same, Mutual Funds should ensure that “any

258 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No. 14/120784/08 dated March 18, 2008 259 SEBI Circular No. CIR/ IMD/DF/24/2012 dated November 19, 2012 260 SEBI Cir No. SEBI / IMD / CIR No. 5 / 169030 / 2009 dated July 8, 2009 261 Gazettee Notification No. LAD-NRO/GN/20014-15/03/1089 on SEBI (Payment of Fees) (Amendment) Regulations, 2014 dated 23 May, 2014 262 SEBI Circular No. SEBI / IMD / CIR No. 6 /172445/ 2009 dated August 7,2009 All Mutual Funds shall ensure compliance with this circular on or before August 24, 2009

122 Master Circular for Mutual Funds imposition or enhancement in the load shall be applicable on prospective investments only. 263
10.8.2 Further, the parity among all classes of unit holders in terms of
charging exit load shall be made applicable at the portfolio level. 264

263 SEBI Circular No - SEBI / IMD / CIR No. 7 /173650 / 2009 dated August 17,2009 and SEBI circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No. 5/126096/08 dated May 23, 2008 (clause 16 of the standard observations) 264 SEBI Circular No - SEBI / IMD / CIR No. 7 /173650 / 2009 dated August 17,2009

123 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 11
DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTION PROCEDURE 265, 266
11.1 Regulations267 permit Mutual Funds to distribute returns including
dividend. To introduce uniform practices in dividend distribution, the following guidelines should be followed:
11.2 These guidelines are applicable to all Mutual Fund schemes/plans which
intend to declare the dividend irrespective of their dates of launch. 268
11.2.1 Unlisted Scheme(s)/ Plan(s)
11.2.1.1 The Trustees shall decide the quantum of dividend and the
record date in their meeting 269. Dividend so decided, shall be paid, subject to availability of distributable surplus.
11.2.1.2 Record date shall be the date which will be considered for the
purpose of determining the eligibility of investors whose names appear on the register of unit holders for receiving dividends. The NAV shall be adjusted to the extent of dividend distribution and statutory levy, if applicable, at the close of business hours on record date.
11.2.1.3 Within one calender day of the decision of the Trustees with
respect to the dividend to be distributed, the AMC(s) shall issue a notice to the public communicating the decision including the record date. The record date shall be five calendar days from the issue of public notice.

265 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.1/64057/06 dated April 4, 2006. 266 For details on advertisement on dividend please refer to Chapter on ‘Advertisements’ 267 Regulation 53(a) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 268 SEBI Circular No SEBI/IMD/CIR No. 3/65370/06 dated April 21,2006 269 Clause 20 of Third Schedule of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996

124 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
11.2.1.4 Before the issue of such notice, no communication whatsoever
indicating the probable date of dividend declaration shall be issued by any Mutual Fund or its distributors of its products.
11.2.1.5 Such notice shall be given in at least one English daily
newspaper having nationwide circulation as well as in a newspaper published in the language of the region where the head office of the Mutual Fund is situated.
11.2.1.6 The notice shall, in font size 10, bold, categorically state that
pursuant to dividend distribution, NAV of the scheme would fall to the extent of payout and statutory levy (if applicable).
11.2.2 Liquid / Debt Schemes with frequent dividend distribution
11.2.2.1 The requirement of giving notice is not mandatory for scheme(s)/
plan(s)/ option(s) with dividend distribution frequency ranging from daily up to monthly distribution if requisite disclosures in this regard are made in the SID.
11.2.3 Listed Schemes/Plans
11.2.3.1 Listed scheme(s)/ plan(s) shall follow the requirements stipulated
in the Listing Agreement for dividend declaration and distribution.

125 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
11.3 Non availability of Unit Premium Reserve for dividend
distribution 270
11.3.1 Regulations 271 provide the accounting policies to be followed for
determining distributable surplus and accounting the sale and repurchase of units in the books of the Mutual Fund. The format for Scheme Balance Sheet (including Abridged) provides for disclosure of Unit Premium Reserve.
11.3.2 Unit Premium Reserve, which is part of the sales price of units that
is not attributable to realized gains, cannot be used to pay dividend. Therefore:
11.3.2.1 When units of an open-ended scheme are sold, and sale price is
higher than face value of the unit, part of sale proceeds that represents unrealised gains shall be credited to a separate account (Unit Premium Reserve) and shall be treated at par with unit capital and the same shall not be utilized for the determination of distributable surplus.
11.3.2.2 When units of an open-ended scheme are sold, and sale price is
less than face value of the unit, the difference between the sale price and face value shall be debited to distributable reserves and the dividend can be declared only when distributable reserves become positive after adjusting the amount debited to reserves as per Regulations 272.

270 SEBI circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No 18 / 198647 /2010 dated March 15, 2010 271 Ninth and Eleventh Schedule of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 272 Paragraph 2(a) (ix) of Eleventh Schedule of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996

126 Master Circular for Mutual Funds 12
CHAPTER 12
INVESTMENT BY SCHEMES 273
12.1 Investments by Index Funds: 274
12.1.1 Investments by index funds shall be in accordance with the
weightage of the scrips in the specific index as disclosed in the SID 275 In case of sector or industry specific scheme, the upper ceiling on investments may be in accordance with the weightage of the scrips in the representative sectoral index or sub index as disclosed in the SID or 10% of the NAV of the scheme, whichever is higher.
12.2 Investments by Liquid Schemes and plans 276
12.2.1 The ‘liquid fund schemes and plans’ shall make investment in
/purchase debt and money market securities with maturity of upto 91 days only 277. This shall also be applicable in case of inter scheme transfer of securities 278
12.2.1.1 Explanation:

273 Investments in Money Market instruments (MMIs) In case of the existing schemes ( i.e. existing on date of issue of SEBI Circular No - SEBI / IMD / CIR No.3 / 166386 / 2009 dated June 15, 2009) where the investments in money market instruments of an issuer are not in compliance with the Gazette Notification No. LAD – NRO/GN/2009-10/07/165404 dated June 5, 2009, AMC shall ensure compliance within a period of 3 months from the date of notification. << 274 SEBI Circular No - MFD/CIR/09/014/2000 dated January 5, 2000 275 See Clause 10, Seventh Schedule of Mutual Funds Regulations. < 276 SEBI Circular No - SEBI/IMD/CIR No.13/150975 / 09 dated January 19, 2009 277 With effect from February 01, 2009 make investment in /purchase debt and money market securities with maturity of upto182 days only. 278 Transition provision:
Inter-scheme transfers of securities having maturity upto 365 days and held in other schemes as on February 01, 2009 shall be permitted till October 31, 2009. With effect from November 1, 2009 the requirements stated at paragraph 12.2.1 above shall apply to such inter-se scheme transfers also. <

127 Master Circular for Mutual Funds a. In case of securities where the principal is to be repaid in a single payout the maturity of the securities shall mean residual maturity. In case the principal is to be repaid in more than one payout then the maturity of the securities shall be calculated on the basis of weighted average maturity of security. b. In case of securities with put and call options (daily or otherwise) the residual maturity of the securities shall not be greater than 91 days 279
c. In case the maturity of the security falls on a non-business day then
settlement of securities will take place on the next business day.
12.2.2 The above requirements shall be disclosed in the SID and shall
form part of the investment allocation pattern. Any deviation from these requirements shall be viewed as violation of investment restrictions.
12.3 Investments by close ended debt schemes:
12.3.1Close ended debt schemes shall invest only in such securities which mature on or before the date of the maturity of the scheme 280
12.4 Prudential limits and disclosures on portfolio
concentration risk in debt oriented mutual fund schemes 281 12.4.1Mutual Funds/AMCs shall ensure that total exposure of debt schemes of mutual funds in a particular sector (excluding investments in Bank CDs, CBLO, G-Secs, T-Bills and AAA rated securities issued by Public Financial Institutions and Public

279 w.e.f May 01, 2009.

128 Master Circular for Mutual Funds Sector Banks), short term deposits of scheduled commercial banks 282) shall not exceed 30% of the net assets of the scheme; Provided that an additional exposure to financial services sector (over and above the limit of 30%) not exceeding 10% of the net assets of the scheme shall be allowed by way of increase in exposure to Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) only; Provided further that the additional exposure to such securities issued by HFCs are rated AA and above and these HFCs are registered with National Housing Bank (NHB) and the total investment/ exposure in HFCs shall not exceed 30% of the net assets of the scheme."
12.4.2 Appropriate disclosures shall be made in Scheme Information
Document (SID) and Key Information Memorandum (KIM) of debt schemes.
12.5 Stock Lending Scheme 283
12.5.1 The following guidelines are issued to facilitate lending of securities
by Mutual Funds through intermediaries approved by the Board in accordance with the Stock Lending & Borrowing Scheme. 284
12.5.2 Disclosure Requirements
12.5.2.1 The following information shall be disclosed in the SID to enable
the investors and unit holders to take an informed decision:
a. Intention to lend securities belonging to a particular Mutual Fund scheme in accordance with the guidelines on

280 SEBI Circular No IMD/CIR No 12/147132/08 dated December 11, 2008. 281 SEBI Circular No.CIR/IMD/ DF/ 21/ 2012 dated September 13, 2012 and SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/24/2012 dated November 19, 2012 282 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/05/2014 dated March 24, 2014 283 SEBI Circular No MFD/CIR/01/047/99 dated February 10, 1999. , 284 Regulation 44(4) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996.

129 Master Circular for Mutual Funds securities lending and borrowing scheme issued by SEBI from time to time. 285 b. Exposure limit with regard to securities lending, both for the scheme as well as for a single intermediary.
c. Risks factors such as loss, bankruptcy etc. associated with
such transactions.
12.5.3 Reporting Requirement
12.5.3.1 The AMC(s) shall report to the Trustees on a quarterly basis
about the level of lending, in terms of value, volume and intermediaries and also earnings and/or losses, value of collateral security etc.
12.5.3.2 The Trustees shall periodically review the securities lending
contract and take reasonable steps to ensure that the same is not, in any way, detrimental to the interests of the unit holders of the scheme.
12.5.3.3 The Trustees shall offer their comments on the above aspects in
the Half Yearly Trustee Report filed with the Board. 286
12.5.4 Existing schemes
12.5.4.1 In case an existing SID does not provide for lending of securities,
Mutual Funds may still lend securities belonging to the scheme, in accordance with the SEBI Guidelines, provided approval is obtained from the Trustees and the intention to lend securities is conveyed to the unit holders.

285 SEBI Circular No - SEBI / IMD / CIR No 14 / 187175/ 2009 dated December 15,2009 286 Regulation 18(23)(a) of the Mutual Funds Regulations. Further, for format of Half Yearly Trustee Report please refer to section on Formats.

130 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
12.6 Approval for Investment in Unrated Debt Instruments 287
12.6.1 Mutual Funds may, for the purpose of operational flexibility,
constitute committees to approve investment proposals in unrated instruments. However, detailed parameters for investment in unrated debt instruments have to be approved by the Board of the AMC and Trustees. Details of such investments shall be communicated by the AMCs to the Trustees in their periodical reports, along with clear indication as to how the parameters set for investments have been complied with. Prior approval of the Board of the AMC and Trustees shall be required in case investment is sought to be made in an unrated security falling outside the prescribed parameters.
12.7 Investments in Units of Venture Capital Funds 288
12.7.1 Mutual Fund schemes can invest in listed or unlisted securities or
units of Venture Capital Funds within the prescribed investment limits as applicable. 289
12.8 Investment limits for Government guaranteed debt
securities 290
12.8.1 Prudential investment norms as per Regulations stipulating limits
for investments in debt securities 291 issued by a single issuer are applicable to all debt securities issued by public bodies or institutions such as electricity boards, municipal corporations, state transport corporations etc. guaranteed by either State / Central Government. Government securities issued by Central

287 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/9/120/2000 dated November 24, 2000. 288 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/9/230/2001 dated August 14, 2001. , , , 289 Clauses 10 and 11, Seventh Schedule of SEBI (Mutual Funds), Regulations, 1996. , , 290 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.8/18944/03 dated October 6, 2003. , 291 Clauses 1 and 1A, Seventh Schedule of SEBI (Mutual Funds), Regulations, 1996. , ,

131 Master Circular for Mutual Funds and/or State Government or on its behalf, by the RBI are however exempt from these limits.
12.9 Investment Restrictions for Securitised Debt 292
12.9.1 For investments made in Securitised Debt (mortgage backed
securities and asset backed securities), restrictions as per Clause 1 of Seventh Schedule293 shall not apply at the originator level. 12.10Investments in Short Term Deposits of Scheduled Commercial Banks 294
12.10.1 The guidelines for deployment of funds in short term deposits of
commercial banks for schemes are as under:
12.10.1.1 “Short Term” for parking of funds by Mutual Funds shall be
treated as a period not exceeding 91 days. 295
12.10.1.2 Such deposits shall be held in the name of the concerned
scheme.
12.10.1.3 No mutual fund scheme shall park more than 15% of their net
assets in short term deposits of all scheduled commercial banks put together. This limit however may be raised to 20% with prior approval of the Trustees. Also, parking of funds in short term deposits of associate and sponsor scheduled commercial banks together shall not exceed 20% of the total deployment by the Mutual Fund in short term deposits.

292 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.6/63715/06 dated March 29, 2006. 293 Clause I of Schedule VII of SEBI (Mutual Fund), Regulations, 1996 294 SEBI Circulars No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.9/20306/03 dated November 12, 2003, SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/Cir No.1/91171/07 dated April 16, 2007, SEBI and Clause 8 of Seventh Schedule of Mutual Funds Regulations, 1996. , , , 295 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/Cir No.1/91171/07 dated April 16, 2007.

132 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
12.10.1.4 No mutual fund scheme shall park more than 10% of the net
assets in short term deposits with any one scheduled commercial bank including its subsidiaries.
12.10.1.5 Trustees shall ensure that funds of a particular scheme are not
parked in short term deposit of a bank which has invested in that scheme.
12.10.1.6 In case of liquid and debt oriented schemes, AMC(s) shall not
charge any investment management and advisory fees for parking of funds in short term deposits of scheduled commercial banks.
12.10.1.7 Half Yearly portfolio statements shall disclose all funds parked
in short term deposit(s) under a separate heading. Details shall also include name of the bank, amount of funds parked, percentage of NAV.
12.10.1.8 Trustees shall, in the Half Yearly Trustee Reports certify that
provisions of the Mutual Funds Regulations pertaining to parking of funds in short term deposits pending deployment are complied with at all points of time. The AMC(s) shall also certify the same in its CTR(s).
12.10.1.9 Investments made in short term deposits pending deployment of
funds 296 shall be recorded 297 and reported to the Trustees including the reasons for the investment especially comparisons with interest rates offered by other scheduled commercial banks. 298
12.10.1.10 Except for clause (12.9.1.7) the above guidelines shall not apply
to term deposits placed as margins for trading in cash and

296 Clause 8, Schedule Seven, SEBI (Mutual Funds), Regulations, 1996. , , , , , , 297 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/6/73/2000 dated July 27, 2000. , , 298 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.9/20306/03 dated November 12, 2003. ,

133 Master Circular for Mutual Funds derivatives market 299. However, duration of such term deposits shall be disclosed in the Half Yearly Portfolio 300.
12.11 Reconciliation Procedure for Investment in Government
Securities 301
12.11.1 According to the RBI guidelines 302 issued to all SGL account
holders, to make transactions in government securities transparent, a monthly reconciliation system has been introduced between RBI and Mutual Funds maintaining SGL/CSGL accounts with respect to Government Securities on an ongoing basis.
12.11.2 Mutual Funds shall reconcile the balances reported in the monthly
statements furnished by RBI with the transactions undertaken by them.
12.11.3 The reconciliation procedure shall be made part of internal audit
and the auditors shall on a continuous basis, check the status of reconciliation and submit a report to the Audit Committee. These reports shall be placed in the meetings of the Board of the AMC and Trustees. Mutual Funds shall submit, on a quarterly basis to the RBI, a certificate confirming compliance with these requirements and any other guidelines issued by the RBI from time to time in this regard. Compliance shall also be reported to the Board in the CTRs of AMC(s) and Half Yearly Trustee Reports.

299 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/Cir No.7/129592/08 dated June 23, 2008. 300 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/Cir No.7/129592/08 dated June 23, 2008 301 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/19/22474/2002 dated November 20, 2002. , , 302 RBI Circular No.P.D.O.SGL.CIRR/1945/2002-2003 dated November 1, 2002.

134 Master Circular for Mutual Funds 12.12Participation of mutual funds in repo in corporate debt securities 303
12.12.1 Mutual funds can participate in repos in corporate debt securities
as per the guidelines issued by RBI from time to time, subject to the following conditions:
12.12.1.1 The gross exposure of any mutual fund scheme to repo
transactions in corporate debt securities shall not be more than 10 % of the net assets of the concerned scheme.
12.12.1.2 The cumulative gross exposure through repo transactions in
corporate debt securities along with equity, debt and derivatives shall not exceed 100% of the net assets of the concerned scheme.
12.12.1.3 Mutual funds shall participate in repo transactions only in
AA 304 and above rated corporate debt securities.
12.12.1.4 In terms of Regulation 44 (2) of the Securities and Exchange
Board of India (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996, mutual funds shall borrow through repo transactions only if the tenor of the transaction does not exceed a period of six months.
12.12.1.5 The Trustees and the Asset Management Companies shall frame
guidelines about, inter alia, , the following in context of these transactions keeping in mind the interest of investors in their schemes:
a. Category of counterparty b. Credit rating of counterparty

303 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/19/2011 dated November 11, 2011 304 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/23/2012 dated November 15, 2012

135 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
c. Tenor of collateral
d. Applicable haircuts
12.12.1.6 Mutual funds shall ensure compliance with the Seventh
Schedule of the Mutual Funds Regulations about
restrictions on investments, wherever applicable, with respect to repo transactions in corporate debt securities.
12.12.1.7 The details of repo transactions of the schemes in corporate debt
securities, including details of counterparties, amount involved and percentage of NAV shall be disclosed to investors in the half yearly portfolio statements and to SEBI in the half yearly trustee report.
12.12.1.8 To enable the investors in the mutual fund schemes to take
an informed decision, the concerned Scheme Information Document shall disclose the following:
a. The intention to participate in repo transactions in corporate debt securities in accordance with directions issued by RBI and SEBI from time to time; b. The exposure limit for the scheme; and
c. The risk factors associated with repo transactions in
corporate bonds

136 Master Circular for Mutual Funds 12.13Overseas Investment 305
12.13.1 Applicable limits:
12.13.1.1 Aggregate ceiling for overseas investments is US $ 7 billion 306
and within this overall limit, Mutual Funds can make overseas investments subject to a maximum of US $ 300 million per Mutual Fund.
12.13.1.2 Aggregate ceiling for investment by Mutual Funds in overseas
Exchange Traded Fund (ETF(s)) that invest in securities is US $ 1 billion subject to a maximum of US $ 50 million per Mutual Fund.
12.13.2 Permissible investments:
12.13.2.1 ADR(s) and/or GDR(s) issued by Indian or foreign companies.
12.13.2.2 Equity of overseas companies listed on recognized Stock
Exchanges overseas.
12.13.2.3 Initial and Follow on Public Offerings for listing at recognized
Stock Exchanges overseas.
12.13.2.4 Foreign debt securities in the countries with fully convertible
currencies, short term as well as long term debt instruments with rating not below investment grade by accredited/ registered credit rating agencies.
12.13.2.5 Money Market Instruments rated not below investment grade.

305 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.7/104753/07 dated September 26, 2007 & SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.2/122577/08 dated April 8, 2008. 306 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.2/122577/08 dated April 8, 2008.

137 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
12.13.2.6 Repos in form of investment, where the counterparty is rated
not below investment grade; repo shall not however involve any borrowing of funds by Mutual Funds.
12.13.2.7 Government securities where the countries are rated not below
investment grade.
12.13.2.8 Derivatives traded on recognized stock exchanges overseas only
for hedging and portfolio balancing with underlying as securities.
12.13.2.9 Short term deposits with banks overseas where the issuer is
rated not below investment grade.
12.13.2.10Units / securities issued by overseas Mutual Funds or unit trusts registered with overseas regulators and investing in a. Aforesaid Securities b. Real Estate Investment Trusts listed on recognized Stock Exchanges overseas or
c. Unlisted overseas securities, not exceeding 10% of their net
assets
12.13.3 Other Conditions: Funds Regulations and guidelines issued from
time to time, Mutual Funds shall adhere to the following specific guidelines while making overseas investments:
12.13.3.1 Appointment of a Dedicated Fund Manager:
a. A dedicated fund manager shall be appointed for making the above overseas investments stipulated under clause 12.13.2.1 to 12.13.2.10.

138 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
12.13.3.2 Due Diligence:
a. The Board of the AMC and Trustees shall exercise due diligence in making investment decisions and record the same. 307 They shall make a detailed analysis of risks and returns of overseas investment and how these investments would be in the interest of investors. Investment shall be made in liquid actively traded securities /instruments. b. The Board of the AMC and Trustees may prescribe detailed parameters for making such investments which may include identification of countries, country rating, country limits etc. They shall satisfy themselves that the AMC has experienced key personnel, research facilities and infrastructure for making such investments. Other specialized agencies and service providers associated with such investments e.g. custodian, bank, advisors etc. shall also have adequate expertise and infrastructure facilities. Their past track record of performance and regulatory compliance record, if they are registered with foreign regulators, should also be considered. Necessary agreements may be entered into with them as required.
12.13.3.3 Mandatory Disclosure Requirements for Mutual Fund schemes
proposing overseas investments:
a. Intention to invest in foreign securities and/or ETF(s) shall be disclosed in the SID. The attendant risk factors and returns ensuing from such investments shall be explained clearly in the SID. Mutual Funds shall also disclose as to how such investments will help in the furtherance of the investment objectives of the scheme(s). Such disclosures shall be in a language comprehensible to an average investor

307 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/6/73/2000 dated July 27, 2000.

139 Master Circular for Mutual Funds b. Mutual Funds shall disclose the name of the Dedicated Fund Manager for making overseas investments as stipulated under paragraph 12.13.3.2.a.
c. Mutual Funds shall disclose exposure limits i.e. the percentage
of assets of the scheme they would invest in foreign securities / ETF(s). d. Such investments shall be disclosed while disclosing Half Yearly portfolios in the prescribed format under a separate heading "Foreign Securities and/or overseas ETF(s)." Scheme wise percentage of investments made in such securities shall be disclosed while publishing Half Yearly Results in the prescribed format 308 as a footnote.
12.13.3.4 Investment by Existing Schemes:
a. Existing schemes of Mutual Funds where the SID provides for investment in foreign securities and attendant risk factors but which have not yet invested, may invest in foreign securities, consistent with the investment objectives of the schemes, provided a Dedicated Fund Manager has been appointed as stipulated in paragraph 12.13.3.2. Additional disclosures specified above shall be included by way of addendum and unit holders will be informed accordingly. b. In case the SID of an existing scheme does not provide for overseas investment, the scheme, if it so desires, may make such investments in accordance with these Guidelines, provided that prior to the overseas investments for the first time, the AMC shall ensure that a written communication about the proposed investment is sent to each unit holder and an advertisement is given in one English daily newspaper having

308 For Half Yearly Results, please refer to the section on Formats

140 Master Circular for Mutual Funds nationwide circulation as well as in a newspaper published in the language of the region where the Head Office of the Mutual Fund is situated. The communication to unit holders shall also disclose the risk factors associated with such investments.
12.13.3.5 Detailed periodic reporting to Trustees by AMC(s) shall include:
a. Performance of overseas investments b. Amount invested in various schemes and any breach of the exposure limit laid down in the SID.
12.13.3.6 Review of Performance:
a. The Board of the AMC and Trustees shall review the performance of schemes making overseas investments with appropriate benchmark(s) as disclosed in the SID.
12.13.3.7 Reporting to the Board:
a. The Trustees shall offer their comments on the compliance of these guidelines in the Half Yearly Reports filed with the Board.
12.13.3.8 Prudential Investment Norms:
a. Investment restrictions specified in Schedule Seven of the Mutual Funds Regulations are applicable to overseas investments stipulated under paragraph 12.13.2.1- 12.13.2.10 b. However, Clause 4 of the Seventh Schedule of the Mutual Funds Regulations that restricts investments in Mutual Fund units up to 5% of net assets and prohibits charging of fees, shall not be applicable to investments in Mutual Funds in foreign countries made in accordance with these Guidelines.

141 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
c. Management fees and other expenses charged by the Mutual
Funds in foreign countries along with the management fee and recurring expenses charged to the domestic Mutual Fund scheme shall not exceed the total limits on expenses as prescribed under Regulation 52(6) of the Mutual Funds Regulations. Where the scheme is investing only a part of the net assets in overseas Mutual Funds, the same principle shall be applicable for that part of investment. Details of calculation for charging such expenses shall be reported to the Board of the AMC and the Trustees and shall also be disclosed in the Annual Report of the scheme d. The application 309 for seeking approval for investing in foreign securities, ADR/GDR/overseas ETF(s) shall be made in advance of making investments. On receipt of approval from the Board, intimation may be sent by the AMC(s) to Overseas Investment Division, Foreign Exchange Department, RBI.
12.14 Investments in Indian Depository Receipts (IDRs) 310
12.4.1Mutual funds can invest in Indian Depository Receipts 311 [Indian Depository Receipts as defined in Companies (Issue of Indian Depository Receipts) Rules, 2004] subject to compliance with SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations 1996 and guidelines issued there under, specifically investment restrictions as specified in the Seventh Schedule of the Regulations.'

309 Please refer the section on formats for format of proposal for investments in foreign securities and ETFs 310 SEBI Circular No. IMD/CIR. No.1/165935/2009 dated June 09, 2009 311 Regulation 43(1) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996

142 Master Circular for Mutual Funds 12.15Investment Restrictions 312
12.15.1 All investment restrictions as contained in the Regulations 313 shall
be applicable at the time of making investment.
12.16 Recording of Investment Decisions 314
12.16.1 AMC(s) shall exercise due diligence and care in all investment
decisions as would be exercised by other persons engaged in the same business. 315 Further AMC(s) shall maintain records in support of each investment decision which will indicate data, facts and opinion leading to that decision. While broad parameters for investments can be prescribed by the Board of Directors of the AMC, the basis for taking individual scrip wise investment decision in equity and debt securities shall be recorded. A detailed research report analyzing various factors for each investment decision taken for the first time shall be maintained and the reasons for subsequent purchase and sales in the same scrip shall also be recorded. The contents of the research reports may be decided by the AMC(s) and the Trustees.
12.16.2 The Board of the AMC shall develop a mechanism to verify that
due diligence is being exercised while making investment decisions especially in cases of investment in unlisted and privately placed securities, unrated debt securities, NPAs, transactions where associates are involved and instances where the performance of the scheme(s) is poor.
12.16.3 AMC(s) shall report compliance with these requirements in their
periodical reports to the Trustees and the Trustees shall report

312 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/09/014/2000 dated January 5, 2000. 313 Seventh Schedule of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996. 314 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/6/73/2000 dated July 27, 2000.

315 Regulation 25(2) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996.

143 Master Circular for Mutual Funds the same to the Board in the Half Yearly Trustee Reports 316. Trustees shall also check compliance with these Guidelines through independent auditors or internal and/or statutory auditors or other systems developed by them.
12.17 Norms for investment and disclosure by Mutual Funds in
derivatives 317
12.17.1 Exposure Limits
12.17.1.1 The cumulative gross exposure through equity, debt and
derivative positions should not exceed 100% of the net assets of the scheme.
12.17.1.2 Mutual Funds shall not write options or purchase instruments
with embedded written options.
12.17.1.3 The total exposure related to option premium paid must not
exceed 20% of the net assets of the scheme.
12.17.1.4 Cash or cash equivalents with residual maturity of less than 91
days may be treated as not creating any exposure.
12.17.1.5 Exposure due to hedging positions may not be included in the
above mentioned limits subject to the following:
a. Hedging positions are the derivative positions that reduce possible losses on an existing position in securities and till the existing position remains. b. Hedging positions cannot be taken for existing derivative positions. Exposure due to such positions shall have to be added and treated under limits mentioned in Point 12.16.1.1.

316 For Half Yearly Trustee Report please refer to the section on Formats 317 SEBI Circular No. Cir/ IMD/ DF/ 11/ 2010 dated August 18, 2010

144 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
c. Any derivative instrument used to hedge has the same
underlying security as the existing position being hedged. d. The quantity of underlying associated with the derivative position taken for hedging purposes does not exceed the quantity of the existing position against which hedge has been taken.
12.17.1.6 Mutual Funds may enter into plain vanilla interest rate swaps
for hedging purposes. The counter party in such transactions has to be an entity recognized as a market maker by RBI. Further, the value of the notional principal in such cases must not exceed the value of respective existing assets being hedged by the scheme. Exposure to a single counterparty in such transactions should not exceed 10% of the net assets of the scheme.
12.17.1.7 Exposure due to derivative positions taken for hedging purposes
in excess of the underlying position against which the hedging position has been taken, shall be treated under the limits mentioned in point 12.16.1.1. Definition of Exposure in case of Derivative Positions
12.17.1.8 Each position taken in derivatives shall have an associated
exposure as defined under. Exposure is the maximum possible loss that may occur on a position. However, certain derivative positions may theoretically have unlimited possible loss. Exposure in derivative positions shall be computed as follows:
Position Exposure
Long Future Futures Price * Lot Size * Number of Contracts Short Future Futures Price * Lot Size * Number of Contracts Option bought Option Premium Paid * Lot Size * Number of Contracts.

145 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
12.17.1.9 The provisions shall be applicable for all new schemes launched
post the issue of the aforementioned guidelines. For all existing schemes, compliance with the guidelines shall be effective from October 01, 2010. 12.18Interval Schemes/Plans 318
12.18.1 Certain SIDs provide that the subscription to the scheme can be
made during a specific period (known as specified transaction period) and the repurchase of units is permitted on all business days subject to applicable loads (except for redemption during specified transaction period when no load is charged). These schemes are generally referred to as ‘interval schemes’.
12.18.2 For all interval schemes/plans 319:
12.18.2.1 The units shall be mandatorily listed.
12.18.2.2 No redemption/repurchase of units shall be allowed except
during the specified transaction period (the period during which both subscription and redemption may be made to and from the scheme). The specified transaction period shall be of minimum 2 working days.
12.18.2.3 Minimum duration of an interval period in an interval
scheme/plan shall be 15 days.
12.18.2.4 Investments shall be permitted only in such securities which
mature on or before the opening of the immediately following specified transaction period.

318 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF /19/2010 dated November 26, 2010 319 Applicability:
The AMC shall ensure compliance with the requirements mentioned in Clause 12.16.2 from the date of next specified transaction period or April 1, 2011 whichever is later. Schemes for which observations (final) under Regulation 29 of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 have been issued but are yet to be launched would be required to carry out the changes in Scheme Information Document and file the same with SEBI before the launch.

146 Master Circular for Mutual Funds Explanation:
In case of securities with put and call options the residual time for exercising the put option of the securities shall not be beyond the opening of the immediately following transaction period.
12.19 CDS – mutual funds as users (protection buyers) 320
12.19.1 Mutual funds have been permitted to participate in CDS
market, as per the guidelines issued by RBI from time to time , subject to the following conditions:
a. Mutual funds shall participate in CDS transactions only as users (protection buyer). Thus, mutual funds are permitted to buy credit protection only to hedge their credit risk on corporate bonds they hold. They shall not be allowed to sell protection and hence not permitted to enter into short positions in the CDS contracts. However, they shall be permitted to exit their bought CDS positions, subject to para (d) below. b. Mutual funds can participate as users in CDS for the eligible securities as reference obligations, constituting from within the portfolio of only Fixed Maturity Plans (FMP) schemes having tenor exceeding one year.
c. Mutual funds shall buy CDS only from a market maker
approved by the RBI and enter into Master Agreement with the counterparty as stipulated under RBI Guidelines. Exposure to a single counterparty in CDS transactions shall not exceed 10% of the net assets of the scheme.

320 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/23/2012 dated November 15, 2012.

147 Master Circular for Mutual Funds d. The cumulative gross exposure through credit default swap in corporate bonds along with equity, debt and derivative positions shall not exceed 100% of the net assets of the scheme. e. The total exposure related to premium paid for all derivative positions, including CDS, shall not exceed 20% of the net assets of the scheme. f. Before undertaking CDS transactions, mutual funds shall put in place a written policy on participation in CDS approved by the Board of the Asset Management Company and the Trustees as per the guidelines specified by RBI and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The policy shall be reviewed by mutual funds, at least once a year. g. To enable the investors in the mutual funds schemes to take an informed decision, the concerned Scheme Information Document (SID) shall disclose the intention to participate in CDS transaction in corporate debt securities in accordance with directions issued by RBI and SEBI from time to time, and related information as appropriate in this regard. h. Mutual funds shall also disclose the details of CDS transactions of the scheme in corporate debt securities in the monthly portfolio statements as well as in the half yearly trustee report, as per the format 321. Further, mutual funds shall disclose the scheme wise details of CDS transactions in the notes to the accounts of annual report of the mutual fund as per the format 322 .

321 Please refer to section on Formats for requisite formats 322 Please refer to section on Formats for requisite formats

148 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
12.19.2 Mutual funds participating in CDS transactions, as users, shall
be required to comply with the guidelines issued by RBI, vide notification no IDMD.PCD.No.5053/14.03.04/2010-11 dated May 23, 2011 and subsequent guidelines issued by RBI and SEBI from time to time.

149 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 13
ADVERTISEMENTS 323
13.1 Advertisement shall be in terms of Sixth Schedule 324.
13.2 In addition to the provisions of the Sixth Schedule, mutual funds
shall comply with the following: 325
13.2.1 While advertising pay out of dividends, all advertisements shall
disclose the dividends declared or paid in rupees per unit along with the face value of each unit of that scheme and the prevailing NAV at the time of declaration of the dividend.
13.2.2 Impact of Distribution Taxes: While advertising returns by
assuming reinvestment of dividends, if distribution taxes are excluded while calculating the returns, this fact shall also be disclosed.
13.2.3 Pay out of Dividend/ Bonus: While advertising pay outs, all
advertisements shall disclose, immediately below the pay out
figure (in percentage or in absolute terms) that the NAV of the
scheme, pursuant to pay out would fall to the extent of payout and statutory levy (if applicable).
13.3 Transparency of Information 326
13.3.1 When the scheme has been in existence for more than three years:

323SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/13/2011 dated August 22, 2011 and SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/6/2012 dated February 28, 2012 324 Sixth Schedule of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 as amended via gazette notification No. LAD-NRO/GN/2011-12/38/4290 dated February 21, 2012 325 SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/6/2012 dated February 28, 2012 326 SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/13/2011 dated August 22, 2011

150 Master Circular for Mutual Funds 13.3.1.1Point-to-point returns on a standard investment of Rs.10,000/- shall also be shown in addition to CAGR for a scheme in order to provide ease of understanding to retail investors. 13.3.1.2Performance advertisement shall be provided since inception and for as many twelve month periods as possible for the last 3 years, such periods being counted from the last day of the calendar quarter preceding the date of advertisement, along with benchmark index performance for the same periods.
13.3.2 Where scheme has been in existence for more than one year but
less than three years, performance advertisement of scheme(s) shall be provided for as many as twelve month periods as possible, such periods being counted from the last day of the calendar quarter preceding the date of advertisement, alongwith benchmark index performance for the same periods.
13.3.3 Where the scheme has been in existence for less than one year,
past performance shall not be provided.
13.3.4 In case of Money Market schemes or cash and liquid schemes 327,
wherein investors have very short investment horizon, the performance can be advertised by simple annualisation of yields if a performance figure is available for at least 7 days, 15 days and 30 days provided it does not reflect an unrealistic or misleading picture of the performance or future performance of the scheme.
13.3.5 For the sake of standardization, a similar return in INR and by way
of CAGR must be shown for the following apart from the scheme benchmarks:

327 SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/6/2012 dated February 28, 2012

151 Master Circular for Mutual Funds Scheme Type Benchmark Equity Scheme Sensex or Nifty Long term debt scheme 10 year dated GOI security Short term debt fund 1 year T-bill These disclosures shall form a part of the Statement of Additional Information and all advertisements of Mutual Funds.
13.3.6 Any disclosure regarding quarterly/ half yearly/ yearly performance
shall pertain to respective calendar quarterly/ half yearly/ yearly only.
13.3.7 When the performance of a particular Mutual Fund scheme is
advertised, the advertisement shall also include the performance data of all the other schemes managed by the fund manager of that particular scheme. In case the number of schemes managed by a fund manager is more than six, then the AMC may disclose the total number of schemes managed by that fund manager along with the performance data of top 3 and bottom 3 schemes (in addition to the performance data of the scheme for which the advertisement is being made) managed by that fund manager in all performance related advertisement. However, in such cases AMCs shall ensure that true and fair view of the performance of the fund manager is communicated by providing additional disclosures, if required.
13.4 Indicative portfolios and yields in mutual funds
schemes 328
13.4.1 Mutual Funds shall not offer any indicative portfolio and indicative
yield. No communication regarding the same in any manner

328 SEBI Circular No. IMD/CIR No. 14/1510/2009 dated January 19, 2009

152 Master Circular for Mutual Funds whatsoever shall be issued by any Mutual Fund or distributors of its products. The compliance of the same shall be monitored by the AMC and Trustees and reported in their respective reports to SEBI.
13.4.2 Indicative portfolio or yield in close ended debt
oriented mutual fund schemes 329
Mutual Funds (MFs) / AMCs may make following additional disclosures in the SID/SAI and KIM without indicating the portfolio or yield, directly or indirectly:
13.4.2.1MFs/AMCs shall disclose their credit evaluation policy for the investments in debt securities.
13.4.2.2 MFs/AMCs shall also disclose the list of sectors they would not
be investing.
13.4.2.3 MFs shall disclose the type of instruments which the schemes
propose to invest viz. CPs, CDs, Treasury bills etc
13.4.2.4 MFs shall disclose the floors and ceilings within a range of 5%
of the intended allocation (in %) against each sub asset class/credit rating. For example, it may be disclosed that x-y % would be in AAA rated bank CD as per the sample matrix below:

329 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/12/2011 dated August 01,2011

153 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
13.4.2.5 After the closure of NFO, the AMCs will report in the
next meeting of AMCs and Trustees the publicized percentage allocation and the final portfolio. Variations between indicative portfolio allocation and final portfolio will not be permissible.

154 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 14
INVESTOR RIGHTS & OBLIGATIONS
PART I – INVESTOR RIGHTS
14.1 Payment of interest for delay in dispatch of
redemption and/or repurchase proceeds and/or dividend 330
14.1.1 In the event of failure to dispatch:
a. Redemption or repurchase proceeds within 10 working days from the date of receipt of such requests and/ or b. Dividend within the stipulated 30 day period 331,
14.1.2 The AMC(s) shall be liable to pay interest @ 15 per cent per
annum to the unit holders. 332 AMC(s) must ensure that the interest amount due for the period of delay in dispatch of repurchase or redemption and/or dividend is added to the proceeds when such payments are made to the investors. Such interest shall be borne by the AMC(s).
14.1.3 Details of such payments shall be sent to the Board along with the
CTR(s). 333 Investors shall also be informed about the rate and amount of interest paid to them. Non compliance with these directions may invite action under the Mutual Funds Regulations.

330 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/MFD/CIR/2/266/2000 dated May 19, 2000. , 331 SEBI Circular No. SEBI / IMD / CIR No 14 / 187175/ 2009 dated December 15,2009 , 332Regulation 53(c) of the SEBI (Mutual Fund) Regulations, 1996. 333 For CTR format please refer to section on Formats

155 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
14.2 Unclaimed Redemption Amount 334
14.2.1 Unclaimed redemption and dividend amounts may be deployed by
Mutual Funds in Call Money Market or Money Market instruments, as may be permitted by RBI from time to time.
14.2.2 Investors claiming these amounts within three years from the due
date shall be paid at the prevailing NAV. At the end of three years, the amount can be transferred to a pool account and investors can claim the amount at the NAV prevailing at the end of the third year.
14.2.3 Income earned on such funds can be used for the purpose of
investor education.
14.2.4 The AMC shall make a continuous effort to remind the investors
through letters to take their unclaimed amounts.
14.2.5 The investment management and advisory fee charged by the
AMC for managing unclaimed amounts shall not exceed 50 basis points.
14.2.6 Disclosures on above provisions shall be made in the SAI /SID.
Disclosure on the unclaimed amounts and the number of such investors for each scheme shall be made in the Annual Report also. 335

334SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/9/120/2000 dated November 24, 2000 335 Please refer to Schedule XI of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996

156 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
14.3 Dispatch of Statement of Accounts 336
14.3.1 AMCs shall allot the units to the applicant whose application has
been accepted and also send confirmation specifying the number of units allotted to the applicant by way of email and/or SMS’s to the applicant’s registered email address and/or mobile number as soon as possible but not later than five working days from the date of closure of the initial subscription list and/or from the date of receipt of the request from the unitholders.
14.3.2 Consolidated Account Statement 337
14.3.2.1 As per regulation 338, AMCs shall issue consolidated account
statement for each calendar month to the investors in whose folios transaction(s) has/have taken place during that month.
14.3.3 Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) or Systematic Transfer Plan
(STP) or Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) 339 a. Mutual Funds may dispatch the Statement of Accounts to the unit holders under SIP or STP or SWP, once every quarter ending March, June, September and December within 10 working days of the end of the respective quarter. The first Statement of Accounts shall however be issued within 10 working days of the initial transaction. b. Mutual funds shall also provide Statement of Accounts to unit holders within 5 working days, without any charges, if specific requests are received from the investors. Further, if so

336SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/9/120/2000 dated November 24, 2000, SEBI Circular No. IMD/CIR/12/80083/2006 dated November 20, 2006 and SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/16/2011 dated September 08, 2011 337 SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/16/2011 dated September 08, 2011 338 Regulation 36(4) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 339 SEBI Circular No. IMD/CIR/12/80083/2006 dated November 20, 2006

157 Master Circular for Mutual Funds mandated, a soft copy of the Statement of Accounts shall be emailed to the unit holders on a monthly basis.
14.3.4 Dormant Accountholders
a. Mutual Funds shall also provide Statement of Accounts to those unit holders who have not transacted during the last six months prior to the date of generation of the Statement of Accounts. In such cases, the Statement of Accounts may be issued along with the scheme’s Portfolio Statement or Annual Report and should reflect the last closing balance and value of the units prior to the date of generation of the Statement of Accounts. Further, if so mandated, a soft copy of the Statement of Accounts shall be e-mailed to the unit holders instead of a physical statement.
14.4 AMC’s Annual Reports for unitholders 340
14.4.1 The annual report containing accounts of the AMCs should be
displayed on the website of Mutual Fund. It should also be mentioned in the Annual Report of Mutual Funds schemes that the unitholders, if they so desire may request for the Annual Report of the AMC.
14.5 Distribution of Proceeds realized from illiquid
securities/ NPAs 341
Some of the investments made by Mutual Funds may become nonperforming assets (NPAs) or illiquid at the time of maturity/winding up of the scheme(s). In due course of time i.e. after the maturity/ winding up of the scheme(s), these NPAs and illiquid securities may be realized by the Mutual Funds. Mutual Funds shall distribute

340 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/9/120/2000 dated November 24, 2000 341 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/05/432/2002 dated June 20, 2002. ,

158 Master Circular for Mutual Funds such amounts to the old investors if such amounts are substantial and realized within two years. If the amounts realized are not substantial or are realized after two years, the same may be transferred to the Investor Education Fund maintained by each Mutual Fund. The decision as to the determination of substantial amount shall be taken by the trustees of mutual funds after considering the relevant factors.
14.6 Change of Mutual Fund Distributor
14.6.1 Incase an investor wishes to change his distributor or wishes to go
direct, Mutual Funds/AMC’s shall ensure compliance with the instruction of the investor informing his desire to change his distributor and / or go direct, without compelling that investor to obtain a ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the existing distributor. 342
14.7 Additional mode of payment through Applications
Supported by Blocked Amount (hereinafter referred to as “ASBA”) in Mutual Funds 343
14.7.1 ASBA facility which investors have been enjoying for subscription
to public issue of equity capital of companies has been extended to the investors subscribing to New Fund Offers (NFOs) of mutual fund schemes. It shall co-exist with the current process, wherein cheques/ demand drafts are used as a mode of payment.
14.7.2 The banks which are in SEBI’s list shall extend the same facility in
case of NFOs of mutual fund schemes to all eligible investors in Mutual Fund units.

342 SEBI Circular No -SEBI/IMD/CIR No./ 13/187052 /2009 December 11, 2009 343 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No 18 / 198647 /2010 dated March 15, 2010

159 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
14.7.3 Mutual Funds shall ensure that adequate arrangements are made
by Registrar and Transfer Agents for the implementation of ASBA. Mutual Funds/AMCs shall make all relevant disclosures in this regard in the SAI.
14.7.4 SEBI circulars 344 related to ASBA shall be followed to the extent
applicable.
14.7.5 The Mutual Funds/AMCs have to compulsorily provide ASBA
facility to the investors for all NFOs launched on or after October 1, 2010.

344 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/CFD/DIL/DIP/31/2008/30/7 dated July 30, 2008, SEBI/CFD/DIL/2008/25/09dated September 25, 2008, SEBI/CFD/DIL/MB/IS/5/2009/05/08 dated August 5, 2009 and SEBI/CFD/DIL/ASBA/1/2009/30/12 dated December 30, 2009 and CIR/CFD/DIL/7/2010 dated July 13, 2010

160 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
PART II – INVESTOR’S OBLIGATIONS
14.8 Mandatory mentioning of PAN Number 345
14.8.1 For, the requirement of mentioning PAN Number by investors of
mutual fund schemes, the applicable SEBI guidelines may be referred 346
14.9 Mandatory mentioning of Bank Account by
Investors 347
14.9.1 It shall be mandatory for the investors of the Mutual Funds
schemes to mention their bank account numbers in their applications/request for redemption. For this purposes Mutual Funds shall provide space in applications and redemption request forms.

345 SEBI Circular No. MRD/DoP/Cir-05/2007 dated April 27, 2007, SEBI Circular No. MRD/DoP/Cir-08/2007 dated June 25, 2007, SEBI Circular No. MRD/DoP/MF/Cir08/2008 dated April 3, 2008 , , , 346 SEBI Circular No. MRD/DoP/MF/Cir-08/2008 dated April 3, 2008 < , 347 SEBI Circular No. IIMARP/MF/CIR/07/826/98 dated April 15, 1998

161 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
PART III– INVESTOR EDUCATION
14.10 SEBI Investors Education Programme – Investments
in Mutual Funds 348
14.10.1Board has prepared a brochure in question-answer format explaining the fundamental issues pertaining to mutual funds. The same is enclosed at Annexure 5. The same is also available at our website www.sebi.gov.in under the "Mutual Funds" section. 14.10.2AMCs are advised to circulate copies of the brochure among their distributors and agents (including brokers, banks, post offices) and the investors.
14.10.3 AMCs may publish the same as small booklets. In such a case,
while the booklets must bear SEBI name and logo, AMC may give their name as publisher. This may also be displayed prominently on their web sites
14.10.4 AMFI may consider including the brochure as a part of study
material for their training programmes for investors and for their certification programme conducted for agents and distributors.
14.10.5 Board may be kept informed about the steps taken by the AMCs
in this regard from time to time.

348 SEBI Cir No. MFD/CIR NO -13/370/02 dated January 16,2002

162 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
14.11 Financial Inclusion:
14.11.1In context of Mutual Funds, financial inclusion implies that the concept of Mutual Fund products is understood by all and are accessible to anyone who wishes to make an investment in them. Also, investors should be capable of figuring out which Mutual Fund scheme is appropriate for their financial objectives. Towards this, it has been decided that:
a. Mutual Funds shall mandatorily also make available printed literature on mutual funds in regional languages for investor awareness and education. b. Mutual Funds to introduce Investor awareness campaign in regional languages both in print and electronic media

163 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 15
CERTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION OF INTERMEDIARIES 349, 350
15.1 No Mutual Fund shall deal with any intermediary (i.e. distributors, agents,
brokers, sub brokers or called by any other name, whether individuals or belonging to any other organization structure) in relation to selling and marketing of Mutual Fund units unless they have cleared the certification examination.
15.2 No Mutual Fund shall engage/employ employee(s) interacting with
investors (i.e. those working in investors relations, call centers, employees engaged in sales and marketing etc) unless they have cleared the certification examination.
15.3 Further, such intermediaries and employees shall also adhere to the
Guidelines specified by the Board and AMFI. 351
15.4 Distributors of Mutual Fund products 352
15.4.1 The AMCs shall regulate the distributors by putting in place a due
diligence process as follows:
15.4.1.1 The due diligence of distributors is solely the responsibility of
mutual funds/AMCs. This responsibility shall not be delegated to any agency. However, mutual funds/AMCs may take assistance of

349 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR No.10/310/01 dated September 25, 2001, SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/20/23230/2002 dated November 28, 2002, SEBI Circular No. SEBI/MFD/CIR No.01/6693/03 dated April 3, 2003, SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.2/254/04 dated February 4, 2004, SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/06/210/2002 dated June 26, 2002. < 350 Exemption for Senior Citizens: Senior citizens with experience in distributing Mutual Funds units are exempt from the mandatory certification examination if they have completed 50 years of age and have experience of at least 5 years as on September 30,
2003.350 They are also required to follow the guidelines prescribed by the Board and
AMFI. They had to attend a mutual fund training programme and a certificate to that effect endorsed by a mutual fund should be submitted to AMFI. < < 351 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR No.10/310/01 dated September 25, 2001, SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/20/23230/2002 dated November 28, 2002. 352 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/13/2011 dated August 22, 2011.

164 Master Circular for Mutual Funds an agency of repute while carrying out due diligence process of distributors. 353
15.4.1.2 The due diligence process shall be initially applicable for
distributors satisfying one or more of the following criteria:
a. Multiple point presence (More than 20 locations) b. AUM raised over Rs.100 Crore across industry in the non institutional category but including high networth individuals (HNIs)
c. Commission received of over Rs.1 Crore p.a. across industry
d. Commission received of over Rs.50 Lakh from a single Mutual Fund
15.4.1.3 At the time of empanelling distributors and during the period i.e.
review process, Mutual Funds/AMCs shall undertake a due diligence process to satisfy ‘fit and proper’ criteria that incorporate, amongst others, the following factors:
a. Business model, experience and proficiency in the business. b. Record of regulatory / statutory levies, fines and penalties, legal suits, customer compensations made; causes for these and resultant corrective actions taken.
c. Review of associates and subsidiaries on above factors.
d. Organizational controls to ensure that the following processes are delinked from sales and relationship management processes and personnel:

353 SEBI Circular No. Cir/IMD/DF/7/2012 dated February 28, 2012

165 Master Circular for Mutual Funds

Customer risk / investment objective evaluation.
MF scheme evaluation and defining its
appropriateness to various customer risk categories.
15.4.1.4 In this respect, customer relationship and transactions shall be
categorized as:
a. Advisory - where a distributor represents to offer advice while distributing the product, it will be subject to the principle of ‘appropriateness’ of products to that customer category. Appropriateness is defined as selling only that product categorization that is identified as best suited for investors within a defined upper ceiling of risk appetite. No exception shall be made. b. Execution Only - in case of transactions that are not booked as ‘advisory’, it shall still require:
i. The distributor has information to believe that the
transaction is not appropriate for the customer, a written communication be made to the investor regarding the unsuitability of the product. The communication shall have to be duly acknowledged and accepted by investor.
ii. A customer confirmation to the effect that the transaction is
‘execution only notwithstanding the advice of inappropriateness from that distributor be obtained prior to the execution of the transaction.
iii. That on all such ‘execution only’ transactions, the
customer is not required to pay the distributor anything other than the standard flat transaction charge.

166 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
c. There shall be no third categorization of customer relationship /
transaction. d. While selling Mutual Fund products of the distributors’ group/affiliate/associates, the distributor shall make disclosure to the customer regarding the conflict of interest arising from the distributor selling of such products.
15.4.1.5 Compliance and risk management functions of the distributor
shall include review of defined management processes for:
a. The criteria to be used in review of products and the periodicity of such review. b. The factors to be included in determining the risk appetite of the customer and the investment categorization and periodicity of such review.
c. Review of transactions, exceptions identification, escalation and
resolution process by internal audit. d. Recruitment, training, certification and performance review of all personnel engaged in this business. e. Customer on boarding and relationship management process, servicing standards, enquiry / grievance handling mechanism. f. Internal/ external audit processes, their comments / observations as it relates to MF distribution business. g. Findings of ongoing review from sample survey of investors. 15.4.1.6Mutual Funds/AMCs may implement additional measures as deemed appropriate to help achieve greater investor protection.
15.5 Code of Conduct:
15.5.1 Mutual Funds are required to monitor the activities of their distributors,
agents, brokers to ensure that they do not indulge in any malpractice or

167 Master Circular for Mutual Funds unethical practice while selling or marketing Mutual Funds units. Any non compliance with the Mutual Funds Regulations and Guidelines pertaining to Mutual Funds especially guidelines on advertisements and/ or sales literature and/or Code of Conduct shall be reported in the periodic meetings of the Board of the AMC and the Trustee(s) and shall also be reported to the Board by the AMC(s) in their CTR(s) and by the Trustees in their Half Yearly Reports.
15.5.2 AMFI has prescribed a Code of Conduct for Mutual Fund intermediaries
enclosed herewith as Annexure 1 354. All intermediaries shall follow the Code of Conduct strictly and not indulge in any practice contravening it directly or indirectly.
15.5.3 Non compliance with the Code of Conduct shall be reported by the
Mutual Funds to the Board and AMFI. Further, no Mutual Fund shall deal with intermediaries contravening the prescribed Code of Conduct.
15.6 Empanelment of Intermediaries by Mutual Funds
15.6.1 Empanelment of intermediaries by Mutual Funds, payment of
commissions, brokerage and/or sub-brokerage etc. shall be in accordance with parameters and guidelines specified by the Board and AMFI from time to time. Mutual Funds shall monitor the compliance of these guidelines and Code of Conduct by their intermediaries in terms of business done across all Mutual Funds. In case of non-compliance, Mutual Funds shall suspend further business and payment of commissions, etc. until full compliance by the empanelled intermediary.

354 Refer Annexure and Reports for details on Code of Conduct

168 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
15.7 Certification Programme for sale and/ or distribution of
mutual fund products 355
15.7.1 With effect from June 01, 2010, the certification examination for
distributors, agents or any other persons employed or engaged or to be employed or engaged in the sale and/or distribution of mutual fund products, would be conducted by the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) 356.
15.7.2 Under the existing instructions, the agent/ distributor was exempted
from the AMFI certification examination if he had completed fifty years of age and had at least five years of experience in distribution of mutual fund units. As per regulation 4(3) of the Certification Regulations, persons who have attained the age of fifty years or who have at least ten years experience in the securities markets in the sale and/ or distribution of mutual fund products as on May 31, 2010, will be given the option of obtaining the certification either by passing the NISM certification examination or qualifying for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) by obtaining such classroom credits as may be specified by NISM from time to time.15.7.3 The Certification Regulations require the persons referred to in paragraph 15.7.1 above to comply with the requirements for CPE as specified by NISM within the validity period of the certificate obtained by passing the certification examination. However, to facilitate the transition process from AMFI to NISM, it has been decided that a person holding a valid AMFI certification whose validity expires between June 01, 2010 and December 31, 2010, would be required to comply with the CPE requirements as laid down by NISM under the relevant clauses of the Certification Regulations, by December 31, 2010.

355 SEBI Circular No. Cir/IMD/DF/5/2010 dated June 24, 2010 356 For Notification under regulation 3 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Certification of Associated Persons in the Securities Markets) Regulations, 2007 please refer to section on Annexures

169 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
15.7.4 An associated person holding a valid AMFI/NISM certification whose
validity expires anytime after December 31, 2010, would be required to comply with the CPE requirements as laid down by NISM under the relevant clauses of the Certification Regulations, prior to the expiry of the validity of the certification.
15.7.5 The requirement of obtaining registration from AMFI after obtaining
certification, as per the Circular dated November 28, 2002, would continue.
15.8 New cadre of distributors 357
15.8.1 A new cadre of distributors, such as postal agents, retired
government and semi-government officials (class III and above or equivalent) with a service of at least 10 years, retired teachers with a service of at least 10 years, retired bank officers with a service of at least 10 years, and other similar persons (such as Bank correspondents) as may be notified by AMFI/AMC from time to time, shall be allowed to sell units of simple and performing mutual fund schemes.
15.8.2 Simple and performing mutual fund schemes shall comprise of
diversified equity schemes, fixed maturity plans (FMPs) and index schemes and should have returns equal to or better than their scheme benchmark returns during each of the last three years.
15.8.3 These new cadre of distributors would require a simplified form of
NISM certification and AMFI Registration.
15.9 Developing alternative distribution channels 358
15.9.1 In order to increase penetration of Mutual Fund products and to
energise the distribution network while protecting the interest of

357 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012. 358 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/05/2014 dated March 24, 2014

170 Master Circular for Mutual Funds investors, SEBI had permitted additional expense ratio of 30 bps for garnering funds from B-15 cities. This development would lead to setting up of distribution infrastructure by AMCs. However, in order to achieve participation from all parts of the country in Mutual Funds there is greater need for developing additional distribution channels. Therefore, it has been decided that:
a. Distribution through PSU banks: PSU banks which have wide bank branches network and have distribution reach in the nook and corner of the country, could play a key role in Mutual Funds distribution. In order to leverage the PSU banks infrastructure, Mutual Funds/ AMCs need to develop a system for active support to PSU banks to distribute Mutual Fund products through them. Such active support would also encourage PSU banks to distribute products of all Mutual Funds. b. Online distribution: Online distribution not only increases customer convenience, but also significantly improves distributor economics. The online phenomenon is increasing rapidly and it is observed that more and more people especially younger generation prefers online transactions. Therefore, it has been decided that all Mutual Funds should enhance the online investment facility and tap the internet savvy users to invest in Mutual Funds by providing an online investment facility on their websites. Mutual Funds also need to tap the burgeoning mobile-only internet users for direct distribution of Mutual Fund products.
15.10 Unique Identity Number
15.10.1 AMFI shall create a unique identity number of the employee/
relationship manager/ sales person of the distributor interacting

171 Master Circular for Mutual Funds with the investor for the sale of mutual fund products, in addition to the AMFI Registration Number (ARN) of the distributor.
15.10.2 The application form for mutual fund schemes shall have
provision for disclosing the unique identity number of such sales personnel along with the ARN of distributor.

CHAPTER 16
TRANSACTION IN MUTUAL FUNDS UNITS

172 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
16.1 Maintenance of documents 359
16.1.1 As per the requirements specified by Board in respect of “Anti
Money Laundering (AML) Standards/Combating Financing of Terrorism (CFT) / Obligations of Securities Market Intermediaries under Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 and Rules framed there-under”360, maintenance of all documentation pertaining to the unitholders/ investors is the responsibility of the AMC.
16.1.2. Accordingly, vide SEBI Circular No - SEBI/IMD/CIR No.12
/186868 /2009 dated December 11, 2009, AMCs were advised to confirm whether all the investor related documents were maintained/ available with the AMC. If not, and to the extent of and relating to such investor accounts/folios where investor related documentation was incomplete/inadequate/not available or was stated to be maintained by the distributors, then the Trustees were advised to ensure the following:
16.1.2.1 No further payment of any commissions, fees and / or payments
in any other mode should be made to such distributors till full compliance/ completion of the steps enumerated herein.
16.1.2.2 Take immediate steps to obtain all investor/ unit holders
documents in terms of the AML/ CFT, including KYC documents/ PoA as applicable.
16.1.2.3 Take immediate steps to obtain all supporting documents in
respect of the past transactions.
16.1.2.4 On a one time basis, send statement of holdings and all
transactions since inception of that folio in duplicate to the

359 SEBI Circular No - SEBI/IMD/CIR No.12 /186868 /2009 dated December 11,2009 360 SEBI Circular No ISD/AML/CIR-1/2008 dated December 19, 2008

173 Master Circular for Mutual Funds investor and seek confirmation from the unit holders on the duplicate copy.
16.1.2.5 Set up a separate customer services mechanism to handle/
address queries and grievance of the above mentioned unitholders.16.1.3 Pending completion of documentation, exercise great care and be satisfied of investor bonafides before authorizing any transaction, including redemption, on such accounts/ folios.
16.1.4 The Trustees were required forthwith to confirm to Board that the
steps had been taken to address the above and also send a status to the Board as and when process was completed to their satisfaction.
16.1.5 All mutual funds/ AMCs are directed that 361:
16.1.5.1 All new folios/ accounts shall be opened only after ensuring
that all investor related documents including account opening documents, PAN, KYC, PoA (if applicable), specimen signature are available with AMCs/RTAs and not just with the distributor.
16.1.5.2 For existing folios, AMCs shall be responsible for updation of the
investor related documents including account opening documents, PAN, KYC, PoA (if applicable), specimen signature by November 15, 2010.
16.1.5.3 The trustees shall submit a confirmation after they receive
certification from an Independent auditor on completion of the said process latest by November 22, 2010.
16.2 Facilitating transactions in Mutual Fund schemes through
the Stock Exchange infrastructure 362
16.2.1 Stock Exchange terminals can be used for facilitating transactions
in mutual fund schemes. The Stock Exchange mechanism would

361 SEBI Circular No Cir /IMD/DF/9 / 2010 dated August 12, 2010

174 Master Circular for Mutual Funds also extend the present convenience available to secondary market investors to mutual fund investors.
16.2.2 Units of mutual fund schemes may be permitted to be transacted
through registered stock brokers of recognized stock exchanges and such stock brokers will be eligible to be considered as official points of acceptance 363.
16.2.3 The respective stock exchange would provide detailed operating
guidelines to facilitate the same.
16.2.4In this regard, Mutual Funds/AMC are advised that:
16.2.4.1Empanelment and monitoring of Code of Conduct for brokers acting as mutual fund intermediariesa. The stock brokers intending to extend the transaction in Mutual Funds through stock exchange mechanism shall be required to comply with the requirements of passing the AMFI certification examination 364.All such stock brokers would then be considered as empanelled distributors with mutual fund/AMC. b. These stock brokers shall also comply with Code of Conduct 365 for intermediaries of Mutual Funds, and applicable SEBI guidelines 366, applicable to intermediaries engaged in selling and marketing of mutual fund units.
c. It is clarified that, stock exchanges shall monitor the
compliance of the code of conduct specified regarding empanelment of intermediaries by mutual funds 367.

362 SEBI Circular No - SEBI /IMD / CIR No.11/183204/ 2009 dated November 13,2009 363 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.11/78450/06 dated October 11, 2006 364 Please refer Chapter 15 on Certification and Registration of Mutual Funds intermediaries 365 For Code of Conduct, please refer to Annexure I 366 Please refer Chapter 15 on Certification and Regiatration of Mutual Funds intermediaries 367Please refer Chapter 15 on Certification and Registration of Mutual Funds intermediaries ,,

175 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
16.2.4.2 Time stamping
a. Time stamping as evidenced by confirmation slip given by stock exchange mechanism to be considered sufficient compliance with clause for cut–off timing for liquid scheme and plans, cut-off timing for other schemes and plans and time stamping provisions mandated by Board 368.
16.2.4.3 Statement of Account
a. Where investor desires to hold units in dematerialised form, demat statement given by depository participant would be deemed to be adequate compliance with requirements for account statement prescribed by SEBI 369.
16.2.4.4 Investor grievance mechanism
a. Stock exchanges shall provide for investor grievance handling mechanism to the extent they relate to disputes between brokers and their client.
16.2.4.5 Dematerialization of existing units held by investors
a. In case investors desire to convert their existing physical units (represented by statement of account) into dematerialized form, mutual funds / AMCs shall take such steps in coordination with Registrar and Transfer Agents, Depositories and Depository participants (DPs) to facilitate the same.

368 Please refer to Chapter 8 – Net Asset Value for details on cut off timing provisions 369 For details on dispatch of statement of accounts. refer to Chapter 14- Investor Rights and services

176 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
16.2.4.6 Option to hold units in demat form 370
a. Mutual Funds/AMCs are advised to invariably provide an option to the investors to mention demat account details in the subscription form, in case they desire to hold units in demat form while subscribing to any scheme (open ended/close ended/Interval). b. Mutual Funds/AMCs shall ensure that above mentioned option is provided to the investors in all their schemes (existing and new).
c. Mutual Funds/AMCs are advised to obtain ISIN for each option
of the scheme and quote the respective ISIN along with the name of the scheme, in all Statement of Account/Common Account Statement (CAS) issued to the investors.
16.2.4.7 Know your client (KYC)
a. Where investor desires to hold units in dematerialised form, the KYC performed by DP in terms of SEBI requirements 371 would be considered compliance with applicable requirements specified in this regard 372 by Mutual Funds/AMCs. b. The Mutual Funds/AMC shall take necessary steps to do KYC requirements of all investors as per the prescribed guidelines 373.

370 SEBI circular no.CIR/IMD/DF/9/2011, dated May 19, 2011 371 SEBI Circular No - MRD/DoP/Dep/Cir-29/2004 dated August 24, 2004 372 SEBI Circular No - ISD/AML/CIR-1/2008 dated December 19, 2008 373 SEBI Circular No. MIRSD/SE/Cir-21/2011, dated October 5, 2011, SEBI Circular No. MIRSD/Cir-23/2011 dated December 2, 2011 and SEBI Circular No.MIRSD/Cir- 26 /2011 dated December 23, 2011

177 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
16.2.4.8 Stock exchanges and mutual funds/AMCs, based on the
experience gained may improve the mechanism in the interest of investors.
16.2.4.9 In addition to the existing facilities of purchasing and
redeeming directly with the Mutual Funds and Stock Brokers, the following be noted 374:
a. Units of mutual funds schemes may be permitted to be transacted through clearing members of the registered Stock Exchanges. b. Permit Depository participants of registered Depositories to process only redemption request of units held in demat form.
16.2.4.10 The following be noted with respect to investors having demat
account and purchasing and redeeming mutual funds units through stock brokers and clearing members:
a. Investors shall receive redemption amount (if units are redeemed) and units (if units are purchased) through broker/clearing member’s pool account. Mutual Funds(MF)/ Asset management Companies(AMC) would pay proceeds to the broker/clearing member (in case of redemption) and broker/clearing member in turn to the respective investor and similarly units shall be credited by MF/AMC into broker/clearing member’s pool account (in case of purchase) and broker/clearing member in turn to the respective investor.

374 SEBI Circular No CIR/IMD/DF/17/2010 dated November 9, 2010

178 Master Circular for Mutual Funds b. Payment of redemption proceeds to the broker/clearing members by MF/AMC shall discharge MF/AMC of its obligation of payment to individual investor. Similarly, in case of purchase of units, crediting units into broker/clearing member pool account shall discharge MF/AMC of its obligation to allot units to individual investor.
16.2.4.11 The following may be noted in this regard:
a. Clearing members and Depository participants will be eligible to be considered as official points of acceptance 375 and conditions stipulated 376 Viz. AMFI /NISM certification, code of conduct prescribed by SEBI for Intermediaries of Mutual Fund, shall be applicable for such Clearing members and Depository participants as well. b. Stock exchanges and Depositories shall provide investor grievance handling mechanism to the extent they relate to disputes between their respective regulated entity and their client and shall also monitor the compliance of code of conduct specified 377 regarding empanelment and code of conduct for intermediaries of Mutual Funds.

375 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.11/78450/06 dated October 11, 2006 376 SEBI Circular dated November 13, 2009 for stock brokers 377SEBI Circulars MFD/CIR/20/23230/02 dated November 28, 2002 and SEBI/IMD/08/174648/2009 dated August 27, 2009

179 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
16.2.4.12 The respective stock exchanges and Depositories would
provide detailed operating guidelines to facilitate the above and ensure that timelines prescribed 378 shall be adhered to with regard to allotment of units and receipt of redemption proceeds at the investor’s level.
16.2.4.13 Transferability of Mutual Fund units 379
a. Regulations 380 states that “a unit unless otherwise restricted or prohibited under the scheme, shall be freely transferable by act of parties or by operation of law.” The spirit and intention of this regulation is not to prohibit transferability of units as a general rule or practice. b. All AMCs shall clarify by way of an addendum that units of all mutual fund schemes held in demat form shall be freely transferable from the date of the issue of said addendum which shall be not later than October 1,
2010. However, restrictions on transfer of units of ELSS
schemes during the lock-in period shall continue to be applicable as per the ELSS Guidelines.
16.2.5 Stock exchanges and mutual funds/AMCs, based on the experience
gained may further improve the mechanism in the interest of investors. Necessary clarifications, if any, would be issued at appropriate time by SEBI in this regard.

378 SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 379 SEBI Circular No - CIR/IMD/DF/10/2010 dated August 18, 2010 380 Regulation 37(1) of SEBI (Mutual Fund) Regulations, 1996

180 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
16.3 Cash Investments in mutual funds 381
16.3.1 In order to help enhance the reach of mutual fund products
amongst small investors, who may not be tax payers and may not have PAN/bank accounts, such as farmers, small traders/businessmen/workers, cash transactions in mutual funds to the extent of 50,000/-382 per investor, per mutual fund, per financial year shall be allowed subject to (i) compliance with Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 and Rules framed there under; the SEBI Circular(s) on Anti Money Laundering (AML) and other applicable AML rules, regulations and guidelines and (ii) sufficient systems and procedures in place.
16.3.2 Repayment in the form of redemptions, dividend, etc. with respect
to aforementioned investments shall be paid only through banking channel.

381 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012. 382 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/10/2014 dated May 22, 2014

181 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 17
MISCELLANEOUS
17.1 Investment by Foreign Investors in Mutual Fund
Schemes 383.
17.1.1 Foreign investors (termed as Qualified Foreign Investors/ QFIs)
who meet KYC requirement may invest in equity and debt schemes of Mutual Funds (MF) through the following two routes:
17.1.1.1 Direct route - Holding MF units in demat account through a
SEBI registered depository participant (DP).
17.1.1.2 Indirect route- Holding MF units via Unit Confirmation Receipt
(UCR).
17.1.2 The investment through the above mentioned routes shall be
subject to the following conditions:
17.1.2.1 Qualified Foreign Investor (QFI) shall mean a person resident
in a country that is compliant with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards and that is a signatory to International Organization of Securities Commission's (IOSCO’s) Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding, Provided that such person is not resident in India, Provided further that such person is not registered with SEBI as Foreign Institutional Investor or Sub-account.

383 SEBI Circular No.CIR/IMD/DF/14/2011 dated August 9, 2011

182 Master Circular for Mutual Funds Explanation- For the purposes of this clause:
(1) the term "Person" shall carry the same meaning under Section 2(31) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (2) the phrase “resident in India” shall carry the same meaning as in the Income Tax Act, 1961 (3) “resident” in a country, other than India, shall mean resident as per the direct tax laws of that country.
17.1.2.2 MF shall ensure that only QFIs who comply with para 17.1.2.1
are allowed to invest under these routes.
17.1.2.3 MF shall ensure that QFIs meet the KYC requirements as per
the FATF standards, Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) rules and regulations made thereunder, and SEBI circulars issued in this regard before accepting subscriptions from QFIs.
17.1.2.4 The aggregate investments by QFIs under both the routes
shall be subject to a total overall ceiling of US $10 billion for equity schemes.
17.1.2.5 In addition to the above, the aggregate investments by QFIs
under both the routes for debt schemes which invest in infrastructure (“Infrastructure” as defined under the extant ECB guidelines issued by RBI) debt of minimum residual maturity of 5 years, shall be subject to a total overall ceiling of US $3 billion within the existing ceiling of US $25 billion for FII investment in corporate bonds issued by infrastructure companies.

183 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
17.1.2.6 MF can accept subscriptions from QFIs till such time the
investments by QFIs under both the routes reaches US $8 billion in equity schemes and US $2.5 billion in debt schemes and the remaining limit of US $2 billion in equity schemes and US $0.5 billion in debt schemes shall be auctioned by SEBI through bidding process.
17.1.2.7 MF shall file with SEBI a report about the total subscription
and redemption by QFIs on a daily basis as per the format. MF shall prepare such report on actual receipt and payment basis. SEBI will disseminate on an aggregate basis the total amount of investments by QFIs in equity and debt schemes of the MF on SEBI’s website. When the total investment reaches US $8 billion in equity schemes or US $2.5 billion in debt schemes, MF shall stop accepting fresh investment from QFIs unless they get allotment of limits out of the remaining limit of US $2 billion in equity schemes or US $0.5 billion in debt schemes respectively in the auction process referred in para 17.1.2.6.
17.1.2.8 MF/ DP shall ensure that the units held by QFIs by way of
UCR/demat holding are non transferable and non tradable.
17.1.2.9 MF/ DP shall capture the bank account details of the
QFIs designated overseas bank account and shall ensure that all subscriptions are received from that overseas account and redemption proceeds are also transferred into the same overseas account. MF/ DP shall also ensure that the overseas bank account which QFIs has designated for the purpose is based in countries which are compliant with FATF standards and are signatory to MMOU of IOSCO.
17.1.2.10 In case of subscription, MF shall allot units based on the NAV
of the day on which funds are realized in the MF’s scheme bank

184 Master Circular for Mutual Funds account in India and in case of redemption, units shall be redeemed on the day on which transaction slip/instruction is received and time stamped by MF, as per the applicable cut off time. The Scheme information documents of the MF shall clearly mention the applicable cut off time for QFIs and the other requirements / applicable guidelines for QFIs.
17.1.2.11 MF shall ensure that Systematic Investments/ transfer/
withdrawals and switches are not available to the QFIs. QFIs can only subscribe or redeem.
17.1.2.12 MF/ DP shall ensure that units/ UCRs held by QFIs are
free from all encumbrances i.e. pledge or lien cannot be created for such units.
17.1.2.13 MF shall comply with all the requirements as per the PMLA, FATF
standards and SEBI circulars issued in this regard on an ongoing basis.
17.1.2.14 MF shall ensure that all the investor related documents/ records
of the QFIs are available with them.
17.1.2.15 MF shall ensure compliance with laws (rules and
regulations) of the jurisdictions where the QFIs are based and also ensure that the interest of existing unit holders of the MF schemes are not adversely affected due to the issuance of UCRs/ demat units to the QFIs.
17.1.2.16 In case of any penalty, pending litigations or proceedings,
findings of Inspections or investigations for which action may have been taken or is in the process of being taken by an overseas regulator against MF/ AMC, it shall bring such information to the attention of SEBI and unitholders of the concerned scheme.

185 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
17.1.2.17 MF shall be responsible for the deduction of applicable tax at
source out of the redemption proceeds before making redemption payments to QFIs.
17.1.2.18 MF/DP shall require QFIs to submit necessary information for the
purpose of obtaining PAN. MF/DP may use the combined PAN cum KYC form to be notified by CBDT for QFIs. MF/ DP may take any additional information/ documents from the QFIs other than those mentioned in the common PAN cum KYC from to ensure compliance with Para 17.1.2.3 above.
17.1.3 Other conditions for direct route (demat account).
17.1.3.1 There shall be 3 parties under this route - QFIs, qualified DP and
MF.
17.1.3.2 A QFIs can open only one demat account with any one of the
qualified DPs and shall subscribe and redeem through that DP only. MF alongwith the DP shall have adequate systems to ensure the compliance of the same.
17.1.3.3 To become a qualified DP, a SEBI registered DP shall fulfill the
following:
a. DP shall have paid up capital of Rs.50 Crore or more, b. DP shall be either a clearing bank or clearing member of any of the clearing corporations.
c. DP shall have appropriate arrangements for receipt and
remittance of money with a designated Authorised Dealer (AD) Category - I bank d. DP shall demonstrate that it has systems and procedures to comply with the FATF Standards, PMLA and SEBI circulars issued from time to time.

186 Master Circular for Mutual Funds e. DP shall obtain prior approval of SEBI before commencing the activities relating to accepting MF subscription from QFIs. 17.1.3.4The qualified DP shall open a demat account for the QFIs after ensuring all the requirements as per the PMLA, FATF standards and SEBI circulars issued in this regard. 17.1.3.5For the purpose of account opening, MF can rely on the KYC done by DPs. Further, MF shall obtain the relevant records of KYC/ other documents from the DP and ensure compliance with para
1.11.3.14. However, MF shall comply with PMLA, FATF standards
and SEBI circulars issued in this regard from time to time on an ongoing basis. 17.1.3.6The qualified DP shall open a separate single rupee pool bank account with a designated AD Category -I bank, exclusively for the purpose of investments by QFIs in India.
17.1.3.7 Process Flow
Subscription a. The QFIs shall place a purchase/ subscription order mentioning the name of the scheme/MF with its DP and remit foreign inward remittances through normal banking channel in any permitted currency (freely convertible) directly to the single rupee pool bank account of the DP maintained with a designated AD category - I bank. b. DP in turn shall forward the purchase order to the concerned MF and remits the money to the MF’s scheme account on the same day as the receipt of funds from QFIs.

187 Master Circular for Mutual Funds In case of receipt of money after business hours, DP shall remit the funds to MF scheme account by next business day.
c. If for any reasons, the DP is not able to remit the money to
the MF scheme account within the stipulated timeframe as mentioned in para-b, the DP shall immediately return the money to the designated overseas bank account of the QFIs. d. MF shall process the order and credit units into the demat account of the QFIs. e. If for any reasons the units are not allotted, MF / DP shall ensure that the money is remitted back to the QFI’s designated overseas bank account within 3 working days from the date of receipt of subscription of money in the single rupee pool bank account of the DP maintained with a designated AD category I bank. Redemption f. QFIs can redeem, either through Delivery Instruction (physical/ electronic) or any another mode prescribed by the Depositories. On receipt of instruction from QFIs, DP shall process the same and forward the redemption instructions to the MF. Upon receipt of instruction from DP, MF shall process the same and shall credit the single rupee pool bank account of the DP with the redemption proceeds. g. The DP can make fresh purchase of units of equity and debt schemes of MF (if so instructed by the QFIs) out of the redemption proceeds received provided that payment is made towards such purchase is made within two working days of receipt of money from MF in the pooled bank account. In

188 Master Circular for Mutual Funds case no purchase is made within said period, the money shall be remitted by the DPs to the designated bank overseas account of the QFIs within two working days from the date of receipt of money from the MF in the pooled bank account. Dividend h. In case of dividend payout, the MF shall credit the single rupee pool bank account of the DP with the dividend amount. The DP in turn shall remit the same to the designated bank overseas account of the QFIs within two working days from the date of receipt of money from the MF in the DP’s rupee pooled bank account.
17.1.4 Other conditions for Indirect route (Unit Confirmation Receipts)
17.1.4.1There shall be four parties involved - QFIs, UCR issuer (based overseas), SEBI registered Custodian (based in India) and MF. 17.1.4.2QFIs can subscribe / redeem only through the UCR Issuer. 17.1.4.3MF shall appoint one or more UCR issuing agent overseas and one SEBI registered custodian in India. 17.1.4.4UCR issuer appointed by MF shall act as agent of the MF. 17.1.4.5MF can appoint entities fulfilling the following conditions as UCR issuer:
a. The entity is able to demonstrate that it has proven track record, expertise and technology in the business of issuance of global depository receipts/global custody agency b. The entity is registered with an overseas securities market/ banking regulator.

189 Master Circular for Mutual Funds 17.1.4.6MF shall seek no objection from SEBI before appointing any UCR issuer and furnish the details and information sought by SEBI about the UCR issuer. SEBI reserves the right to seek additional information / clarification and direct action, including non appointment/ revocation of appointment of that UCR Issuing Agent. 17.1.4.7MF shall comply with all the requirements as per the PMLA, FATF standards and SEBI circulars issued in this regard on an ongoing basis. 17.1.4.8Custodians appointed by the MF shall comply with the SEBI (Custodian of Securities) Regulations, 1996, circulars and guidelines issued by SEBI. 17.1.4.9The rupee denominated units of the MF would be held as underlying by the custodian in India in demat mode against which the UCR issuer would issue UCR to be held by QFIs.
17.1.4.10 MF shall ensure that for every UCR issued by UCR issuer,
Custodian in India shall hold corresponding number of units against it i.e., there shall be one unit of MF scheme for every unit of UCR.
17.1.4.11 MF shall receive money from UCR issuer either in foreign country
by opening bank account overseas (in accordance with the relevant extant FEMA regulations) or in Indian rupees in the respective MF scheme account held in India.

190 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
17.1.4.12 MF shall mandate the UCR issuer regarding the requirements
for KYC, Customer due diligence process and documents and information to be collected from the QFIs in terms of the requirements mentioned in para 17.1.2.13 above.
17.1.4.13 MF shall obtain the relevant records of KYC/ other documents
from the UCR issuer in order to comply with FATF standards, PMLA and SEBI circulars issued in this regard and ensure compliance with para 17.1.2.14.
17.1.4.14 Units purchased and redeemed through UCR issuer shall be
settled on gross basis and under no circumstances shall be netted against other investors of UCR issuer
17.1.4.15 Process flow:
a. The QFIs places a purchase/ subscription order through the UCR issuer. In case of MF opening bank account overseas (in accordance with the relevant extant FEMA regulations) b. UCR issuer shall forward the order of QFIs to the MF/Custodian. Upon receipt and transfer of funds to India; the MF shall issue units to the custodian and custodian in turn confirm to the UCR Issuer to issue UCR to the QFIs.
c. In case of redemption, UCR issuer shall confirm receipt of
redemption request to the MF and Custodian. Upon receipt of instruction, MF shall process the same and shall transfer the redemption proceeds to the MF overseas bank account for making payment to the designated overseas bank account of the QFIs.

191 Master Circular for Mutual Funds d. In case of dividend payout, the MF shall transfer the dividend amounts to the MF overseas bank account for making payment to the designated overseas bank account of the QFIs. In case MF receives money in India from UCR issuer. e. UCR issuer shall forward the purchase order to MF and Custodian, and remit the funds into MF scheme account (in rupee terms). Upon receipt of funds; the MF shall issue units to the custodian and custodian shall in turn confirm to the UCR Issuer to issue UCR to the QFIs. f. In case of redemption, UCR issuer shall confirm receipt of redemption request to the MF & Custodian. Upon receipt of instruction, MF shall process and remit redemption proceeds to the UCR issuer which in turn shall remit redemption proceeds to the designated bank account of the QFIs. g. In case of dividend payout, the MF shall remit the dividend amount proceeds to the UCR issuer which in turn shall remit the dividend amount to the designated bank account of the QFIs.
17.1.5 The investment by the QFIs in MF equity and debt schemes under
this scheme shall also be subject to the relevant and extant FEMA regulations and guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India under FEMA, 1999 from time to time.

192 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
17.2 Clarification 384 to Regulation 24 385
17.2.1 The amended Regulation mandates that AMCs shall appoint
separate fund manager for each separate fund managed by it unless the investment objectives and assets allocations are the same and the portfolio is replicated across all the funds managed by the fund manager.
17.2.2 The replication of minimum 70% of portfolio value shall be
considered as adequate for the purpose of said compliance, provided that AMC has in place a written policy for trade allocation and it ensures at all points of time that the fund manager shall not take directionally opposite positions in the schemes managed by him.
17.2.3 Wherein a fund manager is common across mutual fund schemes
and schemes/products under other permissible activities of AMC, then the AMC shall:
17.2.3.1 disclose on their websites, the returns provided by the said
manager for all the schemes (mutual fund, pension funds, offshore funds etc) on a monthly basis.
17.2.3.2 in case of any performance advertisement is issued by the AMC
for any scheme, then the details of returns of all the schemes (mutual fund, pension funds, offshore funds etc) managed by that fund manager shall be provided.
17.2.3.3 in case the difference between the annual returns provided by
the schemes managed by the same fund manager is more than 10% then the same shall be reported to the trustee and

384 SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/7/2012 dated February 28, 2012 385 Of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996

193 Master Circular for Mutual Funds explanation for the same shall be disclosed on the website of the AMC.
17.3 Product Labeling in Mutual Funds 386
17.3.1 All the mutual funds shall ‘Label’ their schemes on the
parameters as mentioned under:
a. Nature of scheme such as to create wealth or provide regular income in an indicative time horizon (short/ medium/ long term). b. A brief about the investment objective (in a single line sentence) followed by kind of product in which investor is investing (Equity/Debt).c. Level of risk, depicted by colour code boxes as under:

Blue – principal at low risk.
Yellow – principal at medium risk.
Brown – principal at high risk.
The colour codes shall also be described in text beside the colour code box. d. A disclaimer that investors should consult their financial advisers if they are not clear about the suitability of the product.
17.3.2 Product label shall be disclosed in:
a. Front page of initial offering application forms, Key Information Memorandum (KIM) and Scheme Information Documents (SIDs). b. Common application form – along with the information about the scheme.

386 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/5/2013 dated March 18, 2013

194 Master Circular for Mutual Funds The product label with respect to (a) & (b) shall be placed in proximity to the caption of the scheme and shall be prominently visible.
c. Scheme advetisements-placed in manner so as to be prominently
visible to investors.

Master Circular for Mutual Funds

Lineage: In force

Timeline