Just a moment...

Top
Help
×

By creating an account you can:

Logo TaxTMI
>
Call Us / Help / Feedback

Contact Us At :

E-mail: [email protected]

Call / WhatsApp at: +91 99117 96707

For more information, Check Contact Us

FAQs :

To know Frequently Asked Questions, Check FAQs

Most Asked Video Tutorials :

For more tutorials, Check Video Tutorials

Submit Feedback/Suggestion :

Email :
Please provide your email address so we can follow up on your feedback.
Category :
Description :
Min 15 characters0/2000
TMI Blog
Home / RSS

Master Circular for Mutual Funds

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....14. 2. In case of any inconsistency between the master circular and the applicable circulars, the contents of the relevant circular shall prevail. 3. 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. 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 V....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

.... 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 CHAPTER 1 OFFER DOCUMENT FOR SCHEMES 1.1 Filing of Offer Document with the Board ^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 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 ^For format of SID & SAI, please refer to the section on Formats. 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 pai....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....oard 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 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 ^SEBI Circular No - SEBI/IMD/CIR No.10/178129/09 dated September 29,2009. Failure to submit the printed SID to the Board before it is issued for circulation shall invite penalties under the Mutual Funds Regulations^ SEBI Circular No. IIMARP/MF/CIR/07/844/97 dated May 5, 1997. b. In case of any difference, in nature of material alteration of the suggestions made by the Board ^Regulation 29(2) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 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 ^The existing schemes shall adopt the SID and KIM format as soon as possible but not later t....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....levant 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 ^SEBI Circular No - SEBI/IMD/CIR No.10/178129/09 dated September 29,2009. 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 ^SEBI Circular No - SEBI/IMD/CIR No.10/178129/09 dated Sept....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....rmat. 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 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 ^SEBI 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. 1.8.1 In case of equity oriented schemes, mutual funds may appropriate....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....all 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 ^SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/02/2013 dated February 6, 2013. 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 ^SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/02/2013 dated February 6, 2013. 1.10 Discontinuation of the nomenclature - 'Liquid Plus Scheme(s)' ^SEBI/IMD/CIR No.13/150975 / 09 dated January 19, 2009 1.10.1 The nomenclature "Liquid Plus Scheme(s)" has been discontinued from Januar....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....nancial performance of the scheme(s) since inception in the format prescribed in SID^ Please refer to format of SID under section on Formats. along with comparisons with appropriate benchmark(s) ^For examples of Benchmarks, refer to chapter on SID. 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. PART II - CONSOLIDATION OF SCHEMES 2.2 Consolidation of Schemes^ SEBI Circular No. SEBI/MFD/CIR No.5/12031/03 dated June 23, 2003. 2.2.1 Any consolidation or merger of Mutual Fund schemes will be treated as a change in the fundamental attributes of....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....intenance 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 filed with the Board within 21 days from the date of closure of the exit option^ SEBI Circular No- SEBI / IMD / CIR No 14 / 187175/ 2009 dated December 15,2009. 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 ^SEBI Circular No- Cir / IMD / DF / 15/ 2010 dated October 22, 2010: a. Fundamental attributes ^SEBI Circular No-IIMARP/MF/CIR/01/294/98 dated February 4, 1998 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. ....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....stribution expenses, commission, etc., and no commission shall be paid from such plans. The plan shall also have a separate NAV. CHAPTER 3 NEW PRODUCTS 3.1 Fund of Funds Scheme ^SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR. No.04/11488/2003 dated June 12, 2003. 3.1.1 The SID and the advertisements pertaining to Fund of Funds Scheme ^Regulation 2(ma) of the Mutual Funds Regulations introduced vide Gazette Notification No. S.O 632(E) dated May 29, 2003^.  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 ^SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No 18 / 198647 /2010 dated March 15, 2010. 3.1.3 Fund of funds mutual fund schemes shall adopt the total expense structures laid out in Regulations ^Regulation 52(6)(a) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996, which Asset....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....AV 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 3.2.4 Recurring Expenses ^SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.2/65348/06 dated April 21, 2006. 3.2.4.1 The recurring expenses limits applicable to equity schemes ^Regulation 52(6) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996. shall be applicable to GETF Scheme(s). 3.2.5 Benchmarks for GETF Scheme ^SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.2/65348/06 dated April 21, 2006. 3.2.5.1 GETF Scheme(s) shall be benchmarked against the price of gold. 3.2.6 Half yearly report by Trustees ^SEBI Circular No. Cir/IMD/DF/20/2010 dated December 06, 2010 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....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

...., 2012 3.5.1 As announced in the Union Budget 2012-13, the Finance Act 2012 has introduced a new section 80CCG on '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 the....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....nds (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 ^Please refer to section on Formats for requisite Formats. 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 Fu....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....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 Audit....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....osure of derivatives, please refer to the section on Formats 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 ^SEBI Circular MFD/CIR/1/200/2001 dated April 20, 2001 & SEBI Circular No. IMD/CIR No.8/132968/2008 dated July 24, 2008 5.3.1 The publication of the unaudited half-yearly results shall be made in line with provisions of the Regulations ^Regulation 59 of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996, in the format prescribed in Twelfth Schedule. 5.3.2 The half yearly disclosures ^SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012 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 ^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 ....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

.... 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 ^Please refer the section on Formats for requisite formats. 5.6 Asset Under Management (AUM) disclosure ^SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/13/2011 dated August 22, 2011 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) ^SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/05/2014 dated March 24, 2014: a. Monthly AAUM ^SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/07/2014 dated April 2, 2014 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 ....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....gence 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 ^MFD/CIR/9/120/2000 dated November 24, 2000 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. 5.9 Submission of bio data of key personnel ^IIMARP/CIR /08/845/97 dated May 7,1997,IIMARP/MF/CIR/05/788/97 date April 28,1997 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 ^For format of bio-data of key personnel, please refer the section on Formats. 5.10 Disclosure of investor complaints with respect to Mutual Funds ^SEBI Circular No. Cir /IMD/DF/2/2010 dated May 13, 2010 5.10.1 Mutual Fu....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....er 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. 5.13 New Scheme Report (NSR) ^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 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 ^For details on format of NSR please refer the section on Formats. 5.14 Bi-monthly Compliance Test Reports ^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, 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 Bo....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....ism. 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 ^Please refer the formats section for format for reporting by AMC to Trustees. 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 ^Regulation 18(23)(a) of SEBI (MF) Regulations, 1996 shall cover all issues mentioned in the prescribed format as well as any other issue relevant to the operation of the Mutual Fund ^For format of Trustee Report, please refer to the formats section. 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 th....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....APTER 6 GOVERNANCE NORMS PART I - FUND GOVERNANCE 6.1 Formation of Audit and Valuation Committees by the Trustees and/or AMC ^SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR No.010/024/2000 dated January 17, 2000. 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. 6.2 Review and Reporting of Transactions ^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. 6.2.1 Reporting of transactions 6.2.1.1 Transaction(s) by directors of the AMC ....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....r 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 ^Regulation 21(d) and Regulation 16(5) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996. 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. 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 Directors138 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 di....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....oyees in the Fund Operations Department, Compliance Officer and Heads of all divisions and/or departments or 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. 6.4.4 General 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: 1. 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. 2. Investments of a non-financial nature such as gold etc., ^Real Estate has been deleted pursuant to the amendment to the Mutual Funds Regulations launching the Real Estate Mutual Funds Schemes wherein gu....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....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 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 preferentia....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....on 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. 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 derivat....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....e concerned Mutual Fund Scheme(s) and this has not been communicated to the investors; 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 entitleme....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....nt) Regulations, 2002 shall be followed strictly by the trustee companies, asset management companies and their employees and directors. PART II -SCHEME GOVERNANCE 6.7 Minimum Number of investors ^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. 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 ^Regulation 39(2)(c) of the SEBI (MF) Regulations, 1996 would become applicable automatically without any reference from SEBI and accordingly the Scheme / Plan(s) shall be wound up....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

.... 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).  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 st....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....em 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. PART IV - ROLE OF MUTUAL FUNDS IN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE OF PUBLIC LISTED COMPANIES ^SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No 18 / 198647 /2010 dated March 15, 2010 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 r....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....on 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 ^For disclosure of voting by mutual funds in general meetings of listed companies, please refer to the section on formats for disclosure of voting by mutual funds in general meetings of listed companies is provided. CHAPTER 7 SECONDARY MARKET ISSUES 7.1 Non Applicability of Listing Deposit ^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. 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 ^SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/9/230/2001 dated August 14, 2001 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 ^SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR No.8/290/01 dated July 30, 2001, SEBI Circular No. SEBI/SMD/SE/11/2003....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....merical examples. 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 ^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. 7.5 Trading in Interest Rate Derivatives ^SEBI Circular No. SEBI/MFD/CIR No.03/158/03 dated June 10, 2003 7.5.1 Mutual Fund schemes ar....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....ll 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) ^For format of CTR, please refer to section on formats 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 ^SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.5/63714/06 dated March 29, 2006. 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 ^SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.5/63714/06 dated March 29, 2006. 8.2 Rounding off NAVs ^SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/08/514/2002 dated July 22, 2002, SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/11/16159/2002 dated August 22, 2002. 8.2.1 To ensure uniformity, Mutual Funds shall round o....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....ously by utilization of the appropriate banking facility, so as to comply with the requirement in Clause 8.3.4.1 above. 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 ^SEBI Circular No SEBI/IMD/DF/15/2010 dated November 26, 2010: 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....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....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  for application amount equal to or more than Rs. 2 lakh, irrespective of the time of receipt of such application ^SEBI Cir....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....ions 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. 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) ^for CTR format, please refer to the section on formats of the AMC(s) and the Half Yearly Trustee Reports ^For Trustee report, please refer to the section on formats. 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. ....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....ail 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 ^Regulation 50(2) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 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^ 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 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 ^Regulation 49(3) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996., 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 ....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

.... February 20, 2002. 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: ^SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/442/2002 dated February 20, 2002. 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, 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 purch....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....n 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. 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 ^SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.16/ 193388/2010 dated February 02, 2010 of money market and debt securities with residual maturity of upto 60 ^SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/6/2012 dated February 28, 2012 days: 1. 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 tak....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

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

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....ferentiated as follows: a. Adjustments for Securities rated by external rating agencies ^SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/442/2002 dated February 20, 2002. Category Discretionary mark up/mark down   + - Rated instruments withduration upto 2 years 100 bps 50 bps Rated instruments withduration over 2 years 75 bps 25 bps 1. 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 ^SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/442/2002 dated February 20, 2002. 1. 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: Category Discretionary discount Unrated instruments with duration upto 2years Discretionary discount of upto +50 bps over and above mandatory discount of +50 bps Unrated instruments with duration over 2 years Discretionary discount of upto +....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

.... 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. 2. 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. 3. 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 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. ....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....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 dat....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....after every subsequent quarter where both installments and interest payment were in default earlier. 3. Explanation: The words "2nd quarter" wherever appear, shall mean 2nd calendar quarter. ^SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/088/2001 dated March 28, 2001. 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. 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. ....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....e 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. 9.8 Investment in Unlisted Equity Shares ^SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/03/526/2002 dated May 9, 2002. 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: 1. 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. 2. After taking into account the outstanding warrants and options, Net Worth ....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....ue 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 ^SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/6/73/2000 dated July 27, 2000. 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 ^For CTR format please refer to the section on formats and Half Yearly Reports ^For H....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

.... to schemes ^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. 10.1.1 Mutual Funds may charge certain expenses to a scheme, as specified under Regulations. ^Regulation 52(4) of the Mutual Funds Regulations,1996 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). ^SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/9/120/2000 dated November 24, 2000. 10.1.2 Additional TER ^SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012. can be charged up to 30 basis points on daily net assets of the scheme as per Regulation 52 ^Regulation 52 of the Mutual Funds Regulations,1996, 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 fro....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

.... 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 recurring expenditure within the limits prescribed under Regulation 52(6) of the Mutual Funds Regulations ^SEBI Circular No. IIMARP/MF/CIR/07/826/98 dated April 15, 1998. 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 ^SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/9/120/2000 dated November 24, 2000. 10.1.10 Provision of charging of additional mana....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....butors in accordance with the level of service received, it has been mandated that: 10.4.1.1 There shall be no entry load ^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. 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 \ assessment of various factors including the service rendered by the distributor. 10.4.1.3 The load balances are maintai....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....d 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. 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 choos....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....hould ensure that "any imposition or enhancement in the load shall be applicable on prospective investments only. ^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) 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. ^SEBI Circular No - SEBI / IMD / CIR No. 7 /173650 / 2009 dated August 17,2009 CHAPTER 11 DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTION PROCEDURE ^SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.1/64057/06 dated April 4, 2006., ^For details on advertisement on dividend please refer to Chapter on 'Advertisements' 11.1 Regulations^ Regulation 53(a) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 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. ^SEBI Circular No SEBI/IMD/CIR No. 3/65370/06 dated April 21,2006 11.2.....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....ributable 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 ^Paragraph 2(a) (ix) of Eleventh Schedule of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996. CHAPTER 12 INVESTMENT BY SC....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

.... 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 ^SEBI Circular No IMD/CIR No 12/147132/08 dated December 11, 2008. 12.4 Prudential limits and disclosures on portfolio concentration risk in debt oriented mutual fund schemes ^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 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 Sector Banks), short term deposits of scheduled commercial banks ^SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/05/2014 dated March 24, 2014) shall not exceed....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

.... Yearly Trustee Report please refer to section on Formats. 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. 12.6 Approval for Investment in Unrated Debt Instruments ^SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/9/120/2000 dated November 24, 2000. 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....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....or scheduled commercial banks together shall not exceed 20% of the total deployment by the Mutual Fund in short term deposits. 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....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....2.1.1 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 ^SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/23/2012 dated November 15, 2012 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 c. Tenor of collateral d. Applicable haircuts 12.1....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....nt 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. 12.13.2.10 Units / 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. 12.13.3.2 Due....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....3.3.4 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 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....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....1) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 [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.' 12.15 Investment Restrictions ^SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/09/014/2000 dated January 5, 2000. 12.15.1 All investment restrictions as contained in the Regulations ^Seventh Schedule of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996. shall be applicable at the time of making investment. 12.16 Recording of Investment Decisions ^SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/6/73/2000 dated July 27, 2000. 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. ^Regulation 25(2) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996.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 ta....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....edge 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,....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....n period. 12.19 CDS - mutual funds as users (protection buyers) ^SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/23/2012 dated November 15, 2012. 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 excee....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....2 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 ^SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/13/2011 dated August 22, 2011 13.3.1 When the scheme has been in existence for more than three years: 13.3.1.1 Point-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. 13.3.1.2 Performance advertisement shall be provided since incepti....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....nsure 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 ^SEBI Circular No. IMD/CIR No. 14/1510/2009 dated January 19, 2009 13.4.1 Mutual Funds shall not offer any indicative portfolio and indicative yield. No communication regarding the same in any manner 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 ^SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/12/2011 dated August 01,2011 Mutual Funds (MFs) / AMCs may make following additional disclosures in the SID/SAI and KIM without indicating the portfolio or yield, directly or indirectly: 13.4.2.1 MFs/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 prop....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

.... 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. ^Please refer to Schedule XI of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 14.3 Dispatch of Statement of Accounts ^SEBI 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 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....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....une 20, 2002. 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 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. ^SEBI Circular No -SEBI/IMD/CIR No./ 13/187052 /2009 December 11, 2....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....3/370/02 dated January 16,2002 14.10.1 Board 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. 14.10.2 AMCs 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. 14.11 Financial Inclusion: 14.11.1 In 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....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....lely the responsibility of mutual funds/AMCs. This responsibility shall not be delegated to any agency. However, mutual funds/AMCs may take assistance of an agency of repute while carrying out due diligence process of distributors. ^SEBI Circular No. Cir/IMD/DF/7/2012 dated February 28, 2012 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, cus....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

.... 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. 15.4.1.6 Mutual 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 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....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....roducts 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. 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 cert....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....henomenon 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 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 16.1 Maintenance of documents ^SEBI Circular No - SEBI/IMD/CIR No.12 /186868 /2009 dated December 11,2009 16.1.1 As per the requirements specified by Board in respect of "Anti Money Laundering ....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....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 ^SEBI Circular No - SEBI /IMD / CIR No.11/183204/ 2009 dated November 13,2009 16.2.1 Stock Exchange terminals can be used for facilitating transactions in mutual fund schemes. The Stock Exchange mechanism would 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 ^SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.11/78450/06 dated October 11, 2006. 16.2.3 The respective stock exchange would provide det....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....nto 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. 16.2.4.6 Option to hold units in demat form ^SEBI circular no.CIR/IMD/DF/9/2011, dated May 19, 2011 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 ^SEBI Circular No - MRD/DoP/Dep/Cir-29/2004 dated August 24, 2004 would be considered compl....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....conditions stipulated ^SEBI Circular dated November 13, 2009 for stock brokers 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 ^SEBI Circulars MFD/CIR/20/23230/02 dated November 28, 2002 and SEBI/IMD/08/174648/2009 dated August 27, 2009 regarding empanelment and code of conduct for intermediaries of 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^ SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 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 ^SEBI Circular No - CIR/IMD/DF/10/2010 dated August 18, 2010 a. Regulations ^Regulation 37(1) of S....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....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. 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 Mon....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

.....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 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....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....e 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. 17.1.3.6 The 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. 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 th....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....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. 17.1.4.6 MF 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. 17.1.4.7 MF shall comply with all the requirements as per the PMLA, FATF standards and SEBI circulars issued in this regard on an ongoing basis. 17.1.4.8 Custodians appointed by the MF shall comply with the SEBI (Custodian of Securities) Regulations, 1996, circulars and guidelines issued by SEBI. 17.1.4.9 The 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 ever....

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

..... 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. 17.2 Clarification ^SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/7/2012 dated February 28, 2012 to Regulation 24 ^Of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 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 portfo....