- SEBI introduced a single certification for selling mutual funds and Specialised Investment Funds
- The new NISM Series V-D certification covers both mutual fund and SIF product distribution
- Existing NISM Series XIII derivatives certification requirement for SIF sales ends after Sept 21, 2026
Markets regulator Sebi on Tuesday introduced a single certification examination to simplify the eligibility requirements for persons to sell and distribute mutual funds and Specialised Investment Funds.
Under the new framework, any person employed or engaged in the sale and/or distribution of Specialised Investment Fund (SIF) products will be required to hold a valid "NISM Series V-D – Mutual Fund-Specialised Investment Fund Distributors Certification", Sebi said in a circular.
The regulator said holders of the new certification will be eligible to distribute both mutual fund and SIF products, eliminating the need to separately obtain the "NISM Series V-A – Mutual Fund Distributors Certification".
Further, the existing requirement of holding the "NISM Series XIII- Common Derivatives Certification" for the sale and distribution of SIF products will cease to apply after September 21, 2026.
To ensure a smooth transition, Sebi said distributors holding a valid "NISM Series XIII – Common Derivatives Certification" obtained on or before September 21, 2026, will not be required to obtain the new Series V-D certification until their existing derivatives certification expires.
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During this transition period, such distributors will continue to be required to hold a valid "NISM Series V-A – Mutual Fund Distributors Certification" under the existing framework.
Sebi introduced the SIF framework in February 2025 to bridge the gap between traditional mutual funds and high-ticket Portfolio Management Services (PMS). The products, which require a minimum investment of Rs 10 lakh, are aimed at sophisticated investors by offering greater flexibility through hedging, derivatives and long-short investment strategies.
The assets under management (AUM) of SIFs increased 29 per cent to Rs 17,858 crore at the end of June from Rs 13,814 crore a month earlier.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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