Mutual Fund Makeover: SEBI’s Bold Moves Bring Small Investors and Big Innovation to the Fore

Updated: April 16, 2025 10:48

Image Source: The Economic Times

India’s mutual fund industry is entering a transformative phase as the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) intensifies its focus on retail participation and regulatory innovation. Speaking at the 18th CII Mutual Fund Summit 2025, SEBI’s Executive Director Manoj Kumar outlined a vision anchored in “Transparency, Trust, Technology, and Team Spirit,” aiming to propel the industry toward the ambitious ₹100 trillion milestone by 2030.

Key Highlights:

Retail Expansion Beyond Metros: SEBI is driving digital and financial literacy campaigns in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, making mutual funds more accessible and demystifying investment for new retail investors. The regulator is also simplifying investment processes and encouraging digital adoption to broaden the investor base.
Regulatory Innovation: The new “Mutual Funds Lite” framework is set to lower entry barriers for passive funds, reduce compliance costs, and attract new players. This will expand low-cost, easy-to-understand investment options for retail investors, including thematic and international funds.
Specialized Investment Funds (SIFs): Effective April 2025, SEBI’s SIF framework bridges the gap between traditional mutual funds and Portfolio Management Services, offering greater flexibility and customization with a lower entry threshold, making advanced investment strategies more accessible to retail investors.
Stricter Fund Deployment Rules: From April 2025, AMCs must deploy funds raised via New Fund Offers (NFOs) within 30 days, with penalties for delays. This move ensures prompt investment of investor money, enhances transparency, and boosts trust in the mutual fund ecosystem.
Investor Protection and Accountability: New rules require AMCs to disclose stress test results and align employee incentives with investor interests, further strengthening governance and confidence.

SEBI’s multi-pronged approach is set to democratize mutual fund investing, foster innovation, and ensure robust investor protection as the industry targets unprecedented growth.

Source: FinTech BizNews, CNBC-TV18, Cyril Amarchand Blogs

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