How to invest in Mutual Funds

• One can invest in mutual funds by submitting a duly completed application form alongwith a cheque or bank draft at the branch office or designated Investor Service Centres (ISC) of mutual Funds or Registrar & Transfer Agents of the respective the mutual funds.

• One may also choose to invest online through the websites of the respective mutual funds.

• Further, one may invest with the help of / through a financial intermediary i.e., a Mutual Fund Distributor registered with AMFI OR choose to invest directly i.e., without involving or routing the investment through any distributor.

A Mutual Fund Distributor may be an individual or a non-individual entity, such as bank, brokering house or on-line distribution channel provider.

Note : As per SEBI Mutual Fund Regulations, all MFDs must fulfil the following two requirements before engaging in sale and/or distribution of mutual fund products, namely

• Obtain the relevant certification of National Institute of Securities Management (NISM); AND
• Register with Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI ) and obtain AMFI Registration Number (ARN).

Likewise, before being employed in sale and/or distribution of mutual fund products, employees of MFDs are also required to obtain the relevant NISM certification and register with AMFI and obtain Employee Unique Identification Number(EUIN).

• One may also invest either online mode or via conventional paper based mode through MF Utilities Pvt. Ltd. (MFU) – a technology based shared service platform for MF transactions promoted by the mutual fund industry in respect participating mutual funds. For more information please visit www.mfuindia.com

• One can also buy mutual funds units through NSE – MFSS and BSE - StAR MF just like a company stock. To avail this facility, one must complete a one-time online registration with NSE or BSE, as the case may be. For more information on NSE – MFSS and BSE - StAR MF, please visit www.nseindia.com / www.bseindia.com

KYC - a pre-requisite before investing in mutual funds.

Before investing in a mutual fund scheme, whether through online mode or via conventional paper based mode, one must first complete the KYC process by filling up the prescribed KYC form.

KYC stands for "Know Your Customer" and is a term used for Customer Identification Process as a part of account opening process with any financial entity. KYC establishes an investor’s identity & address through relevant supporting documents such as prescribed photo id. (e.g., Passport, Aadhaar or PAN card) and address proof. KYC compliance is mandatory under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 and Rules framed thereunder.

For detailed information about KYC, please visit the section on KYC & UBO