Question 1

What is a SEBI-Registered Investment Adviser (RIA)?

Accepted Answer

A SEBI-Registered Investment Adviser is an individual or entity registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India under the SEBI (Investment Advisers) Regulations, 2013, to provide investment advice to clients for a fee. Registration numbers for Investment Advisers typically begin with 'INA'.

Question 2

How is a SEBI-Registered Investment Adviser different from a broker or distributor?

Accepted Answer

The primary distinction lies in fiduciary duty and compensation structure. Brokers and distributors act as transaction intermediaries and often earn commissions or distribution fees from the products they sell. In contrast, a SEBI-Registered Investment Adviser is legally obligated to act as a fiduciary in your sole interest, is compensated exclusively by transparent client advisory fees, and does not receive third-party product commissions.

Question 3

What is the Investor Charter and where can I find it?

Accepted Answer

SEBI requires all registered Investment Advisers to publish an Investor Charter on their website. The Investor Charter sets out the rights of investors and the responsibilities of the Investment Adviser. You can access our Investor Charter on the Standard Disclosures page.

Question 4

What are your key responsibilities as a SEBI-registered Investment Adviser?

Accepted Answer

As a SEBI-registered Investment Adviser, we are required to: enter into a written agreement with you providing all details including fee structure and conflict of interest disclosure; maintain confidentiality of your information; conduct risk profiling before providing advice; disclose all actual and potential conflicts of interest; and refrain from accessing your accounts or holdings for offering advice.

Question 5

Do you provide advisory services to clients outside India?

Accepted Answer

The applicability of SEBI's Investment Advisers Regulations to clients based outside India depends on the specific circumstances. We adhere to Know Your Client (KYC) norms regardless of client location to ensure investor protection standards are maintained.

Question 6

What is the scope of your advisory services?

Accepted Answer

We provide investment advice relating to securities and investment products. Our services are limited to the scope of our SEBI registration. We do not provide advice on products outside the purview of SEBI or services that require separate regulatory approvals.

Question 7

Do you provide guaranteed returns?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not provide any assurance or guarantee of returns. All investments in securities markets are subject to market risks. Past performance is not indicative of future results. SEBI regulations expressly prohibit Investment Advisers from promising assured or risk-free returns.

Question 8

Do you hold my funds or securities?

Accepted Answer

No. As a SEBI-registered Investment Adviser, we are not permitted to hold client funds or securities. All investments are executed directly in your name through authorised platforms. Our role is advisory, and we receive only the agreed fee for our services.

Question 9

Do you execute trades on my behalf?

Accepted Answer

We do not execute trades without your explicit consent for each transaction. If we provide execution support, it is entirely optional, and you retain full ownership and control of your investments at all times. Transactions are executed only after your explicit authorisation (e.g., OTP approval).

Question 10

What products do you advise on?

Accepted Answer

We advise on equity shares, Mutual Funds, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), Portfolio Management Services (PMS), Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), National Pension System (NPS), and government securities within the scope of our registration. We do not provide advice on products outside the scope of our registration.

Question 11

How are you compensated?

Accepted Answer

We operate on a fee-only model. This means we do not earn commissions, incentives, or any other compensation from financial product manufacturers, distributors, or any third party. You pay us advisory fees directly for the services provided.

Question 12

What are your fees?

Accepted Answer

Our fee structure is disclosed in detail in the Investment Advisory Agreement and on the Packages page. In accordance with SEBI regulations, fees in Fixed Fee mode shall not exceed ₹1,51,000 per annum per family, and in AUA mode shall not exceed 2.5% of AUA per annum per family.

Question 13

Do you accept advance fees?

Accepted Answer

We may accept advance fees if agreed by you. However, in accordance with SEBI regulations, advance fees shall not be accepted for a period exceeding two quarters.

Question 14

How can I make payments?

Accepted Answer

Payments can be made through cheque, bank transfer, UPI, or other modes permitted under SEBI regulations. Cash payments are not accepted.

Question 15

What is the process for engaging your services?

Accepted Answer

The engagement process involves: (a) signing an Investment Advisory Agreement that includes all details of fees, conflict of interest disclosure, and terms of service; (b) completing KYC requirements; (c) undergoing risk profiling; and (d) receiving personalised advice based on your risk profile and investment objectives.

Question 16

What documents will I need to provide?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the scope of engagement, we may require: KYC details, financial information (income, assets, liabilities), existing portfolio statements, and risk profiling documentation. All information is treated confidentially as per the agreement.

Question 17

What is the duration of the advisory engagement?

Accepted Answer

The advisory engagement duration is specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement. The agreement typically covers a defined period, and you may terminate it by providing written notice as per the terms of the agreement.

Question 18

Can I terminate the advisory engagement early?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You may terminate the advisory services at any time by providing written notice. In the event of premature termination, you are entitled to a refund of proportionate fees for the unexpired period, subject to a breakage fee not exceeding one-quarter of the total fees paid.

Question 19

How do you assess my risk profile?

Accepted Answer

Before providing personalised advice, we conduct a risk profiling exercise to understand your investment objectives, risk tolerance, financial situation, and investment horizon. The advice we provide is based on the outcome of this risk profiling.

Question 20

What should I do if I have doubts about the advice?

Accepted Answer

You should ask all relevant questions and clear your doubts with your Investment Adviser before acting on any advice. We encourage you to seek clarification on any aspect of the advice provided.

Question 21

What are the risks associated with your advisory services?

Accepted Answer

All investments in securities markets are subject to market risks. The value of investments may go up or down based on market conditions. There is no assurance that the investment objectives will be achieved. You should carefully read all related documents before investing.

Question 22

How do I file a complaint?

Accepted Answer

If you have a grievance, you may contact our Compliance Officer or Grievance Officer at the contact details provided on the Contact Us page. We will acknowledge your complaint and endeavour to resolve it within the timeframe specified in our grievance redressal policy.

Question 23

What if my complaint is not resolved?

Accepted Answer

If your complaint is not resolved within the specified timeframe, you may escalate the matter to SEBI through the SEBI Complaints Redress System (SCORES) at scores.sebi.gov.in. You may also use the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) mechanism via smartodr.in.

Question 24

Will you ever ask for my login credentials or OTPs?

Accepted Answer

No. We will never ask for your login credentials, passwords, or OTPs. Do not share these with anyone, including persons claiming to represent us.

Question 25

Where are my investments held?

Accepted Answer

Your investments are held in your own name with authorised custodians or platforms. We do not hold your funds or securities. You will receive statements directly from the custodian or platform, allowing you to independently verify your holdings and transactions.

Question 26

Do I retain control over my investments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You retain full ownership and control of your investments at all times. Transactions are executed only after your explicit authorisation. Our role is advisory, and we do not have discretionary authority over your accounts.

Question 27

How do I keep track of my investments?

Accepted Answer

You will receive regular statements directly from your custodian or platform. We may also provide periodic portfolio reviews and reports as part of our advisory services, as specified in the advisory agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions