October 10, 2025
4 mins read
Life is full of surprises. We all know that, but we don't always get ready for it. It's not only sensible to plan for what will happen when you're not there; it's also your job. This is especially true for mutual funds. That's when you may nominate someone for a mutual fund.
When someone dies, a mutual fund nomination enables them to name one or more persons who will get the money from the investment. It doesn't give the nominee ownership while the investor is still alive, but it ensures the transfer occurs smoothly after death.
It may seem like a simple thing, but it is really crucial in many ways, such as legally, financially, and emotionally.
Putting money into a mutual fund is like building up your wealth over time. But what if anything bad happens to you? If no one understands how to get into your account or if the money is stuck in legal proceedings, your family won't be able to collect it when they need it most.
Nomination solves this. It lets you name one or more people who will legally acquire your mutual fund assets if you die. This makes it easier for your dependents to get your investments because they won't have to go through extensive succession claims.
Being nominated does not mean you possess the property. A joint holder owns something with you while you're still alive. A nominee only takes over after you die. There are several benefits to adding a nominee to your mutual fund.
You don't have to add a nomination, although it's a good idea to do so. This is why:
Simple to transfer: there isn't much paperwork for the nominee to obtain the investment.
Keeps things from getting legally complicated: If there is no nomination, the legal heirs must present a will or succession certificate.
Peace of mind: You can be guaranteed that the right person will get your money.
Supports dependents: If your family relies on your money, it can be quite crucial for you to be able to get to your assets quickly.
Works on all platforms: You can nominate someone, whether you have money in a demat account or in cash.
It's a one-time event that has a big effect when it matters.
You could think that your family can handle it later. But listen to this: Without a nominee, it can be challenging to obtain back even small deposits. Nominations make sure that:
No one claims your money.
Your loved ones won't have to cope with delays or fights.
You can always find your investment and keep track of it.
Think of it as leaving behind clarity. That is a gift in and of itself.
It's much easier to add a nomination now that everything is computerised. You may usually nominate persons online with most mutual fund platforms and asset management companies (AMCs).
This is how the process normally works:
Log in to your AMC or mutual fund account.
Go to the nomination area in your account settings or folio details.
If there is more than one nomination, write down the nominee's name, how they are related to you, their date of birth, and the percentage of the share they own.
If someone asks, send them an OTP verification or an e-sign.
Make sure to get a confirmation when the nomination changes.
To avoid problems later, make sure that the nominee's information matches what is on their ID.
If there is no nominee in your mutual fund folio, things get a lot more complicated. Your legal heirs will need to show a will that has been validated by a court or a succession certificate. This process can take weeks or even months and requires going to court.
It might also need other papers, like death certificates, proof of identity, and sworn statements. Sometimes, heirs don't agree, which can make it a lot harder to get the money.
A simple nomination could stop this. It makes sure that your investment is shifted without any extra legal issues, which will assist your family in avoiding stress and difficulties at a time when things are already hard.
You can put the names of up to three persons in one mutual fund folio. If you choose more than one candidate, you need to be clear about how much of the share (%) each one should get. It has to be 100%.
A few other points to keep in mind:
You can offer each individual a different amount, like 70% to one and 30% to the other.
It is assumed that a share is equal if it is not mentioned.
You can add nominees when you invest or at any time after that.
Because it may be used in so many ways, nomination can be adjusted to match your requirements.
There are rules that govern the process of nominating. These guidelines set by SEBI must be followed by all mutual fund businesses in India.
Nominations can only be made by individual investors and single proprietorships. If all of the other co-holders agree, joint holders can only nominate. Institutions, trusts, partnership firms, and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) can't pick nominees.
Beginning on October 1, 2023, SEBI will compel investors to either choose a nominee or explicitly opt out. The folio might not be able to conduct business if you don't follow the regulations.
These rules make sure that the nomination procedure is fair and the same every time.
Not everyone can be chosen. There are fundamental rules on who may take part to make it valid and acceptable.
The person who was nominated:
Has to be a human.
An investor can choose anyone, including a friend or family member.
It might be a minor issue, but in that case, a guardian must be chosen.
It can't be a business, a trust, or a partnership.
You need to show that your ID is real.
This makes sure that the applicant can be discovered and that the fund firm may hand out money without any problems.
Additional Read: How to Add a Nominee to My Demat Account?
If you die, a nominee is someone you trust to acquire your mutual fund holdings. Your spouse, kids, parents, relatives, or even a close friend might be on the list. The link doesn't have to be legally binding.
On the other side, nominees must be actual persons whose identities can be verified. You can't use companies, HUFs, firms, or societies as candidates. This rule is in place to make sure that ownership changes are obvious and don't cause any trouble.
In India, the nominee may not be the legal owner of the money, especially if there is a disagreement.
Your nominee isn't fixed in stone. Your nomination might change just like anything else in life.
To alter or update your nominee:
Go to your AMC site or the site for your mutual fund.
Pick the right folio number.
In the nomination section, click "Update Nominee".
If you need to, add new nominee information and get rid of old ones.
Use an OTP or e-sign to confirm the request.
You will get a confirmation when your request is approved.
You may do this at any time, and it doesn't cost anything.
The answer is easy: life is full of surprises. No one wants their money to be caught in legal red tape or lost in paperwork. A nomination makes sure that the person you choose gets your money immediately, without any hassles or delays.
It's not only about making plans for your money. It's about making sure your family can get to the money you've worked so hard to make. It clears up any confusion, saves time, and makes things easier for your loved ones, both emotionally and legally.
You may be confident that your money will still do its job even if you're not there by making a nomination.
Choosing a mutual fund is not something you do at the last minute; it's an important component of your investment strategy. It doesn't take long to accomplish, yet it may make a big impact. Having a nominee in place gives you structure and peace of mind, whether you're a first-time investor or someone who manages a wide range of investments.
It's not simply about where your money goes. It's about leaving behind clarity. And sometimes, that's the best thing you can do.
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The nominee must send the AMC or platform a death certificate, proof of identification, and the request form for the transmission in order to move mutual funds. After verification, the units are moved to the nominee's account without needing a succession certificate.
If there is no registered nominee, the legal heirs must provide proof of succession, such as a court-issued certificate or a probated will, to get the money. This procedure can take a long time because it typically involves notarised documents and proof of identification.
Investors can't give away or move mutual fund units without a good reason while they are alive. But when they die, the nominee or legal heir gets them. You can only transfer things while you're alive in certain situations, like when you send them or demat them.
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