SEBI Mutual Fund Categorization
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) serves as the regulatory authority for the securities market in India. In a 2017 circular, SEBI established a framework for mutual fund categorisation, dividing all existing and new mutual fund schemes into five primary categories: equity funds, debt funds, hybrid funds, solution-oriented funds and other funds, which include exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and fund of funds (FoFs). These broad categories are further subdivided into 39 distinct mutual fund scheme categories available in the market. This system helps ensure clarity and consistency, making it easier for investors to understand and compare different funds within the mutual fund categories.
Reasons behind the re-categorisation of mutual funds
SEBI has introduced mutual fund categorisation rules to standardise the operations of Asset Management Companies (AMCs) and address the confusion often caused by ambiguous fund names. These regulations mandate that AMCs assign names that accurately reflect a fund's objectives and asset allocation. This initiative aims to enhance transparency for investors, making it simpler to compare and choose funds. Furthermore, these changes, guided by SEBI regulations, help maintain the integrity and clarity of the mutual fund list by category.
What are the norms of mutual fund re-categorisation
SEBI has introduced updated mutual fund categorisation rules to enhance clarity for investors. The new regulations encompass the following changes:
- Refined classification: SEBI has established clear definitions for asset allocation, investment mandates and risk profiles, categorising mutual fund schemes into Equity, Debt, Hybrid, Solution-Oriented and Other categories.
- Clear and accurate naming: Funds are now required to have names that accurately represent their risk profiles. This change eliminates misleading terms like ‘opportunity’ or ‘advantage’ that could attract investors without a proper risk assessment.
- Lock-in period for certain schemes: For certain solution-oriented schemes, such as those focused on retirement or children's education, a lock-in period may be implemented to better align with their long-term objectives. Existing investors are expected to be unaffected by this adjustment.
- Revised scheme attributes: Fund houses must update the investment mandate, strategy and benchmarks used to assess fund performance to comply with the new regulations.
These revisions compel AMCs to realign their offerings according to the updated guidelines, thereby improving transparency and providing investors with clearer and more accurate information. Moreover, these norms, established by SEBI, help standardise mutual fund categories for better investor understanding.
Equity scheme
Equity scheme categories classify mutual funds into 12 categories that invest primarily in stocks. These include large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap and sector-specific funds, each tailored to different investor profiles and risk appetites.
Debt scheme
Debt schemes are classified into 16 categories, focusing on investments in the money market and debt securities. Money market instruments encompass commercial papers, certificates of deposit and treasury bills. Debt market securities include government bonds, PSU (Public Sector Undertaking) bonds and non-convertible debentures. The sub-categories of these schemes are determined by the type of investments and their respective maturity periods.
Hybrid scheme
Hybrid scheme categories refer to mutual funds that blend equity and debt investments. This includes balanced funds, aggressive hybrid funds, and conservative hybrid funds, designed to offer a mix of growth and income.
Solution-oriented schemes
Solution-oriented schemes are part of the mutual fund categories that focus on specific financial goals. They include Retirement Funds and Children’s Funds, which are open-ended and feature a minimum lock-in period of five years or until retirement (for Retirement Funds) and/or until the child reaches adulthood (for Children’s Funds). These are detailed in the mutual fund list by category.
Other schemes
Other Schemes in the mutual fund categories are divided into two main sub-categories: Index Funds/ETFs and FoFs. Index Funds/ETFs invest at least 95% of their assets in securities of a particular index. FoFs invest a minimum of 95% in underlying funds and are classified into Domestic and Overseas types. These schemes are listed in the comprehensive mutual fund list by category.