AMFI Registration

Overview of AMFI Registration

The concept of AMFI registration was introduced under the AMFI or Association of Mutual Funds in India, a nonprofit organization that acts as a primary regulator under the SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India).

In the financial sector, the mutual funds investment system has gained significant popularity among investors due to its potential diversification and growth. With the increasing number of people in the mutual fund industry, the need for skilled and responsible intermediaries to facilitate investments has become crucial.

The objective behind the AMFI registration is to promote and protect the interests of investors and intermediaries in the mutual fund space. Meanwhile, to obtain an AMFI registration number (ARN), one must qualify for the NISM Series V-A Mutual Fund Distributors Certification Examination.

Therefore, to become a mutual fund distributor in India, one must obtain an AMFI Registration Number (ARN) from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI). Subsequently, this AMFI registration number will provide legitimacy to the concerned mutual fund distributors.

What is an AMFI Registration Number?

AMFI registration number, also commonly known as ARN code, is a unique identification number issued to agents, individuals, distributors, or any entity engaged in the distribution and selling of mutual fund products to investors.

Thus, it is mandatory to register with the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) in order to operate in the mutual fund industry.

Market Size of the Mutual Fund Industry in India

Mutual funds in India began in 1963 when the Indian Government introduced the unit trust of India. Since then, the mutual fund industry has been unstoppable, showing incredible resilience and significant growth.

In April 2024, the Average Assets Under Management (AAUM) of the Indian Mutual Fund Industry stood at Rs 57, 01, 359 crores. However, the report shows that the mutual fund industry has grown from Rs. 9.45 trillion as on 30th April 2014 to Rs. 57.26 trillion as on 30th April 2024 that is more than 6-fold increase in the span of 10 years.

Benefits of AMFI Registration

Given below is the list of benefits of AMFI registration, and how it has transformed the mutual fund business operation in India:

1. It has created transparency and accountability in the mutual fund sector.
2. It has helped in preventing mis-selling the mutual fund product and thus protecting the interest of mutual fund investors.
3. It enhances the credibility and professionalism of the mutual fund distributors in India.
4. It has increased the awareness among the investors by safeguarding their interests.
5. It can be used to track the assets mobilised by the intermediary and to calculate the brokerage of the intermediary.

Eligibility Criteria for AMFI Registration Number

Before obtaining an ARN or AMFI registration number, the applicant must meet the criteria set by the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI). Given below are the list of eligibility criteria:

1. An Indian citizen.
2. Minimum age is 18 years.
3. Pass the NISM series V-A Mutual Fund Distributions Certification Examination (apply to individual agents, brokers and other intermediaries engaged in selling mutual funds)
4. Senior citizen having attended CPE (Continuing Professional Education).

List of Documents Required for AMFI Registration

The key documents required for AMFI registration is as follows:

1. A passing certificate granted by NISM (National Institute of Securities Market).
2. Identity proof (Aadhaar card, Driving License etc.)
3. Copy of PAN card
4. Applicant Address proof.
5. KYC acknowledgement.
6. Details of educational qualification.
7. Bank Account details (cancel cheque)

Online AMFI Registration Process

In order to obtain an AMFI registration number or ARN, the applicant must follow the given below steps:

1. Visit the AMFI official website, i.e. https://www.amfiindia.com/
2. Click on the distributor corner and choose the option online registration & renewal of ARN &EUIN.
3. Click on the option Register then ARN, and accordingly, an interface of PAN details and Mobile will appear; thus, insert the details accordingly.
4. Next, a welcome interface will appear on the screen, where documents such as identity proof, address proof, bank account details validation, etc., must be submitted.
5. After submission, an e-KYC interface will appear, and the applicant must fill in the required details for e-KYC verification.
6. An OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number. Insert the same and proceed with the procedure for AIMF registration by filling in the additional details like PAN card, gender, marital status, cancel cheque, etc.
7. Lastly, pay the registration fee online using a debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.
8. Subsequently, submit the said application and download the acknowledgement receipt.
9. Accordingly, after further verification, a letter of registration or photo identity card shall be issued to the applicant's registered email address.

Offline Registration Process

To obtain an AMFI registration number through an offline process, an applicant must follow the given below steps:

1. An applicant must download the registration form from the AMFI official website.
2. A demand draft has to be submitted in favour of the Association of Mutual Funds in India.
3. A copy of the self-attested NISM series V-A certificate.
4. 3 stamp size colour photographs.
5. A duly filled KYD application form with a valid signature is attached with a photograph.
6. A self-attested copy of PAN card, Address proof, Bank account details verification (cancel cheque).

AMFI Registration Number Renewal Process

According to the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), every ARN holder shall apply for a renewal of the AMFI registration number on or six months before the ARN validity period expires for the continuation of the validity period. Given below are the online steps to renew such an AMFI registration number:

1. An applicant may visit the official website of AMFI and choose the renewal option.
2. The applicant then inserts the same details for the KYD verification.
3. Upload Documents like PAN card, cancel cheque for verification of bank details, etc.
4. After completing KYD verification, the applicant must now fill in the details for the renewal of the registration number by filing details like Adhaar card details, PAN details, address proof, NISM mutual fund distributors certificate or CPE (senior citizen), etc.
5. Lastly, renewal fees can be made through debit card, UPI, etc.

Rules for Mutual Fund Distributors Under AMFI

Given below are some of the salient rules for mutual fund distributors under AMFI-

1. According to the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), the validity period of a Letter of Registration or AMFI registration number issued to the corporate entities is 3 years.
2. No distributor is allowed to hold more than one ARN card or AMFI registration number.
3. A distributor or intermediaries can operate a mutual fund business only after obtaining an empanelment with AMCs after the ARN code is granted to them.

Penalty for Non-Compliance with AMFI

If any registered intermediaries fail to meet the AMFI guidelines and norms, then such AMFI registration number will be taken back or de-registered for the following reasons:

1. If the code of ethics is violated
2. If charged with serious offences by a Regulatory Authority or Judicial Authority.
3. Complaints of gross negligence before the consumer court.

AMFI Registration Fees

Below are the revised AMFI registration fees that came into effect on 1 May 2021. These fees exclude the professional service charges.

1. Individuals -Rs.1500/-
2. Proprietorship Firm-Rs.1500/-
3. Micro Finance Institution -Rs. 7,500/-
4. Post Office- Rs.7,500/-5.Urban Co-Op, Banks, Societies, Trusts, HUFs- Rs. 10,000/-
5. Urban Co-Op, Banks, Societies, Trusts, HUFs- Rs. 10,000/-
6. Partnership Firm- Rs. 10,000/-
7. LLP-Rs.20,000/-
8. One Person Company- Rs. 20,000/-
9. Pvt.Ltd.Co.-Rs.20,000/-
10. Employees of MFDs (EUIN holders)-Rs.500/-
11. Banks- Rs.4,00,000/-
12. RRBs & DCBs- Rs. 1,00,000/-
13. NBFC- 1,00,000/-
14. Public Ltd. Co- Rs.4,00,000/-

Note: It excludes 18% GST charges.

Timeframe for the AMFI Registration Number

After clearing the NISM series V-A Mutual Fund Distributions Certification Examination, this NISM certificate shall be submitted before the AMFI.

After a certain verification process, the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) will issue it within a span of 15 days to 20 days.

Why Choose Enterslice for AMFI Registration?

AMFI registration can be hassle-free if the applicant seeking an AMFI registration number is familiar with the steps. At Enterslice, our network of professionals holds knowledge and expertise in the realm of AMFI registration. They shall make this process convenient and less time-consuming.

With Enterslice consultants at the wheel, one can channelize time and energy into other more important aspects that are of priority. You can take a back seat once you choose Enterslice as your service partner and thus experience our seamless registration process. Our ultimate goal is to provide our clients with satisfactory service that is ready within the stipulated time frame. Thereafter, our team of professionals will ensure that our clients stay compliant with the concerned regulations.