**Summary:**
This circular, issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on April 30, 2024, pertains to easing business operations for Mutual Funds (MFs) and Asset Management Companies (AMCs) concerning fund managers for schemes investing in commodities and overseas securities.
The circular modifies existing regulations outlined in the Master Circular for Mutual Funds dated May 19, 2023. Specifically, it addresses Clause 3.3.11 and Clause 12.19.3.1.
The key changes are:
* **Commodity-based Funds:** Appointment of a dedicated fund manager for commodity-based funds (e.g., Gold ETFs, Silver ETFs) is now optional. However, the appointed fund manager must possess adequate expertise and experience in managing investments in commodities markets.
* **Overseas Investments:** Appointment of a dedicated fund manager for overseas investments as stipulated under paragraph 12.19.2.1 to 12.19.2.9 of the Master Circular is now optional. However, the appointed fund manager must possess adequate expertise and experience in managing investments in overseas securities.
In both cases, the Board of the AMCs is responsible for ensuring compliance and reporting to the trustees on a periodic basis.
This circular is issued under the authority of Section 11(1) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992, and Regulations 25(22)(aii) and 77 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Mutual Funds Regulations, 1996. It aims to protect investor interests, promote market development, and regulate the securities market.
The circular is available on the SEBI website under the "Legal Circulars" section (www.sebi.gov.in). For further information, contact Lakshaya Chawla, Deputy General Manager, at 912226449369 or lakshayacsebi.gov.in.
Key Entities Referenced
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI): Regulatory authority overseeing the securities market in India, responsible for issuing this circular.
Mutual Funds (MFs): Entities that pool money from investors to purchase securities.
Asset Management Companies (AMCs): Companies that manage investment funds, including mutual funds, on behalf of investors.
Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI): Industry body representing mutual funds in India.
SEBI Mutual Funds Regulation, 1996: Regulations governing the operation and management of mutual funds in India.
Master Circular for Mutual Funds: A comprehensive document issued by SEBI consolidating all regulations and guidelines related to mutual funds. Specifically refers to the circular dated May 19, 2023.
Gold ETFs: Exchange Traded Funds that invest primarily in gold.
Silver ETFs: Exchange Traded Funds that invest primarily in silver.
CIRCULAR
SEBI/HO/IMD/IMD-PoD-2/P/CIR/2024/30 April 30, 2024
To
All Mutual Funds (MFs)/
All Asset Management Companies (AMCs)/
All Trustees of Mutual Funds/
Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI)
Madam/ Sir,
Subject: Ease of doing business- Fund manager for Mutual fund schemes
investing in commodities and overseas securities.
1. SEBI constituted various Working Groups to recommend measures to simplify and
ease compliances under various SEBI Regulations. Accordingly, a working group
was constituted to review the present regulatory framework under SEBI (Mutual
Funds) Regulation, 1996 and recommend measures to promote ease of doing
business for mutual funds. Based on the recommendations of the working group, a
public consultation was carried out.
2. Accordingly, the following has been decided:
2.1. In partial modification to the Clause 3.3.11 of the Master Circular for Mutual
Funds dated May 19, 2023, it has been decided as under:
“For commodity based funds such as Gold ETFs, Silver ETFs and other funds
participating in commodities market, appointment of a dedicated fund manager
shall be optional. However, the person appointed as fund manager of such
funds should have adequate expertise and experience to manage investments
in commodities market. The Board of the AMCs shall be responsible for
ensuring compliance and reporting regarding the same to trustees, on a
periodic basis.”
2.2. Further, in partial modification to the Clause 12.19.3.1 of the Master Circular for
Mutual Funds dated May 19, 2023, it has been decided as under:
“Appointment of a dedicated fund manager for making the above overseas
investments stipulated under paragraph 12.19.2.1 to 12.19.2.9 shall be
optional. However, the person appointed as fund manager of such funds
Page 1 of 2should have adequate expertise and experience to manage investments in
overseas securities. The Board of the AMCs shall be responsible for ensuring
compliance and reporting regarding the same to trustees, on a periodic basis.”
3. This circular is issued in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 11(1) of
the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992, read with Regulation
25(22)(a)(ii) and Regulation 77 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India
(Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 to protect the interest of investors in securities
and to promote the development of, and to regulate the securities market.
4. This circular is available at www.sebi.gov.in under the link “Legal ->Circulars”.
Yours faithfully,
Lakshaya Chawla
Deputy General Manager
+91-22-26449369
lakshayac@sebi.gov.in
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