SEBI (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE BOARD OF INDIA

NOTIFICATION

Mumbai, the 16th January, 2020

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE BOARD OF INDIA (PORTFOLIO MANAGERS) REGULATIONS, 2020

No. SEBI/LAD-NRO/GN/2020/03.—In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of Section 30 read with sub-section (1) of section 11, clause (b) of sub-section (2) of Section 11 and sub-section (1) of Section 12 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 (15 of 1992), the Securities and Exchange Board of India hereby makes the following regulations, namely: –

CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY

Short title and commencement.

(1) These regulations may be called the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020.

(2) These regulations shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

Definitions.

2. (1) In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires, –

i. “Act” means the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 (15 of 1992);

ii. “body corporate” shall have the meaning assigned to it under sub-section (11) of Section 2 of the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013) as amended from time to time;

(d) “change of status or constitution” in relation to a portfolio manager─

(i) means any change in its status or constitution of whatsoever nature; and

(ii) without prejudice to generality of sub-clause (i), includes–

(a) amalgamation, demerger, consolidation or any other kind of corporate restructuring falling within the scope of section 230 of the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013) or the corresponding provision of any other law for the time being in force; and

(b) any change in control over the body corporate;

(c) “change in control”, in relation to a portfolio manager being a body corporate, shall be construed with reference to : ─

(i) the definition of control in terms of Regulation 2(1)(e) of SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011 as amended from time to time, if its shares are listed on any recognized stock exchange;

(ii) in any other case, change in the controlling interest in the body corporate;

Explanation. ─ For the purpose of sub-clause (ii), the expression “controlling interest” means,

(A) an interest, whether direct or indirect, to the extent of at least fifty-one percent of voting rights in the body corporate;

(B) right to appoint majority of the directors or to control the management directly or indirectly.

(f) “chartered accountant” means a chartered accountant as defined in clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 (38 of 1949) and who has obtained a certificate of practice under sub-section (1) of section 6 of that Act;

(g) “discretionary portfolio manager” means a portfolio manager who under a contract relating to portfolio management, exercises or may exercise, any degree of discretion as to the investment of funds or management of the portfolio of securities of the client, as the case may be;

(h) “eligible fund manager” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in sub-section (4) of Section 9A of the Income-tax Act, 1961;

(i) “eligible investment fund” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in sub-section (3) of Section 9A of the Income-tax Act, 1961;

(j) “form” means a form specified in Schedule I;

(k) “goods” means the goods notified by the Central Government under clause (bc) of section 2 of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 and forming the underlying of any commodity derivative;

(l) “inspecting authority” means one or more persons appointed by the Board to exercise powers conferred under Chapter V;

(m) “NISM” means the National Institute of Securities Market established by the Board;

(n) “portfolio” means the total holdings of securities and goods belonging to any person;

(o) “portfolio manager” means a body corporate, which pursuant to a contract with a client, advises or directs or undertakes on behalf of the client (whether as a discretionary portfolio manager or otherwise) the management or administration of a portfolio of securities or goods or funds of the client, as the case may be:

Provided that the Portfolio Manager may deal in goods received in delivery against physical settlement of commodity derivatives.

(p) “principal officer” means an employee of the portfolio manager who has been designated as such by the portfolio manager and is responsible for: –

(i) the decisions made by the portfolio manager for the management or administration of portfolio of securities or the funds of the client, as the case may be; and

(ii) all other operations of the portfolio manager.

(6) “securities lending” means securities lending as per the Securities Lending Scheme, 1997 specified by the Board.

(2) Words and expressions used and not defined in these regulations but defined in the Act shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in the Act.

CHAPTER II

REGISTRATION OF PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

Registration as portfolio manager.

3. No person shall act as a portfolio manager unless it has obtained a certificate of registration from the Board under these regulations.

Application for grant of certificate.

4. (1) An application by a person for the grant of a certificate shall be made to the Board in Form A of Schedule I and shall be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee, as specified in para (1) of Schedule II.

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-regulation (1), any application made by a person prior to coming into force of these regulations containing such particulars or as near thereto as mentioned in Form A of Schedule I shall be treated as an application made in pursuance of sub- regulation (1) and dealt with accordingly.

Application to conform to the requirements.

5. Subject to the provisions of sub-regulation (2) of regulation 4, any application, which is not complete in all respects and does not conform to the instructions specified in the form, shall be rejected:

Provided that, before rejecting any such application, the applicant shall be given an opportunity to remove objections indicated by the Board, within the time specified, not later than 3 weeks.

Furnishing of further information, clarification and personal representation.

6. (1) The Board may require the applicant to furnish further information or clarification regarding matters relevant to his activity of a portfolio manager for the purposes of disposal of the application.

(2) The applicant or its principal officer shall, if so required, appear before the Board for personal representation.

Consideration of application.

7. (1) For considering the grant of certificate of registration to the applicant, the Board shall take into account all matters which it deems relevant to the activities relating to portfolio management.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provisions, the Board shall consider whether :-

(a) the applicant is a body corporate;

(b) the applicant has the necessary infrastructure like adequate office space, equipment and the manpower to effectively discharge the activities of a portfolio manager;

(d) the principal officer of the applicant has–

i. a professional qualification in finance, law, accountancy or business management from a university or an institution recognized by the Central Government or any State Government or a foreign university or a CFA charter from the CFA institute;

ii. experience of at least five years in related activities in the securities market including in a portfolio manager, stock broker, investment advisor, research analyst or as a fund manager; and

iii. the relevant NISM certification as specified by the Board from time to time.

Provided that at least 2 years of relevant experience is in portfolio management or investment advisory services or in the areas related to fund management.

Provided further that a portfolio manager, who was granted a certificate of registration prior to the commencement of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020, shall comply with sub clauses (i) and (ii) of clause (d) of sub-regulation (2) of regulation 7 within thirty-six months from such commencement.

(e) In addition to the Principal Officer and Compliance Officer, the applicant has in its employment at least one person with the following qualifications :-

(i) graduation from a university or an institution recognized by the Central Government or any State Government or a foreign university; and

(ii) an experience of at least two years in related activities in the securities market including in a portfolio manager, stock broker, investment advisor or as a fund manager:

Provided that any employee of the Portfolio Manager who has decision making authority related to fund management shall have the same minimum qualifications and experience as specified for the Principal Officer in clause (d) of sub-regulation (2) of regulation 7:

Provided further that a portfolio manager, who was granted a certificate of registration prior to the commencement of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020, shall comply with sub clauses (i) and (ii) of clause (e) of sub-regulation (2) of regulation 7 within twelve months from such commencement;

(f) any disciplinary action has been taken by the Board against a person directly or indirectly connected with the applicant under the Act or the rules or the regulations made thereunder;

Explanation. ─ For the purposes of sub-clause (f), the expression “person directly or indirectly connected” means any person being an associate, subsidiary company or an associate company within the meaning of sub-section (6) of section 2 of the Companies Act, 2013;

(g) the applicant fulfills the net worth requirement specified in regulation 9;

(h) the applicant, its director or partner, principal officer, compliance officer or the employee as specified in clause (e) is involved in any litigation connected with the securities market that has an adverse bearing on the business of the applicant;

(i) the applicant, its director or partner, principal officer, compliance officer or the employee as specified in clause (e) has at any time been convicted for any offence involving moral turpitude or has been found guilty of any economic offence;

(j) the applicant is a fit and proper person;

(k) the grant of certificate to the applicant is in the interest of investors.

Criteria for fit and proper person.

8. For the purposes of determining whether an applicant or the portfolio manager is a fit and proper person, the Board may take into account the criteria specified in Schedule II of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008.

Net worth Requirement.

9. The net worth referred to in clause (g) of regulation 7 shall not be less than five crore rupees:

Provided that a portfolio manager, who was granted a certificate of registration prior to the commencement of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020, shall raise its net worth to not less than five crore rupees within thirty-six months from such commencement:

Provided further that the portfolio manager shall fulfill the net worth requirements under these regulations, separately and independently, of the capital adequacy requirements, if any, for each activity undertaken by it under the relevant regulations.

Explanation. ─ For the purposes of this regulation, “net worth” means the aggregate value of paid up equity capital plus free reserves (excluding reserves created out of revaluation) reduced by the aggregate value of accumulated losses and deferred expenditure not written off, including miscellaneous expenses not written off.

Procedure for registration.

10. (1) The Board on being satisfied that the applicant fulfils the requirements specified in regulation 7 shall send an intimation to the applicant and on receipt of the payment of registration fees as specified in paragraph (2) of Schedule II grant a certificate in Form B of Schedule I.

(2) The portfolio manager who has already been granted a certificate of registration by the Board, prior to the commencement of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020 shall be deemed to have been granted a certificate of registration, in terms of sub- regulation (1).

Conditions of registration.

11. The certificate of registration granted under regulation 10 shall, inter alia, be subject to the following conditions, namely: –

(a) the portfolio manager shall abide by the provisions of the Act and these regulations;

(b) the portfolio manager shall forthwith inform the Board in writing, if any information or particulars previously submitted to the Board are found to be false or misleading in any material particular or if there is any material change in the information already submitted;

(d) the portfolio manager shall take adequate steps for redressal of grievances of the investors within one month of the date of the receipt of the complaint and keep the Board informed about the number, nature and other particulars of the complaints received; and

(e) the portfolio manager shall maintain the net worth specified in regulation 9 at all times during the period of the certificate.

Period of validity of certificate.

12. The certificate of registration granted under regulation 10 shall be valid unless it is suspended or cancelled by the Board.

Procedure where registration is refused

13. (1) After considering an application made under regulation 4, if the Board is of the opinion that a certificate should not be granted to the applicant, it may reject the application after giving the applicant a reasonable opportunity of being heard.

(2) The decision of the Board to reject the application shall be communicated to the applicant within thirty days of such decision.

Effect of refusal to grant certificate.

14. Any portfolio manager whose application for a certificate has been refused by the Board shall on and from the date of the receipt of the communication under sub- regulation (2) of regulation 13 cease to carry on any activity as portfolio manager.

Payment of fees, and the consequences of failure to pay fees.

15. (1) Every applicant eligible for grant of a certificate shall pay such fees within 15 days of receiving intimation from the Board and in such manner as specified in Schedule II:

Provided that the Board may on sufficient cause being shown allow the portfolio manager to pay such fees at any time before the expiry of one month from the date on which such fees become due.

(2) Where a portfolio manager fails to pay the fees as provided in Schedule II, the Board may suspend the certificate, whereupon the portfolio manager shall forthwith cease to carry on the activity as a portfolio manager for the period during which the suspension subsists.

CHAPTER III

ELIGIBLE FUND MANAGERS

Applicability.

16. (1) The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to eligible fund managers exclusively, pertaining to their activities as portfolio managers to eligible investment funds.

(2) All other provisions of these regulations and the guidelines and circulars issued thereunder, unless the context otherwise requires or is repugnant to the provisions of this chapter, shall apply to eligible fund managers in relation to their activities as portfolio managers to eligible investment funds.

Procedure to be followed by an existing Portfolio Manager.

17. An existing portfolio manager may act as a portfolio manager to an eligible investment fund if:

(a) it fulfills all the conditions specified in sub section (4) of Section 9A of the Income-tax Act, 1961; and

(b) it intimates the Board prior to undertaking such activity and submit declarations as specified in clause (1) of Schedule VI.

Procedure to be followed by an applicant for fresh registration.

18. An applicant who is a body corporate who intends to act as an eligible fund manager may be granted registration under regulation 10 if:

(a) it fulfills all the conditions specified in sub section (4) of Section 9A of the Income-tax Act, 1961;

(b) it complies with the requirements specified under Chapter II of these regulations, unless specified otherwise in this Chapter;

(d) it provides a declaration to the Board as specified in paragraph (2) of Schedule VI.

Obligation and Responsibilities of Eligible Fund Managers.

19. An eligible fund manager shall be required to: –

(1) comply with the requirements specified under Section 9A of the Income-tax Act, 1961 or any amendment, notification, clarification, guideline issued thereunder;

(2) offer discretionary or non-discretionary or advisory services or a combination thereof to eligible investment funds;

(3) operate in accordance to its mutually agreed contract with the eligible investment funds;

(4) provide all material disclosures to eligible investment funds;

(5) segregate funds and securities of each eligible investment fund;

(6) segregate the funds and securities of eligible investment funds from those of its other clients;

(7) maintain and segregate its books and accounts pertaining to its activities as a portfolio manager to eligible investment funds and other clients;

(8) appoint a custodian:

Provided that the requirement of compliance with this sub-regulation would not arise in case an eligible investment fund has already appointed a custodian under the applicable act or regulations;

(9) keep the funds of eligible investment funds in scheduled commercial banks;

Provided that requirement of compliance with this sub-regulation would not arise in case an eligible investment fund does not intend to invest in Indian securities;

(10) maintain any additional records as may be specified by the Board and disclose the same to the Board as and when required;

(11) provide quarterly reports to the Board;

(12) nsure compliance with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 and rules and regulations made thereunder;

(13) abide by the provisions in these regulations and circulars / guidelines issued by the Board from time to time.

Certain provisions not to apply.

20. The eligible fund managers shall be exempted from the following provisions pertaining to their activities as portfolio managers to eligible investment funds notwithstanding anything contained in these regulations, Schedules thereto or circulars issued thereunder:

(i) sub-regulation (1), (2), (3) and (4) of Regulation 22;

(ii) sub-regulation (2), (3), (4), (8) and (9) of Regulation 23;

(iii) clause (b) of sub-regulation (1) of Regulation 24;

(iv) clause (a) of sub-regulation (2) of Regulation 24;

(v) sub-regulation (7) of Regulation 24;

(vi) sub-regulation (11) of Regulation 24;

(vii) Regulation 26;

(viii) sub-regulation (3) of Regulation 30;

(ix) sub-regulation (1), (2), and (3) of Regulation 31;

(x) Form C in Schedule I; and

(xi) Schedules IV and V.

CHAPTER IV

GENERAL OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Code of Conduct.

21. Every portfolio manager shall abide by the Code of Conduct as specified in Schedule III. Contract with clients and disclosures.

22. (1) The portfolio manager shall, before taking up an assignment of management of funds and portfolio on
behalf of a client, enter into an agreement in writing with such client that clearly defines the inter se relationship and sets out their mutual rights, liabilities and obligations relating to management of portfolio containing the details as specified in Schedule IV.

(2) The agreement between the portfolio manager and the client shall, inter alia, include the following :-

(a) the investment objectives and the services to be provided;

(b) period of the contract and provision of early termination, if any;

(c) investment approach, areas of investment and restrictions, if any, imposed by the client with regard to the investment in a particular company or industry;

Explanation: An investment approach is a broad outlay of the type of securities and permissible instruments to be invested in by the portfolio manager for the customer, taking into account factors specific to clients and securities.

(d) type of instruments and proportion of exposure;

(e) tenure of portfolio investments;

(f) terms for early withdrawal of funds or securities by the clients;

(g) attendant risks involved in the management of the portfolio;

(h) amount to be invested subject to the restrictions provided under these regulations;

(i) procedure of settling client’s account including form of repayment on maturity or early termination of contract;

(j) fees payable to the portfolio manager;

(k) the quantum and manner of fees payable by the client for each activity for which service is rendered by the portfolio manager directly or indirectly (where such service is out sourced);

(l) custody of securities;

(m) in case of a discretionary portfolio manager; a condition that the liability of a client shall not exceed his investment with the portfolio manager;

(n) accounting terms, audit and furnishing of the reports to the clients as per the provisions of these regulations; and

(o) other terms of portfolio investment subject to these regulations.

(3) The portfolio manager shall provide to the client, the Disclosure Document as specified in Schedule V, along with a certificate in Form C as specified in Schedule I, prior to entering into an agreement with the client as referred to in sub-regulation (1).

(4) The Disclosure Document, shall inter alia include the following :─

(a) the quantum and manner of payment of fees payable by the client for each activity for which service is rendered by the portfolio manager directly or indirectly (where such service is out sourced);

(b) portfolio risks including risk specific to each investment approach offered by the portfolio manager;

(c) complete disclosures of transactions with related parties as per the accounting standards specified by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India;

(d) details of conflicts of interest related to services offered by group companies or associates of the portfolio manager;

(e) the performance of the portfolio manager:

Provided that the performance of a discretionary portfolio manager shall be calculated using ‗Time Weighted Rate of Return‘ for the immediately preceding three years and in such cases performance indicators shall also be disclosed:

Provided further that the portfolio manager may be allowed to disclose performance segregated on the basis of investment approach;

(f) the audited financial statements of the portfolio manager for the immediately preceding three years.

(5) The contents of the Disclosure Document shall be certified by an independent chartered accountant.

(6) The portfolio manager shall ensure that a copy of Disclosure Document is available on the website of the portfolio manager at all times and as soon as the registration is granted.

(7) The portfolio manager shall file with the Board, a copy of the Disclosure Document after grant of certificate of registration before circulating it to any client or whenever any material change including change in the investment approach is effected. The portfolio manager shall file the disclosure document with the material change within 7 working days from the date of the change.

(8) The portfolio manager shall file disclosure document along with the certificate in Form C as specified in Schedule I.

(9) The portfolio manager shall disclose a change in the identity of the Principal Officer to the Board and the clients within 7 working days of effecting the change.

(10) The portfolio manager shall report its performance uniformly in the disclosures to the Board, marketing materials and reports to the clients and on its website.

(11) The portfolio manager shall charge an agreed fee from the clients for rendering portfolio management services without guaranteeing or assuring, either directly or indirectly, any return and the fee so charged may be a fixed fee or a return based fee or a combination of both:

Provided that no up-front fees shall be charged by the portfolio manager directly or in-directly to the clients.

(12) The portfolio manager shall disclose the range of fees charged under various heads in the disclosure document.

General responsibilities of a Portfolio Manager.

23. (1) The discretionary portfolio manager shall individually and independently manage the funds of each client in accordance with the needs of the client, in a manner which does not partake character of a Mutual Fund, whereas the non-discretionary portfolio manager shall manage the funds in accordance with the directions of the client.

(2) The portfolio manager shall not accept from the client, funds or securities worth less than fifty lakh rupees:

Provided that the minimum investment amount per client shall be applicable for new clients and fresh investments by existing clients:

Provided further that existing investments of clients, as on the date of notification of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020, may continue as such till maturity of the investment or as specified by the Board.

(3) The portfolio manager shall act in a fiduciary capacity with regard to the client’s funds.

(4) The portfolio manager shall segregate each client‘s holding in securities in separate accounts.

(5) The portfolio manager shall keep the funds of all clients in a separate account to be maintained by it in a Scheduled Commercial Bank.

Explanation. ─ For the purposes of this sub-regulation, the expression ‗Scheduled Commercial Bank‘ means any bank included in the Second Schedule to the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 (2 of 1934).

(6) The portfolio manager shall transact in securities within the limitation placed by the client himself with regard to dealing in securities under the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 (2 of 1934).

(7) The portfolio manager shall not derive any direct or indirect benefit out of the client’s funds or securities.

(8) The portfolio manager shall not borrow funds or securities on behalf of the client.

(9) The portfolio manager shall not lend securities held on behalf of the clients to a third person except as provided under these regulations.

(10) The portfolio manager shall ensure proper and timely handling of complaints from his clients and take appropriate action immediately.

(11) The portfolio manager shall ensure that any person or entity involved in the distribution of its services is carrying out the distribution activities in compliance with these regulations and circulars issued thereunder from time to time.

Management or administration of clients’ portfolio.

24. (1) (a) The money or securities accepted by the portfolio manager shall not be invested or managed by the portfolio manager except in terms of the agreement between the portfolio manager and the client.

(b) Any renewal of portfolio on maturity of the initial period shall be deemed as a fresh placement.

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in the agreement referred to in regulation 22, the funds or securities can be withdrawn by the client before the maturity of the contract under the following circumstances, namely-

a) voluntary or compulsory termination of portfolio management services by the portfolio manager or the client;

b) suspension or cancellation of the certificate of registration of the portfolio manager by the Board;

c) bankruptcy or liquidation of the portfolio manager.

(3) The discretionary portfolio manager shall invest funds of his clients in the securities listed or traded on a recognized stock exchange, money market instruments, units of Mutual Funds and other securities as specified by Board from time to time, on behalf of their clients.

Explanation. ─ For the purposes of this sub-regulation: “money market instruments” includes commercial paper, trade bill, treasury bills, certificate of deposit and usance bills.

(4) The portfolio manager offering non-discretionary or advisory services to clients may invest or provide advice for investment up to 25% of the assets under management of such clients in unlisted securities, in addition to the securities permitted for discretionary portfolio management.

(5) Portfolio Managers may invest in units of Mutual Funds only through direct plan.

(6) The portfolio manager while investing in units of Mutual Funds through direct plan shall not charge any kind of distribution related fees to the client.

(7) The portfolio manager shall not leverage the portfolio of its clients for investment in derivatives.

(8) The portfolio manager shall not deploy the clients’ funds in bill discounting, badla financing or for the purpose of lending or placement with corporate or non-corporate bodies.

(9) The portfolio manager shall not invest the clients‘ funds in the portfolio managed or administered by another portfolio manager.

(10) The portfolio manager shall not invest client‘s fund based on the advice of any other entity.

(11) The portfolio manager shall not while dealing with clients‘ funds indulge in speculative transactions i.e, it shall not enter into any transaction for purchase or sale of any security which is periodically or ultimately settled otherwise than by actual delivery or transfer of security except the transactions in derivatives.

(12) The portfolio manager shall, ordinarily purchase or sell securities separately for each client. However, in the event of aggregation of purchases or sales for economy of scale, inter se allocation shall be done on a pro rata basis and at weighted average price of the day’s transactions. The portfolio manager shall not keep any open position in respect of allocation of sales or purchases effected in a day.

(13) The portfolio manager shall not execute off market transfers in client‘s account except:

(a) for settlement of the clients‘ own trades;

(b) for providing margin/ collateral for clients‘ own positions;

(d) with specific consent of the client for each transaction;

(e) for any other reason specified by the Board from time to time.

(14) The portfolio manager shall segregate each clients’ funds and portfolio of securities and keep them separately from his own funds and securities and be responsible for safekeeping of clients’ funds and securities.

(15) The portfolio manager shall not hold the securities belonging to the portfolio account, in its own name on behalf of its clients either by virtue of contract with clients or otherwise.

(16) The portfolio manager may, subject to authorization by the client in writing, participate in securities lending.

Foreign Portfolio Investor availing portfolio management services.

25. Foreign portfolio investors may avail of the services of a portfolio manager.

Appointment of custodian.

26. Every portfolio manager shall appoint a custodian in respect of securities managed or administered by it: Provided that this regulation shall not apply to a portfolio manager who provides only advisory services.

Maintenance of books of accounts, records, etc.

27. (1) Every portfolio manager shall keep and maintain the following books of accounts, records and documents namely: –

(a) a copy of balance sheet at the end of each accounting period;

(b) a copy of the profit and loss account for each accounting period;

(d) a statement of financial position and;

(e) records in support of every investment transaction or recommendation which will indicate the data, facts and opinion leading to that investment decision:

Provided that such a record shall be maintained under the hands of the Principal Officer of the portfolio manager.

(2) Every portfolio manager shall intimate to the Board the place where the books of accounts, records and documents are maintained.

(3) Without prejudice to sub-regulation (1), every portfolio manager shall, after the end of each accounting period, furnish to the Board copies of the balance sheet, profit and loss account and such other documents for the preceding five accounting years as and when required by the Board.

Submission of net worth certificate.

28. Every portfolio manager shall furnish to the Board a net worth certificate issued by a chartered accountant as and when required by the Board.

Maintenance of books of accounts, records and other documents.

29. The portfolio manager shall preserve the books of account and other records and documents mentioned under this chapter for a minimum period of five years.

Accounts and audit.

30. (1) (a) The portfolio manager shall maintain separate client-wise accounts.

(b) The funds received from the clients, investments or disinvestments, all the credits to the account of the client like interest, dividend, bonus, or any other beneficial interest received on the investment and debits for expenses, if any, shall be properly accounted for and details thereof shall be properly reflected in the client’s account.

(c) The tax deducted at source as required under the provisions of the Income-Tax Act, 1961, (43 of 1961) shall be recorded in the portfolio account.

(2) The books of account will be audited yearly by qualified auditor to ensure that the portfolio manager has followed proper accounting methods and procedures and that the portfolio manager has performed his duties in accordance with the law. A certificate to this effect shall, if so specified, be submitted to the Board within six months of close of portfolio manager’s accounting period.

(3) The portfolio accounts of the portfolio manager shall be audited annually by an independent chartered accountant and a copy of the certificate issued by the chartered accountant shall be given to the client.

(4) The client may appoint a chartered accountant to audit the books and accounts of the portfolio manager relating to his transactions and the portfolio manager shall co-operate with such chartered accountant in course of the audit.

Reports to be furnished to the client.

31. (1) The portfolio manager shall furnish periodically a report to the client, as agreed in the contract, but not exceeding a period of three months and as and when required by the client and such report shall contain the following details, namely: –

(a) the composition and the value of the portfolio, description of securities and goods, number of securities, value of each security held in the portfolio, units of goods, value of goods, cash balance and aggregate value of the portfolio as on the date of report;

(b) transactions undertaken during the period of report including date of transaction and details of purchases and sales;

(d) expenses incurred in managing the portfolio of the client;

(e) details of risk foreseen by the portfolio manager and the risk relating to the securities recommended by the portfolio manager for investment or disinvestment;

(f) default in payment of coupons or any other default in payments in the underlying debt security and downgrading to default rating by the rating agencies, if any;

(g) details of commission paid to distributor(s) for the particular client.

(2) The report referred to in sub-regulation (1) may be made available on the website of the portfolio manager with restricted access to each client.

(3) On termination of the contract, the portfolio manager shall give a detailed statement of accounts to the client and settle the account with the client as agreed in the contract.

(4) The client shall have the right to obtain details of his portfolio from the portfolio managers.

Report on steps taken on Auditor’s report.

32. The portfolio manager shall take steps to rectify the deficiencies made out in the auditor‘s report within two months from the date of the auditor‘s report as specified in sub-regulation (2) of Regulation 30.

Disclosures to the Board.

33. The Board may ask portfolio manager to disclose any information as and when required including the following: –

(a) particulars regarding the management of a portfolio;

(b) any change in the information or particulars previously furnished, which have a bearing on the certificate granted to him;

(d) particulars relating to the net worth requirement as specified in regulation 9.

Appointment of compliance officer.

34. (1) Every portfolio manager shall appoint a compliance officer who shall be responsible for monitoring the compliance of the Act, rules and regulations, notifications, guidelines, instructions etc., issued by the Board or the Central Government and for redressal of investors’ grievances:

Provided that the role of compliance officer shall not be assigned to the principal officer appointed in terms of clause (d) of sub-regulation (2) of regulation 7 or the employee of the portfolio manager appointed in terms of clause (e) of sub-regulation (2) of regulation 7.

(2) The compliance officer shall immediately and independently report to the Board any non-compliance observed by him.

CHAPTER V
INSPECTION AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS

Right of inspection by the Board.

35. (1) The Board may appoint one or more persons as inspecting authority to undertake the inspection of the books of account, records and documents of the portfolio manager for any of the purposes specified in sub-regulation (2).

(2) The purposes referred to in sub-regulation (1) may be as follows: –

(a) to ensure that the books of account are being maintained in the manner required;

(b) to ensure that the provisions of the Act, rules and regulations are being complied with;

(c) to investigate into the complaints received from investors, other portfolio managers or any other person on any matter having a bearing on the activities of the portfolio manager; and

(d) to investigate suo motu in the interest of securities market or investors’ interest into the affairs of the portfoliomanager.

Notice before inspection.

36. (1) Before undertaking an inspection under regulation 35, the Board shall give a reasonable notice to the portfolio manager.

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-regulation (1), where the Board is satisfied that in the interest of the investors no such notice should be given, it may by an order in writing direct that the inspection of the affairs of the portfolio manager be taken up without such notice.

(3) During the course of inspection the portfolio manager against whom an inspection is being carried out shall be bound to discharge his obligations as provided under regulation 37.

Obligations of Portfolio Manager on inspection.

37. (1) It shall be the duty of every director, partner, officer and employee of the portfolio manager who is being inspected to produce to the inspecting authority such books, accounts and other documents in his custody or control and furnish him with the statements and information relating to his activities as a portfolio manager within such time as the inspecting authority may require.

(2) The portfolio manager shall allow the inspecting authority to have a reasonable access to the premises occupied by such portfolio manager or by any other person, on his behalf and also extend reasonable facility for examining any books, records, documents and computer data in the possession of the portfolio manager or any such other person and also provide copies of documents or other material which in the opinion of the inspecting authority are relevant for the purposes of the inspection.

(3) The inspecting authority shall in the course of inspection, be entitled to examine or record statements of any principal officer, director, partner and employee of the portfolio manager.

(4) It shall be the duty of every director, partner, officer or employee of the portfolio manager to give to the inspecting authority all assistance in connection with the inspection which the portfolio manager may reasonably be expected to give.

Submission of report to the Board.

38. The inspecting authority shall, as soon as possible, submit an inspection report to the Board.

Action on inspection or investigation report.

39. The Board or the Chairman shall after consideration of inspection or investigation report take such action as the Board or Chairman may deem fit and appropriate including action under Chapter V of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008.

Appointment of Auditor.

40. The Board may appoint a qualified auditor to investigate into the books of account or the affairs of the portfolio manager:

Provided that the auditor so appointed shall have the same powers of the inspecting authority as are mentioned in regulation 35 and the obligation of the portfolio manager and his employees in regulation 37 shall be applicable to the investigation under this regulation.

“qualified auditor” shall have the same meaning as given to it under section 141 of the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013).

CHAPTER VI
PROCEDURE FOR ACTION IN CASE OF DEFAULT

Liability for action in case of default.

41. A portfolio manager who contravenes any of the provisions of the Act, rules or regulations framed thereunder shall be liable for one or more action specified therein including the action under Chapter V of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008.

Repeal and Savings.

42. (1) The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 1993, shall stand repealed from the date on which these regulations come into force.

(2) Notwithstanding such repeal, —

(a) anything done or any action taken or purported to have been done or taken including registration or approval granted, fees collected, registration or approval, suspended or cancelled, any adjudication, enquiry or investigation commenced or show-cause notice issued under the repealed regulations, prior to such repeal, shall be deemed to have been done or taken under the corresponding provisions of these regulations;

(b) any application made to the Board under the repealed regulations, prior to such repeal, and pending before it shall be deemed to have been made under the corresponding provisions of these regulations;

(c) the previous operation of the repealed regulations or anything duly done or suffered thereunder, any right, privilege, obligation or liability acquired, accrued or incurred under the repealed regulations, any penalty, incurred in respect of any violation committed against the repealed regulations, or any investigation, legal proceeding or remedy in respect of any such right, privilege, obligation, liability, penalty as aforesaid, shall remain unaffected as if the repealed regulations has never been repealed;

(3) After the repeal of Securities and Exchange Board of India (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 1993, any reference thereto in any other regulations made, guidelines or circulars issued thereunder by the Board shall be deemed to be a reference to the corresponding provisions of these regulations.

CHAPTER VII
MISCELLANEOUS

Power of the Board to issue clarifications.

43. In order to remove any difficulties in respect of the application or interpretation of these regulations, the Board may issue clarifications or guidelines in the form of circulars.

SCHEDULE I
FORMS
FORM A
Securities and Exchange Board of India (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020
Application for grant of certificate of registration

Name of Applicant: __________________________

Name of Contact Person:
(Note: Compliance Officer / Principal Officer only) ___________________________

Designation of Contact Person: ___________________________

Mobile No: ___________________________

Email: ___________________________

Instructions:

1. Applicants shall submit a completed application form together with appropriate supporting documents to the Board.

2. It is important that this application form should be filled in accordance with the regulations.

3. Application for registration shall be considered provided it is complete in all respects.

4. Answers shall be typewritten.

5. Information that is required to be provided in more detail may be given on separate sheets which should be attached to the application form.

6. All signatures shall be original.

PART: I GENERAL INFORMATION

1.0 PARTICULARS OF THE APPLICANT

1.1 Name of the Applicant:

1.2 PAN No. (Attach Copy of PAN Card)

1.3 Address of Registered office: (Attach proof of address)

Pin Code: ____________________

Mobile No: ________________ Telephone No:__________________

Fax No: _________________ Email: _____________________

1.4 Address for Correspondence:

Pin Code: ____________________

Mobile No: ________________ Telephone No: ______________________

Fax No: Email: ____________________

1.5 Address – Principal place of business:
(Where PMS activity shall be carried out)

Pin Code: ____________________

Mobile No: _______________ Telephone No: ________________

Fax No: Email: _____________________

1.6 If PMS activity is proposed to be carried out from any branch offices, details of such Branch Offices, including address, name of contact person, mobile number of contact person, email of contact person etc:

2.0 ORGANISATION STRUCTURE

2.1 Objectives: In brief.
(Memorandum and Articles of Association/ Partnership Deed to be enclosed).
(Copy of Board Resolution to be enclosed)

2.2 Date and Place of Incorporation:

Day Month Year Place

ROC Registration No.

2.3 Status of the Applicant: (e.g. Limited Company-Private/Public, LLP etc. If listed, names of the recognized stock exchanges to be given.)

2.4 Organization Chart:

[separately showing functional responsibilities (names and designations) of portfolio management activities to be enclosed]

2.5 Particulars of all Directors/ Partners:

[Name; Address; Qualification; Date of Appointment; DIN; PAN (Copy of PAN Card); Telephone No.; Mobile; Email]

Experience:

Entity Name	Designation	Area of Work	Nature of Work	Experience (In yrs)

(Separate sheet may be attached for information on work experience)

Other Directorships/Partnerships; (Name and Date of Appointment);

Entity Name	Date of Appointment	No. of Shares	Percentage of Shareholding

2.6 Particulars of Key Management Personnel

[Name; Address; Qualification; Designation; Date of Appointment; PAN no. (Certified PAN Copy); Telephone No.; Mobile; Email]

Experience:

Entity Name	Designation	Area of Work	Nature of Work	Experience (In yrs)

(Separate sheet may be attached for information on work experience)

Other directorship details:

Name of the Entity0	Date of Appointment	No. of Shares	Percentage of Shareholding

Following documents to be provided:

(1) Declaration that the personnel mentioned above is currently employed with the organization.

(2) Undertaking by the personnel concerned that the details provided regarding them are true to the best of their knowledge and belief.

(3) Supporting documents for work experience

2.7 Particulars of Promoters:

[Type (Individual/ Corporate); Name; PAN (Copy of PAN Card); Address; Telephone No.; Mobile; Email]

2.8 Particulars of Compliance Officer

[Name; PAN (Copy of PAN Card); Qualification, Date of Appointment; Address;]

Experience:

Company Name	Designation	Area of Work	Nature of Work	Experience (In yrs)

(Separate sheet may be attached for information on work experience)

2.9 Particulars of Principal Officer

[Name; PAN (Copy of PAN Card); Qualification, Date of Appointment; Address;]

Certification Details:

Certification Program	Date of Test	Result	Percentage	Certificate No.	Validity From	Validity Till

Following documents to be provided:

1. Bio-Data detailing the relevant experience as per Reg 7(2)(d) of SEBI Portfolio Managers Regulations, 2020.
2. Copy of Certifications.
3. Certificate stating that the Principal Officer has been appointed and is compliant with the requirements and is not otherwise disqualified under the Regulations.

2.10 Other SEBI Registration Details Registered:

Registration No.	Role	Company Name	Stock Exchange	Registration Start	Registration End	Registration Status

Applied:

Application No.	Role	Company Name	Stock Exchange	Application Date	Application Status

2.11 Number of employees
(Total number of employees and number of employees for Portfolio Management services)

2.12 Name and activities of associate companies/ entities

Name of company /entity	Address/ phone numbers	Type of activity handled	Nature / Quantum of financial dealing	Nature of interest of promoter /director	Nature of interest of applicant company/ entity

Ownership details:

Name of the Shareholder	No. of Shares	Percentage of Shareholding

Details of Registration with SEBI or any other Govt. Regulatory Body:

Name of Regulator	Registration No.	Registration Start Date	Registration End Date	Registration Status	Details of Action Taken in past (if any)

2.13 List of major shareholders/ partners of the Applicant (holding 5% or more voting rights):
[Name; Type; Address; Telephone No.; Mobile; Email; Share holding pattern/ partnership interest/ voting rights as on Date]

DETAILS OF INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES

3.1 Principal Place of Business

(1) Office Space
(2) Office Equipment
(3) Furniture and Fixtures
(4) Communication Facilities
(5) Data Processing Capacity

In-house
Others

(6) Computer facility:

Hardware configuration
Software Environment

(7) Details of Disaster Recovery Set up / Business Continuity Plan

3.2 Branch Office

(1) Office Space
(2) Office Equipment
(3) Furniture and Fixtures
(4) Communication Facilities
(5) Data Processing Capacity

In-house:
Others:

(6) Computer facility:

Hardware configuration
Software Environment

(7) Details of Disaster Recovery Set up / Business Continuity Plan

4.0 BUSINESS PLAN (FOR THREE YEARS)

(1) History, Major events and present activities

(2) Proposed business plan and means of achieving the same.

(3) Projected Profitability (Next three years)

(4) (Targets, modus operandi to achieve targets, Resultant Income)

5.0 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

5.1 Capital Structure (Rs. in Crore)

	Year prior to the preceding year of current year	Preceding year	Current year
(a) Paid-up capital
(b) Free reserves (excluding revaluation reserves)
(c) Total (a) + (b)

5.2 Net worth of Applicant (Net worth certificate not older than 3 months from the date of application to be enclosed)

5.3 Deployment of Resources (Rs. in Crore)

	Year prior to the preceding year of current year	Preceding year	Current year
(a) Fixed Assets
(a) Plant and Machinery and office equipment
(b) Investments (Details should be given separately)
(b) Others

Details of investments, Loans and Advances made to Associate Companies/ Firms where Promoters/Directors have an interest

5.4 Major Sources of Income: (Rs. in Crore)

	Year prior to the preceding year of current year	Preceding year	Current Year

5.5 Net Profit (Rs. in Crore)

	Year prior to the preceding year of current year	Preceding year	Current Year

5.6 Particulars of Principal Banks:

Name, Contact Person; Address; Telephone No.; Mobile; Email

5.7 Particulars of Auditors:

Name; Type (Internal/ External); Contact Person; Address; Telephone No.; Mobile; Email

5.8 Declaration of submission of Banker’s Report from two Banks

6.0 OTHER INFORMATION

6.1 Details of all settled and pending disputes of previous 3 years:

Nature of dispute	Name of the party	Status (Pending/ settled)	Dispute Details

6.2 Indictment of involvement in any economic offences in the last three years.

6.3 Any other information considered relevant to the nature of services rendered by the company.

6.4 Details of Membership with the recognized Stock Exchanges:

a. If the applicant / any of the Directors of the applicant, its subsidiary / associate / group company under the same management, are members of recognized stock exchanges?

b. Broker Registration Number

c,. Details regarding payment of fees to SEBI

d. Whether the member is facing any charges/ disciplinary action or if in past any such action was taken by the stock exchange

PART II SPECIFIC INFORMATION

7.0 BUSINESS INFORMATION

7.1 Indicate type of activity carried on/ proposed to be carried on.

7.2 Indicate the facilities for making decision on portfolio investment.

7.3 Details of risk profiling procedure to be followed by the Portfolio Manager.

7.4 Details of grievance redressal and dispute resolution mechanism to be followed by the Portfolio Manager.

7.5 Provide list of approved share brokers through whom orders shall be placed, involved for Portfolio Management activities and state whether any of them were suspended/had defaulted with any Stock Exchange authority.

7.6 Describe Accounting system followed/to be followed for Portfolio Management Services.

7.7 Indicate various research and database facilities provided.

7.8 Details of activities proposed to be outsourced.

8.0 EXPERIENCE

8.1 Experience in financial services rendered:

Details of Activity	Area	Period

9.0 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

9.1. Copy of Draft Agreement with Client to be provided

9.2 Copy of Draft Disclosure Document to be provided

9.3. Details of Custodian:

(Name, Address, SEBI Registration No., Date of Appointment)

9.4. Details of Registration with other Regulatory bodies.

(10) DECLARATIONS

10.1 Declaration of compliance with Regulation 7 (2) signed by at least Two Directors or designated partners

10.2 Declaration for Fit and Proper Person as specified in SEBI (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008

10.3 Declaration of Compliance with clause 12 (b) of Schedule III of these Regulations.

10.4 Declaration of Compliance with SEBI circular on fees and charges.

10.5 Declaration of type and frequency of reports sent/ proposed to be sent to clients.

10.6 Declaration of time taken for transfer of securities into client accounts.

10.7 Declaration of submission of periodic reports and Disclosure Document to SEBI.

10.8 Declaration of compliance with clause (e) of sub-regulation (1) of Regulation 27 – regarding maintenance

of records for Investment rationale.

10.9 Declaration of availability of Disclosure document on website of Portfolio Manager.

DECLARATION

This declaration must be signed by two directors/designated partners

______________________________________________

I/We hereby, apply for Registration as Portfolio Manager. I/We do hereby declare that I/We have truthfully and fully answered the questions above and provided all the information which might reasonably be considered relevant for the purposes of my/our registration.

For and on behalf of

______________________________________________

(Name of Applicant)

_____________________

Director/Designated Partner

_____________________

Director/Designated Partner

_____________________

Name in Block Letters

Place:

Date:

Name in Block Letters

Place:

Date:

FORM B
Securities and Exchange Board of India (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020
[Regulation 10]
Certificate of Registration

I. In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 12 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992, read with the regulations made thereunder for portfolio managers, the Board hereby grants a certificate of registration to_______________________ as a portfolio manager subject to the conditions specified in the Act and in the regulations made thereunder.

II. Registration Number for the portfolio manager is PM / /

III. This certificate of registration shall be valid till it is suspended, cancelled or surrendered in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020.

Place:

Date:

By Order

For and on behalf of Securities
and Exchange Board of India
Authorized signatory

FORM C

Securities and Exchange Board of India (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020

[Regulation 22]

______________________________________________

(Name of the Portfolio Manager)

______________________________________________

(Address of the Portfolio Manager (along with phone numbers, fax, email etc.)

We confirm that:

(i) the Disclosure Document forwarded to the Board is in accordance with the SEBI (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020 and the guidelines and directives issued by the Board from time to time;

(ii) the disclosures made in the document are true, fair and adequate to enable the investors to make a well informed decision regarding entrusting the management of the portfolio to us / investment through the Portfolio Manager.

(iii) the Disclosure Document has been duly certified by an independent chartered accountant (Indicate name, address, phone number and registration number of the chartered accountant) on ______(date).

(Enclose a copy of the chartered accountant‘s certificate to the effect that the disclosures made in the document are true, fair and adequate to enable the investors to make a well informed decision)

Date:

Place:

Signature of the Principal Officer

[Name and address of the Principal Officer]

SCHEDULE II

Securities and Exchange Board of India (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020

[Regulation 15]

FEES

1. Every portfolio manager shall pay a non-refundable fee of one lakh rupees along with the application for grant of certificate of registration.

2. Every portfolio manager shall pay a sum of ten lakh rupees as registration fees at the time of the grant of certificate by the Board.

3. A portfolio manager who has been granted a certificate of registration, to keep its registration in force, shall pay fee of five lakh rupees every three years , from the date of grant of certificate of registration or from the date of grant of certificate of registration granted prior to the commencement of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Change in Conditions of Registration of Certain Intermediaries) (Amendment) Regulations, 2016, as the case may be, within three months before expiry of the block period for which fee has been paid.

4. The fee referred to in paragraph (2) shall be paid by the portfolio manager within fifteen days from the date of receipt of intimation from the Board under regulation 10 by way of demand draft in favour of ‘Securities and Exchange Board of India’ payable at Mumbai or at the place where respective regional or local office is located or by way of direct credit in the bank account through NEFT/RTGS/IMPS or any other mode allowed by RBI.

5. The fees specified in paragraphs (1) and (3) above, shall be payable by the portfolio manager by a demand draft in favour of “Securities and Exchange Board of India” payable at Mumbai or at the place where respective regional office is located by way of direct credit in the bank account through NEFT/RTGS/IMPS or any other mode allowed by RBI.

SCHEDULE III

Securities and Exchange Board of India (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020

[Regulation 21]

CODE OF CONDUCT- PORTFOLIO MANAGER

1. A portfolio manager shall, in the conduct of his business, observe high standards of integrity and fairness in all his dealings with his clients and other portfolio managers.

2. The money received by a portfolio manager from a client for an investment purpose should be deployed by the portfolio manager as soon as possible for that purpose and money due and payable to a client should be paid forthwith.

3. A portfolio manager shall render at all times high standards of service, exercise due diligence, ensure proper care and exercise independent professional judgment. The portfolio manager shall either avoid any conflict of interest in his investment or disinvestment decision, or where any conflict of interest arises, ensure fair treatment to all his customers. It shall disclose to the clients, possible source of conflict of interest, while providing unbiased services. A portfolio manager shall not place his interest above those of his clients.

4. A portfolio manager shall not execute any trade against the interest of the clients in its proprietary account.

5. A portfolio manager shall not make any statement or indulge in any act, practice or unfair competition, which is likely to be harmful to the interests of other portfolio managers or is likely to place such other portfolio managers in a disadvantageous position in relation to the portfolio manager himself, while competing for or executing any assignment.

6. A portfolio manager shall not make any exaggerated statement, whether oral or written, to the client either about the qualification or the capability to render certain services or his achievements in regard to services rendered to other clients.

7. At the time of entering into a contract, the portfolio manager shall obtain in writing from the client, his interest in various corporate bodies which enables him to obtain unpublished price-sensitive information of the body corporate.

8. A portfolio manager shall not disclose to any clients, or press any confidential information about his client, which has come to his knowledge.

9. The portfolio manager shall where necessary and in the interest of the client take adequate steps for the transfer of the clients’ securities and for claiming and receiving dividends, interest payments and other rights accruing to the client. It shall also take necessary action for conversion of securities and subscription for/renunciation of rights in accordance with the clients’ instruction.

10. A portfolio manager shall endeavor to –

a. ensure that the investors are provided with true and adequate information without making any misguiding or exaggerated claims and are made aware of attendant risks before any investment decision is taken by them;

b. render the best possible advice to the client having regard to the client’s needs and the environment, and his own professional skills;

c. ensure that all professional dealings are effected in a prompt, efficient and cost effective manner.

(1) A portfolio manager shall not be a party to –

a. creation of false market in securities;

b. price rigging or manipulation of securities;

c. passing of price sensitive information to brokers, members of the recognized stock exchanges and any other intermediaries in the capital market or take any other action which is prejudicial to the interest of the investors.

(2) No portfolio manager or any of its directors, partners or manager shall either on their own or through their associates or family members or relatives enter into any transaction in securities of companies on the basis of unpublished price sensitive information obtained by them during the course of any professional assignment.

12. (a) A portfolio manager or any of its employees shall not render, directly or indirectly any investment advice about any security in the publicly accessible media, whether real-time or non-real-time, unless a disclosure of his long or short position in the said security has been made, while rendering such advice.

(b) In case an employee of the portfolio manager is rendering such advice, he shall also disclose the interest of his dependent family members and the employer including their long or short position in the said security, while rendering such advice.

13. (a)The portfolio manager shall abide by the Act, Rules, and regulations made thereunder and the Guidelines / Schemes issued by the Board.

(b) The portfolio manager shall comply with the code of conduct specified in the SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015.

(c) The portfolio manager shall not use his status as any other registered intermediary to unduly influence the investment decision of the clients while rendering portfolio management services.

SCHEDULE IV

CONTENTS OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PORTFOLIO MANAGER AND HIS CLIENTS

[Regulation 22]

The following shall be mentioned in the agreement –

1. Appointment of portfolio manager.

2. Scope of services to be provided by the portfolio manager subject to the activities permitted under SEBI (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020, viz, advisory, investment management, custody of securities, keeping track of corporate benefits associated with the securities. The Portfolio Manager shall act in a fiduciary capacity and as a trustee and agent of the clients’ account.

3. Functions, obligations, duties and responsibilities (as discretionary and non-discretionary to be given separately) with specific provisions regarding instructions for non-discretionary portfolio manager which, inter alia, includes –

(i) terms in compliance with the Act, SEBI (Portfolio Managers) Regulations,2020, rules, regulations, guidelines made under the Act and any other laws/rules/regulations / guidelines etc.;

(ii) providing reports to clients;

(iii) maintenance of records of client wise transaction and related books of accounts;

(iv) provisions regarding audit of accounts as required under the SEBI (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020;

(v) settlement of accounts and procedure therefor including the provisions for payment on maturity or early termination of the contract.

4. Investment objectives and guidelines –

(i) Types of securities in which investment would be made specifying restrictions, if any.

(ii) Particulars regarding amount, period of management, repayment or withdrawal.

(iii) Taxation aspects such as Tax Deducted at Source etc.

(iv) Condition that the portfolio manager shall not lend the securities of the client unless authorized by him in writing.

5. Risk factors

(i) A detailed statement of risks associated with each type of investment including the standard risks associated with each type of investment.

6. Period of agreement- the agreement shall provide the period of the agreement in years, terms of termination and/or provision for renewal in case of a renewable agreement.

7. Conditions under which agreement may be altered, terminated and implications thereof, such as settlement of amounts invested, repayment obligations etc.

(i) Voluntary/mandatory termination by the portfolio manager;

(ii) Voluntary/mandatory termination by the client;

(iii) Suspension by the Board or other regulatory authority.

8. Maintenance of Accounts- Maintenance of accounts separately in the name of the client as are necessary to account for the assets and any additions, income, receipts and disbursements in connection therewith, as provided under SEBI (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020.

9. Change in the quantum of funds to be managed- The conditions under which the client may withdraw cash or securities from the portfolio account or bring in additional cash to be managed as per the terms and conditions that apply. The portfolio manager shall not change any terms of the agreement without prior consent of the client.

10. Access to information- (Subject to the provisions of SEBI (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020) – Provisions enabling client to get the books of accounts of the portfolio manager relating to his transactions audited by a chartered accountant appointed by him and permitting the client an access to relevant and material documents of portfolio manager, provisions listing the documents for inspection along with timings for such inspection, furnishing of reports to the client subject to furnishing at least once in three months and the reports to be made available on the web site of the portfolio manager with restricted access to each client and other rights of clients etc. The provision that the statements / documents / report furnished by the portfolio manager to the client present a true and fair picture of the transactions.

11. Terms of Fees- The quantum and manner of payment of fees and charges for each activity for which services are rendered by the portfolio manager directly or indirectly (where such service is outsourced) such as investment management, advisory and transfer, and transaction costs with specific references to brokerage costs, custody charges, cost related to furnishing regular communication, account statement, miscellaneous expenses (individual expenses in excess of 5% to be indicated separately) etc. The provision that the portfolio manager shall take prior permission from the client in this respect.

12. Billing- Periodicity of billing, whether payment to be made in advance, manner of payment of fees, whether setting off against the account etc., type of documents evidencing receipt of payment of fees.

13. Liability of portfolio manager- Liability of portfolio manager in connection with recommendations made, to cover errors of judgment, negligence or willful misfeasance and in connection with discharge of duties or acts of other intermediaries, brokers, custodians etc.

14. Liability of client- restricting the liability of the client to the extent of his investment.

15. Death or Disability- providing for continuation/termination of the agreement in event of client’s death/disability, succession, nomination, representation etc. to be incorporated.

16. Assignment- Conditions for assignment of the agreement by client.

17. Governing Law- The law/jurisdiction of country/state which governs the agreement to be stated.

18. Settlement of grievances/disputes and provision for arbitration– Provisions to cover protection of act done in good faith or Risks and losses, provisions for redressal of grievances, dispute resolution mechanism, reference for arbitration and the situations under which such rights may arise, may be made.

SCHEDULE V

DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT

[Regulation 22]

General instructions

1. This Disclosure Document is to be given to the prospective client along with the account opening form (as per Format I) prior to signing of the agreement.

2. This Disclosure Document is to be filed after grant of certificate of registration before circulating it to any client or whenever any material change including change in the investment approach is effected . In case of material change, the disclosure document shall be filed within 7 working days from the date of the change.

3. This model Disclosure Document enumerates the minimum disclosure requirements to be contained in the disclosure document. The portfolio manager may make any other disclosures, which in its opinion are material for the investor, provided that such information is a statement of fact and is not presented in an incomplete, inaccurate or misleading manner. It should also be ensured that inclusion of such information does not, by virtue of its nature or manner of presentation, hamper understanding of any information that is required to be included under the model disclosure document

The model Disclosure Document specifies only the nature of the disclosures that should be contained under various heads in the disclosure document and is not intended to describe the layout or language to be contained therein.

MODEL DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT FOR PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

The minimum disclosures to be given in the Disclosure Document shall be as under and due care shall be taken to present the information in simple language and in a clear, concise and easily understandable manner –

(11) Front page

(i) The Document has been filed with the Board along with the certificate in the specified format in terms of Regulation 22 of the SEBI (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020.

(ii) The purpose of the Document is to provide essential information about the portfolio services in a manner to assist and enable the investors in making informed decision for engaging a portfolio manager.

(iii) The necessary information about the portfolio manager required by an investor before investing, and the investor may also be advised to retain the document for future reference.

(iv) The name, phone number, e-mail address of the principal officer so designated by the portfolio manager is……………….. (Give details).

II. Index page giving item number, contents and page number

III. Contents of the Document

1. Disclaimer clause

A statement to the effect that the particulars have been prepared in accordance with the SEBI (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020 and filed with SEBI. This Document has neither been approved nor disapproved by SEBI nor has SEBI certified the accuracy or adequacy of the contents of the Document.

2. Definitions

All terms used in the Disclosure Document be defined. The language and terminology used in the Disclosure Document shall be as provided in the Regulations. Any new term if used shall be clearly defined. All terms shall be used uniformly throughout the text of the Disclosure Document.

3. Description

(i) History, Present Business and Background of the portfolio manager.

(ii) Promoters of the portfolio manager, directors and their background.

(iii) Top 10 Group companies/firms of the portfolio manager on turnover. basis (latest audited financial statements may be used for this purpose)

(iv) Details of the services being offered: Discretionary/ Non-discretionary / Advisory.

4. Penalties, pending litigation or proceedings, findings of inspection or investigation for which action may have been taken or initiated by any regulatory authority.

(i) All cases of penalties imposed by the Board or the directions issued by the Board under the Act or rules or regulations made thereunder.

(ii) The nature of the penalty/direction.

(iii) Penalties/fines imposed for any economic offence and/ or for violation of any securities laws.

(iv) Any pending material litigation/legal proceedings against the portfolio manager/key personnel with separate disclosure regarding pending criminal cases, if any.

(v) Any deficiency in the systems and operations of the portfolio manager observed by the Board or any regulatory agency.

(vi) Any enquiry/ adjudication proceedings initiated by the Board against the portfolio manager or its directors, principal officer or employee or any person directly or indirectly connected with the portfolio manager or its directors, principal officer or employee, under the Act or rules or regulations made thereunder.

5. Services Offered

(i) The present investment objectives and policies including the types of securities in which it generally invests shall be clearly and concisely stated in the document for easy understanding of the potential investor.

(ii) Investment Approaches of the Portfolio Manager

(iii) The policies for investments in associates/group companies of the portfolio manager and the maximum percentage of such investments therein subject to the applicable laws/regulations/ guidelines.

6. Risk factors

(i) Statement to the effect that securities investments are subject to market risks and there is no assurance or guarantee that the objective of the investments will be achieved.

(ii) Statement to the effect that past performance of the portfolio manager does not indicate its future performance.

(iii) Risk arising from the investment approach, investment objective, investment strategy and asset allocation.

(iv) Risk arising out of non-diversification, if any.

(v) If the portfolio manager has no previous experience/ track record a disclosure to that effect shall be made.

(vi) All transactions of purchase and sale of securities by portfolio manager and its employees who are directly involved in investment operations shall be disclosed if found having conflict of interest with the transactions in any of the client‘s portfolio.

(vii) If the portfolio manager has group companies, a disclosure of conflict of interest related to services offered by group companies of the portfolio manager if any.

7. Client Representation

(i)

Category of clients	No. of clients	Funds managed (Rs. Cr.)	Discretionary / Non-Discretionary (if available)
Associates / group companies (Last 3 years)
Others (last 3 years )
Total

(ii) Complete disclosure in respect of transactions with related parties as per the standards specified by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

8. Financial Performance

The Financial Performance of the portfolio manager based on audited financial statements and in terms of procedure specified by the Board for assessing the performance.

9. Performance of Portfolio Manager

Portfolio Management performance of the portfolio manager for the last three years, and in case of discretionary portfolio manager disclosure of performance indicators calculated using ‘Time Weighted Rate of Return‘ method in terms of Regulation 22 of the SEBI (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020.

10. Audit Observations

Audit observations of the preceding 3 years

11. Nature of expenses

Investment management and advisory fees.
Custodian fee.
Registrar and transfer agent fee.
Brokerage and transaction cost.

A brief explanation shall be given to assist the investor in understanding the various costs and expenses that an investor may have to bear directly or indirectly. Additionally, appropriate cross-references may be given to the relevant sections of the offer document for more complete description in this regard.

12. Taxation

Disclose the tax implications of investments in securities and the tax provisions on Income/ Loss or Tax Deduction at Source on various investors.

13. Accounting policies

Disclose the accounting policy followed by the portfolio manager while accounting for the portfolio investments of the clients.

14. Investors services

(i) Name, address and telephone number of the investor relation officer who shall attend to the investor queries and complaints.

(ii) Grievance redressal and dispute settlement mechanism.

Date:

Place:

Name and signature of at least two
Directors/ Designated Partners of
Portfolio Manager

FORMAT I (Account Opening Form)

Information about the Client

5. General information about the client

a. Name, primary mailing address, secondary (back up) mailing address, identity information such as photograph, Permanent Account Number (PAN), driving license etc.

b. Occupation______

c. Introduced by (name and full address)

d. Annual incomes for the last 3 financial years and the net worth as on the last date of the respective years. (optional)

2. Investment profile of the client

(a) Investment experience regarding securities.

(b) Indicative percentage of total investment portfolio proposed to be invested with the portfolio manager (optional).

(d) Risk tolerance i.e. low, medium or high.

(e) Time period for which investments are proposed to be made with the portfolio manager. (This has to be same as the term of the agreement)

(f) Provisions for systematic withdrawal on a monthly, quarterly, annual basis etc.

3. Investment approach opted by the client

4. Details of portfolio construction for the client

(a) Equity: Nature of equities in which investments are desired, may be indicated.

(b) Balanced: Percentage of debt/equity.

(d) Mutual funds,

(e) Others.

Date:

Place:

Signature of the client]

SCHEDULE VI

Declaration for Eligible Fund Managers [Chapter III]

1. Declaration by an existing portfolio manager which intends to act as an eligible fund manager (must be signed by two directors or designated partners, as the case may be)

We hereby declare that we are a SEBI registered portfolio manager with Registration Number…………………….. We intend to provide our services to eligible investment funds. In this regard, we declare that:

(a) We are compliant with subsection 4(a) of section 9A of Income-tax Act, 1961 (We are not an employee of the eligible investment fund or a connected person of the fund);

(b) We are compliant with subsection 4(c) of section 9A of Income-tax Act, 1961 (We are acting in the ordinary course of our business as a portfolio manager);

(c) We are compliant with subsection 4(d) of section 9A of Income-tax Act, 1961 (We along with our connected persons shall not be entitled, directly or indirectly, to more than twenty per cent of the profits accruing or arising to the eligible investment fund from the transactions carried out by the fund through us); and

(d) We shall comply with any other requirements as may be specified by the Government and/or any regulatory body from time to time.

For and on behalf of

(Name of Applicant)

__________________

Director 1/ Designated Partner 1

__________________

Director 2/ Designated Partner 2

__________________

Name in Block Letters Name in Block Letters

Place: Place:

Date: Date:

2. Declaration by an applicant who intends to act as a portfolio manager to eligible investment funds (shall be signed by two directors or designated partners, as the case may be) We hereby declare that we are applying to SEBI for being registered as a portfolio manager. We intend to provide our services to eligible investment funds. In this regards, we declare that:

(a) We are compliant with subsection 4(a) of section 9A of Income-tax Act, 1961 (We are not an employee of the eligible investment fund or a connected person of the fund);

(b) We are compliant with subsection 4(c) of section 9A of Income-tax Act, 1961 (We are acting in the ordinary course of our business as portfolio manager);

(d) We may engage in the activity of fund management for eligible investment funds, subject to registration provided by SEBI under SEBI (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020; and

(e) We shall comply with any other requirements as may be specified by the Government and/or any regulatory body from time to time.

For and on behalf of

______________________________

(Name of Applicant)

Director 1/ Designated Partner 1

______________________________

Director 2/ Designated Partner 2

_________________________________

Name in Block Letters

Place:

Date:

Name in Block Letters

Place:

Date:

AJAY TYAGI, Chairman
[ADVT.-III/4/Exty./413/19]

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SEBI (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE BOARD OF INDIA (PORTFOLIO MANAGERS) REGULATIONS, 2020

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