SEBI allows fund, portfolio managers to accredit investors

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has granted alternative investment fund (AIF) managers, specialized investment fund (SIF) managers, and portfolio managers the authority to certify investors as accredited. This decision aims to streamline and expedite the accreditation process, which is necessary for investors seeking access to specific investment products and regulatory benefits.

Accreditation status can be established either when an investor joins a scheme or during the scheme's duration, following the verification of the investor's eligibility. The accreditation remains valid for three years and applies uniformly to AIFs, SIFs, and portfolio management service managers within the same corporate group.

Managers have the option to conduct this accreditation process or rely on a certificate issued by an accredited agency. SEBI has introduced securities market exposure as a new eligibility requirement; investors must possess a minimum of ₹5 crore for individuals, Hindu Undivided Families, family trusts, and sole proprietors, while companies and trusts must have at least ₹20 crore in securities market exposure.

Accepted investments encompass dematerialized securities, mutual fund holdings, unlisted securities in dematerialized form, overseas securities market investments, and National Pension System (NPS) contributions. In cases of unlisted and overseas investments not recorded in the consolidated account statement, investors must provide a valuation certificate from a practicing chartered accountant.

Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) can also be classified as accredited investors if each partner independently fulfills the eligibility standards. Non-resident Indians, as defined by the Foreign Exchange Management Act, are automatically considered accredited investors without requiring a separate accreditation certificate. However, this exemption does not relieve AIFs or their managers from client due diligence, identification of beneficial owners, and anti-money laundering checks.

To avoid conflicts of interest, managers conducting the accreditation process must retain supporting documentation for a minimum of five years, conduct routine internal audits, and establish a conflict control policy, grievance resolution mechanism, and data privacy measures. All comments must be written in English, in complete sentences, and must not contain abusive or personal language.