The mutual fund industry is one of the fastest-growing financial sectors in India. The Assets Under Management (AUM) in the mutual funds industry is at about Rs 70 lakh crore and will soon become Rs 100 lakh crore. However, even though the mutual fund sector is growing, there is a lot of work that remains to be done as the mutual fund sector in India is still in its growing stage , as compared to other developed nations. With the mutual fund sector preparing to reach its next growth milestone of Rs 100 lakh crore per year, about 10 crore investors will be required in the industry over the next ten years. This means that there are fantastic employment opportunities in the sector. Here is the best information on how you can become a mutual fund distributor, their role and eligibility.
Who can become a mutual fund distributor?
The profession of mutual fund distributor is for anyone who wants to build a successful career with unlimited income and growth prospects. To be eligible, you must have basic educational qualification (preferably 10+2 / graduation) , be at least 18 years old, passed NISM Series V-A examination and have ARN.
Understanding the role of Mutual Fund Distributor
Distributors of mutual funds or MFDs are people or organisations that serve as a middleman between investors and mutual fund firms. They assist the investors with managing, purchasing and selling mutual fund units. Mutual fund distributors not only advise and sell standard mutual fund schemes to the investors but also educate them about mutual funds. MFDs are licensed professionals who follow the ethical guidelines of Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (SEBI) and are registered with the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI). In the market, we see mutual fund distributors operating independently or as a division of bigger companies.
Let’s find out the requirements for certification and how one can become a mutual fund distributor.
A mutual fund distributor’s responsibilities include:
Educating investors
Distributors of mutual funds inform investors about the several mutual fund schemes available in the market, its advantages and risks, along with their historical fund performance.
Expert guidance
MFDs suggest appropriate mutual fund schemes as per the investor’s time horizon, risk tolerance and financial goals.
Transaction support
They assist investors with managing the required documentation and purchasing, selling, or switching between mutual fund schemes.
How to become Mutual Fund Distributor
The following procedures must be followed if you want to work as a mutual fund distributor:
Pass the NISM-Series-V-A test
NISM-Series-V-A certification guarantees you to have the fundamental understanding required to provide advice to mutual fund investors. There is no limitation on the number of attempts.
Acquire an ARN (AMFI Registration Number)
Once you pass the test, you can become a mutual fund distributor by registering with the AMFI and obtaining your ARN. The Association of Mutual Funds in India issues ARNs, which are basically unique numbers that make an individual investor formally function as a mutual fund distributor.
Register with AMCs
You can register with different mutual fund providers to begin distributing their plans as soon as you receive your ARN.
How do distributors of mutual funds make money?
The distributors of mutual funds offer standard mutual funds to the investors and receive commissions from the Asset Management Companies (AMCs) they work with. Throughout the course of the investment, the MFDs are paid their due commissions. The distributor makes money as long as the client remains invested in the mutual fund scheme. Furthermore, certain MFDs might bill for their services. However, the fees they get for each investment that their clients make, provide the majority of their revenue.
Wrapping up
MFDs make investing easier. A mutual fund distributor works to help and assist the mutual fund investors who want to understand more about the mutual fund business. By simplifying investing, they help the less-aware and inexperienced investors decide which mutual fund scheme is best for their financial goals. In addition to helping investors with their investment, the mutual fund distributors make a significant contribution to the financial future of the country’s economy. You can choose to become a mutual fund distributor and build a respectable and rewarding profession.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mutual Fund Distributor
How can I work as a distributor of mutual funds?
You need to pass the NISM-Series-V-A (Mutual Fund Distributors Exam) in order to work as a mutual fund distributor. To accomplish that, you must add your distributor license with mutual fund companies and register with AMFI to obtain an ARN.
What is the earnings model for the mutual fund distributors?
Mutual fund providers pay distributors commissions for the investments they assist customers in making. Typically, these are trail commissions that are paid gradually. MFDs receive a commission from the mutual fund company, which is a percentage of the assets under management. As the client’s investment increases, so does their earnings.
Are distributors of mutual funds and investment advisors the same thing?
No. There is a slight difference between the two. The investment advisors offer thorough financial advice across a range of investment products, while the mutual fund distributors are limited to selling mutual funds.
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