Does the world of mutual funds excite you? Are you passionate towards making a career as a mutual fund distributor in India? There are more than 15 crore mutual fund distributors working in the country. Their job is to guide the investors to make smart investment choices with their money so that they can enjoy good returns in the future. The financial experts believe that the investors, who seek expert help in making their financial decisions, are more successful and satisfied with their investments. Let us understand how one can become a mutual fund agent in India and what are their roles and responsibilities.
The role of a mutual fund distributor
Becoming a mutual fund agent is not just a reputable career option, but a role that requires one to become a financial guide and mentor for others. A mutual fund distributor helps the investors choose the right product offered by the AMCs. They arrange for buying and selling of mutual funds on behalf of their clients. However before suggesting the investment options, they first need to understand the financial profile, risk tolerance and investment goals of their clients. After they have analysed all these factors, they can suggest their clients with the best mutual funds scheme in the market for their financial goals.
The job profile of a mutual fund distributor involves making a difference in people’s lives and guiding them towards making an informed investment decision. Their role includes explaining the basic financial concepts to their clients, obtaining required credentials/ certifications, being an active part of the industry, building strong client relationships and offering them the key insights to do well in the world of mutual funds. For each investment, they get the commission from the mutual fund company.
Who can become a mutual fund agent?
If you have interest in the mutual fund industry, then you are the ideal candidate to become a mutual fund distributor. Some of the eligibility and skill sets required are –
- You should be at least 18 years of age and have passed the 12th standard from a recognized board or university in India.
- It is always good to add required credentials such as passing the NISM-Series V-A: Mutual Fund Distributors Certification Exam.
- You understand the principles of financial planning and the needs of your clients. You can analyse what mutual fund products are the best suitable for your clients.
- You need to keep updating your knowledge about the various mutual fund products available in the market and market trends.
- You need to have the art of expanding the complex financial jargons in the simple language that your client can understand. Make sure you explain all the benefits and terms and conditions to the clients clearly.
- It is always beneficial to practice some personal branding and marketing skills to get new clients and have a healthy and long relationship with the existing clients.
- You also need to have analytical skills to be able to do some calculation to understand which product suits the financial needs of your client.
The steps to become mutual fund distributor
Here are the steps to become a mutual fund distributor that you need to follow –
Step 1: Register and pass the NISM-Series-V-A: Mutual Fund Distributors Certification Examination
NISM-Series-V-A certification exam is the first step to become a certified mutual fund distributor in India. Conducted by the National Institute for Securities Markets (NISM), it is a qualifying test. Gaining the certification makes you qualified to practice as a guide for the potential investors in their financial journey. Just register for the exam on the NISM official portal and then begin your preparations by understanding the various topics, such as mutual fund legalities, ethics, fund valuation and more. The passing certificate from NISM for NISM-Series-V-A holds a validity of three years.
Step 2: Provide your AMFI registration number and Application Reference Number
AMFI works as a licensing body for all the mutual fund distributors working in India. The Securities of Exchange Bureau of India has made it mandatory for all mutual fund agents or distributors to do registration with Association of Mutual Funds in India. AMFI is also a member of the International Investment Funds Association. Once your registration with AMFI is complete, you will get an ARN or AMFI Registration number. It is a unique number for all mutual fund agents. The individual applicants are issued an identification card that shows their ARN number, name, photo, address and validity period. Being registered with AMFI means that one needs to work as per their regulations and must abide by the Code of Conduct for mutual fund distributors.
Step 3: Join the online Mutual Fund Distribution Platform
In order to operate in the market, you need to register with every mutual fund company by providing them your AMFI registration number. The process of aligning yourself with a mutual fund house is called empanelment. Each mutual fund company has their own empanelment process. You need to fill out the required forms and submit the necessary documents. Once the process is complete, you will be able to send the mutual fund schemes and receive commission. You are free to empanel yourself with several mutual fund houses in order to broaden your scope and offer your clients many options to choose from.
Step 4: Complete your Know Your Distributor process
It is a verification process that applies to both individuals and companies handling the mutual funds. This process ensures transparency by protecting the interests of the investors.
Step 5: Market your services
It is now time to let the world know about your services. You need to target your potential clients and arrange meetings with them. The ideal target audiences are young professionals, students, business owners and retired professionals. To grow your network, you can make the most of digital marketing and use social media channels, messaging tools like Whatsapp, email marketing etc to reach your customers. You can also put into practice the other digital tools, such as webinar, workshops and networking events. Your aim in your career is to build and maintain a wide and strong client base. You should establish yourself as a trustworthy mutual fund agent. One must not forget that each client is different and has their own distinct needs. In order to suggest to them the best mutual fund product you need to understand their needs and long term financial goals.
Tips to become a successful Mutual Fund Agent
- Keep yourself updated with the latest news and trends of the industry.
- Make a social media channel, a blog page or a website to promote your services.
- Make strong relationships with your clients. They should see you as their guide and someone they can always trust.
- Personalise the mutual fund offer as per the needs of your client.
- Attend mutual fund events and conferences regularly to grow your network.
- Be transparent about your commission.
- Offer free guidance and consultation to those who need it.
- You must leverage technology in order to serve your clients in the best possible way. For this, it is important to learn and invest in the required software, such as Customer Relationship Management to manage clients and analyse their portfolio.
To conclude
It can be a rewarding and exciting process to become a mutual fund distributor. The aspect of the role is to explain the fundamental mutual fund concepts, provide scheme related guidance, manage documentation and build client relationships. Follow this guide to become a mutual fund distributor in India and take your career to new heights.
Frequently Asked Questions About becoming a mutual fund distributor
What are the qualifications required to become a mutual fund distributor in India?
The minimum qualifications that you need to fulfill to become a mutual fund distributor in India is to be at least 18 years of age and 12th standard pass from a reputed board. Then, you need to pass the mandatory NISM examination to qualify to work as a mutual fund distributor. It is also important to have your unique registration identification number with AMFI.
What is the average commission earned by a mutual fund distributor in India?
On an average, a mutual fund distributor working in the Indian market earns the commission in the range of 0.5% to 1.5% of the total product. However, there is no universal number to count on. Each mutual fund house in India has their own rate of commission, which may be different from others.
What is the examination NISM-Series-V-A?
NISM-Series-V-A is the Mutual Fund Distributors Certification Examination that acts as the mandatory standard for the persons who want to pursue their career as agents, brokers, distributors etc. The exam is conducted for the candidates every year since the year 2010. However, the product and regulatory changes are carried out to update the exam pattern annually.
What is the AMFI Registration Number (ARN)?
Association of Mutual Funds in India, also known as AMFI, is a certification and standards organisation in the field of mutual funds. It has been formed to protect and promote the interests of mutual funds investors. With the guidelines of SEBI, the mutual fund distributors are required to be registered with AMFI. It is the responsibility of AMFI to maintain a high ethical and professional standard in the mutual fund industry.
What comprises the daily routine of a mutual fund distributor?
On a daily basis, a mutual fund distributor plans their schedule of the day, which mostly comprises working on Customer Relationship Management software, portfolio management, reading about the latest trends in the industry, understanding the recent mutual fund schemes available in the market, conducting meetings with the potential clients, attending events and conferences.
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