12 May 2015
Hi.. There is an asset management company (private) which values its investments in equity & mutual fund at cost. Whether accounting treatment is correct. AS-13 (Accounting for investments) is not applicable to the company.
13 May 2015
The standard says that "This Standard does not deal with - (a) the bases for recognition of interest, dividends and rentals earned on investments which are covered by Accounting Standard 9 on Revenue Recognition; (b) operating or finance leases; (c) investments of retirement benefit plans and life insurance enterprises; and (d) mutual funds and venture capital funds and/or the related asset management companies, banks and public financial institutions formed under a Central or State Government Act or so declared under the Companies Act, 1956.
relevant link - http://www.mca.gov.in/Ministry/notification/pdf/AS_13.pdf
02 August 2025
Great question! Hereโs a clear explanation regarding **valuation of investments by a private Asset Management Company (AMC)** and applicability of **AS-13 (Accounting for Investments)**:
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### Applicability of AS-13 to AMCs and Mutual Funds:
* **AS-13** applies to accounting for investments in general. * However, **the Accounting Standard itself excludes certain entities and investment types** from its scope.
According to the MCA notification on AS-13 (you referenced), the standard **does NOT apply to:**
* Mutual funds, venture capital funds, and/or the related asset management companies, * Banks and public financial institutions formed under Central/State Government Acts or declared so under Companies Act.
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### What this means for a **Private AMC**:
* Since the AMC is a **private company** and directly involved in managing mutual funds, **AS-13 is not applicable** to it. * Therefore, **valuation of investments at cost** by the AMC can be considered acceptable **under accounting regulations**, as AS-13 guidance is not mandatory. * However, the AMC should **disclose its accounting policy for investment valuation** clearly in the financial statements.
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### Other points to consider:
* Even though AS-13 is not applicable, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) or guidance issued by regulators like SEBI may require fair valuation of mutual funds and equity investments. * For **mutual fund schemes managed by AMC**, NAV-based valuation is standard. * For investments held by AMC on its own books (not managed funds), cost valuation is permissible if consistent and clearly disclosed.
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### Summary:
| Aspect | Applicability/Guidance | | ------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------- | | AS-13 on investments | **Not applicable** to mutual funds/AMCs | | Valuation by private AMC | Cost valuation acceptable if policy disclosed | | Regulatory requirements (SEBI) | May require fair valuation for funds managed |
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If you want, I can help draft a note on disclosure or guide you on typical valuation practices followed by AMCs.