Investment advisor license

Would like to understand if I can take license on investment advisor, provide service on portfolio advisory if I am at practice.

Replies (1)
SEBI-registered Investment Adviser (IA) registration is governed by SEBI (Investment Advisers) Regulations, 2013 (amended periodically). Here is the complete guide:

1. Eligibility Conditions (as per latest 2021 amendments):
- Qualification: Professional qualification (CA, CS, CFA, MBA Finance, CFPCM or equivalent) OR Postgraduate degree in Finance/Accounting/Business from recognised university
- Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in financial activities (for individual IAs), or the key personnel of corporate IA must have the qualification + experience
- Certification: NISM-Series-X-A (Investment Adviser Level 1) and NISM-Series-X-B (Investment Adviser Level 2) — both mandatory
- Net Worth: Individual IA: Minimum Rs. 5 lakh net worth. Non-individual IA: Rs. 50 lakh net worth

2. Application Process:
- Apply online through SEBI Intermediary Portal (siportal.sebi.gov.in)
- Submit: Application form, qualification certificates, NISM certification, net worth certificate, PAN, Aadhaar, bank account details
- Pay registration fee: Individual IA: Rs. 10,000. Non-individual: Rs. 25,000 (approximate — check current SEBI schedule)

3. Compliance After Registration:
- Maintain client records, agreements, risk profiling
- Segregate advisory and distribution fees
- Annual compliance audit
- Renew registration every 5 years

4. Restrictions: Registered IA cannot also distribute products (mutual funds, insurance) — SEBI strictly prohibits conflict of interest between advisory and distribution.

5. CA-Specific Note: CAs already practising tax advisory are not automatically covered under SEBI IA regulations, but if they charge specifically for investment advice, IA registration becomes mandatory.

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