Categorization and Rationalization of Mutual Fund Schemes

SEBI vide it circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF3/CIR/P/2017/114 dated October 06, 2017 has shared guidelines with regards to Categorization and Rationalization of Mutual Fund Schemes in India.

Please read on the following –

1. It is desirable that different schemes launched by a Mutual Fund are clearly distinct in terms of asset allocation, investment strategy etc. Further, there is a need to bring in uniformity in the characteristics of similar type of schemes launched by different Mutual Funds. This would ensure that an investor of Mutual Funds is able to evaluate the different options available, before taking an informed decision to invest in a scheme.


2. In order to bring the desired uniformity in the practice, across Mutual Funds and to standardize the scheme categories and characteristics of each category, the issue was discussed in Mutual Fund Advisory Committee (MFAC). Accordingly, it has been decided to categorize the MF schemes as given below:
   
   I. Categories of Schemes, Scheme Characteristics and Type of Scheme (Uniform Description of Schemes):


3. The Schemes would be broadly classified in the following groups:


1. Equity Schemes


2. Debt Schemes


3. Hybrid Schemes


4. Solution Oriented Schemes


5. Other Schemes



The details of the scheme categories under each of the aforesaid groups along with their characteristics and uniform description are given in the Annexure.

4. As per the annexure, the existing ‘type of scheme’ (presently mentioned below the scheme name in the offer documents/ advertisements/ marketing material/etc) would be replaced with the type of scheme (given in the third column of the tables in the Annexure) as applicable to each category of scheme. This will enhance the existing disclosure. Hence, for the purpose of alignment of the existing schemes with the provisions of this circular, change in “type of scheme” alone, would not be considered as a change in fundamental attribute.


5. In case of Solution oriented schemes, there will be specified period of lock in as stated in the Annexure.
   
   However, the said lock- in period would not be applicable to any existing investment by an investor, registered SIPs and incoming STPs in the existing solution oriented schemes as on the date on which such scheme is getting realigned with the provisions of this circular.


6. The investment objective, investment strategy and benchmark of each scheme shall be suitably modified (wherever applicable) to bring it in line with the categories of schemes listed above.
   
   II. Definition of Large Cap, Mid Cap and Small Cap:


7. In order to ensure uniformity in respect of the investment universe for equity schemes, it has been decided to define large cap, mid cap and small cap as follows:


1. Large Cap: 1^st - 100^th company in terms of full market capitalization


2. Mid Cap: 101^st - 250^th company in terms of full market capitalization


3. Small Cap: 251^st company onwards in terms of full market capitalization


8. Mutual Funds would be required to adopt the list of stocks prepared by AMFI in this regard and AMFI would adhere to the following points while preparing the list:


1. If a stock is listed on more than one recognized stock exchange, an average of full market capitalization of the stock on all such stock exchanges, will be computed;


2. In case a stock is listed on only one of the recognized stock exchanges, the full market capitalization of that stock on such an exchange will be considered.


3. This list would be uploaded on the AMFI website and the same would be updated every six months based on the data as on the end of June and December of each year. The data shall be available on the AMFI website within 5 calendar days from the end of the 6 months period.

To read the full circular, please download from here