The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved a new regulatory framework for portfolio managers that will allow them to invest client money in IPOs, foreign securities and primary debt issuances, while also creating a route for investing in direct mutual fund plans.
The SEBI Board approved the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2026, which will replace the existing 2020 regulations. The new framework is aimed at developing the portfolio management services (PMS) industry, easing compliance, consolidating regulatory provisions and removing redundant requirements.Under the new rules, portfolio managers will be permitted to invest in IPOs and primary market issuances in the debt market.SEBI will also allow discretionary portfolio management services (DPMS) to invest up to 10% of a client's assets under management in investment-grade, non-convertible, unlisted debt securities, subject to client consent.The framework provides greater flexibility for investments in exchange-traded derivatives, allowing exposure of up to 1.25 times the client's AUM.
Foreign securitiesPortfolio managers offering both discretionary and non-discretionary services will be allowed to invest in foreign securities. The permitted instruments will include listed equity and debt, REITs, overseas mutual funds, ETFs, index funds and foreign government debt.Such investments will remain subject to the Foreign Exchange Management Act and the Reserve Bank of India's Liberalised Remittance Scheme.PMS route for direct mutual fundsSEBI has also introduced the Portfolio Managers Route for Investing in Mutual Fund Units, or PRIM, allowing portfolio managers to invest client funds in direct plans of mutual funds, including ETFs, index funds and specialised investment funds offered by Indian AMCs.An existing portfolio manager can offer PRIM through a separate investment approach, with a minimum ticket size of Rs 25 lakh. Entities seeking to operate exclusively under the PRIM framework can also obtain a separate portfolio manager registration.For PRIM, SEBI has prescribed a minimum ticket size of Rs 25 lakh and a minimum net worth of Rs 2 crore.The Principal Officer will need to have a graduation degree, CFA or CA qualification, along with two years of securities market experience and a simplified NISM certification.PRIM will also have a prudential cap of 25% on investments in schemes of affiliated, group or associate AMCs. Fixed management fees will be capped at 1% of client AUM, while a performance-based fee model will also be permitted.SEBI has also provided for a waiver of exit-load provisions for PRIM.Portfolio managers operating as mutual fund distributors will have to segregate their MFD and PRIM activities and clients, except in the case of accredited investors.Independent fund managersThe new regulations will also introduce the concept of Independent Fund Managers (IFMs), who will be able to manage and operate client portfolios in association with a registered portfolio manager.The registered portfolio manager will retain full responsibility and liability for all activities undertaken by an IFM. IFMs will have to meet the same qualification, experience and certification requirements prescribed for a Principal Officer.Fees will be paid directly to the registered portfolio manager and orders generated by IFMs will have to flow through the portfolio manager's infrastructure.A portfolio manager can affiliate with several IFMs, while an IFM can operate under only one portfolio manager at a time.Clients will have a mandatory exit option if their IFM leaves or is terminated. APMI will maintain and update a central database of all active IFMs.The new framework also permits eligible fund managers to manage and advise eligible investment funds investing in overseas securities. For eligible investment funds investing in Indian securities, the applicable investment limit will continue to be aligned with the prevailing foreign portfolio investor framework.
Source: Network18

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