Investor Charter

Investor Charter for SEBI Registered Investment Advisers

A. Vision & Mission

Vision

Invest with knowledge and safety.

Mission

Every investor should be able to invest in appropriate investment products based on individual needs, manage and monitor investments effectively, access relevant reports and achieve long-term financial well-being.

B. Business Responsibilities Towards Investors

  • Enter into a written agreement containing all mandatory disclosures including fees, conflicts of interest and confidentiality.
  • Conduct proper and unbiased risk profiling and suitability assessment.
  • Conduct annual audit.
  • Disclose complaint status on the website.
  • Display registration details, contact information and SEBI office details on the website.
  • Employ only qualified and certified personnel.
  • Deal with clients only through official communication channels.
  • Maintain records of all advisory interactions including prospective clients.
  • Ensure advertisements comply with SEBI Advertisement Code.
  • Provide equal service standards to clients opting for similar advisory services.

C. Services Provided to Investors

Onboarding

  • Client onboarding.
  • Sharing of advisory agreement.
  • Completion of KYC.

Disclosures

  • Business disclosures and compensation details.
  • No access to client trading or investment accounts.
  • Disclosure of client risk profile.
  • Disclosure of conflicts of interest.
  • Disclosure regarding use of Artificial Intelligence tools.
  • Investment advice based on suitability assessment.
  • Honest and ethical treatment of all clients.
  • Disclosure of risks, obligations, costs and material facts.
  • Clear guidance for complex and high-risk financial products.
  • Maintain confidentiality of client information except where legally required.
  • Disclose service timelines and adhere to them.

D. Grievance Redressal Mechanism

Approaching the Investment Adviser

Investors may first approach the Investment Adviser with any complaint or grievance. Every effort will be made to resolve the complaint promptly and, in any case, within 21 days of receipt.

SCORES Platform

Complaints may also be lodged through SEBI's online grievance redressal system.

https://scores.sebi.gov.in

Complaint Review

  1. Review by IAASB.
  2. Second review by SEBI.

SMART ODR

If dissatisfied with the resolution, investors may approach the SMART ODR platform for online conciliation or arbitration.

Physical Complaints

Office of Investor Assistance and Education
Securities and Exchange Board of India
SEBI Bhavan, Plot No. C4-A, G Block
Bandra-Kurla Complex
Bandra (East)
Mumbai – 400051

E. Rights of Investors

  • Right to privacy and confidentiality.
  • Right to transparent practices.
  • Right to fair and equitable treatment.
  • Right to adequate information.
  • Right to statutory and regulatory disclosures.
  • Right to fair and truthful advertisements.
  • Right to know service timelines.
  • Right to timely grievance redressal.
  • Right to suitable financial products.
  • Right to exit services as per agreed terms.
  • Right to guidance while investing in complex financial products.
  • Additional rights for vulnerable consumers.
  • Right to provide feedback.
  • Protection against unfair contractual clauses.

F. Responsibilities of Investors

Do's

  • Deal only with SEBI registered Investment Advisers.
  • Verify the registration certificate.
  • Pay advisory fees only through banking channels.
  • Insist on proper risk profiling.
  • Ask questions before acting on advice.
  • Understand the risks before investing.
  • Read agreements carefully.
  • Remain vigilant.
  • Approach authorities for grievance redressal.
  • Report advisers offering guaranteed returns.
  • Exercise your right to exit advisory services.
  • Seek clarifications whenever required.
  • Provide feedback on services.
  • Do not accept contractual clauses contrary to SEBI regulations.

Don'ts

  • Do not rely on stock tips disguised as investment advice.
  • Never transfer investment funds to an adviser.
  • Do not believe promises of assured returns.
  • Avoid acting on rumours or misleading advertisements.
  • Do not invest solely based on calls or messages.
  • Ignore repeated marketing pressure.
  • Do not be influenced by gifts or incentives.
  • Avoid investments inconsistent with your risk profile.
  • Never share trading, demat or banking credentials.