Sebi should enhance networth for MF players

"With the high cost of operations in the initial years and a relatively longer gestation period, there is a case for re-consideration of Rs 10 crore networth criteria set from the present Rs two crore for obtaining a mutual fund license," Confederation of Indian Industry and PriceWaterHouseCoopers said in their joint report.     

This would ensure that only major players who are committed to the mutual fund industry are capable of sustaining over a long-term would be able to operate in the industry, the report said.     

With more players entering the industry, the fee rates are likely to drop in the period ahead and may prompt the fund houses to seriously consider outsourcing, it said.     

Moving ahead, MF players would also have to bridge the demand-supply gap of human-assets needs and the companies should tie-up with educational institutions to offer programmes dedicated to the financial services industry, the report said.     

Similarly, there was a case for re-consideration of cap on the maximum amount of expenses that can be charged to a scheme, it said.     

"Charging additional expenses would enable the fund houses to invest more on expanding the investor network and improvise on delivering quality services to the investors," it said.