Mutual Funds

Bandhan MF latest to launch SIF, ICICI Pru, 360 ONE gear up for entry

Markets regulator Sebi on Wednesday extended the timeline till March 1 for the implementation of an additional incentives structure for mutual fund distributors for onboarding new individual investors from B-30 cities and new women investors from any city. Earlier, the new incentive structure, aimed at promoting wider outreach and awareness, was scheduled to be effective from February 1, 2026. According to the classification used in the mutual fund industry, B-30 refers to places beyond the top 30 cities. Based on the feedback received from the industry, citing operational difficulties in putting in place the requisite systems and processes for smooth implementation of the additional incentive structure, Sebi has decided to extend the implementation timeline. Accordingly, the new provisions will now come into effect from March 1, 2026, Sebi said in its circular. Under the new framework, asset management companies (AMCs) will pay these distributors 1 per cent of the first lump-sum

A shift in sector leadership could also favour these funds

Ten-year data shows commissions matter more than most investors realise

Led by ICICI Pru, top four AMCs add over Rs 6 trillion to combined AUM

'Passive funds follow rules; active funds chase opportunities,' say experts

Motilal Oswal Diversified Equity Flexicap Passive FoFs is benchmarked against the Nifty 500 Total Return Index

India's AIF industry urges tax parity for private credit funds and clearer rules for Category III AIFs in the upcoming Union Budget to ensure fair treatment and reduce disputes

Mutual funds pumped a record ₹4.9 trillion into equities in 2025, driven by strong SIP inflows and retail participation despite volatile markets

After underperforming in 2025, small-cap funds may see a turnaround as valuations become more reasonable and earnings revive; existing investors should stay invested, while new ones enter gradually

As the Sensex turns 40, passive investing is reshaping India's markets, with indices emerging as the backbone of ETFs and low-cost investment products

Rise in debt, commodity ETF inflows offset lower lumpsum inflows into equity schemes

These concentrated bets suit experienced investors who can assess sector prospects and invest at attractive valuations

Ashika Group on Wednesday announced that it has received in-principle approval from the markets regulator, Sebi, to launch mutual funds. This move allows the company to proceed with establishing an Asset Management Company (AMC) and preparing for the launch of mutual fund schemes, subject to fulfilling Sebi's final registration requirements and conditions, Ashika Group said in a statement. Ashika Group's foray into mutual funds builds on its experience across capital markets and financial services, including retail & Institutional broking, investment banking, research advisory, global family office services, Alternative Asset Management and Private Equity. "The launch of Ashika Mutual Fund is a natural extension of our vision to contribute meaningfully to India's evolving asset management ecosystem," Pawan Jain, Chairman & Managing Director, Ashika Group, said. The proposed fund house aims to offer a range of investment schemes tailored to diverse investor needs.

Mutual fund industry extended its bull run in 2025, adding a staggering Rs 14 lakh crore to its asset base and pushing total AUM to a record Rs 81 lakh crore by November, powered by surge in retail participation and record SIP inflows. Venkat Chalasani, Chief Executive Officer of AMFI, told PTI that the industry's outlook remains positive, with steady SIP inflows continuing to offset foreign portfolio investor outflows and strengthening market resilience. Going ahead, fund flows are likely to be guided by valuations and global developments, with investors increasingly favouring large-cap, diversified and hybrid strategies, he added. The year 2025 also witnessed a robust net inflow of Rs 7 lakh crore, along with a sharp increase of 3.36 crore in the investor base, while SIPs alone contributed about Rs 3 lakh crore, according to data from Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI). These inflows lifted the industry's assets under management (AUM) by 21 per cent from Rs 67 lakh crore

Industry adds 5.8 million investors this year compared to 10.6 million in 2024

Select debt mutual fund categories such as medium duration and floater funds have delivered over 8 per cent returns in the past year, supported by rate cuts and falling yields

A resurgent gold rally has lifted multi-asset funds back into contention, widening their return edge over key equity categories despite lower risk exposure

Flexicap funds top equity MF inflows in 2025, emerging as investors' preferred choice amid volatile markets and becoming the largest equity category by assets

Indian equities are consolidating valuations and recalibrating expectations about earnings, putting investors in a familiar dilemma: Lean into optimism or retreat with caution?