Need comprehensive advice on financial planning? Go with an RIA

Those who only need to invest in MFs may use the services of a distributor

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Investment Advisers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2020, will come into force from October 1. These regulations have clearly demarcated the activities that registered investment advisors (RIAs) and mutual fund distributors (MFDs) can undertake. Investors need to think hard about the services they need before deciding which of the two entities to engage with.  

What will change? 

The regulator has asked for client-level segregation. If you avail of advisory services from an RIA, then you cannot avail of distribution services from the same entity or from his family member. On the other hand, distributors cannot advise you on