SEBI makes nomination
optional for joint mutual fund portfolios
Capital markets regulator SEBI on Wednesday made the
nomination optional for jointly-held mutual fund accounts in a bid to
promote ease of doing business.
Additionally, SEBI allowed fund houses to have a single fund
manager to oversee commodity and foreign investments. This would reduce the
cost of managing the fund.
The regulator has set June 30, 2024, as the deadline for all
existing individual mutual fund holders to nominate or opt out of nomination.
If they fail to comply, their accounts will be frozen for withdrawals.
These came after a working group constituted by SEBI reviewed
mutual fund regulations.
Based on its recommendations, a public consultation was carried
out suggesting the option to make joint mutual fund account nominations
optional and permitting fund houses to have a single fund manager to oversee
commodity and foreign investments.
"Accordingly, it has been decided that the requirement of
nomination .for mutual funds shall be optional for jointly held mutual fund
folios," the regulator said in a circular.
Experts believe that the relaxation is beneficial as it simplifies
the process of nomination by allowing the surviving member to become the
nominee. This streamlines the transmission process and reduces hassle in such
situations. Later, the last surviving member can assign a nominee.
In a separate circular, the regulator has eased the current
provision with respect to dedicated fund managers.
SEBI said that for commodity-based funds such as Gold ETFs, Silver
ETFs, and other funds participating in the commodities market, the appointment
of a dedicated fund manager would be optional. Also, the appointment of a
dedicated fund manager for making the overseas investments would be optional.
www.thehindubusinessline.com
dt. 02.05.2024