India’s First Specialised Investment Fund (SIF): A Major Leap
- Quant Mutual Fund has become the first AMC in India to receive SEBI’s final approval to launch a Specialised Investment Fund (SIF)—named QSIF Equity Long-Short Fund—slated for launch in August 2025 The Economic Times.
- Under SEBI’s new SIF framework, fund houses can now offer advanced strategies—including long-short positioning, derivatives use, and hybrid allocation—under this regulated structure. The Economic TimesReuters.
- The SIF category targets sophisticated investors with a minimum investment threshold of ₹10 lakh, bridging the gap between mutual funds and PMS/AIFs Reuters.
Why SIFs Matter—and Why Distributors Must Be Ready
- Sophistication meets regulation: SIFs allow fund managers to hedge downward risk via short positions while pursuing upside in long positions—empowering risk-adjusted return optimisation in volatile markets ReutersThe Economic Times.
- Strategic edge for institutions: SIFs may increase institutional participation in India’s derivatives space, currently dominated (~0.2%) by institutions, vital for market depth and stability Reuters.
- First-mover advantage: As an early distributor equipped with SIF regulatory knowledge and product acumen, you’ll gain an edge in a fast-evolving asset-management landscape.
The Role of NISM Series XIII (Common Derivatives) Certification
- Regulatory Requirements for Distributing SIFs
1. Primary Certification Requirement
- Distributors must have cleared the NISM Series-XIII: Common Derivatives Certification Examination. Without this certification, they are not eligible to distribute SIF products. Securities and Exchange Board of India, HDFC Bank
2. Standard Mutual Fund Distributor Prerequisites
- In addition to NISM-XIII, distributors mustfulfill the usual norms under SEBI and AMFI:
- Clear NISM Series-V A: Mutual Fund Distributors Certification Examination
- Hold a valid AMFI Registration Number (ARN) (and EUIN for non-individual entities)
- Be empanelled with concerned AMCs to sell mutual fund schemes AMFI India
3. Ongoing Compliance Requirements
- Once certified and registered, distributors remain accountable for:
- Following the AMFI Code of Conduct for Mutual Fund Distributors
- Submitting an annual Declaration of Self-Certification (DSC) affirming compliance
- Ensuring due diligence by the AMC, which assesses distributors on 'fit and proper' criteria (controls, compliance records, conduct)
How We at PSKA Can Help: Mock-Test Course for NISM XIII
- Equip yourself with our Comprehensive NISM XIII Mock-Test Course, available now under the “Course” section of our website.
- What you get:
- Multiple mock exams simulating derivatives scenarios relevant to SIF strategies.
- Detailed answer explanations, real-time performance insights, and topic-wise feedback.
- Conceptual videos, exam tips, and exam-ready question bank tailored to SIF-oriented knowledge.
- Designed to help you clear NISM XIII with confidence and be fully prepared to serve as a knowledgeable distributor in the emerging SIF space.
Call-to-Action
1. Visit the Course section on our website.
2. Enroll in the NISM XIII Mock-Test. Prep Course today.
3. Get SIF-ready—become a trusted distributor for India’s first long-short QSIF and future SIF offerings.
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