Specialized Investment Funds (SIFs): The New Frontier in Indian Investments

Thu Oct 2, 2025

And how Sheetal Kunder Academy empowers you to stay ahead

The Indian financial ecosystem is entering a new chapter. With SEBI’s introduction of Specialized Investment Funds (SIFs), investors now have access to strategies that go beyond traditional mutual funds, but without the steep entry barriers of Portfolio Management Services (PMS) or Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).

On October 1, 2025, Edelweiss Mutual Fund launched its first SIF – the Altiva Hybrid Long-Short Fund. Edelweiss CEO Radhika Gupta explained that SIFs offer the flexibility of derivatives, risk-adjusted returns, and tax efficiency, while requiring investors and distributors alike to adopt a more nuanced understanding of financial products.

What Makes SIFs Different?

Higher entry vs MF, lower than PMS/AIF: Minimum investment of ₹10 lakh (₹1 lakh for accredited investors).
Tax advantages: Equity LTCG taxed at 12.5% after 12 months, compared to higher taxation in PMS/AIF.
Flexibility in strategy: Long-short equity, arbitrage, sector rotation, hybrid allocations, and special situations like IPOs or buybacks.
Transparency: Operates within SEBI’s mutual fund regulatory framework.

Unlike mutual funds, where funds within a category are largely homogenous, SIFs differ significantly even within the same strategy bucket. That means investors cannot just “sort by returns.” Instead, evaluating risk, exposure, and structure becomes crucial.

Click Here to Enrol for NISM XIII Common Derivatives

Why Knowledge Matters

Radhika Gupta put it simply: “SIF requires a different capability than buy and hold investing. Understand it, and invest only when you understand it.”For investors, this means asking the right questions:

What is the risk-return profile of this SIF?
How does it fit into my portfolio?
What post-tax returns can I expect?

For distributors and professionals, the responsibility is even higher. With SIFs relying heavily on derivatives, SEBI mandates a strong grasp of NISM Series-XIII (Common Derivatives) certification to be eligible for distribution.

The Role of Sheetal Kunder Academy

This is where Sheetal Kunder Academy becomes your partner in the learning journey.

Expert-led training: Founded by Prof. Sheetal Kunder, a SEBI-registered Research Analyst, the academy brings real-world insights into NISM exams, regulatory frameworks, and capital market products.
Special focus on NISM XIII: Since SIFs are deeply connected with derivatives, mastering the Common Derivatives Certification is essential for distributors. Our structured modules ensure you clear it in your first attempt.
Bridging theory & practice: We don’t just prepare you for exams — we decode live market examples, case studies, and product structures (like long-short funds and hybrid SIFs) to give you a practical edge.
Proven track record: We have successfully trained professionals from reputed AMCs like SBI Mutual Fund, HDFC AMC, and YES Securities, and are now equipping learners to handle new-age products like SIFs.

Why Start Now?

The SIF wave has just begun. As AMCs roll out innovative funds under this framework, distributors with the right certifications will stand apart. Missing out could mean losing relevance in a rapidly evolving industry.At Sheetal Kunder Academy, we ensure you’re not just exam-ready, but also industry-ready. With our guidance, you’ll build the skills and confidence to:

Clear NISM certifications in one go
Understand complex products like SIFs
Become a trusted advisor for your clients

Conclusion:
SIFs represent the next phase of financial innovation in India — combining the best of mutual funds’ transparency with the strategic flexibility of alternatives. But with innovation comes responsibility. Whether you are an investor or distributor, your success depends on knowledge, regulation, and preparation.With Sheetal Kunder Academy, you’re not just preparing for a certification — you’re preparing for the future of investments.

Ready to upskill?
Join us today and be part of the new era of financial professionals leading India’s SIF revolution.

Prof. Sheetal Kunder
SEBI® Research Analyst. Registration No. INH000013800 M.Com, M.Phil, B.Ed, PGDFM, Teaching Diploma (in Accounting & Finance) from Cambridge International Examination, UK. Various NISM Certification Holders. Ex-BSE Institute Faculty. 18 years of extensive experience in Accounting & Finance. Faculty Development Programs and Management Development Programs at the PAN India level to create awareness about the emerging trends in the Indian Capital Market and counsel hundreds of students in career choices in the finance area

Specialized Investment Funds (SIFs): The New Frontier in Indian Investments

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