The SIF Product Boom: Why NISM Series 13 is the Key to Unlocking India’s Next AUM Wave

If you’re a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a huge AUM book or an employee at a principal AMC (like ICICI, SBI, etc.), you’re hearing one term constantly: SIF (Specialised Investment Funds).

SIF is more than just a new product - it’s the new engine driving AUM growth and generating better returns for clients. That's why the NISM Series 13 (Common Derivatives) certification is no longer optional; it's a mandatory career move.

Here is why clearing NISM 13 is essential for your future:

1. SIF: The Future of Returns Generation

The SIF is fundamentally different from traditional SIPs and lump-sum investments because it uses derivatives to generate "alpha" (extra return).

• All-Weather Returns: Traditional investing does best in a bullish (rising) market. SIF is designed to work well in bullish, bearish, and sideways markets.
• Volatility Advantage: The current market has been highly volatile. SIF, through options and other derivatives, uses this volatility to its advantage, which is difficult for an individual investor to do.

The financial industry is betting big on SIF:

• Regulatory Push: SEBI has introduced this to bring structured, regulated investment products to the market.
• Industry Scale: The Indian Mutual Fund Industry already manages about ₹80 lakh crore in AUM.
• Initial Growth: Despite being recently launched (around April/May), SIF has already seen a contribution of about ₹2000 Crore. This minor starts with immense future potential.

For professionals, NISM 13 isn't just an entry barrier (which SEBI intentionally made difficult); it’s a competitive edge:

• Client Pitching: With the certification, you gain the deep knowledge of derivatives required to explain and pitch SIF to clients confidently.
• High Revenue: SIF products often have higher minimum ticket sizes (e.g., ₹10 Lakhs) than standard SIP/Lump-sum products. This makes it easier to boost your personal revenue and the company's AUM.
• Future-Proofing: Rohit feels that the future of the industry is "shooting up" with this product. Getting certified now gives you early access and positions you for professional growth.