Quant Mutual Fund has become the first asset management company in India to receive regulatory approval for a Specialized Investment Fund (SIF), a newly introduced investment category by SEBI. This move is set to redefine investment opportunities for mass affluent investors who seek options beyond traditional mutual funds.
What is a Specialized Investment Fund (SIF)?
The Specialized Investment Fund (SIF) is a new investment product category introduced by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). It is designed to bridge the gap between Mutual Funds (MFs) and Portfolio Management Services (PMS) — two popular investment structures that differ significantly in terms of risk, flexibility, and investor thresholds.
SIFs aim to offer the best of both worlds — the flexibility and customization of PMS, along with the regulatory safeguards and accessibility of mutual funds.
This initiative stems from SEBI’s recognition that while India’s financial markets have grown in product diversity, there still exists a significant gap between MF and PMS offerings, especially for investors who don’t fit neatly into either category.
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Lower Investment Thresholds Attract Mass Affluent Investors
One of the key attractions of the SIF structure is the lower minimum investment threshold of ₹10 lakh. This makes it appealing to mass affluent investors — those who have outgrown basic mutual fund products but may not meet the higher entry barriers required for PMS.
With a minimum investment of ₹10 lakh, SIFs offer an accessible route for sophisticated investors looking for more flexible and tailored portfolio strategies.
Other Fund Houses Also in the Race
While Quant Mutual Fund is the first to receive SEBI’s go-ahead, other prominent asset managers such as ITI, Edelweiss, DSP, and SBI have also received approval to launch their own SIFs. However, these firms have yet to roll out their respective products.
The development reflects growing interest among fund houses to cater to a new segment of investors — those looking for differentiated investment strategies in a regulated environment.
Key Highlights:
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Quant Mutual Fund is the first AMC to receive SEBI approval for a SIF.
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SIF bridges the gap between mutual funds and PMS, offering portfolio flexibility with regulatory safeguards.
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Minimum investment threshold is ₹10 lakh, targeting mass affluent investors.
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Other AMCs like ITI, Edelweiss, DSP, and SBI have also received approval but are yet to launch their SIFs.
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