Investor Charter in respect of Investment Advisers
A. Vision and Mission Statements for Investors
Vision: Invest with knowledge & safety.
Mission: Every investor should be able to invest in right investment products based on their needs, manage and monitor them to meet their goals, access reports and enjoy financial wellness.
B. Details of Business Transacted by the Investment Adviser
- To enter into an agreement with the client providing all details including fee details, conflict of interest disclosure and confidentiality of information.
- To do proper and unbiased risk–profiling and suitability assessment of the client.
- To conduct audit annually.
- To disclose the status of complaints on its website.
- To disclose registration details, address, telephone, and SEBI office details on its website.
- To employ only qualified and certified employees.
- To deal with clients only from official numbers/emails.
- To maintain records of all client interactions including prospective clients (prior to onboarding).
- To ensure advertisements comply with SEBI Advertisement Code for IAs.
- No discrimination among clients opting for similar products/services.
C. Details of Services Provided (No Indicative Timelines)
- Onboarding of Clients: Sharing agreement copy, completing KYC.
- Disclosure to Clients: Full disclosure of business, affiliations, compensation, conflicts of interest, risk profile, AI tool usage.
- Provide investment advice based on risk-profiling and suitability.
- Treat all clients with honesty and integrity.
- Disclose material facts like risks, obligations, and costs.
- Give clear guidance and caution notice for complex/high-risk products.
- Ensure confidentiality of client information unless legally required.
- Disclose timelines for services and adhere to them.
D. Grievance Redressal Mechanism
How to Lodge Complaints:
- Approach concerned Investment Adviser (to be resolved within 21 days).
- Register on SCORES 2.0 (SEBI’s centralized web-based grievance redressal system).
- Escalation levels:
- First review by IAASB
- Second review by SEBI
- Email to IAASB designated email ID.
- If unsatisfied, approach SMARTODR for online conciliation/arbitration.
- Physical complaints:
Office of Investor Assistance and Education,
Securities and Exchange Board of India,
SEBI Bhavan, Plot No. C4-A, G Block, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), Mumbai - 400 051
E. Rights of Investors
- Right to Privacy and Confidentiality
- Right to Transparent Practices
- Right to Fair & Equitable Treatment
- Right to Adequate Information & Disclosures
- Right to Fair & True Advertisement
- Right to Awareness about Service Parameters and Timelines
- Right to be Heard and Satisfactory Grievance Redressal
- Right to Timely Redressal
- Right to Suitability of Financial Products
- Right to Exit as per agreement
- Right to Clear Guidance on High-Risk Products
- Additional Rights for Vulnerable Consumers
- Right to Provide Feedback
- Right against Coercive or Unfair Clauses in agreements
F. Expectations from Investors (Responsibilities)
Do’s:
- Always deal with SEBI registered IAs (check registration validity).
- Pay advisory fees only through banking channels; maintain signed receipts. Use CeFCoM if available.
- Insist on risk profiling before advice is given.
- Read and understand terms/conditions in writing before engaging IA.
- Be vigilant in transactions and approach authorities for grievances.
- Inform SEBI about IAs offering guaranteed returns.
- Be aware of rights to exit, seek clarification, and provide feedback.
Don’ts:
- Don’t fall for stock tips disguised as investment advice.
- Do not hand over funds to IAs for investment.
- Don’t believe in assured or exorbitant return promises.
- Avoid luring ads and rumors.
- Do not transact based only on calls/messages from IAs.
- Don’t rush into unsuitable investments.
- Do not share login credentials/passwords with IAs.
