Equity MF entry load to be waived - proposal by SEBI

Here is a that much sought after relief for Mutual Fund Investors in India. SEBI is proposing to remove the entry load by Mutual Funds if application has been directly placed to the MF houses or collection centers or through internet without routing through any distributor. We loose 2.25% everytime we invest in a equity MF and churn out a good portion of our money by that entry load which this MF houses pay to the distributors or agents. Let's all support this greatest idea. Send email to ruchic@sebi.gov.in supporting the idea. Hope SEBI makes it a law soon.

Following is the proposal from SEBI:

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE BOARD OF INDIA
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

Proposal on waiver of load for direct applications in Mutual Fund schemes

Currently all investors irrespective of the mode of entry are required to pay the entry load.

SEBI has stipulated that the loads collected by the Asset Management Companies (AMCs) for each scheme have to be maintained in a separate account and can be utilized towards meeting the selling and distribution expenses.

As per industry practice the load is normally utilized towards meeting the agent/distributor’s commission. So, the entry load collected from the investor normally goes towards paying the brokerage/commission of the distributor through whom the application was routed to the AMC.

Keeping in view the interest of the investors SEBI is now considering giving a waiver in entry load for direct applications received by the AMCs i.e. applications received through internet, submitted to AMC or collection centre/ Investor Service Centre that are not routed through any distributor/agent/broker.

Interested people may send in their comments on this issue to ruchic@sebi.gov.in or by writing a letter addressed to SEBI, Investment Management Department, SEBI Bhavan, Plot No. C-4A, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), Mumbai – 400051 on or before September 12, 2007.