Mutual funds are gaining in popularity especially after the Mutual Funds Sahi Hai campaign. Apart from consumers who have gained from Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) investments in markets, there has been another segment that has benefitted : the mutual fund advisor community or the Independent Financial Advisors (IFA). They have been at forefront of creating a robust Mutual Fund market in India and serving the nation plan for its financial goals. A quick statistic on mutual fund industry reveals:

• In the past decade through fiscal 2018, India's mutual fund industry has grown at twice the pace of its global peers.
• The ratio of the industry's assets under management (AUM) to bank deposits has grown from13% as of March 2016 to 22% as of March 2018.
• Monthly SIP contributions and accounts have trebled in the past two years starting FY 2016.

The mutual fund growth story is only a beginning and growing at a CAGR of 15% plus. This rapid growth is across India. It opens multiple opportunities as a financial advisor and helps make it a robust career choice with long term stability due to trail commissions and growing investor base.

SOURCE: Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI)

To become an Independent Financial Advisor (IFA), one needs to obtain an Agent Registration Number (ARN) from Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI). ARN is available for all who clear the Mutual Fund Distributors (MFD) Certification Examination that is conducted by National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM).

Any person who has attained 18 years of age and passed HSC (12^th standard) or is a 10+ 3 diploma holder can attend NISM MFD course and examination.

The entire exam process & study material is available online also. NISM also conducts offline classes for the same.

The key steps for becoming a Mutual Fund Independent Financial Advisor are:

• Register with NISM for NISM-Series- V-A: Mutual Fund Distributors (MFD) Certification Examination
• Enrol with NISM centre for coaching if required
• Take & pass exam
• Register with AMFI here
• Empanel with Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund here - Happy selling!

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SOURCE: AMFI