SEBI Abolishes Transaction Fees for Mutual Fund Distributors
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued a circular to all Mutual Funds and Asset Management Companies (AMCs) to remove transaction charges previously paid to distributors. Effective immediately, this decision rescinds paragraphs 10.4.1.b and 10.5 of the SEBI Master Circular for Mutual Funds dated June 27, 2024. These paragraphs had allowed AMCs to pay a transaction charge to distributors for a minimum subscription amount of INR 10,000. This change follows public and industry consultations held in May 2023 and June 2025, respectively. The rationale for the removal is based on the feedback received and the recognition that distributors, acting as agents, are entitled to be remunerated by the AMCs. The circular is issued under the powers granted by the SEBI Act, 1992, to protect investors’ interests and regulate the securities market.
Securities and Exchange Board of India
Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/IMD-PoD-1/P/CIR/2025/115 August 08, 2025
To,
All Mutual Funds
All Asset Management Companies (AMCs)
All Trustee Companies of Mutual Funds
Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI)
Registrar to an Issue and Share Transfer Agents (RTAs)
Madam/ Sir,
Subject: Transaction charges paid to Mutual Fund Distributors
1. Paragraph 10.5 read with paragraph 10.4.1.b of SEBI Master Circular for Mutual Funds dated June 27, 2024 (Master Circular) allows AMCs to pay to the distributor transaction charges, subject to a minimum subscription amount of INR 10,000/-brought in by such distributors.
2. The public consultation on the captioned subject matter was carried out in May 2023 followed by an industry consultation in June 2025.
3. Based on the feedback received from the industry and considering that distributors as an agents of AMCs are entitled to be remunerated by the AMCs, the charges or commission, as prescribed under the paragraph 10.4.1.b and paragraph 10.5 of Master Circular, shall be done away with.
4. Accordingly, paragraphs 10.4.1.b and 10.5 of Master Circular stands deleted.
5. The circular shall come into force with immediate effect.
6. This circular is issued in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 11(1) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 read regulation 52(4A) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations 1996 to protect the interest of investors in securities and to promote the development of, and to regulate the securities market.
7. This circular is available at www.sebi.gov.in under the link “Legal ->Circulars”.
Yours faithfully,
Peter Mardi
Deputy General Manager
Investment Management Department
+91-22-26449233
peterm@sebi.gov.in