SEBI’s Deadline Extension: Safeguarding Your Investments 

Introduction:

In a recent development, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has extended the deadline for demat and mutual fund account holders to provide a nomination. This move is aimed at assisting investors in securing their assets and ensuring a smooth transition to their legal heirs. The new deadline for submission of the ‘choice of nomination’ for demat accounts and mutual fund folios has been extended to June 30, 2024, providing investors with additional time for compliance. 

SEBI: Safeguarding Investor Interests

SEBI, the capital markets regulator in India, is entrusted with the responsibility of regulating and overseeing the securities market. Its primary objectives include protecting the interests of investors, promoting the development of the securities market, and ensuring fair and transparent dealings. The recent deadline extension for providing nominations underscores SEBI’s commitment to investor welfare, making compliance more accessible and convenient. 

Why the Extension? 

SEBI’s decision to extend the deadline is driven by a commitment to ease compliance and enhance investor convenience. The move comes in response to representations received from market participants and aims to facilitate a more accessible process for investors looking to safeguard their investments for the future. 

Encouraging Compliance: 

SEBI has urged asset management companies (AMCs), depository participants, and Registrar and Transfer Agents (RTAs) to actively encourage demat account holders and mutual fund unit holders to fulfill the nomination requirements. To ensure compliance, these entities are directed to communicate with non-compliant unit holders on a fortnightly basis through emails and SMS. The communications will guide investors on the process of providing a nomination or opting out of the nomination. 

Understanding Demat Accounts: 

A demat account, short for dematerialized account, is an electronic account that holds shares and securities in digital form. Instead of dealing with paper certificates, everything is stored electronically. This makes trading and investing in the stock market much easier and safer. SEBI’s decision to give more time for people to choose beneficiaries for their demat accounts shows that they understand how important these accounts are for planning our money matters. 

How to Add a Nominee to Demat Account: 

Adding a nominee to your demat account is a hassle-free process. Follow these steps: 

(i) Visit NSDL’s portal at nsdl.co.in. 

(ii) On the homepage, click on the ‘Nominate Online’ option. 

(iii) Enter your DP ID, client ID, PAN, and OTP. 

(iv) Choose between ‘I wish to Nominate’ and ‘I do not wish to nominate.’ 

(v) If you opt to add a nominee, provide the nominee’s details. 

(vi) E-sign using Aadhaar and verify with OTP on the registered mobile number with UIDAI. 

Mutual Fund Nominations: 

Mutual funds are a popular investment avenue, allowing investors to pool their money for diversified investment opportunities. Nominating beneficiaries for mutual fund holdings ensures a smooth transfer of assets in the event of the investor’s demise. Here’s how to add a nominee for your mutual fund folios: 

How to Pick a Nominee for Mutual Fund Folios: 

Nomination for mutual funds can be done when initiating an investment or at a later stage. Here’s how to add a nominee for your mutual fund folios: 

(i) Visit the Mutual Fund house’s official web portal or the NSDL website. 

(ii) Update mutual fund nominations online. 

(iii) A maximum of 3 nominees can be added, specifying the share for each. 

(iv) The nomination form must be signed by all unit holders. 

If you’ve invested through a demat account, the nomination details submitted with the depository will apply to the mutual fund holding as well. 

How can Navia Customer add nominee using Rekyc ? 

Step 1 – open Navia , Log in to the Rekyc portal using your UCC and DOB. 

Step 2 – Go to the “Nomination” category. 

Step 3 – Fill in the required details and attach the necessary identity proof. 

Step 4 – Complete the process with an Electronic Signature (E-sign). 

Step 5 – Once E-sign is done, the nominee is successfully added. 

Conclusion:

SEBI’s decision to extend the deadline for providing nominations reflects a commitment to investor welfare. By taking advantage of this extension, investors can ensure that their assets are well-protected and can seamlessly pass on to their legal heirs. Remember to follow the step-by-step guide for adding nominees to both demat accounts and mutual fund folios to make the process hassle-free. Your financial security is paramount, and SEBI’s initiatives are focused on making it easier and more accessible for everyone.