SEBI Asks Mutual Fund Distributors to Remove Unfair Clauses from Client Agreements

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has taken a significant step to safeguard investor rights by scrutinising the client agreements signed between Mutual Fund Distributors (MFDs) and investors. In particular, SEBI has found that certain clauses in these agreements provide undue indemnification to distributors, effectively shifting the burden of responsibility onto the investor, even in cases where investment advice has been offered.

AMFI Asked to Ensure Compliance Among Distributors

Following SEBI’s intervention, the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) has issued a directive to MFDs, especially large distributors such as banks, national distributors, and wealth management firms. These entities are now required to revise their client agreements to remove any unfair indemnity clauses that could be detrimental to investors.

This move comes in response to SEBI’s letter dated 9 January 2025 (SEBI/HO/OW/IMD/SEC-Div3/P/2025/194/1), where the regulatory body explicitly stated the need for amending these contracts.

Unfair Clause Highlighted in SEBI’s Review

SEBI cited a specific example of a clause found in one of the agreements: “If notwithstanding anything stated herein the bank or any employee of the bank gives any advice or representation to me/us, the bank shall have no liability for any such advice or representation made, as it will be my/our responsibility to make an independent assessment.”

According to SEBI, such clauses are problematic because they relieve the distributor of accountability, even when advice has been actively provided. This goes against the fundamental principle of investor protection and creates an imbalance in the distributor-investor relationship.

RTAs Communicate the Mandate to Distributors

Registrar and Transfer Agents (RTAs) have also played a role in disseminating SEBI’s guidance. In a recent communication to distributors, an RTA reiterated the requirement to eliminate or amend any clause that unreasonably indemnifies distributors for the investment advice offered.

This ensures consistency in practice across the mutual fund distribution ecosystem and reinforces SEBI’s stance on fair and transparent dealings with investors.

SEBI’s Directive to AMFI: Key Expectations

SEBI has clearly instructed AMFI to take the following actions:

  • Remove or suitably amend any clause that offers undue indemnification to distributors.
  • Sensitise members of AMFI to proactively identify and rectify similar clauses in all client agreements.
  • Ensure compliance across the mutual fund industry, particularly among large-scale distributors who frequently formalise client relationships through written contracts.

Conclusion

This directive is a continuation of SEBI’s broader efforts to increase transparency and fairness within the mutual fund distribution framework. By holding distributors accountable and ensuring that clients are not unfairly burdened, SEBI aims to foster greater trust and protection for retail investors. While this move may require procedural changes on the part of distributors, it reinforces a much-needed culture of responsibility in financial advisory relationships.

 

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

EPFO Simplifies Claim Process with New Bank Verification Rules

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has announced new measures to simplify and speed up the online withdrawal process for its members. Two major requirements have been removed to reduce delays and claim rejections.

Cancelled Cheques No Longer Required

EPF members are no longer required to upload a cancelled cheque or passbook copy when submitting withdrawal claims online. This step was earlier mandatory to verify bank account details, but often led to claim rejections due to poor-quality uploads.

Employer Approval 

The second major change is the removal of employer approval for bank account verification. Until now, claim processing required employers to approve and verify the member’s bank account, which extended the settlement period. This step is no longer needed.

Aadhaar Verification

Members can now enter new bank account details and complete verification through Aadhaar-based OTP authentication. This replaces the earlier process that involved coordination with employers and waiting periods from banks.

Previously, bank account verification took up to three working days. Employer approval added another 13 days in some cases. With direct Aadhaar-based verification, processing time is expected to reduce significantly.

Facility Rolled Out Nationwide

EPFO had tested this process in May 2024 for KYC-verified users. During the pilot, over 1.7 crore members used the facility. It has now been made available to all EPFO users across the country.

As of now, 4.83 crore of the 7.74 crore EPF contributors have bank accounts already linked with their Universal Account Number (UAN). This verification process happens during UAN-bank seeding.

The changes are to immediately help 14.95 lakh members who were unable to proceed with withdrawals due to pending employer approvals.

Conclusion

The new process is aimed at reducing documentation, minimising delays, and removing dependency on employers for faster online EPF claim settlements.

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Welspun One Secures ₹2,300 Crore Funding for Navi Mumbai Logistics Project

Welspun One Logistics Parks has announced the financial closure of its flagship logistics park project at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA). The project has secured ₹2,300 crore in construction financing from the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID).

Loan Details

The ₹2,300 crore funding is a 22-year term loan. According to NaBFID’s Deputy Managing Director, Samuel Joseph, “NaBFID is naturally suited to finance such projects with a long implementation period, requiring an extended repayment schedule. We have extended a 22-year term loan for this project”.

NaBFID has financed other warehousing projects too, but this one is unique as it will come up in a SEZ area and is being built to international standards, he said.

Project Overview

The logistics park is being developed on a 55-acre site within the JNPA SEZ in Navi Mumbai. This is currently Welspun One’s largest logistics development in India. The total planned built-up area for the project exceeds 3.6 million square feet.

As per the news report, the facility will serve multiple industries, including e-commerce, third-party logistics (3PL), fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), and manufacturing. It aims to support warehousing and industrial requirements for these sectors within a dedicated infrastructure zone.

Location 

The site is situated within the JNPA SEZ, providing access to port and transport infrastructure. This is to help streamline cargo movement and logistics operations for companies operating out of the facility.

Execution Timeline

Welspun One stated that securing the funding enables the timely execution of the JNPA logistics park project. No specific construction timeline or phase-wise rollout has been disclosed at this time.

Conclusion

Welspun One has closed financing for its 55-acre logistics park at JNPA with ₹2,300 crore from NaBFID. With over 3.6 million sq. ft. of development potential, the project is to serve major industrial and consumer sectors from a SEZ location in Navi Mumbai.

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

BEL Shares Surge on Signing ₹2,210 Crore Contract with Ministry of Defence

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Navratna Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, has signed a contract worth ₹2,210 crore (excluding taxes) with the Government of India.

As of 11:20 AM on April 8, 2025, Bharat Electronics share price is trading at ₹278.20, up 2.24%, showing a 2.23% decline over the past six months but a 22.57% gain over the past year.

Purpose of the Contract

The contract involves the supply of Electronic Warfare (EW) Suites for Mi-17 V5 helicopters used by the Indian Air Force. These EW systems are to improve aircraft survivability during operations.

Systems Included in the EW Suite

The EW Suite includes three components:

  • Radar Warning Receiver (RWR): Detects radar emissions from potential threats.
  • Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS): Identifies incoming missile threats.
  • Counter Measure Dispensing System (CMDS): Dispenses countermeasures such as flares and chaff to neutralize threats.

Development

These systems have been indigenously designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), specifically by its laboratory, CASDIC (Combat Aircraft Systems Development and Integration Centre). BEL will handle manufacturing and integration.

The Mi-17 V5 is a medium-lift military transport helicopter. It is widely used by the Indian Air Force for utility tasks such as troop transport, logistics, and rescue missions.

Background

BEL operates under the Ministry of Defence and is based in Bangalore. The company focuses on manufacturing advanced electronic products and systems for the Indian armed forces. It regularly collaborates with DRDO and other defence agencies for the development of indigenous defence technologies.

With the addition of this order, BEL’s cumulative order book for the current financial year (FY25) has reached ₹2,803 crore.

Date and Disclosure

The disclosure was made on April 7, 2025, in compliance with Regulation 30 of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015. The official press release was submitted to the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and is publicly available for reference.

Conclusion

The contract adds to BEL’s portfolio of defence electronics and is a step in the deployment of indigenous systems in India’s defence sector.

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Bajaj Healthcare Share Price in Focus on Acquisition of GenRx for ₹10.85 Crore

Bajaj Healthcare Limited (BHL), on April 7, 2025, announced the acquisition of GenRx Pharmaceuticals Private Limited for ₹10.85 crore in cash. The deal involves 100% control of the target company and will be completed over the next 3-6 months, subject to regulatory approvals, including those from the FDA.

About GenRx Pharmaceuticals

GenRx Pharmaceuticals was incorporated in 2009 and is headquartered in Thane, Maharashtra. The company operates a manufacturing facility at MIDC Sinnar in Nashik. It holds a WHO-GMP certification and is involved in the production of allopathic formulations, nutraceuticals, and natural products. Its facility is equipped to produce solid and semi-solid dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, nasal sprays, cosmetic products, and external preparations.

“The acquisition of GenRx Pharmaceuticals marks a strategic step forward in expanding our formulations manufacturing capabilities. This aligns with our vision of strengthening our core business and leveraging synergies for accelerated growth,” said Anil Jain, Managing Director of Bajaj Healthcare.

“This addition will enable us to expand our manufacturing portfolio, paving the way for long-term value creation and strengthening our footprint in the pharmaceutical sector,” Jain added.

Financial Overview

In Q3 FY25, Bajaj Healthcare reported a net profit of ₹11.7 crore, compared to a net loss of ₹2.2 crore in Q3 FY24. Revenue from operations stood at ₹122.8 crore, marking a 13.1% increase year-on-year. EBITDA rose to ₹21.7 crore from ₹19.6 crore, while the EBITDA margin slightly decreased to 17.7% from 18.1%.

Share Price Performance

As of 10:55 AM on April 8, 2025, Bajaj Healthcare share price was trading at ₹578.10, up 1.55% and up 53.33% over the past six months and 77.35% over the past year. The company’s market capitalisation stood at ₹1,800.25 crore. Additionally, the company’s CFO, Dayashankar Patel, resigned last week, citing personal reasons.

Conclusion

The deal is currently pending regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the coming months.

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

India Open to Reducing Auto Import Tariffs to 10% Under EU Trade Deal

According to news reports, India is considering a phased reduction of auto import tariffs from over 100% to 10% as part of its ongoing trade negotiations with the European Union, according to government and industry-related reports.

Ongoing Trade Talks

The trade talks between India and the EU have been ongoing for several years. In February 2025, both parties agreed to aim for a conclusion by the end of the year. Recent discussions indicate that India may revise its offer to help close the deal.

Industry Resistance

Despite the new proposal, there is strong opposition from Indian automakers. Companies such as Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra have pushed for a minimum 30% tariff, citing the need to protect domestic manufacturing. Industry bodies have also requested that no changes be made to electric vehicle (EV) import duties until at least 2029.

A proposal from the industry suggested cutting tariffs on a limited number of petrol vehicles to 70% immediately, with a gradual reduction to 30%. For EVs, the industry wants a phased tariff reduction starting after four years, with import duties capped at 30%.

EU’s Demands

The European Union has asked India to remove import tariffs on cars completely. This would allow companies like BMW, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz wider access to the Indian market. Tesla, which plans to sell EVs imported from its Berlin factory in India this year, would also benefit.

Government Discussions

India’s commerce ministry communicated the EU’s position and India’s evolving stance to the heavy industries ministry and automobile industry representatives in a closed-door meeting last week.

Conclusion

While no final decision has been announced, India’s willingness to reduce tariffs signals movement in trade talks with the EU. The outcome may reshape access to the Indian car market for foreign manufacturers.

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Cyber Threats Loom Larger Over India’s BFSI Sector in 2025: Deepfakes, AI and Many More

In 2024, one in five reported cyberattacks in India targeted the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector. This data was published in the Economic Survey 2025. The volume and complexity of threats are expected to rise in 2025.

Digital Threat Report 2024 Released

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), along with CERT-In, CSIRT-Fin, and cybersecurity firm SISA, released the Digital Threat Report 2024. The report outlines current risks and anticipates cyber threats expected to affect the BFSI sector in 2025.

Major Cyber Risks Identified

  1. Deepfakes and Social Engineering
    AI-generated deepfakes may be used to impersonate senior executives through video or voice, with the aim of tricking employees into transferring funds or sharing confidential data.
  2. Software Supply Chain Attacks
    Malicious code can be inserted into open-source libraries and developer tools, which are then unknowingly used in financial applications.
  3. Prompt Injection in LLMs
    Locally hosted large language models in enterprise software can be manipulated through prompts, leading to data leaks or incorrect automated decisions.
  4. Adversarial LLM Tools
    AI tools like WormGPT and FraudGPT are being used to write phishing emails, malware, and exploit code, making it easier for less-skilled attackers to carry out complex operations.
  5. Quantum Computing Threats
    Quantum algorithms such as Shor’s and Grover’s have the potential to break current encryption methods, posing long-term risks to data security.
  6. Cryptocurrency Exploits
    Cryptocurrencies like Monero allow for untraceable transactions. These are being used for laundering and ransom payments.
  7. IoT and Embedded Device Vulnerabilities
    Devices connected to financial networks are susceptible to firmware tampering and other hardware-level attacks.

Conclusion

The BFSI sector remains a key target for cyberattacks. The report outlines vulnerabilities and highlights the need for updated defenses as threats evolve in 2025.

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Credit Card Defaults Jump 28% to Over ₹6,700 Crore in 2024, Shows RBI Data

Credit card defaults in India have increased sharply in 2024. According to the latest data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), non-performing assets (NPAs) in the credit card segment rose 28.42% year-on-year, touching ₹6,742 crore as of December 2024. This is a rise of nearly ₹1,500 crore from ₹5,250 crore in December 2023.

Credit Card Loans and Defaults

The gross credit card loans outstanding stood at ₹2.92 lakh crore in December 2024. NPAs accounted for 2.3% of this amount, up from 2.06% of ₹2.53 lakh crore in the previous year. The rise in NPAs has occurred alongside an increase in credit card usage, with total credit card transactions reaching ₹18.31 lakh crore in FY24 – up from ₹6.3 lakh crore in FY21.

Fivefold Increase Since 2020

Credit card NPAs have grown more than five times since December 2020, when the total stood at ₹1,108 crore. This growth contrasts with the trend in the broader banking sector, where gross NPAs fell from ₹5 lakh crore in December 2023 to ₹4.55 lakh crore in December 2024.

RBI’s Response 

In November 2023, the RBI increased the risk weight on credit card receivables by 25 percentage points, raising it to 150%. This measure is meant to contain risks related to unsecured consumer lending. Risk weight determines how much capital banks must set aside against their loans. According to RBI data, credit card receivables stood at ₹2.92 lakh crore.

What Classifies as a Credit Card NPA

If a cardholder fails to make the minimum payment for 90 days, the dues are classified as an NPA. These dues often carry interest rates of 42 – 46% per annum, leading to higher liabilities for consumers and risk for banks.

Conclusion

The rise in credit card defaults brings out growing stress in unsecured lending. While overall bank NPAs have declined, the surge in credit card NPAs points to repayment challenges in a high-interest, high-usage environment.

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

SEBI to Establish Agency for Claim Verification of Algo Providers, RA and IA

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced a new framework to verify the performance claims made by investment advisors, research analysts, and algorithmic trading platforms.

This involves the creation of the Past Risk and Return Verification Agency (PaRRVA), which will be responsible for validating risk-return metrics used in advertisements and communications by regulated entities.

Eligibility Criteria

SEBI has outlined strict eligibility norms for agencies that wish to act as PaRRVA. Only credit rating agencies (CRAs) with at least 15 years of operational experience, a minimum net worth of ₹100 crore, and a record of rating 250 or more issuers of listed debt securities can apply.

Stock exchanges that wish to serve as PaRRVA Data Centres (PDCs) must also have 15 years of experience, a net worth of ₹200 crore, nationwide terminals, and an investor grievance redressal system.

Process and Implementation

After receiving in-principle approval, the CRA has three months to set up the necessary infrastructure, including APIs, servers, and cybersecurity frameworks. Before final recognition, SEBI will conduct site visits and require a certified audit.

Once recognised, the CRA and its associated PDC will begin a two-month pilot phase. During this period, risk-return metrics will be verified but not made public. Feedback from regulated entities will be collected to refine the process.

Verification Methodology 

PaRRVA will define the methodology for computing and verifying risk-return claims. The Oversight Committee, comprising representatives from market infrastructure institutions, CRAs, mutual funds, and brokers, will monitor its functioning.

Updated Guidelines for Communication

SEBI has amended its master circulars to now allow investment advisors, research analysts, and algorithmic trading platforms to use verified risk-return data in their communications. These claims must follow SEBI’s guidelines and include the required disclaimers.

Conclusion

The PaRRVA framework is now in effect, with clear eligibility conditions, timelines, and oversight mechanisms. Its rollout aims to standardise how past performance is validated and presented by registered market participants.

Read more on: Shares That Hit Circuit Limits On April 07, 2025, Wockhardt Ltd, Kfin Technologies, and More

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

SEBI May Launch Probe into Gensol Engineering

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is likely to initiate an investigation into Gensol Engineering Limited (GEL), a solar EPC company listed in 2019. According to reports, the regulator is looking into alleged irregularities in related-party transactions and potential submission of falsified debt servicing documents to rating agencies.

As of 9:30 AM on April 7, 2025, Gensol Engineering Limited (GEL) share price was trading at ₹154.74, a 5 % down, but down 79.30% over the past 6 months and 83.59% over the past year.

Focus on Related-Party Transactions

One important area under scrutiny is Gensol’s relationship with BluSmart Mobility, a company that shares the same promoters, Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi. Around 3,000 electric vehicles in BluSmart’s fleet are reportedly owned by GEL through its EV financing arm,

Gensol EV Lease Pvt Ltd. SEBI is examining whether the lease agreements between GEL and BluSmart were structured on fair terms. There is concern that these transactions may have caused a loss to GEL’s minority shareholders.

Ratings Downgraded to Default

Both ICRA and CARE Ratings downgraded GEL’s loan facilities to ‘D’ (default grade) after lenders reported delays in servicing loan obligations. ICRA stated that certain documents shared by GEL on its debt servicing history were “apparently falsified.” The ratings also factored in GEL’s financial linkages with BluSmart, which recently delayed non-convertible debenture payments.

Probe into Accounting and Fund Use

SEBI is also expected to examine GEL’s accounting practices, financial disclosures, and whether there was any diversion of funds raised for EV purchases into promoter-linked entities. The sharp rise in the company’s balance sheet may also be reviewed.

Failed Deal and Financials

GEL recently attempted to sell its EV fleet to a subsidiary of Refex Industries, but the deal did not go through. As per exchange data, promoter holding in GEL stands at 62.65%, with 81.70% of it pledged. The company reported a compound annual profit growth rate of 52.1% over the past five years.

Conclusion

While GEL’s mission is to disrupt the clean energy ecosystem, the current situation demands transparency and accountability. The outcome of SEBI’s possible probe will be crucial in determining whether GEL can power through or dim under governance concerns.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.