Master Circular for Research Analysts

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Page 1 of 107 MASTER CIRCULAR HO/38/12/11(1)2026-MIRSD-POD/I/4360/2026 February 06, 2026 To, All Research Analysts Research Analysts Administration and Supervisory Body (RAASB) Dear Madam / Sir, Subject: Master Circular for Research Analysts 1. For effective regulation of Research Analysts, the Securities and Exchange Board of India has been issuing various Circulars from time to time. 2. In order to enable Research Analysts and other market stakeholders to have access to all applicable Circulars in the subject matter at one place, this Master Circular is issued. This master circular has been updated to incorporate the provision of the Circular(s) given in the appendix to this Master Circular. 3. With the issuance of this Master Circular, all directions/instructions contained in the Circulars listed out in the Appendix to this Master Circular shall stand rescinded to the extent they relate to Research Analysts. 4. Notwithstanding such rescission, a) Anything done or any action taken or purported to have been done or taken under the rescinded circulars, prior to such rescission, shall be deemed to have been done or taken under the corresponding provisions of this Master Circular; b) Any application made to the Board under the rescinded circulars, prior to such rescission, and pending before it shall be deemed to have been made under the corresponding provisions of this Master Circular; c) The previous operation of the rescinded circulars or anything done or suffered thereunder, any right, privilege, obligation or liability acquired, accrued or Page 2 of 107 incurred under the rescinded circulars, any penalty, incurred in respect of any violation committed against the rescinded circulars, or any investigation, legal proceeding or remedy in respect of any such right, privilege, obligation, liability, penalty as aforesaid, shall not be affected by such rescission and shall be enforceable as if the rescinded circulars had continued to be in force. 5. This Master Circular is issued in exercise of powers conferred under Section 11(1) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992, to protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote the development of, and to regulate, the securities market 6. This Master Circular is available on SEBI website at www.sebi.gov.in in the path “Legal >Master Circulars”. Yours faithfully Aradhana Verma General Manager Tel. No. 022-26449633 aradhanad@sebi.gov.in Page 3 of 107 TABLE OF CONTENTS Sr. No. Subject Page No. I. GUIDELINES FOR RESEARCH ANALYSTS 1. Guidelines for Research Analysts 6 2. Procedural Guidelines for Proxy Advisors 20 II. ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION OF RESEARCH ANALYSTS 3. Framework for administration and supervision of Research Analysts 21 4. Recognition of BSE Limited as Research Analyst Administration and Supervisory Body (RAASB) 23 III. INVESTOR COMPLAINTS 5. Grievance Resolution between listed entities and proxy advisers 24 6. Redressal of investor grievances through SEBI Complaints Redress system (SCORES) Platform and Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Platform 25 7. Investor Charter for Research Analysts 27 IV. TECHNOLOGY RELATED 8. Advisory for Financial Sector Organizations regarding Software as a Service (SaaS) based solutions 27 V. MISCELLANEOUS 9. Procedure for seeking prior approval for change in control 28 10. Prior approval for change in control: Transfer of shareholdings among immediate relatives and transmission of shareholdings and their effect on change in control 31 11. Advertisement code and usage of brand name/trade name 33 12. Optional mechanism for fee collection by SEBI registered Investment Advisers (IAs) and Research Analysts (RAs) 38 13. Unauthenticated news circulated by SEBI Registered Market Intermediaries through various modes of communication 39 14. Guidelines on outsourcing of activities by Intermediaries 40 Page 4 of 107 Sr. No. Subject Page No. 15. Framework for Regulatory Sandbox 41 16. General Guidelines for dealing with Conflicts of Interest of Intermediaries and their Associated Persons in Securities Market 41 17. Approach to securities market data access and terms of usage of data provided by data sources in Indian securities market 43 18. Guidelines on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Standards and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) /Obligations of Securities Market Intermediaries under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 and Rules framed there under 44 19. Know Your Client (KYC) Requirements 44 20. Relaxation on geo tagging requirement in India for NRIs while undertaking re-KYC 45 21. Association of persons regulated by the Board and their agents with certain persons 45 22. Recognition and operationalization of Past Risk and Return Verification Agency (PaRRVA) 47 23. Interim arrangement for certified past performance of Research Analysts prior to operationalisation of Past Risk and Return Verification Agency (“PaRRVA”) 47 24. Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience Framework (CSCRF) 49 25. Norms for sharing of real time price data to third parties 50 26. Adoption of Standardised, Validated and Exclusive UPI IDs for Payment Collection by SEBI Registered Intermediaries from Investors 51 27. Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and rules made thereunder- mandatory compliance by all Regulated Entities. 51 28. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to regulatory provisions for Research Analysts 52 VI. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS 29. Periodic reporting by Research Analysts 53 Page 5 of 107 Sr. No. Subject Page No. 30. Undertaking on compliance of the advisory for Financial Sector Organizations regarding Software as a Service (SaaS) based solutions to be submitted half yearly 53 31. Submission of annual audit report and adverse findings, if any 54 VII. ANNEXURES 32. ANNEXURE A - Guidelines for recommendation of ‘model portfolio’ by Research Analysts 54 33. ANNEXURE B - Minimum mandatory terms and conditions to be disclosed to clients 57 34. ANNEXURE C - Detailed framework for RAASB 62 35. ANNEXURE D - Investor Charter for RAs 68 36. ANNEXURE E - Complaint Data to be displayed by RAs 73 37. ANNEXURE F - Advisory for Financial Sector Organizations Software as a Service (SaaS) based solution 75 38. ANNEXURE G - Declaration cum undertaking for seeking prior approval for change in control 77 39. ANNEXURE H - Principles for outsourcing for intermediaries 79 40. ANNEXURE I- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to regulatory provisions for Research Analysts 85 41. ANNEXURE J - Periodic Reporting Format for Proxy Advisers (PA) 100 VIII. APPENDIX : List of Circulars/ Notifications/Communications 102 Page 6 of 107 I. GUIDELINES FOR RESEARCH ANALYSTS 1. Guidelines for Research Analysts1 The Research Analysts shall ensure compliance with the following guidelines specified under the SEBI (Research Analysts) Regulations, 2014 (hereinafter referred to as “RA Regulations”): 1.1 Qualification and certification requirements a. Regulation 7 of the RA Regulations specifies the minimum qualification and certification requirements for RAs. It is clarified that the revised qualification requirements shall not be required to existing individual RAs, Principal officer of non-individual RAs or research entity, individuals employed as research analysts and partners of research analyst, if any, engaged in providing research services. However, they shall hold NISM certifications and comply with other conditions specified under Regulation 7(3) of the RA Regulations. b. As per Regulation 7(1) (b) of SEBI (Research Analysts) Regulations, 2014, Post Graduate Program in the Securities Market (Research Analysis) from NISM (or any other program of NISM as may be specified by the Board) has been provided as an eligible qualification for an Individual research analyst or principal officer of a non-individual research analyst or individual employed as research analyst or persons associated with research services or partners of a research analyst, if any, engaged in research services. In this regard, for sake of clarity, it has been specified that the applicants who meet the qualification criteria provided under Regulation 7(1)(b) shall not be required to obtain initial entry level certification (as applicable for applicants with other qualifications) from NISM or from any other organization or institution accredited by NISM. However, as provided under Regulation 7(3), such persons shall be required to obtain relevant renewal certification from 1 Reference: Circular No. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/ MIRSD-PoD-1/P/CIR/2025/004 dated January 08, 2025 Page 7 of 107 NISM or from any other organization or institution accredited by NISM, within three years from the date of registration certificate. 1.2 Deposit requirement2: a. As per Regulation 8 of the RA Regulations, a research analyst shall maintain a deposit of such sum, as specified by SEBI from time to time. In this regard, it is specified that an RA shall maintain the deposit in the form of units of liquid mutual fund or an overnight mutual fund or as a deposit maintained with a scheduled bank. The deposit requirements shall be based on the maximum number of clients of RA on any day of the previous financial year, as under: No. of clients Deposit Up to 150 clients ₹ 1 lakh 151 to 300 clients ₹ 2 lakh 301 to 1,000 clients ₹ 5 lakhs 1,001 and above clients ₹ 10 lakhs b. The deposit shall be marked as lien in favour of Research Analyst Administration and Supervisory body (RAASB), in the manner and form as may be specified by RAASB. c. The deposit amount may be revised for any change in applicable amount of deposit, based on the maximum number of clients in the previous financial year, latest by 30th April of the subsequent financial year. d. RAASB shall put in place necessary systems and procedures for implementation of these provisions and bring the same to the notice of RAs. e. The deposit requirements shall be reviewed by SEBI from time to time. 2 Reference: Circular No. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/ MIRSD-PoD/P/CIR/2025/116 dated August 12, 2025 Page 8 of 107 1.3 Registration both as Investment Adviser and Research analyst: In terms of the proviso to Regulation 9 of the RA Regulations, an individual or partnership firm registered as an investment adviser may be granted certificate of registration as a research analyst, subject to such terms and conditions as the SEBI may deem fit and appropriate. Accordingly, these terms and conditions are as under: a. An investment adviser, who is an individual or partner-ship firm, registered under the SEBI (Investment Advisers) Regulations, 2013 (IA Regulations), may be considered eligible for grant of certificate of registration as RA under the RA Regulations provided that it shall comply with the rules/regulations/reporting requirements under each of these regulations viz. IA Regulations and RA Regulations separately. b. Such IA/RA shall provide an undertaking stating that it shall maintain arms- length relationship between its activity as IA and RA and shall ensure that its investment advisory services and research services are clearly segregated from each other. 1.4 Registration as part-time research analyst: a. In terms of Regulation 2(nd) read with regulation 2(nb) of RA Regulations, a part-time RA is an individual or partnership firm who is also engaged in any other business activity/employment which is unrelated to securities and does not involve handling/ managing of money/ funds of client/ person or providing advice/ recommendation to any client/person in respect of any products/ assets for investment purposes. b. An applicant engaged in any activity or business or employment permitted by any financial sector regulator or an activity under the purview of statutory self- regulatory organisations such as Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (‘ICAI’), Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) etc. shall be considered eligible for registration as part-time RA. Page 9 of 107 c. In terms of regulation 2(1) (u) read with regulation 7 of RA Regulations, Part- time RAs shall be required to have similar qualification and certification requirements prescribed under RA regulations for full-time RAs. d. Part-time RA shall provide an undertaking stating that it shall maintain arms- length relationship between its activity as RA and other activities and shall ensure that its research services are clearly segregated from all its other activities at all stages of client engagement. e. Part-time RA shall provide disclaimer prominently (minimum 10 font size) and attracting the attention of the investor while providing their other service/raising invoice related to other business/service that the activity/invoice is related to services not under the purview of SEBI and no complaint can be raised to SEBI for the services rendered therein. f. The part-time RA shall disclose the nature of other activities and shall ensure that there is no conflict of interest between its RA activity and its other business activities or employment. g. For the purpose of providing additional clarity as to whether a person shall or shall not be considered eligible for registration as part-time RA, reference may be made to the following explanations/illustrations regarding other business activities or employment that a person shall or shall not engage in. Example/Illustration 1: Who shall be considered eligible for registration as part-time RA? A person shall be considered eligible for registration as part-time RA if it- (i) is a member of ICAI or ICSI or ICMAI providing their statutory services or an insurance agent having license from Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (‘IRDAI’), (ii) is employed as a professor or a teacher etc. provided that his employer provides no objection certificate to take up the activity as part-time RA. If Page 10 of 107 there is change in employer, part-time RA shall ensure to provide the no objection certificate from his new employer to RAASB/SEBI to continue its activities as part-time RA. (iii) is professional such as an architect, lawyer, doctor etc. (iv) is employed as a professor or a teacher etc., or is engaged in education business or activity: Provided that such person is not engaged in any of the two prohibited activities under Regulation 16A of Securities and Exchange Board of India (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008 i.e.- (a) providing advice or any recommendation, directly or indirectly, in respect of or related to a security or securities, without being registered with or otherwise permitted by the SEBI to provide such advice or recommendation; and (b) making any claim, of returns or performance expressly or impliedly, in respect of or related to a security or securities, without being permitted by the SEBI to make such a claim. Example/Illustration 2: Who shall not be considered eligible for registration as part-time RA? If a person is engaged in a business/activity of providing advice/recommendations on assets such as gold, real estate, cryptocurrency etc., it shall not be considered eligible for registration as part-time RA. Example/Illustration 3: Who is required to register as part-time RA? If a CA for the purpose of tax planning/tax filing provides advice/recommendation on securities as asset class to its clients as an incidental advice to its primary activity, it is not required to get registered as a Page 11 of 107 part-time RA. However, if a CA is providing security-specific recommendation to its clients which is not investor specific, even though as part of tax planning/tax filing, it is required to seek registration as part-time RA. 1.5 Designation as ‘principal officer’: a. Regulation 2(1)(oa) of RA Regulations provides that in case of non-individual research analyst being a partnership firm, one of the partners shall be designated as its principal officer. It further provides that in case no partner of the partnership firm registered as a research analyst has minimum qualification and certification requirements provided under the RA Regulations, it shall apply for registration a research analyst in the form of a limited liability partnership or a body corporate within such time as may be specified by the SEBI. b. Accordingly, a partnership firm registered as a research analyst, where no partner of the firm has the minimum qualification and certification requirements provided under the Regulations, was required to apply for registration as a research analyst in the form of a limited liability partnership or a body corporate latest by September 30, 2025. 1.6 Appointment of an independent professional as Compliance Officer: a. In terms of Regulation 26 of the RA Regulations, a non-individual research analyst may appoint an independent professional who is a member of ICAI or ICSI or ICMAI or member of any other professional body as may be specified by the SEBI, provided such a professional holds a relevant certification from NISM, as may be specified by the SEBI. In such cases, the principal officer shall submit an undertaking to RAASB/SEBI to the effect that principal officer shall be responsible for monitoring the compliance in respect of the requirements of the Act, regulations, notifications, guidelines, instructions issued by SEBI/RAASB. Page 12 of 107 b. A non-individual RA may appoint such an independent professional as compliance officer who holds certifications from NISM by passing the following certification examinations-  NISM-Series-XV: Research Analyst Certification Examination  NISM-Series-XV-B: Research Analyst Certification (Renewal) Examination, and  NISM-Series-III A: Securities Intermediaries Compliance (Non-Fund) Certification Examination 1.7 Use of Artificial Intelligence (‘AI’) tools in RA services a. In terms of Regulation 24(7) of the RA Regulations, a research analyst or research entity who uses artificial intelligence tools, irrespective of the scale and scenario of adoption of such tools, for servicing its clients shall be solely responsible for the security, confidentiality, integrity of the client data, use of any other information or data for research services, research services based on output of Artificial Intelligence tools and compliance with any law for the time being in force. Further, in terms of Regulation 19 (vii) of the RA Regulations, a research analyst or research entity shall disclose to the client the extent of use of Artificial Intelligence tools in providing research services. b. A research analyst or research entity shall provide the disclosure of the extent of use of artificial intelligence tools by them in providing research services to their clients at the time of disclosing the terms and conditions of the research services to the client and make such additional disclosure whenever required. 1.8 Research services provided by research analyst or research entity a. In terms of Regulation 20(4) of RA Regulations, research services provided by RA or research entity shall be corroborated by research report containing the relevant data and analysis forming the basis for such research service. RA or research entity shall maintain record of such research report. Page 13 of 107 b. In terms of Regulation 2(1)(u) read with Regulation 2(1)(fa) of RA Regulations, research analyst means a person providing research services ‘for consideration’ wherein consideration shall include direct or indirect consideration in any form whether from client or otherwise for providing research services. In this regard, it is clarified that the research services being provided by research analyst or research entity to any of its clients availing its other services as registered intermediary in another capacity shall be considered as research services provided ‘for consideration’ even though no fee is charged by such research analyst or research entity directly from the client. Illustration: Research services provided by the research entity, who is also registered with SEBI as stock broker, to clients availing its stock broking services are considered as research services ‘for consideration’. 1.9 Fees chargeable to clients by RAs: Regulation 15A of RA Regulations provide that RA shall be entitled to charge fees for providing research services from client including an accredited investor in the manner as specified by SEBI. Accordingly, - a. RAs may charge fees, subject to ceiling as may be specified by SEBI and shall ensure that fee charged to client is fair and reasonable. b. RAs shall charge a maximum of ₹1,51,000 per annum per family in case of their clients who are individuals and Hindu Undivided Family(HUF). The fee limit shall be revised and announced by RAASB once in three years based on the Cost Inflation Index (CII) after due consultation with SEBI. c. The fee limit does not include statutory charges. d. The fee related provisions3 such as fee limit, modes of payment of fees, refund of fees, advance fee, breakage fees shall only be applicable in case 3 Reference: Circular No. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD-PoD/P/CIR/2025/48 dated April 02, 2025 Page 14 of 107 of their individual and HUF clients (provided these clients are not accredited investors). These provisions shall not be applicable in case of non-individual clients, accredited investors, and in case of institutional investors seeking recommendation of proxy adviser. e. In case of non-individual clients, accredited investors, and in case of institutional investors seeking recommendation of proxy adviser, fee related terms and conditions shall be governed through bilaterally negotiated contractual terms. f. If agreed by the client, RA may charge fees in advance. However, such advance shall not exceed fees for a period of one year. g. In the event of pre-mature termination of RA services in terms of the agreed terms and conditions, the client shall be refunded proportionate fees for unexpired period. RA shall not charge any breakage fee. h. The terms and conditions to be disclosed by RA to the client shall also include fee limits, agreed fees for research services and guidance on the optional ‘Centralised Fee Collection Mechanism for IA and RA’ (CeFCoM). 1.10 Client level segregation of research and distribution activities To ensure client level segregation at research analyst’s or research entity’s group/family4 level as per Regulation 26C(5) of RA Regulations, following compliance and monitoring process shall be adopted: a. Existing clients, who wish to avail services of the RA, will not be eligible for availing distribution services within the group/family of the RA. Similarly, existing clients who wish to take distribution services will not be eligible for availing research services within the group/family of the RA. b. A new client will be eligible to avail either research services or distribution services within the group/family of RA. However, the option to avail either 4 “Group” and “family of an individual research analyst” shall be as per Regulation 26C (3) (iii) and Regulation 2(1)(fb) respectively of the RA regulations Page 15 of 107 research services or distribution services shall be made available to such client at the time of on-boarding. c. “Client” under these guidelines shall include individual client or non-individual client. d. The client shall have discretion to continue holding assets prior to the applicability of this segregation under the existing research/ distribution arrangement. However, the client shall not be forced to liquidate/ switch such existing holdings. e. PAN of each client shall be the control record for identification and client- level segregation. f. In case of an individual client, “family of client”5 shall be reckoned as a single client and PAN of all members in “family of client” would jointly and severally be the control record. However, the same shall not be applicable for non- individual clients. g. The dependent family members shall be those members whose assets originate from income of a single entity, i.e., the earning client (individual) in the family. The client shall provide an annual declaration or periodic updation, as the case maybe, in respect of such dependent family members. h. RA shall maintain on record an annual certificate from a member of ICAI/ ICSI/ ICMAI or from an auditor (in case of individual RA)/statutory auditor (in case of a non-individual RA or research entity) confirming compliance with the client-level segregation requirements. Such annual certificate shall be obtained within six months from the end of the financial year starting from for the financial year ending March 31, 2025 and the same shall form part of compliance audit, in terms of regulation 25(3) of the RA Regulations. i. RAs providing research services exclusively to institutional clients and accredited investors may not be subject to compliance with the requirements 5 “Family of client” shall be as per as per Regulation 2 (1)(fc) of the RA regulations Page 16 of 107 of segregation of research and distribution activities provided that the client/investor signs a standard waiver stating the above. j. Stock broking is not considered as distribution activity for the purpose of regulation 26C of RA Regulations. 1.11 Guidelines for recommendation of ‘model portfolio’ by RAs a. In terms of Regulation 2(1)(u) read with Regulation 2(1)(wa) of RA Regulations, research services provided by research analyst include recommendation of model portfolio. Regulation 24(8) of the RA Regulations provides that research analyst or research entity engaged in providing model portfolio shall abide by the guidelines issued by the SEBI from time to time. b. The guidelines that provide the model portfolio framework are given in Annexure-A. c. RAs engaged in providing model portfolio (s) to their clients shall ensure compliance with the model portfolio guidelines latest by June 30, 2025. d. Compliance with audit requirement under regulation 25(3) of the RA Regulations shall also cover compliance with obligations set out under the model portfolio guidelines. 1.12 Disclosure of terms and conditions to the client a. Regulation 24(6) of the RA Regulations provides that while providing the research services, RA or research entity shall disclose the terms and conditions of research services to the client and take consent of the client on such terms and conditions. b. RA or research entity shall ensure that neither any research service is rendered nor any fee is charged until consent is received from the client on the terms and conditions. Page 17 of 107 c. The minimum mandatory terms and conditions to be disclosed by RA or research entity are provided in Annexure-B. d. The terms and conditions shall also include the Most Important Terms and Conditions (MITC)6 to be disclosed by RAs/research entity. e. Consent of client to terms and conditions of the services disclosed by RA or research entity may be signed by the client in person or through any other legally acceptable mode including DigiLocker enabled Aadhaar based e- signature facility. f. For the existing clients, the RA/research entity shall comply with the requirements by disclosing the aforesaid terms and conditions and obtain their consent on or before the date of renewal of subscription/agreement of research services or on or before the due date of charging/collection of fees from the client for continuation of the existing subscription/agreement, whichever is earlier. 1.13 KYC Requirements and maintenance of record a. As provided under Regulation 25(1) of RA Regulations, RA or research entity shall follow the KYC procedure for their fee paying clients and maintain KYC records for their clients as specified by SEBI from time to time. Regulation 25 (1) of RA Regulations also provides that RA or research entity shall maintain the records with respect to its interaction with clients. In this regard, it is clarified that- b. RA shall maintain records of interactions, with all clients including prospective clients (prior to onboarding), where any conversation related to its services has taken place inter alia, in the form of: (i) Physical record written & signed by client, 6 Reference: Circular No. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD-PoD/P/CIR/2025/20 dated February 17, 2025. Page 18 of 107 (ii) Telephone recordings (iii) Email from registered email id, (iv) Record of SMS messages, (v) Any other legally verifiable record. c. Such records shall begin with first interaction with the client and shall continue till the completion of research services to the client. d. RA or research entity are required to maintain these records for a period of five years. However, in case where dispute has been raised, such records shall be kept till resolution of the dispute or if SEBI desires that specific records be preserved, then such records shall be kept till further intimation from SEBI. 1.14 Compliance audit requirements a. As per regulation 25(3) of the RA Regulations, RA or research entity shall conduct annual audit in respect of compliance with RA Regulations. b. Annual compliance audit report shall specify each of the provisions of the RA Regulations and the circulars and guidelines issued thereunder upon which compliance is reported. c. A research analyst or research entity shall - (i) complete the annual compliance audit within six months from the end of each financial year and submit a compliance audit report to RAASB/SEBI within a period of one month from the date of the audit report. (ii) submit adverse findings of audit, if any, along with action taken thereof duly approved by the individual RA or management of non-individual RA or research entity to RAASB/SEBI within a period of one month from the Page 19 of 107 date of the audit report but not later than October 31st of each year for the previous financial year; and (iii) maintain on record an annual certificate from a member of ICAI/ ICSI/ ICMAI or from an auditor confirming compliance with client level segregation requirements. Such annual certificate shall form part of the compliance audit. d. RA/research entity shall publish the status of the compliance audit report on its website and shall also publish the adverse findings of audit, if any, along with the action taken thereof on its website. RA/research entity shall provide the compliance audit report to its clients. e. RA/research entity shall ensure compliance with the additional audit requirements under this clause starting with for audit report of the financial year ending March 31, 2025. 1.15 Requirement of website and the details on the website In terms of Regulation 19A of RA Regulations, a Research analyst or research entity shall maintain a functional website and shall contain the details as may be specified by SEBI. 2. Procedural Guidelines for Proxy Advisors7 2.1 Regulation 24(2) read with regulation 23(1) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Research Analyst) Regulations, 2014 (‘the Regulations’) mandates proxy advisors to abide by Code of Conduct specified therein. It is decided that proxy advisors shall also comply with the following procedural guidelines: a) Proxy Advisors shall formulate the voting recommendation policies and disclose the updated voting recommendation policies to its clients. Proxy Advisors shall ensure that the policies should be reviewed at least once 7 Reference: Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF1/CIR/P/2020/147 dated August 03, 2020 Page 20 of 107 annually. The voting recommendation policies shall also disclose the circumstances when not to provide a voting recommendation. b) Proxy Advisors shall disclose the methodologies and processes followed in the development of their research and corresponding recommendations to its clients. c) Proxy Advisors shall alert clients, within 24 hours of receipt of information, about any factual errors and any impending material revisions to their reports. Further, any such material revisions to their reports shall be communicated to the clients within 72 hours of receipt of the information, while ensuring that adequate time is available for clients to make an informed decision.8 d) Proxy Advisors shall have a stated process to communicate with its clients and the company. e) Proxy Advisors shall share their report with its clients and the company at the same time. This sharing policy should be disclosed by proxy advisors on their website. Timeline to receive comments from company may be defined by proxy advisors and all comments/clarifications received from the company, within timeline, shall be included as an addendum to the report. If the company has a different viewpoint on the recommendations stated in the report of the proxy advisors, then proxy advisors, after taking into account the said viewpoint, may either revise the recommendation in the addendum report or issue an addendum to the report with its remarks, as considered appropriate. f) Proxy Advisors shall clearly disclose in their recommendations the legal requirement vis-a-vis higher standard they are suggesting if any, and the rationale behind the recommendation of higher standards. g) Proxy Advisors shall disclose conflict of interest on every specific 8 Reference: Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF1/CIR/P/2020/256 dated December 31, 2020. Page 21 of 107 document where they are giving their advice. Further, the disclosures should especially address possible areas of potential conflict and the safeguards that have been put in place to mitigate possible conflicts of interest. h) Proxy Advisors shall establish clear procedures to disclose, manage and/or mitigate any potential conflicts of interest resulting from other business activities including consulting services, if any, undertaken by them and disclose the same to clients. 2.2 The provisions of Clause 2.1(c) and 2.1(e) became applicable with effect from February 01, 2021.9 All other provisions of clause 2.1 became applicable with effect from January 01, 2021.10 II. ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION OF RESEARCH ANALYSTS 3. Framework for administration and supervision of Research Analysts11 Background 3.1. In terms of Regulation 38A of the ‘SECC Regulations’12 notified on April 26, 2024, a recognised Stock Exchange may undertake the activities of administration and supervision over specified intermediaries on such terms and conditions and to such an extent as may be specified. Accordingly, Stock Exchange shall now be recognised as RAASB13 and IAASB14 under Regulation 14 of the ‘RA Regulations’15 and ‘IA Regulations’16 for administration and supervision of Research Analysts (‘RAs’) and Investment 9 Reference: Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF1/CIR/P/2020/157 dated August 27, 2020 and Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF1/CIR/P/2020/256 dated December 31, 2020 10 Reference: Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF1/CIR/P/2020/157 dated August 27, 2020. 11 Reference: Circular No. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD-SEC-3/P/CIR/2024/34 dated May 2, 2024 12 SECC Regulations- Securities Contracts (Regulation) (Stock Exchanges and Clearing Corporations) Regulations, 2018 13 RAASB- Research Analyst Administration and Supervisory Body 14 IAASB- Investment Adviser Administration and Supervisory Body 15 RA Regulations- SEBI (Research Analysts) Regulations, 2014 16 IA Regulations- SEBI (Investment Advisers) Regulations, 2013 Page 22 of 107 Advisers (‘IAs’) respectively. The detailed framework for RAASB and IAASB is specified in Annexure C. 3.2. As per clause (xi) of Regulation 6 of RA Regulations and clause (n) of Regulation 6 of IA Regulations, an applicant seeking registration as RA and IA is required to be enlisted with RAASB and IAASB respectively. The provisions governing enlistment including enlistment of existing RAs/IAs and of applicants whose registration applications are under process as on the effective date of this circular are specified in the enclosed framework at Annexure C. Operationalization of RAASB and IAASB framework 3.3. Based on fulfillment of the criteria specified in Annexure C, a stock exchange shall be granted recognition as RAASB and IAASB. To begin with, in order to ensure efficiency in the system and economies of scale, RAASB and IAASB shall be one and the same stock exchange. Timeline for implementation 3.4. The above provisions have become effective on July 25, 2024 (ninetieth day from the date of publication in the Official Gazette of the amendments to RA Regulations made vide the SEBI (Research Analysts) (Amendment) Regulations, 2024 and the amendments to IA Regulations made vide the SEBI (Investment Advisers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2024). 4. Recognition of BSE Limited as Research Analyst Administration and Supervisory Body (RAASB) and Investment Adviser Administration and Supervisory Body (IAASB)17 4.1. In pursuance of SEBI circular no. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD-SEC- 3/P/CIR/2024/34, dated May 2, 2024, BSE Limited, has been granted recognition under Regulation 14 of the ‘RA Regulations’ and ‘IA Regulations’ for administration and supervision of Research Analysts 17 Reference: Circular No. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD-POD-1/P/CIR/2024/101 dated July 12, 2024 Page 23 of 107 (‘RAs’) and Investment Advisers (‘IAs’) respectively as RAASB and IAASB for a period of five years starting from July 25, 2024. Formulation of bye-laws, SOPs, FAQs etc. by RAASB/IAASB 4.2. BSE shall formulate bye-laws with respect to its activities as RAASB and IAASB and shall issue circulars, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), etc. to provide guidance and ensure smooth adoption of the RAASB and IAASB framework by RAs and IAs. Administrative fees payable to RAASB/IAASB 4.3. Applicants seeking registration/renewal as RA/IA shall be liable to pay administrative fees, as specified by RAASB/IAASB. 4.4. The fees payable to SEBI by RAs/applicants seeking registration as RA were revised by way of amendment to the RA Regulations and came into effect from July 25, 2024. 4.5. The total fees payable by an applicant/RA towards application, registration and renewal to SEBI and administrative fees to RAASB for the respective period shall not exceed the total fees payable prior to abovementioned amendment. The fee structure shall thus be fee neutral to the applicants/RAs. 4.6. In respect of grant of registration as RA for applications received before July 25, 2024, the registration fee shall be received by SEBI as per the erstwhile fee structure. 4.7. The other terms and conditions as specified in the SEBI circular SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD-SEC-3/P/CIR/2024/34 dated May 2, 2024 shall continue to apply. Page 24 of 107 III. INVESTOR COMPLAINTS 5. Grievance Resolution between listed entities and proxy advisers18 5.1. Regulation 4(2)(a) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (‘LODR Regulations’) casts certain obligations on listed entities to protect and facilitate the exercise of the rights of shareholders, including: a) right to participate in, and to be sufficiently informed of, decisions concerning fundamental corporate changes, b) opportunity to participate effectively and vote in general shareholder meetings, c) effective shareholder participation in key corporate governance decisions, such as the nomination and election of members of board of directors and d) exercise of ownership rights by all shareholders, including institutional investors. 5.2. Proxy advisors, over the past few years, have played a key role in enabling shareholders to effectively participate in corporate governance decisions and thus, furthering the achievement of the above objectives. Proxy advisors provide advice to institutional investors / shareholders of a listed entity, in relation to exercise of their rights in the company including voting recommendation on agenda items. However, due to the inherent nature of the work, it is probable that proxy advisors and listed entities may have different views on any agenda item of the listed entity leading to grievances. 5.3. In order to facilitate resolution of such grievances of listed entities against SEBI registered proxy advisors, the listed entities may approach SEBI. SEBI will examine the matter for non-compliance by proxy advisors with the 18 Reference: Circular No. SEBI/HO/CFD/CMD1/CIR/P/2020/119 dated August 04, 2020 Page 25 of 107 provisions of the Code of Conduct under regulation 24(2) read with regulation 23(1) of the Regulations and the procedural guidelines for proxy advisors as mentioned at clause 2.1. 5.4. The provisions under this clause became applicable with effect from January 01, 2021.19 6. Redressal of investor grievances through SEBI Complaints Redress system (SCORES) Platform and Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Platform 20 6.1. SEBI has been taking various measures to create awareness among investors about grievance mechanisms available to them through workshops as well as through print and electronic media. 6.2. As an additional measure and for information of all investors who deal/ invest/ transact in the market, the research analysts shall prominently display in their offices the following information about the grievance redressal mechanism available to investors. Dear Investor, In case of any grievance / complaint against the research analyst:  Please contact Compliance Officer of the research analyst (Name and Address) / email-id (xxx.@email.com) and Phone No. - 91- XXXXXXXXXX.  You may also approach CEO / Partner / Proprietor (Name) / email- id (xxx.@email.com) and Phone No. - 91-XXXXXXXXXX.  If not satisfied with the response of the research analyst you can lodge your grievances with SEBI at http://scores.gov.in or you may also write 19 Reference: Circular No. SEBI/HO/CFD/CMD1/CIR/P/2020/159 dated August 27, 2020. 20 Reference: Circular No. CIR/MIRSD/3/2014 dated August 28, 2014, SEBI/HO/OIAE/IGRD/P/CIR/2022/0150 dated November 07, 2022, SEBI/HO/OIAE/IGRD/CIR/P/2023/156 dated September 20, 2023 and SEBI/HO/OIAE/OIAE_IAD- 3/P/CIR/2023/195 dated July 31, 2023 (updated as on December 28, 2023) Page 26 of 107 to any of the offices of SEBI. For any queries, feedback or assistance, please contact SEBI Office on Toll Free Helpline at 1800 22 7575 / 1800 266 7575. 6.3. Research analysts are also advised to refer to the following circulars on the redressal of investor grievances through the SEBI Complaints Redressal System (SCORES) platform and Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Platform. i. Circular No. SEBI/HO/OIAE/IGRD/CIR/P/2023/156 dated September 20, 2023 issued by SEBI on the ‘Redressal of investor grievances through the SEBI Complaint Redressal(SCORES) Platform and linking it to Online Dispute Resolution platform’ at the following link: https://www.sebi.gov.in/legal/circulars/sep-2023/redressal-of-investor- grievances-through-the-sebi-complaint-redressal-scores-platform-and- linking-it-to-online-dispute-resolution-platform_77159.html ii. Master Circular No. SEBI/HO/OIAE/OIAE_IAD-3/P/CIR/2023/195 dated December 20, 2023 issued by SEBI on ‘Online Resolution of Disputes in the Indian Securities Market’ at the following link: https://www.sebi.gov.in/legal/master-circulars/dec-2023/master- circular-for-online-resolution-of-disputes-in-the-indian-securities- market_80236.html 7. Investor Charter for Research Analysts21 7.1. Investor charter for Research Analysts is placed at Annexure D. All research analysts are required to bring the investor charter to the notice of their clients. 7.2. BSE Limited (presently recognized as RAASB) has been directed to advise Research Analysts to bring the Investor Charter to the notice of their clients (existing as well as new clients) through disclosing the Investor Charter on 21 Reference: Circular No. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD-PoD/P/CIR/2025/81 dated June 02, 2025 Page 27 of 107 their respective websites and mobile applications (if any), making them available at prominent places in the office, provide a copy of Investor Charter as a part of client on-boarding process, through e-mails/ letters etc. 7.3. Additionally, in order to ensure transparency in the Investor Grievance Redressal Mechanism, all the Research Analysts shall continue to disclose on their respective websites and mobile applications (if any), the data on complaints received against them or against issues dealt by them and redressal thereof, latest by 7th of succeeding month, as per the format enclosed at Annexure E to this circular. IV. TECHNOLOGY RELATED 8. Advisory for Financial Sector Organizations regarding Software as a Service (SaaS) based solutions22 8.1. Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Govt. of India (‘MEITy’), has informed SEBI that the financial sector institutions are availing or thinking of availing Software as a Service (SaaS) based solution for managing their Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) functions so as to improve their cyber Security Posture. As observed by MEITy, though SaaS may provide ease of doing business and quick turnaround, but it may bring significant risk to health of financial sector as many a time risk and compliance data of the institution moves beyond the legal and jurisdictional boundary of India due to nature of shared cloud SaaS, thereby posing risk to the data safety and security. 8.2. In this regard, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-in) has issued an advisory for Financial Sector organizations. The advisory has been forwarded to SEBI for bringing the same to the notice of financial sector organization. The advisory can be viewed at Annexure F. 22 Reference: Circular No. SEBI/HO/MIRSD2/DOR/CIR/P/2020/221 dated November 03, 2020 Page 28 of 107 8.3. It is advised to ensure complete protection and seamless control over the critical systems at your organizations by continuous monitoring through direct control and supervision protocol mechanisms while keeping the critical data within the legal boundary of India. 8.4. The compliance of the advisory shall be reported half yearly by research analysts to SEBI with an undertaking, “Compliance of the SEBI circular for Advisory for Financial Sector Organizations regarding Software as a Service (SaaS) based solutions has been made.” V. MISCELLANEOUS 9. Procedure for seeking prior approval for change in control23 9.1. Regulation 24(3) of the Regulations provide that research analyst or research entity shall obtain prior approval of SEBI in case of change in control. 9.2. To streamline the process of providing approval to the proposed change in control of research analyst or research entity (hereinafter referred as intermediary or applicant), it has been decided as under: i) The Intermediary shall make an online application to RAASB/SEBI for prior approval. ii) The online application shall be accompanied by the following information/declaration/undertaking about itself, the acquirer(s)/the person(s) who shall have the control and the directors/partners of the acquirer(s)/ the person(s) who shall have the control: a. Current and proposed shareholding pattern of the applicant. b. Whether any application was made in the past to SEBI seeking registration in any capacity but was not granted? If yes, details 23 Reference: Circular No. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/ MIRSD-PoD-2/P/CIR/2022/163 dated November 28, 2022 Page 29 of 107 thereof. c. Whether any action has been initiated / taken under Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 (SCRA)/Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 (SEBI Act) or rules and regulations made thereunder? If yes, the status thereof along with the corrective action taken to avoid such violations in the future. The acquirer/ the person who shall have the control shall also confirm that it shall honour all past liabilities / obligations of the applicant, if any. d. Whether any investor complaint is pending? If yes, steps taken and confirmation that the acquirer/ the person who shall have the control shall resolve the same. e. Details of litigation(s), if any. f. Confirmation that all the fees due to SEBI/IAASB have been paid. g. Declaration cum undertaking of the applicant and the acquirer/ the person who shall have the control (in a format enclosed at Annexure G), duly stamped and signed by their authorized signatories that: (i) there will not be any change in the Board of Directors of incumbent, till the time prior approval is granted; (ii) pursuant to grant of prior approval by SEBI, the incumbent shall inform all the existing investors/ clients about the proposed change prior to effecting the same, in order to enable them to take informed decision regarding their continuance or otherwise with the new management; and (iii) the ‘fit and proper person’ criteria as specified in Schedule II of SEBI (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008 are complied with. h. In case the incumbent is a registered stock broker, clearing member, depository participant, in addition to the above, it shall obtain Page 30 of 107 approval/NOC from all the stock exchanges/clearing corporations/ depositories, where the incumbent is a member/depository participant and submit self-attested copy of the same to SEBI. iii) The prior approval granted by SEBI shall be valid for a period of six months from the date of such approval within which the applicant shall file application for fresh registration pursuant to change in control. 9.3. To streamline the process of providing approval to the proposed change in control of an intermediary in matters which involve scheme(s) of arrangement which needs sanction of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in terms of the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, the following has been decided: i) The application seeking approval for the proposed change in control of the intermediary shall be filed with SEBI prior to filing the application with NCLT. ii) Upon being satisfied with compliance of the applicable regulatory requirements, an in-principle approval will be granted by SEBI; iii) The validity of such in-principle approval shall be three months from the date issuance, within which the relevant application shall be made to NCLT. iv) Within 15 days from the date of order of NCLT, the intermediary shall submit an online application in terms of clause 9.2 along with the following documents to SEBI for final approval: a. Copy of the NCLT Order approving the scheme; b. Copy of the approved scheme; c. Statement explaining modifications, if any, in the approved scheme vis-à-vis the draft scheme and the reasons for the same; and Page 31 of 107 d. Details of compliance with the conditions/ observations, if any, mentioned in the in-principle approval provided by SEBI. 10. Prior approval for change in control: Transfer of shareholdings among immediate relatives and transmission of shareholdings and their effect on change in control24 The following is clarified with respect to transfer of shareholding among immediate relatives and transmission of shareholding in respect of research analysts: 10.1. Transfer /transmission of shareholding in case of unlisted body corporate intermediary: In following scenarios, change in shareholding of the intermediary will not be construed as change in control: a) Transfer of shareholding among immediate relatives shall not result into change in control. Immediate relative shall be construed as defined under Regulation 2(1)(l) of SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011 which inter-alia includes any spouse of that person, or any parent, brother, sister or child of the person or of the spouse; b) Transfer of shareholding by way of transmission to immediate relative or not, shall not result into change in control. 10.2. Transfer /transmission of shareholding in case of a proprietary firm type intermediary: In case of an intermediary being a proprietary concern, the transfer or bequeathing of the business/capital by way of transmission to another person is a change in the legal formation or ownership and hence by the definition of change in control, such transmission or transfer shall be considered as change in control. The legal heir / transferee in such cases is 24 Reference: Circular No. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/ MIRSD-PoD-1/P/CIR/2024/164 dated December 27, 2024 Page 32 of 107 required to obtain prior approval and thereafter fresh registration shall be obtained in the name of legal heir/transferee. 10.3. Transfer /transmission of ownership interest in case of partnership firm type intermediary: Change in partners and their ownership interest of the partnership firm type intermediary shall be dealt in following manner: a. Transfer of ownership interest in case of partnership firm: In case a SEBI registered entity is registered as a partnership firm with more than two partners, then inter-se transfer amongst the partners shall not be construed to be change in control. Where the partnership firm consists of two partners only, the same would stand as dissolved upon the death of one of the partners. However, if a new partner is inducted in the firm, then the same would be considered as a change in control, requiring fresh registration and prior approval of SEBI. b. Transmission of ownership interest in case of partnership firm: Where the partnership deed contains a clause that in case of death of a partner, the legal heir(s) of deceased partner be admitted, then the legal heir(s) may become the partner (s) of the partnership firm. In such scenario the partnership firm is reconstituted. Bequeathing of partnership right to legal heir(s) by way of transmission shall not be considered as change in control. 10.4. Incoming entities/ shareholders becoming part of controlling interest in the intermediary pursuant to transfer of shares from immediate relative / transmission of shares (immediate relative or not), need to satisfy the fit and proper person criteria stipulated in Schedule II of SEBI (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008. Page 33 of 107 11. Advertisement code and usage of brand name/trade name 25 11.1. Research Analysts shall ensure compliance with the advertisement code as prescribed below: a. Forms of communication: i. Advertisement shall include all forms of communications, issued by or on behalf of RA, that may influence investment decisions of any investor or prospective investor. ii. The forms of communications, to which the advertisement code shall be applicable, shall include pamphlets, circulars, brochures, notices or any other literature, document, information or material published, or designed for use in any publication or displays (such as newspaper, magazine, sign boards/hoardings at any location), in any electronic, wired or wireless communication (such as electronic mail, text messaging, messaging platforms, social media platforms, radio, telephone, or in any other form over the internet) or over any other audio-visual form of communication (such as television, tape recording, video tape recordings, motion pictures) or in any other manner whatsoever. Further, a research report, irrespective of the mode of its dissemination to any investor or prospective investor, shall be construed as an advertisement if anything contained in the said research report is either expressly or impliedly in the nature of promotion of products or services offered by an RA.26 b. Information/disclosures in the advertisement: The information/disclosures that the advertisement shall contain, include the following- 25 Reference: Circular Nos. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/ MIRSD-PoD-2/P/CIR/2023/51 dated April 05, 2023 and SEBI/HO/MIRSD/ MIRSD-PoD-2/P/CIR/2023/52 dated April 06, 2023 26 Reference: Circular No. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD-PoD1/P/CIR/2024/146 dated October 24, 2024 Page 34 of 107 i. Name of the RA as registered with SEBI, registered office address, SEBI Registration No., logo/brand name/trade name of RA, and CIN of the RA, if applicable. ii. Information which is accurate, true and complete in unambiguous and concise language. iii. Standard warning in legible fonts (minimum 10 font size) which states “Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.”. No addition or deletion of words shall be made to/from the standard warning. iv. In audio-visual media based advertisements, the standard warning in visual media based advertisement and accompanying voice over reiteration shall be audible in a clear and understandable manner. For example, in standard warning both the visual and the voice over reiteration containing 20 words running for at least 10 seconds may be considered as clear and understandable. v. Whenever the advertisement is being issued in a language other than English, it will be ensured that the standard warning is accurately translated in the language of the advertisement. vi. In case the mode of advertisement is SMS/Message/Pop-up, social media etc. and the details such as full name, logo/brand name, full registered office address, SEBI registration number, membership number of a SEBI recognized supervisory body, if any and standard disclaimer are not mentioned, then official website hyperlink should be provided in such SMS/Message/Pop-up, etc. and the website must contain all such details. vii. In case any specific security/securities are displayed in the advertisement as examples, disclaimer that "The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory" should be mentioned. viii. Advertisements and communications/correspondences with clients shall include the disclaimer that “Registration granted by SEBI, enlistment with Page 35 of 107 BSE and certification from NISM in no way guarantee performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors.” c. Prohibitions in the advertisement: The advertisement shall not contain: i. Anything which is prohibited for publication under the law. ii. Statements which are false, misleading, biased or deceptive, based on assumptions or projections. iii. Any misleading or deceptive testimonials. iv. Statements which, directly or by implication or by omission, may mislead the investor. v. Any statement likely to be misunderstood or likely to disguise the significance of the same or any other statement contained in the advertisement. vi. Any statement designed to exploit the lack of experience or knowledge of the investors. vii. Any statement that is exaggerated or is inconsistent with or unrelated to the nature and risk and return profile of the product. viii. Extensive use of technical or legal terminology or complex language and the inclusion of excessive details which may distract the investors. ix. Reference to any report, analysis, or service as free, unless it actually is free and without condition or obligation. x. Any promise or guarantee of assured or risk free return to the investors. The advertisement shall not imply any assured returns or minimum returns or target return or percentage accuracy or service provision till achievement of target returns or any other nomenclature that gives the impression to the client that the recommendation of research report is Page 36 of 107 risk-free and/or not susceptible to market risks and/or that it can generate returns with any level of assurance. xi. Any statement which directly or indirectly discredits other advertisements or intermediaries or makes unfair comparisons or ascribes any qualitative advantage over other intermediaries directly or indirectly. xii. Reference to past performance or risk-return metrics in respect of the services of Research Analyst unless such risk-return metrics are verified by Past Risk and Return Verification Agency (PaRRVA) and claims using such metrics are made in the manner specified by SEBI. 27 xiii. Superlative terms such as “Best”, “No. 1”, Top Research Analyst, “Leading”, “One of the best amongst market leaders”, etc. so as to provide any endorsement of quality or standing of the RA. However, factual details of awards received by the RA from independent organizations may be included. xiv. Advertisements shall not include SEBI Logo. d. Other compliances/requirements: i. Prior approval for the advertisement/material shall be obtained from SEBI recognized supervisory body, if any, before issue. ii. In the event of suspension of any RA by SEBI, the RA so suspended shall not issue any advertisement either singly or jointly with any other RA, during the period of suspension. iii. The RA shall not engage in games, leagues, schemes, competitions etc. which may involve distribution of prize monies, medals, gifts, etc. iv. These norms shall be applicable to any other investment/ research/ consultancy agency associated with the RA concerned and issuing advertisement wherein the RA has been named in the advertisement. 27 Reference: Circular No. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD-POD/P/CIR/2025/51 dated April 4, 2025 Page 37 of 107 v. Copy of the advertisement shall be retained by RA for a period of five years in terms of Regulation 25 (2) of SEBI (Research Analysts) Regulations, 2014. vi. Any additional guidelines as may be specified by SEBI or SEBI recognized supervisory body, if any, from time to time. 11.2. In order to ensure the transparency in usage of brand name/trade name/logo, RA shall ensure that: i. The information such as name of the RA as registered with SEBI, its logo, its registration number and its complete address with telephone numbers shall be prominently displayed on portal/web site, if any, notice board, display boards, advertisements, publications, know your client forms and client agreements, if any. ii. The information such as name of the RA as registered with SEBI, its logo, its registration number, its complete address with telephone numbers, the name of the compliance officer, his telephone number and e-mail address, the name, telephone number and e-mail address of the grievance officer or the grievance redressal cell shall be displayed prominently in statements or reports or any other form of correspondence with the client. iii. Disclaimer that “Registration granted by SEBI and certification from NISM in no way guarantee performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors” shall be mentioned on portal/web site, if any, notice board, display boards, advertisements, publications, know your client forms, client agreements, if any, statements or reports or any other form of correspondence with the client. iv. SEBI logo shall not be used by RA. 11.3. The aforesaid provisions on advertisement code and usage of brand name/ trade name became applicable with effect from May 01, 2023. 12. Optional mechanism for fee collection by SEBI registered Investment Page 38 of 107 Advisers (IAs) and Research Analysts (RAs)28 12.1. With growing interest in the securities market, there is a need for a mechanism for an investor to discern whether payment of fees is being made only to a registered IA/RA. In order to create a closed and transparent payment ecosystem, consultations were held with relevant stakeholders on the proposal of a separate centralized mechanism for fee collection by IAs and RAs. 12.2. Pursuant to public consultation and various discussions with stakeholders, the “Centralized Fee Collection Mechanism for IA and RA” (CeFCoM) is being operationalized to facilitate collection of fees by registered IAs and RAs from their clients 12.3. Under this mechanism, clients shall pay fees to IAs/RAs, through a designated platform/portal administered by recognized Administration and Supervisory Body (ASB). 12.4. The mechanism has been co-created by BSE Limited with the help of various stakeholders. BSE Limited was advised to specify the operational framework for the mechanism on or before September 23, 2024 and make the mechanism operational from October 01, 2024. 12.5. Though the mechanism is optional, ASB, in the interest of investors, shall take steps to encourage clients and the registered IAs and RAs to avail the services of this mechanism. Registered IAs and RAs shall encourage their clients to use this mechanism. 13. Unauthenticated news circulated by SEBI Registered Market Intermediaries through various modes of communication29 13.1. Due to lack of proper internal controls and poor training, employees of intermediaries are sometimes not aware of the damage which can be caused 28 Reference: Circular No. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD-POD-1/P/CIR/2024/120 dated September 13, 2024 29 Reference: Circular No. CIR/ISD/1/2011 dated March 23, 2011 Page 39 of 107 by circulation of unauthenticated news or rumours. It is a well established fact that market rumours can do considerable damage to the normal functioning and behaviour of the market and distort the price discovery mechanisms. 13.2. In view of the above facts, SEBI Registered Market Intermediaries are directed that: i. Proper internal code of conduct and controls should be put in place. ii. Employees/temporary staff/voluntary workers etc. employed/working in the Offices of market intermediaries do not encourage or circulate rumours or unverified information obtained from client, industry, any trade or any other sources without verification. iii. Access to Blogs/Chat forums/Messenger sites etc. should either be restricted under supervision or access should not be allowed. iv. Logs for any usage of such Blogs/Chat forums/Messenger sites (called by any nomenclature) shall be treated as records and the same should be maintained as specified by the respective Regulations which govern the concerned intermediary. v. Employees should be directed that any market related news received by them either in their official mail/personal mail/blog or in any other manner, should be forwarded only after the same has been seen and approved by the concerned Intermediary’s Compliance Officer. If an employee fails to do so, he/she shall be deemed to have violated the various provisions contained in SEBI Act/Rules/Regulations etc. and shall be liable for action. The Compliance Officer shall also be held liable for breach of duty in this regard30. 30 Circular No. CIR/ISD/2/2011 dated March 24, 2011. Page 40 of 107 14. Guidelines on Outsourcing of Activities by Intermediaries31 14.1. SEBI Regulations for various intermediaries require that they shall render at all times high standards of service and exercise due diligence and ensure proper care in their operations. 14.2. It has been observed that often the intermediaries resort to outsourcing with a view to reduce costs, and at times, for strategic reasons. 14.3. Outsourcing may be defined as the use of one or more than one third party – either within or outside the group - by a registered intermediary to perform the activities associated with services which the intermediary offers. 14.4. Principles for Outsourcing i. The risks associated with outsourcing may be operational risk, reputational risk, legal risk, country risk, strategic risk, exit-strategy risk, counter party risk, concentration and systemic risk. The principles for outsourcing are given below in Annexure H. 14.5. Activities that shall not be Outsourced: i. The intermediaries desirous of outsourcing their activities shall not, however, outsource their core business activities and compliance functions. An example of core business activity may be – execution of orders and monitoring of trading activities of clients in case of stock brokers. Regarding Know Your Client (KYC) requirements, the intermediaries shall comply with the provisions of SEBI {KYC (Know Your Client) Registration Agency} Regulations, 2011 and Guidelines issued thereunder from time to time. 14.6. Other Obligations: Reporting to Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) - The intermediaries shall be responsible for reporting of any suspicious transactions / reports to FIU or any other competent authority in respect of activities carried out by the third parties. 31 Circular No. CIR/MIRSD/24/2011 dated December 15, 2011. Page 41 of 107 15. Framework for Regulatory Sandbox32 15.1. The Objective of Regulatory Sandbox is to grant certain facilities and flexibilities to the entities regulated by SEBI so that they can experiment with FinTech solutions in a live environment and on limited set of real users for a limited time frame. 15.2. The guidelines pertaining to the functioning of the Regulatory Sandbox are provided vide SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/ITD/ITD/CIR/P/2021/575 dated June 14, 2021 and SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD_IT/P/CIR/2021/0000000658 dated November 16, 2021 which are available at the links below: https://www.sebi.gov.in/legal/circulars/jun-2021/revised-framework-for-regulatory- sandbox_50521.html and https://www.sebi.gov.in/legal/circulars/nov- 2021/framework-for-regulatory-sandbox_53982.html 16. General Guidelines for dealing with Conflicts of Interest of intermediaries and their Associated Persons in Securities Market.33 16.1. All intermediaries are presently governed by the provisions for avoidance of conflict of interest as mandated in the regulations read with relevant circulars issued from time to time by SEBI. On the lines of Principle 8 of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) Objectives and Principles of Securities Regulations, it has been decided to put in place comprehensive guidelines to collectively cover such intermediaries, for elimination of their conflict of interest, as detailed hereunder. 16.2. Intermediaries shall adhere to these guidelines for avoiding or dealing with or managing conflict of interest. They shall be responsible for educating their associated persons for compliance of these guidelines. 16.3. For the purpose of these guidelines "associated persons" shall have the 32 Reference: Circular No. SEBI/HO/ITD/ITD/CIR/P/2021/575 dated June 14, 2021 and SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD_IT/P/CIR/2021/0000000658 dated November 16, 2021 33 Reference: Circular CIR/MIRSD/5/2013 dated August 27, 2013. Page 42 of 107 same meaning as defined in Securities and Exchange Board of India (Certification of Associated Persons in the Securities Markets) Regulations, 2007. 16.4. Intermediaries and their associated persons shall, i. lay down, with active involvement of senior management, policies and internal procedures to identify and avoid or to deal or manage actual or potential conflict of interest, develop an internal code of conduct governing operations and formulate standards of appropriate conduct in the performance of their activities, and ensure to communicate such policies, procedures and code to all concerned; ii. at all times maintain high standards of integrity in the conduct of their business; iii. ensure fair treatment of their clients and not discriminate amongst them; iv. ensure that their personal interest does not, at any time conflict with their duty to their clients and client’s interest always takes primacy in their advice, investment decisions and transactions; v. make appropriate disclosure to the clients of possible source or potential areas of conflict of interest which would impair their ability to render fair, objective and unbiased services; vi. endeavor to reduce opportunities for conflict through prescriptive measures such as through information barriers to block or hinder the flow of information from one department/ unit to another, etc.; vii. place appropriate restrictions on transactions in securities while handling a mandate of issuer or client in respect of such security so as to avoid any conflict; viii. not deal in securities while in possession of material non published information; Page 43 of 107 ix. not to communicate the material non published information while dealing in securities on behalf of others; x. not in any way contribute to manipulate the demand for or supply of securities in the market or to influence prices of securities; xi. not have an incentive structure that encourages sale of products not suiting the risk profile of their clients; xii. not share information received from clients or pertaining to them, obtained as a result of their dealings, for their personal interest; 16.5. The Boards of intermediaries shall put in place systems for implementation of the aforementioned guidelines and provide necessary guidance enabling identification, elimination or management of conflict of interest situations. The Boards shall review the compliance of the above guidelines periodically. 16.6. The said guidelines shall be in addition to the provisions, if any, contained in respective regulations/ circulars issued by the Board from time to time regarding dealing with conflict of interest, in respect of intermediaries. 17. Approach to securities market data access and terms of usage of data provided by data sources in Indian securities market34 17.1. Research Analysts are advised to make note of the following: “As far as the data provided by various data sources in Indian securities markets pursuant to regulatory mandates for reporting and disclosure in public domain are concerned, such data should be made available to users, ‘free of charge’ both for ‘viewing’ the data as also for download in the format as specified by regulatory mandate for reporting, as well as their usage for the value addition purposes.” 17.2. Further, apart from the data made available free of cost, data which is 34 Reference: Circular SEBI/HO/DEPA-III/DEPA-III_SSU/P/CIR/2022/25 dated Feb 25,2022 Page 44 of 107 chargeable should be appropriately identified as such in public domain. 18. Guidelines on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Standards and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) /Obligations of Securities Market Intermediaries under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 and Rules framed there under Research Analysts are advised to refer to the master circular on ‘Guidelines on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Standards and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) /Obligations of Securities Market Intermediaries under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 and Rules framed there under’. The Master Circular issued on June 06, 2024 available at the following link: https://www.sebi.gov.in/legal/master-circulars/jun-2024/guidelines-on-anti- money-laundering-aml-standards-and-combating-the-financing-of-terrorism-cft- obligations-of-securities-market-intermediaries-under-the-prevention-of-money- laundering-act-2002-a-_83942.html 19. Know Your Client (KYC) Requirements RAs are advised to refer to the following circular (s)/ master circular (s) for KYC norms: i. Master Circular No. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/SECFATF/P/CIR/2023/169 dated October 12, 2023 on ‘Know Your Client (KYC) norms for securities market’ available on SEBI website at: https://www.sebi.gov.in/legal/master- circulars/oct-2023/master-circular-on-know-your-client-kyc-norms-for-the- securities-market_77945.html ii. Circular No. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/SECFATF/P/CIR/2024/79 dated June 06, 2024 on ‘Uploading of KYC information by KYC Registration Agencies (KRAs) to Central KYC records Registry (CKYCRR)’ available at: https://www.sebi.gov.in/legal/circulars/jun-2024/uploading-of-kyc-information- by-kyc-registration-agencies-kras-to-central-kyc-records-registry-ckycrr- _84006.html Page 45 of 107 iii. Circular No. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/SECFATF/P/CIR/2025/74 dated May 23, 2025 on ‘Accessibility and Inclusiveness of Digital KYC to Persons with Disablities’ available at: https://www.sebi.gov.in/legal/circulars/may-2025/accessibility- and-inclusiveness-of-digital-kyc-to-persons-with-disabilities_94096.html 20. Relaxation on geo tagging requirement in India for NRIs while undertaking re-KYC RAs are advised to refer to circular no. HO/38/30/12(1)2025-MIRSD SEC FATF dated December 10, 2025 on ‘Relaxation on geo tagging requirement in India for NRIs while undertaking re-KYC’ available at: https://www.sebi.gov.in/web/?file=https://www.sebi.gov.in/sebi_data/attachdocs/ dec-2025/1765366958310.pdf#page=1&zoom=page-width,-15,842 21. Association of persons regulated by the Board and their agents with certain persons35 21.1. RAs shall comply with the provisions on association of persons regulated by the Board and their agents with certain persons. 21.2. Securities and Exchange Board of India (Intermediaries) (Amendment) Regulations, 2024, Securities Contracts (Regulation) (Stock Exchanges and Clearing Corporations) (Fourth Amendment) Regulations, 2024 and Securities and Exchange Board of India (Depositories and Participants) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2024 have been notified by SEBI on August 29, 2024. 21.3. These regulations inter alia provide that persons regulated by the Board (including recognised stock exchanges, clearing corporations and depositories), and agents of such persons shall not have any direct or indirect association with another person who- (i) provides advice or any recommendation, directly or indirectly, in respect of or related to a security or securities, unless the person is registered 35 SEBI/HO/MIRSD/ MIRSD-PoD-1/P/CIR/2024/143 dated October 22, 2024 and SEBI/HO/MIRSD/ MIRSD- PoD-1/P/CIR/2025/11 dated January 29, 2025 Page 46 of 107 with or otherwise permitted by the Board to provide such advice or recommendation; or (ii) makes any claim, of returns or performance expressly or impliedly, in respect of or related to a security or securities, unless the person has been permitted by the Board to make such a claim. The aforesaid provisions are not applicable in respect of an association through a “specified digital platform”. The person regulated by the Board (including recognised stock exchanges, clearing corporations and depositories) is required to ensure that any person associated with it or its agent does not engage in the activities mentioned in clauses (i) or (ii) above without the necessary permission. 21.4. In terms of these regulations, a “specified digital platform” shall mean digital platform as specified by the Board, which has a mechanism in place to take preventive as well as curative action, to the satisfaction of the Board, to ensure that such a platform is not used for indulging in any activity as referred to in clauses (i) or (ii) of paragraph 20.3 above. 21.5. It has been clarified that the term “another person” shall not include a person who is engaged in investor education, provided that such a person does not, directly or indirectly, indulge in any activity as referred to in clauses (i) or (ii) of paragraph 20.3 above. 21.6. While the guidelines on the preventive and curative measures for the digital platforms for their recognition as specified digital platform are being specified separately, the persons regulated by the Board (including recognised stock exchanges, clearing corporations and depositories), and their agents were advised to terminate their existing contracts, if any, with persons engaged in the activities mentioned in clauses (i) or (ii) of paragraph 21.3 above, by January 21, 2025. 21.7. To provide guidance for compliance to persons regulated by the Board, MIIs, and their agents on their association with another person, the details/clarifications on the provisions are provided in the form of frequently Page 47 of 107 asked questions in circular No. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/ MIRSD-PoD- 1/P/CIR/2025/11 dated January 29, 2025 on ‘Details/clarifications on provisions related to association of persons regulated by the Board, MIIs, and their agents with persons engaged in prohibited activities’ available at: https://www.sebi.gov.in/legal/circulars/jan-2025/details-clarifications-on- provisions-related-to-association-of-persons-regulated-by-the-board-miis- and-their-agents-with-persons-engaged-in-prohibited-activities_91356.html. 22. Recognition and operationalization of Past Risk and Return Verification Agency (PaRRVA) Regulation 16D and 16E of the ‘Securities and Exchange Board of India (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008’ (“Intermediaries Regulations”), provide for verification of risk and return metrics by a Past Risk and Return Verification Agency (“PaRRVA”). In this regard, RAs are advised to refer to Circular no. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD-POD/P/CIR/2025/51 dated April 4, 2025 on ‘Recognition and operationalization of Past Risk and Return Verification Agency (PaRRVA)’ available at: https://www.sebi.gov.in/legal/circulars/apr- 2025/recognition-and-operationalization-of-past-risk-and-return-verification- agency-parrva-_93321.html 23. Interim arrangement for certified past performance of Research Analysts prior to operationalisation of Past Risk and Return Verification Agency (“PaRRVA”)36 (i) Considering the representation of the industry to facilitate RAs to communicate past performance data to clients for the period prior to operationalisation of PaRRVA, as an interim arrangement, the following has been decided: a) RAs may provide past performance data certified by a member of ICAI/ICMAI to a client (including prospective client) only on specific request of such client; b) Such past performance data shall be communicated to clients (including prospective clients) on a one-to-one basis and such past performance data 36 Reference: Circular No. HO/38/12/11(1)2025-MIRSD-POD/ I/73/2025 dated October 30, 2025 Page 48 of 107 shall not be made available to general public through public media/website of RA or any other mode. c) RAs who wish to communicate certified past performance data to clients (including prospective clients) must enroll with PaRRVA within three months of its operationalization, else such RAs will not be able to communicate certified past performance data to clients post three months from the date of operationalization of PaRRVA. d) The applicable period for such past performance data shall be prior to the date of operationalization of PaRRVA. Accordingly, the performance for the period subsequent to the date of operationalisation of PaRRVA shall only be advertised or provided to client using risk and return metrics verified by PaRRVA. e) Any communication of such past performance data shall be accompanied with the following disclaimer: “The performance data presented herein are not verified by Past Risk and Return Verification Agency (PaRRVA) or any other agency recognized by SEBI for this purpose. The performance data presented herein may not be comparable to performance data of any other RA. Computation of the performance may vary across the industry. Users are requested to apply their due diligence before making investment decisions on the basis of the given past performance data. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investment in securities is subject to market risk. Registration with SEBI or enlistment with RAASB is not a guarantee or assurance of future returns. ” f) After two years from the date of operationalisation of PaRRVA, RAs will be permitted to communicate/display only PaRRVA verified risk and return metrics and will not be permitted to use past performance data related to the period prior to the date of operationalisation of PaRRVA, in any communication to clients (including prospective clients). Page 49 of 107 (ii) RAASB shall specify the templates in which the certified past performance data shall be communicated, in consultation with Industry Standard Forums for RAs and SEBI. (iii) Any contravention of the provisions of paragraph 23(i) and 23(ii) will make an entity liable for enforcement actions, including summary proceedings “under Regulation 30A.(1)( c) of SEBI(Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008 which states that a person found to have made claim(s) of return or performance in respect of or related to a security or securities, unless otherwise permitted by the Board to make such claim(s) shall be liable for summary proceedings. 24. Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience Framework (CSCRF) RAs are advised to refer to the following circulars for compliance with respect to Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience Framework (CSCRF): i. Circular No. SEBI/HO/ITD-1/ITD_CSC_EXT/P/CIR/2024/113 dated August 20, 2024 on ‘Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience Framework (CSCRF) for SEBI Regulated Entities(REs)’ available at: https://www.sebi.gov.in/legal/circulars/aug-2024/cybersecurity-and-cyber- resilience-framework-cscrf-for-sebi-regulated-entities-res-_85964.html ii. Circular No. SEBI/HO/ITD-1/ITD_CSC_EXT/P/CIR/2024/184 dated December 31, 2024 on ‘Clarifications to Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience Framework (CSCRF)for SEBI Regulated Entities (REs)’ available at: https://www.sebi.gov.in/legal/circulars/dec-2024/clarifications-to- cybersecurity-and-cyber-resilience-framework-cscrf-for-sebi-regulated- entities-res-_90401.html iii. Circular No. SEBI/HO/ITD-1/ITD_CSC_EXT/P/CIR/2025/45 dated March 28, 2025 on ‘Extension towards Adoption and Implementation of Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience Framework (CSCRF) for SEBI Regulated Entities (REs)’ available at: https://www.sebi.gov.in/legal/circulars/mar- Page 50 of 107 2025/extension-towards-adoption-and-implementation-of-cybersecurity-and- cyber-resilience-framework-cscrf-for-sebi-regulated-entities-res-_93146.html iv. Circular No. SEBI/HO/ITD-1/ITD_CSC_EXT/P/CIR/2025/60 dated April 30, 2025 on ‘Clarifications to Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience Framework (CSCRF) for SEBI Regulated Entities (REs)’ available at: https://www.sebi.gov.in/legal/circulars/apr-2025/clarifications-to- cybersecurity-and-cyber-resilience-framework-cscrf-for-sebi-regulated- entities-res-_93734.html v. Circular No. SEBI/HO/ITD-1/ITD_CSC_EXT/P/CIR/2025/96 dated June 30, 2025 on ‘Extension towards Adoption and Implementation of Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience Framework (CSCRF) for SEBI Regulated Entities (REs)’ available at: https://www.sebi.gov.in/web/?file=https://www.sebi.gov.in/sebi_data/attachdo cs/jun-2025/1751286353420.pdf#page=1&zoom=page-width,-15,765 vi. Circular No. SEBI/HO/ITD-1/ITD_CSC_EXT/P/CIR/2025/119 dated August 28, 2025 on ‘Technical Clarifications to Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience Framework (CSCRF) for SEBI Regulated Entities (REs)’ available at: https://www.sebi.gov.in/web/?file=https://www.sebi.gov.in/sebi_data/attachdo cs/aug-2025/1756380695925.pdf#page=1&zoom=page-width,-15,842 25. Norms for sharing of real time price data to third parties RAs are advised to refer to circular no. SEBI/HO/MRD/MRD-PoD- 3/P/CIR/2024/56 dated May 24, 2024 on ‘Norms for sharing of real time price data to third parties’ available at: https://www.sebi.gov.in/legal/circulars/may-2024/norms-for-sharing-of-real-time- price-data-to-third-parties_83572.html 26. Adoption of Standardised, Validated and Exclusive UPI IDs for Payment Collection by SEBI Registered Intermediaries from Investors Page 51 of 107 RAs are advised to refer circular no. SEBI/HO/DEPA-II/DEPA- II_SRG/P/CIR/2025/86 dated June 11, 2025 on ‘Adoption of Standardised, Validated and Exclusive UPI IDs for Payment Collection by SEBI Registered Intermediaries from Investors’ available at: https://www.sebi.gov.in/legal/circulars/jun-2025/adoption-of-standardised-validated- and-exclusive-upi-ids-for-payment-collection-by-sebi-registered-intermediaries-from- investors_94535.html 27. Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and rules made thereunder- mandatory compliance by all Regulated Entities. RAs are advised to refer to the following circulars: i. Circular no. SEBI/HO/ITD-1/ITD_VIAP/P/CIR/2025/111 dated July 31, 2025 on ‘Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and rules made thereunder- mandatory compliance by all Regulated Entities’ available at: https://www.sebi.gov.in/web/?file=https://www.sebi.gov.in/sebi_data/attachdo cs/aug-2025/1754651443956.pdf#page=1&zoom=page-width,-15,842 ii. Circular no. SEBI/HO/ITD-1/ITD_VIAP/P/CIR/2025/121 dated August 29, 2025 on ‘Extension of timelines and Update of reporting authority for IAs and RAs w.r.t. SEBI Circular for Compliance to Digital Accessibility Circular ‘Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and rules made thereunder- mandatory compliance by all Regulated Entities’ dated July 31, 2025 (Circular No. SEBI/HO/ITD-1/ITD_VIAP/P/CIR/2025/111)’ available at: https://www.sebi.gov.in/web/?file=https://www.sebi.gov.in/sebi_data/attachdo cs/aug-2025/1756462899734.pdf#page=1&zoom=page-width,-15,842 iii. Circular no. SEBI/HO/ITD-1/ITD_VIAP/P/CIR/2025/131 dated September 25, 2025 on ‘Compliance Guidelines for Digital Accessibility Circular ‘Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and rules made thereunder- mandatory compliance by all Regulated Entities’ dated July 31, 2025 (Circular No. SEBI/HO/ITD-1/ITD_VIAP/P/CIR/2025/111)’ available at: Page 52 of 107 https://www.sebi.gov.in/web/?file=https://www.sebi.gov.in/sebi_data/attachdo cs/sep-2025/1758794128066.pdf#page=1&zoom=page-width,-15,773 iv. Circular no. HO/13/19/13(2)2025-ITD-1_VIAP/I/187/2025 dated December 8, 2025 on ‘Clarification on the Digital Accessibility circulars of SEBI’ available at: https://www.sebi.gov.in/web/?file=https://www.sebi.gov.in/sebi_data/attachdo cs/dec-2025/1765194149704.pdf#page=1&zoom=page-width,-15,842 28. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to regulatory provisions for Research Analysts37 i. Pursuant to receipt of representations from Research Analysts (RAs), in order to provide clarity and guidance for compliance by RAs with the regulatory provisions, the details/clarifications are provided as part of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) at Annexure I. These FAQs are issued after public consultation and incorporating various suggestions received during such consultation (wherever found appropriate). ii. Based on the representations received from RAs/research entities and to ensure ease of compliance, it has been decided that RAs/research entities shall now ensure compliance with the following: a) Persons associated with research services shall obtain the relevant certification from NISM as specified by SEBI within one year from July 23, 2025.38 b) Consent by signature on the terms and conditions including most important terms and conditions (MITC) shall not be mandatory for the clients who are institutional investors or qualified institutional buyers. However, RAs/research entities are required to disclose the terms and conditions of research services including MITC to these clients. 37 Reference: Circular No. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/ MIRSD PoD/P/CIR/2025/105 dated July 23, 2025 38 Date of issue of Circular No. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/ MIRSD PoD/P/CIR/2025/105 Page 53 of 107 VI. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS 29. Periodic reporting by RAs39: Research analysts and proxy advisers are required to submit the periodic report in the specified format. Research analysts shall submit the period report to RAASB in a format as notified by RAASB in consultation with SEBI. Proxy advisers shall submit the periodic report in a format provided at Annexure J. RAs/PAs shall submit periodic report for half-yearly periods ending on September 30 and March 31 of every financial year, within 30 days from the end of the respective half-yearly period for which details are to be furnished40. 30. Undertaking on compliance of the advisory for Financial Sector Organizations regarding Software as a Service (SaaS) based solutions to be submitted half yearly: The compliance of the advisory shall be reported by research analysts to SEBI with an undertaking, “Compliance of the SEBI circular for Advisory for Financial Sector Organizations regarding Software as a Service (SaaS) based solutions has been made.” 31. Annual audit report and adverse findings, if any: In terms of regulation 25(3) of RA Regulations, research analyst or research entity shall conduct annual audit in respect of compliance with RA regulations and circulars issued thereunder from a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India or Institute of Company Secretaries of India within six months from the end of each financial year and submit a compliance audit report to RAASB/SEBI within a period of one month from the date of the audit report but not later than October 31st of each year for the previous financial year. RA/research entity shall publish the status of the compliance audit report on its website and shall also 39 Reference: Circular No. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD-PoD1/P/CIR/2024/148 dated October 25, 2024 40 Note: Timeline for submission of periodic report for half-yearly period ending March 31, 2025 has been extended till July 31, 2025 Page 54 of 107 publish the adverse findings of audit, if any, along with the action taken thereof on its website. RA/research entity shall provide the compliance audit report to its clients. VII. ANNEXURES ANNEXURE-A Guidelines for recommendation of ‘model portfolio’ by Research Analysts Research Analyst or research entity recommending the model portfolio shall ensure compliance with the following guidelines on ‘model portfolio’: 1. Definitions The following terms used in the guidelines on the ‘model portfolio’ shall have the meaning as mentioned below. i. Model Portfolio: A ‘model portfolio’ shall mean a basket of securities for which a research report is issued by a RA recommending the relevant weightages for one or more securities mentioned therein. Explanation: If the research report does not ascribe weightages to the components of basket of securities, then merely a summary or consolidated presentation of securities recommended shall not be regarded as a “model portfolio”. ii. Disclosures: Means the minimum set of disclosures as specified in this model portfolio framework to be mandatorily included in a model portfolio report, in order to ensure that all the relevant facts and information which could impact the investment decision of a potential investor are adequately made known to the investors. iii. Launch Date: Means the date on which model portfolio report was issued by the RA. iv. Update Date: Each model portfolio should clearly list the dates and/or intervals at which model portfolio shall be reviewed and updated by RA and the launch Page 55 of 107 date of each such updated model portfolio shall be deemed to be the “Update Date”. 2. Model Portfolio Framework i. Model portfolio report: Model portfolio shall be issued through a research report with all constituent securities being recommended to be covered in the research report and rebalancing to be done at such intervals as the RA deems appropriate. The opinion of the RA on any constituent securities forming part of the model portfolio shall not be contrary to its opinion on each of such securities individually. Model portfolio report shall include a ‘factsheet’ setting out the basic information on the model portfolio. A model portfolio report must contain disclosures, rationale, methodology, launch date, update date and type of model portfolio contained therein. ii. Methodology: Model portfolio report shall define and discuss the framework including underlying universe for stock selection and shall be labelled to indicate the type of underlying universe of securities (such as large caps, mid- caps, multi caps, etc.) or an underlying theme (such as Make in India, Defence, etc.) or a sector (such as Auto, Textile, etc.). Model portfolio report shall define and discuss in detail the methodology for selection of constituent securities in the model portfolio such as fundamental analysis, technical analysis etc. and the parameters therein. iii. Labelling: Model portfolio should be ‘true to label’ and should be named in a manner which clearly states the type of portfolio being created along with a one-line description of the theme or investment objective of the model portfolio for ease of understanding for all clients. iv. Investment Horizon: Model portfolio report should specify the investment horizon of the model portfolio so that the investor can match that to their investment period. v. Frequency of portfolio review and update: Whether the model portfolio would be updated and at what intervals must be predefined in the report. The Page 56 of 107 rebalancing, if any, of the constituent securities in the model portfolio shall be done within the overall framework of the model portfolio and shall be communicated to the clients along with the underlying rationale. vi. Risk disclosures: Model portfolio risk should be clearly mentioned in model portfolio report. vii. Benchmarking: Each model portfolio shall disclose performance duly validated by agency/body as specified by SEBI over different time periods, and should be benchmarked with appropriate and relevant index. For example, Model portfolio for auto stocks can be benchmarked with Nifty Auto Index, Mid cap model portfolio can be benchmarked with BSE Midcap Index, thematic portfolios with thematic indices, etc. Every model portfolio report shall contain disclosure on the benchmark index which should be clearly defined and should be used consistently. viii. Audit Requirements: Compliance with audit requirement under regulation 25(3) of the RA Regulations shall also cover compliance with obligations set out under the model portfolio guidelines. ANNEXURE-B Disclosure of minimum mandatory terms and conditions to clients RAs shall disclose to the client the terms and conditions of the research services offered including rights and obligations. RAs shall ensure that neither any research service is rendered nor any fee is charged until consent is received from the client on the terms and conditions. 1. Availing the research services: By accepting delivery of the research service, the client confirms that he/she has elected to subscribe the research service of the RA at his/her sole discretion. RA confirms that research services shall be rendered in accordance with the applicable provisions of the RA Regulations. Page 57 of 107 2. Obligations on RA: RA and client shall be bound by SEBI Act and all the applicable rules and regulations of SEBI, including the RA Regulations and relevant notifications of Government, as may be in force, from time to time. 3. Client Information and KYC: The client shall furnish all such details in full as may be required by the RA in its standard form with supporting details, if required, as may be made mandatory by RAASB/SEBI from time to time. RA shall collect, store, upload and check KYC records of the clients with KYC Registration Agency (KRA) as specified by SEBI from time to time. 4. Standard Terms of Service: The consent of client shall be taken on the following understanding: “I / We have read and understood the terms and conditions applicable to a research analyst as defined under regulation 2(1)(u) of the SEBI (Research Analyst) Regulations, 2014, including the fee structure. I/We are subscribing to the research services for our own benefits and consumption, and any reliance placed on the research report provided by research analyst shall be as per our own judgement and assessment of the conclusions contained in the research report. I/We understand that – i. Any investment made based on the recommendations in the research report are subject to market risk. ii. Recommendations in the research report do not provide any assurance of returns. iii. There is no recourse to claim any losses incurred on the investments made based on the recommendations in the research report.” Declaration of the RA that: i. It is duly registered with SEBI as an RA pursuant to the SEBI (Research Analysts) Regulations, 2014 and its registration details are: (registration number, registration date); Page 58 of 107 ii. It has registration and qualifications required to render the services contemplated under the RA Regulations, and the same are valid and subsisting; iii. Research analyst services provided by it do not conflict with or violate any provision of law, rule or regulation, contract, or other instrument to which it is a party or to which any of its property is or may be subject; iv. The maximum fee that may be charged by RA is ₹1.51 lakhs per annum per family of client. v. The recommendations provided by RA do not provide any assurance of returns. Additionally, if RA is an individual, declaration that: i. It is not engaged in any additional professional or business activities, on a whole-time basis or in an executive capacity, which interfere with/influence or have the potential to interfere with/influence the independence of research report and/or recommendations contained therein. 5. Consideration and mode of payment: The client shall duly pay to RA, the agreed fees for the services that RA renders to the client and statutory charges, as applicable. Such fees and statutory charges shall be payable through the specified manner and mode(s)/ mechanism(s). 6. Risk factors: (A statement covering the standard risks associated with investment in securities to be added under this clause by the RA) 7. Conflict of interest: The RA shall adhere to the applicable regulations/ circulars/ directions specified by SEBI from time to time in relation to disclosure and mitigation of any actual or potential conflict of interest. (A statement covering the mandatory disclosures to be added under this clause by the RA.) 8. Termination of service and refund of fees: Disclosure that the RA may suspend or terminate rendering of research services to client on account of suspension/ Page 59 of 107 cancellation of registration of RA by SEBI and shall refund the residual amount to the client. In case of suspension of certificate of registration of the RA for more than 60 (sixty) days or cancellation of the RA registration, RA shall refund the fees, on a pro rata basis for the period from the effective date of cancellation/ suspension to end of the subscription period. 9. Grievance redressal and dispute resolution: Any grievance related to (i) non- receipt of research report or (ii) missing pages or inability to download the entire report, or (iii) any other deficiency in the research services provided by RA, shall be escalated promptly by the client to the person/employee designated by RA, in this behalf (RA to provide name and e-mail ID of the designated person/employee). The RA shall be responsible to resolve grievances within 7 (seven) business working days or such timelines as may be specified by SEBI under the RA Regulations. RA shall redress grievances of the client in a timely and transparent manner. Any dispute between the RA and his client may be resolved through arbitration or through any other modes or mechanism as specified by SEBI from time to time. 10. Additional clauses: All additional voluntary clauses added by the RA should not be in contravention with rules/ regulations/ circulars of SEBI. Any changes in such voluntary clauses/document(s) shall be preceded by a notice of 15 days. 11. Mandatory notice: Clients shall be requested to go through Do’s and Don’ts while dealing with RA as specified in SEBI master circular no. SEBI/HO/MIRSD-POD- 1/P/CIR/2024/49 dated May 21, 2024 or as may be specified by SEBI from time to time. 12. Most Important Terms and Conditions (MITC): RA shall also disclose MITC as specified below to their clients. (MITC have been standardized by Industry Standards Forum (ISF) in consultation with SEBI and RAASB). Page 60 of 107 i. These terms and conditions, and consent thereon are for the research services provided by the Research Analyst (RA) and RA cannot execute/carry out any trade (purchase/sell transaction) on behalf of, the client. Thus, the clients are advised not to permit RA to execute any trade on their behalf. ii. The fee charged by RA to the client will be subject to the maximum of amount prescribed by SEBI/ Research Analyst Administration and Supervisory Body (RAASB) from time to time (applicable only for Individual and HUF Clients). a. The current fee limit is Rs 1,51,000/- per annum per family of client for all research services of the RA. b. The fee limit does not include statutory charges. c. The fee limits do not apply to a non-individual client / accredited investor. iii. RA may charge fees in advance if agreed by the client. Such advance shall not exceed the period stipulated by SEBI; presently it is one quarter. In case of pre- mature termination of the RA services by either the client or the RA, the client shall be entitled to seek refund of proportionate fees only for unexpired period. iv. Fees to RA may be paid by the client through any of the specified modes like cheque, online bank transfer, UPI, etc. Cash payment is not allowed. Optionally the client can make payments through Centralized Fee Collection Mechanism (CeFCoM) managed by BSE Limited (i.e. currently recognized RAASB). v. The RA is required to abide by the applicable regulations/ circulars/ directions specified by SEBI and RAASB from time to time in relation to disclosure and mitigation of any actual or potential conflict of interest. The RA will endeavor to promptly inform the client of any conflict of interest that may affect the services being rendered to the client. vi. Any assured/guaranteed/fixed returns schemes or any other schemes of similar nature are prohibited by law. No scheme of this nature shall be offered to the client by the RA. Page 61 of 107 vii. The RA cannot guarantee returns, profits, accuracy, or risk-free investments from the use of the RA’s research services. All opinions, projections, estimates of the RA are based on the analysis of available data under certain assumptions as of the date of preparation/publication of research report. viii. Any investment made based on recommendations in research reports are subject to market risks, and recommendations do not provide any assurance of returns. There is no recourse to claim any losses incurred on the investments made based on the recommendations in the research report. Any reliance placed on the research report provided by the RA shall be as per the client’s own judgement and assessment of the conclusions contained in the research report. ix. The SEBI registration, Enlistment with RAASB, and NISM certification do not guarantee the performance of the RA or assure any returns to the client. x. For any grievances, Step 1: the client should first contact the RA using the details on its website or following contact details: (RA to provide details as per ‘Grievance Redressal / Escalation Matrix’) Step 2: If the resolution is unsatisfactory, the client can also lodge grievances through SEBI’s SCORES platform at www.scores.sebi.gov.in Step 3: The client may also consider the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) through the Smart ODR portal at https://smartodr.in xi. Clients are required to keep contact details, including email id and mobile number/s updated with the RA at all times. xii. The RA shall never ask for the client’s login credentials and OTPs for the client’s Trading Account Demat Account and Bank Account. Never share such information with anyone including RA. 13. Optional Centralised Fee Collection Mechanism: RA Shall provide the guidance to their clients on an optional ‘Centralised Fee Collection Mechanism for IA and RA’ (CeFCoM) available to them for payment of fees to RA. Page 62 of 107 ANNEXURE C Detailed framework for RAASB and IAASB 1. Criteria for grant of recognition as RAASB and IAASB: 1.1. The recognition of a recognised stock exchange as RAASB and IAASB under regulation 14 of RA Regulations and IA Regulations respectively shall be based on the following eligibility criteria: (i) Minimum number of years of existence as recognised stock exchange: 15 years; (ii) Minimum net worth of recognised stock exchange: INR 200 crores; (iii) Stock exchange having nation-wide terminals; (iv) Investor grievance redressal mechanism including Online Dispute Resolution Mechanism; (v) Capacity for investor service management gauged through reach of Investor Service Centers (ISCs): Stock exchange having ISCs in at least 20 cities. 2. Setting up of requisite systems by stock exchange recognised as RAASB/ IAASB: 2.1. The stock exchange recognised as RAASB/IAASB shall include in its Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association and bye-laws, requisite provisions to fulfil the role and responsibilities specified in para 3 below. 2.2. The stock exchange recognised as RAASB/IAASB shall maintain necessary infrastructure like adequate office space, equipment and manpower to effectively discharge the responsibilities of RAASB/ IAASB. Infrastructure may be shared with other group entities where required. 2.3. The stock exchange recognised as RAASB/IAASB shall put in place systems/ processes for maintaining database of RAs/IAs, sharing of Page 63 of 107 information with SEBI and discharging the responsibilities of RAASB/ IAASB. 2.4. RAASB and IAASB shall constitute an internal committee to oversee the activities of administration and supervision of RAs and IAs. The committee shall periodically review the performance of the stock exchange as RAASB/ IAASB and make recommendations to SEBI. The constitution of the committee shall be as follows: (i) Public Interest Directors shall form the majority of the committee; (ii) A maximum of two key management personnel of the stock exchange can be on the committee; (iii) The committee shall also include independent external persons representing RAs, IAs and proxy advisors, with minimum one representative for each segment. 3. Responsibilities of SEBI and RAASB/ IAASB: 3.1. The core functions relating to registration, enforcement action and disciplinary or penal action shall remain with SEBI and SEBI shall continue to register IAs and RAs as per the mandate given under the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992. The following functions as specified in the table below shall be performed concurrently by SEBI and RAASB or IAASB, as the case may be. SEBI Proposed RAASB/IAASB 1. Approval of registration applications of RAs/IAs – fresh registration as well as application made Activities pertaining to administration: 1. Initial scrutiny of registration applications for ensuring completeness of submission of information/ documents along with recommendation on the applications to SEBI 2. Initial scrutiny of post-registration applications illustrated below for ensuring completeness of Page 64 of 107 pursuant to change in control 2. Approval for post- registration applications such as – a. Change of name b. Change of address c. Change of compliance officer/ principal officer/ director/ associated person, contact details, etc. d. Change in shareholding e. Merger/ amalgamation/ takeover/ change in control of RA/IA f. Surrender of registration g. NOC for establishing wholly owned subsidiary/ joint venture in foreign jurisdiction, etc. submission of information/ documents along with recommendation on the applications to SEBI: a. Change of name b. Change of address c. Change of compliance officer/ principal officer/ director/ associated person, contact details, etc. d. Change in shareholding e. Merger/amalgamation/takeover/change in control of RA/IA f. Surrender of registration g. NOC for establishing wholly owned subsidiary/ joint venture in foreign jurisdiction, etc. 3. Approval of advertisements of RAs/IAs as per Advertisement Code issued by SEBI 4. Maintenance of database of RAs/IAs 5. Enlisting RAs/IAs in the proposed RAASB/IAASB 6. Issuance of circulars/instructions/standard operating procedures, etc. to RAs/IAs for implementation of provisions of SEBI regulations/ circulars 7. Submission of periodical reports to SEBI Page 65 of 107 3. Supervision of RAs/IAs 4. Taking enforcement action suo moto or otherwise 5. Taking disciplinary/ penal action including levying penalty on recommendation of proposed body 6. Grievance redressal 8. Collection and administration of fees. Activities pertaining to supervision: 9. Monitoring the activities of RAs/IAs by obtaining Annual Compliance Audit Report and other periodic/ad-hoc reports covering general details of RAs/IAs, details of customer complaints, details of clients, etc. 10. Monitoring compliance of regulations/ circulars by Ras/IAs 11. Grievance redressal and Arbitration/ Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) 12. Taking administrative action including imposition of penalties and issuing warning/caution letter 13. Referring to SEBI for enforcement action against RAs/IAs. In addition to the above, the recognised RAASB/IAASB may be assigned with on- site/offsite inspection of RAs/IAs, to be done on behalf of/concurrently with SEBI and any other activity as may be specified by SEBI. 4. Enlistment of RAs/IAs with RAASB/IAASB: 4.1. Amendments have been made to RA/IA Regulations to provide for ‘enlistment’ of RAs/IAs with RAASB/IAASB in place of the earlier provision of ‘membership’ of RAs/IAs with RAASB/IAASB. Under the amended Page 66 of 107 regulations, an applicant seeking registration as RA./IA shall be required to ‘enlist’ with RAASB/IAASB. 4.2. Further, in order to provide ease of doing business and to ensure smooth operationalization of RAASB and IAASB framework and to prevent disruption for existing RAs and IAs registered with SEBI, the following has been provided for: (i) Existing RAs registered with SEBI shall be deemed to be enlisted with RAASB. Existing IAs registered with SEBI who are also members of IAASB shall be deemed to be enlisted with the IAASB recognised under this framework. (ii) Applications for registration as RA received and under process with SEBI up to the effective date of operationalization of RAASB framework shall continue to be processed by SEBI. Such RAs shall be deemed to be enlisted with RAASB once registration is granted by SEBI. (iii) Applications for registration as IA pending with SEBI/IAASB at the time of operationalization of IAASB framework shall continue to be processed by SEBI/IAASB. Once registration is granted by SEBI, such IAs shall be deemed to be enlisted with the IAASB recognised under this framework. (iv) New applications received from the effective date of operationalization of RAASB/IAASB framework shall be routed through RAASB/IAASB. In such cases, enlistment with RAASB/ IAASB shall be a pre-requisite for grant of certificate of registration as RA/ IA by SEBI. (v) With reference to the RAs/IAs/applicants referred in point (i) to (iii) above, it is clarified that no additional documentation shall be required to be submitted by such RAs/IAs/applicants for enlistment with RAASB or IAASB as the case may be. 5. Measures for promoting efficiency Page 67 of 107 6.1 To begin with, in order to ensure efficiency in the system and economies of scale, RAASB and IAASB shall be one and the same stock exchange. 6.2 In cases where a person has registration as both RA as well as IA, in the interest of efficiency, a single window clearance of various approvals shall be adopted. Details in this regard shall be specified by the recognised RAASB and IAASB. 6. Submission of Periodic Reports 7.1 Pursuant to operationalization of RAASB/ IAASB framework, all registered RAs/ IAs shall submit periodic reports to RAASB/ IAASB in the manner specified by SEBI. 7. Monitoring of RAASB/IAASB 8.1 SEBI shall monitor RAASB and IAASB through periodical reports and inspection regarding administration and supervision of RAs and IAs. ANNEXURE D INVESTOR CHARTER FOR RAs A. Vision and Mission Statements for investors  Vision Invest with knowledge & safety.  Mission Every investor should be able to invest in right investment products based on their needs, manage and monitor them to meet their goals, access reports and enjoy financial wellness. B. Details of business transacted by the Research Analyst with respect to the Page 68 of 107 investors  To publish research report based on the research activities of the RA  To provide an independent unbiased view on securities.  To offer unbiased recommendation, disclosing the financial interests in recommended securities.  To provide research recommendation, based on analysis of publicly available information and known observations.  To conduct audit annually  To ensure that all advertisements are in adherence to the provisions of the Advertisement Code for Research Analysts.  To maintain records of interactions, with all clients including prospective clients (prior to onboarding), where any conversation related to the research services has taken place. C. Details of services provided to investors (No Indicative Timelines)  Onboarding of Clients o Sharing of terms and conditions of research services o Completing KYC of fee paying clients  Disclosure to Clients: o To disclose, information that is material for the client to make an informed decision, including details of its business activity, disciplinary history, the terms and conditions of research services, details of associates, risks and conflicts of interest, if any o To disclose the extent of use of Artificial Intelligence tools in providing research services o To disclose, while distributing a third party research report, any material conflict of interest of such third party research provider or provide web Page 69 of 107 address that directs a recipient to the relevant disclosures o To disclose any conflict of interest of the activities of providing research services with other activities of the research analyst.  To distribute research reports and recommendations to the clients without discrimination.  To maintain confidentiality w.r.t publication of the research report until made available in the public domain.  To respect data privacy rights of clients and take measures to protect unauthorized use of their confidential information  To disclose the timelines for the services provided by the research analyst to clients and ensure adherence to the said timelines  To provide clear guidance and adequate caution notice to clients when providing recommendations for dealing in complex and high-risk financial products/services  To treat all clients with honesty and integrity  To ensure confidentiality of information shared by clients unless such information is required to be provided in furtherance of discharging legal obligations or a client has provided specific consent to share such information. D. Details of grievance redressal mechanism and how to access it 1. Investor can lodge complaint/grievance against Research Analyst in the following ways: Mode of filing the complaint with research analyst In case of any grievance / complaint, an investor may approach the concerned Research Analyst who shall strive to redress the grievance immediately, but not later than 21 days of the receipt of the grievance. Mode of filing the complaint on SCORES or with Research Analyst Administration and Supervisory Body (RAASB) Page 70 of 107 i. SCORES 2.0 (a web based centralized grievance redressal system of SEBI for facilitating effective grievance redressal in time-bound manner) (https://scores.sebi.gov.in) Two level review for complaint/grievance against Research Analyst:  First review done by designated body (RAASB)  Second review done by SEBI ii. Email to designated email ID of RAASB 2. If the Investor is not satisfied with the resolution provided by the Market Participants, then the Investor has the option to file the complaint/ grievance on SMARTODR platform for its resolution through online conciliation or arbitration. With regard to physical complaints, investors may send their complaints to: Office of Investor Assistance and Education, Securities and Exchange Board of India, SEBI Bhavan, Plot No. C4-A, ‘G’ Block, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), Mumbai - 400 051 E. Rights of investors  Right to Privacy and Confidentiality  Right to Transparent Practices  Right to fair and Equitable Treatment  Right to Adequate Information  Right to Initial and Continuing Disclosure -Right to receive information about all the statutory and regulatory disclosures  Right to Fair & True Advertisement  Right to Awareness about Service Parameters and Turnaround Times Page 71 of 107  Right to be informed of the timelines for each service  Right to be Heard and Satisfactory Grievance Redressal  Right to have timely redressal  Right to Exit from Financial product or service in accordance with the terms and conditions agreed with the research analyst  Right to receive clear guidance and caution notice when dealing in Complex and High-Risk Financial Products and Services  Additional Rights to vulnerable consumers - Right to get access to services in a suitable manner even if differently abled  Right to provide feedback on the financial products and services used  Right against coercive, unfair, and one-sided clauses in financial agreements F. Expectations from the investors (Responsibilities of investors)  Do’s i. Always deal with SEBI registered Research Analyst. ii. Ensure that the Research Analyst has a valid registration certificate. iii. Check for SEBI registration number. Please refer to the list of all SEBI registered Research Analyst which is available on SEBI website in the following link: https://www.sebi.gov.in/sebiweb/other/OtherAction.do?doRecognis edFpi=yes&intmId=14) iv. Always pay attention towards disclosures made in the research reports before investing. v. Pay your Research Analyst through banking channels only and maintain duly signed receipts mentioning the details of your payments. You may make payment of fees through Centralized Fee Collection Mechanism (CeFCoM) of RAASB if research analyst has opted for the mechanism. (Applicable for fee paying clients only) Page 72 of 107 vi. Before buying/ selling securities or applying in public offer, check for the research recommendation provided by your Research Analyst. vii. Ask all relevant questions and clear your doubts with your Research Analyst before acting on recommendation. viii. Seek clarifications and guidance on research recommendations from your Research Analyst, especially if it involves complex and high risk financial products and services. ix. Always be aware that you have the right to stop availing the service of a Research Analyst as per the terms of service agreed between you and your Research Analyst. x. Always be aware that you have the right to provide feedback to your Research Analyst in respect of the services received. xi. Always be aware that you will not be bound by any clause, prescribed by the research analyst, which is contravening any regulatory provisions. xii. Inform SEBI about Research Analyst offering assured or guaranteed returns.  Don’ts i. Do not provide funds for investment to the Research Analyst. ii. Don’t fall prey to luring advertisements or market rumors. iii. Do not get attracted to limited period discount or other incentive, gifts, etc. offered by Research Analyst. iv. Do not share login credential and password of your trading, demat or bank accounts with the Research Analyst. ANNEXURE E Page 73 of 107 COMPLAINT DATA TO BE DISPLAYED BY RAs Formats for investors complaints data to be disclosed monthly by RAs on their website/mobile application: Data for the month ending -_____________ Sr. No . Received from Pendin g at the end of last month Receive d Resolve d* Total Pendin g# Pending complain ts > 3months Average Resolutio n time^ (in days) 1 Directly from Investors 2 SEBI (SCORES) 3 Other Sources (if any) Grand Total Number of complaints received during month against the RA due to impersonation by some other entity: Note: In case of any complaints received against the RA due to impersonation of the RA by some other entity, the RA may adjust the number of such complaints from total number of received/resolved complaints while preparing the above table. Further, RA must close such impersonation related complaints after following the due process as specified by SEBI/ RAASB. * Inclusive of complaints of previous months resolved in the current month. # Inclusive of complaints pending as on the last day of the month. ^ Average Resolution time is the sum total of time taken to resolve each complaint, in days, in the current month divided by total number of complaints resolved in the current month. Trend of monthly disposal of complaints Page 74 of 107 Sr. No. Month Carried forward from previous month Received Resolved* Pending# 1 April, YYYY 2 May, YYYY 3 June, YYYY 4 …………….. 5 March, YYYY Grand Total * Inclusive of complaints of previous months resolved in the current month. # Inclusive of complaints pending as on the last day of the month. Trend of annual disposal of complaints Sr. No. Year Carried forward from previous year Received Resolved* Pending# 1 2021-22 2 2022-23 3 2023-24 4 20XX-XX Grand Total * Inclusive of complaints of previous years resolved in the current year. # Inclusive of complaints pending as on the last day of the year. ANNEXURE F ADVISORY FOR FINANCIAL SECTOR ORGANIZATIONS REGARDING SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE (SaaS) BASED SOLUTION TLP:AMBER CERT-Fin Advisory- 201155100308 Advisory for Financial Sector Organisations - RBI and SEBI Overview Page 75 of 107 It has been learnt that some of the financial sector institutions are availing or thinking of availing Software as a Service (SaaS) based solution for managing their Governance, Risk & compliance (GRC) functions so as to improve their cyber security posture. Many a time the risk & compliance data of the institution moves cross border beyond the legal and jurisdictional boundary of India due to the nature of shared cloud SaaS. While SaaS may provide ease of doing business and quick turnaround, it also brings significant risk to the overall health of India's financial sector with respect to data safety and security. Description If the following data sets fall in the hands of an adversary/cyber attacker, it may lead to unprecedented increase in the attack surface area and weakening of Indian financial sector infrastructure's overall resilience. • Credit Risk Data • liquidity Risk Data • Market Risk Data • System & Sub-System Information • Internal & Partner IP Schema • Network Topography & Design • Audit/Internal Audit Data • System Configuration Data • System Vulnerability Information • Risk Exception Information • Supplier Information & it's dependencies related Data Solution The Financial Sector organisations may be advised to protect such critical data using layered defence approach and seamless protection against external or insider threat. The organisations may also be advised to ensure complete Page 76 of 107 protection & seamless control over their critical system by continuous monitoring through direct control and supervision protocol mechanisms while keeping such critical data within the legal boundary of India. The organisations may also be requested to report back to their respective regulatory authority regarding compliance to this advisory. It is requested that you may kindly keep CERT-In informed of the actions taken and periodically provide the updated compliance to this advisory. (It may be noted that TLP Amber means: limited disclosure, restricted to participants' organizations. When should be used: Sources may use TLP:AMBER when information requires support to be effectively acted upon, yet carries risks to privacy, reputation, or operations if shared outside of the organizations involved. How may it be shared: Recipients may only share TLP:AMBER information with members of their own organization, and with clients or customers who need to know the information to protect themselves or prevent further harm. Sources are at liberty to specify additional intended limits of the sharing: these must be adhered to.) ANNEXURE G DECLARATION CUM UNDERTAKING FOR SEEKING PRIOR APPROVAL FOR CHANGE IN CONTROL We M/s. (Name of the intermediary/the acquirer/person who shall have the control), hereby declare and undertake the following with respect to the application for prior approval for change in control of (name of the intermediary along with the SEBI registration no.): 1. The applicant/intermediary (Name) and its principal officer, the directors or Page 77 of 107 managing partners, the compliance officer and the key management persons and the promoters or persons holding controlling interest or persons exercising control over the applicant, directly or indirectly (in case of an unlisted applicant or intermediary, any person holding twenty percent or more voting rights, irrespective of whether they hold controlling interest or exercise control, shall be required to fulfill the ‘fit and proper person’ criteria) are fit and proper person in terms of Schedule II of SEBI (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008. 2. We bear integrity, honesty, ethical behaviour, reputation, fairness and character. 3. We do not incur following disqualifications mentioned in Clause 3(b) of Schedule II of SEBI (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008 i.e. (i) No criminal complaint or information under section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974) has been filed against us by the Board and which is pending. (ii) No charge sheet has been filed against us by any enforcement agency in matters concerning economic offences and is pending. (iii) No order of restraint, prohibition or debarment has been passed against us by the Board or any other regulatory authority or enforcement agency in any matter concerning securities laws or financial markets and such order is in force. (iv) No recovery proceedings have been initiated by the Board against us and are pending. (v) No order of conviction has been passed against us by a court for any offence involving moral turpitude. (vi) No winding up proceedings have been initiated or an order for winding up has been passed against us. (vii) We have not been declared insolvent. (viii) We have not been found to be of unsound mind by a court of competent jurisdiction and no such finding is in force. Page 78 of 107 (ix) We have not been categorized as a wilful defaulter. (x) We have not been declared a fugitive economic offender. 4. We have not been declared as not ‘fit and proper person’ by an order of the Board. 5. No notice to show cause has been issued for proceedings under SEBI(Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008 or under section 11(4) or section 11B of the SEBI Act during last one year against us. 6. It is hereby declared that we and each of our promoters, directors, principal officer, compliance officer and key managerial persons are not associated with vanishing companies. 7. We hereby undertake that there will not be any change in the Board of Directors of incumbent, till the time prior approval is granted. 8. We hereby undertake that pursuant to grant of prior approval by SEBI, the incumbent shall inform all the existing investors/ clients about the proposed change prior to effecting the same, in order to enable them to take informed decision regarding their continuance or otherwise with the new management. The said information is true to our knowledge. (stamped and signed by the Authorised Signatories) ANNEXURE H PRINCIPLES FOR OUTSOURCING FOR INTERMEDIARIES 1. An intermediary seeking to outsource activities shall have in place a comprehensive policy to guide the assessment of whether and how those activities can be appropriately outsourced. The Board / partners (as the Page 79 of 107 case may be) {hereinafter referred to as the “the Board”} of the intermediary shall have the responsibility for the outsourcing policy and related overall responsibility for activities undertaken under that policy. 1.1. The policy shall cover activities or the nature of activities that can be outsourced, the authorities who can approve outsourcing of such activities, and the selection of third party to whom it can be outsourced. For example, an activity shall not be outsourced if it would impair the supervisory authority’s right to assess, or its ability to supervise the business of the intermediary. The policy shall be based on an evaluation of risk concentrations, limits on the acceptable overall level of outsourced activities, risks arising from outsourcing multiple activities to the same entity, etc. 1.2. The Board shall mandate a regular review of outsourcing policy for such activities in the wake of changing business environment. It shall also have overall responsibility for ensuring that all ongoing outsourcing decisions taken by the intermediary and the activities undertaken by the third-party, are in keeping with its outsourcing policy. 2. The intermediary shall establish a comprehensive outsourcing risk management programme to address the outsourced activities and the relationship with the third party. 2.1. An intermediary shall make an assessment of outsourcing risk which depends on several factors, including the scope and materiality of the outsourced activity, etc. The factors that could help in considering materiality in a risk management programme include- 2.1.1. The impact of failure of a third party to adequately perform the activity on the financial, reputational and operational performance of the intermediary and on the investors / clients; 2.1.2. Ability of the intermediary to cope up with the work, in case of non performance or failure by a third party by having suitable back-up arrangements; Page 80 of 107 2.1.3. Regulatory status of the third party, including its fitness and probity status; 2.1.4. Situations involving conflict of interest between the intermediary and the third party and the measures put in place by the intermediary to address such potential conflicts, etc. 2.2. While there shall not be any prohibition on a group entity / associate of the intermediary to act as the third party, systems shall be put in place to have an arm’s length distance between the intermediary and the third party in terms of infrastructure, manpower, decision-making, record keeping, etc. for avoidance of potential conflict of interests. Necessary disclosures in this regard shall be made as part of the contractual agreement. It shall be kept in mind that the risk management practices expected to be adopted by an intermediary while outsourcing to a related party or an associate would be identical to those followed while outsourcing to an unrelated party. 2.3. The records relating to all activities outsourced shall be preserved centrally so that the same is readily accessible for review by the Board of the intermediary and / or its senior management, as and when needed. Such records shall be regularly updated and may also form part of the corporate governance review by the management of the intermediary. 2.4. Regular reviews by internal or external auditors of the outsourcing policies, risk management system and requirements of the regulator shall be mandated by the Board wherever felt necessary. The intermediary shall review the financial and operational capabilities of the third party in order to assess its ability to continue to meet its outsourcing obligations. 3. The intermediary shall ensure that outsourcing arrangements neither diminish its ability to fulfill its obligations to customers and regulators, nor impede effective supervision by the regulators. 3.1. The intermediary shall be fully liable and accountable for the activities that are being outsourced to the same extent as if the service were provided in- house. Page 81 of 107 3.2. Outsourcing arrangements shall not affect the rights of an investor or client against the intermediary in any manner. The intermediary shall be liable to the investors for the loss incurred by them due to the failure of the third party and also be responsible for redressal of the grievances received from investors arising out of activities rendered by the third party. 3.3. The facilities / premises / data that are involved in carrying out the outsourced activity by the service provider shall be deemed to be those of the registered intermediary. The intermediary itself and Regulator or the persons authorized by it shall have the right to access the same at any point of time. 3.4. Outsourcing arrangements shall not impair the ability of SEBI/SRO or auditors to exercise its regulatory responsibilities such as supervision/inspection of the intermediary. 4. The intermediary shall conduct appropriate due diligence in selecting the third party and in monitoring of its performance. 4.1. It is important that the intermediary exercises due care, skill, and diligence in the selection of the third party to ensure that the third party has the ability and capacity to undertake the provision of the service effectively. 4.2. The due diligence undertaken by an intermediary shall include assessment of: 4.2.1. third party’s resources and capabilities, including financial soundness, to perform the outsourcing work within the timelines fixed; 4.2.2. compatibility of the practices and systems of the third party with the intermediary’s requirements and objectives; 4.2.3. market feedback of the prospective third party’s business reputation and track record of their services rendered in the past; 4.2.4. level of concentration of the outsourced arrangements with a single third party; and Page 82 of 107 4.2.5. the environment of the foreign country where the third party is located. 5. Outsourcing relationships shall be governed by written contracts / agreements / terms and conditions (as deemed appropriate) {hereinafter referred to as “contract”} that clearly describe all material aspects of the outsourcing arrangement, including the rights, responsibilities and expectations of the parties to the contract, client confidentiality issues, termination procedures, etc. 5.1. Outsourcing arrangements shall be governed by a clearly defined and legally binding written contract between the intermediary and each of the third parties, the nature and detail of which shall be appropriate to the materiality of the outsourced activity in relation to the ongoing business of the intermediary. 5.2. Care shall be taken to ensure that the outsourcing contract: 5.2.1. clearly defines what activities are going to be outsourced, including appropriate service and performance levels; 5.2.2. provides for mutual rights, obligations and responsibilities of the intermediary and the third party, including indemnity by the parties; 5.2.3. provides for the liability of the third party to the intermediary for unsatisfactory performance/other breach of the contract 5.2.4. provides for the continuous monitoring and assessment by the intermediary of the third party so that any necessary corrective measures can be taken up immediately, i.e., the contract shall enable the intermediary to retain an appropriate level of control over the outsourcing and the right to intervene with appropriate measures to meet legal and regulatory obligations; 5.2.5. includes, where necessary, conditions of sub-contracting by the third-party, i.e. the contract shall enable intermediary to maintain a similar control over the risks when a third party outsources to Page 83 of 107 further third parties as in the original direct outsourcing; 5.2.6. has unambiguous confidentiality clauses to ensure protection of proprietary and customer data during the tenure of the contract and also after the expiry of the contract; 5.2.7. specifies the responsibilities of the third party with respect to the IT security and contingency plans, insurance cover, business continuity and disaster recovery plans, force majeure clause, etc.; 5.2.8. provides for preservation of the documents and data by third party; 5.2.9. provides for the mechanisms to resolve disputes arising from implementation of the outsourcing contract; 5.2.10. provides for termination of the contract, termination rights, transfer of information and exit strategies; 5.2.11. addresses additional issues arising from country risks and potential obstacles in exercising oversight and management of the arrangements when intermediary outsources its activities to foreign third party. For example, the contract shall include choice- of-law provisions and agreement covenants and jurisdictional covenants that provide for adjudication of disputes between the parties under the laws of a specific jurisdiction; 5.2.12. neither prevents nor impedes the intermediary from meeting its respective regulatory obligations, nor the regulator from exercising its regulatory powers; and 5.2.13. provides for the intermediary and /or the regulator or the persons authorized by it to have the ability to inspect, access all books, records and information relevant to the outsourced activity with the third party. 6. The intermediary and its third parties shall establish and maintain contingency plans, including a plan for disaster recovery and periodic testing of backup facilities. Page 84 of 107 6.1. Specific contingency plans shall be separately developed for each outsourcing arrangement, as is done in individual business lines. 6.2. An intermediary shall take appropriate steps to assess and address the potential consequence of a business disruption or other problems at the third party level. Notably, it shall consider contingency plans at the third party; co-ordination of contingency plans at both the intermediary and the third party; and contingency plans of the intermediary in the event of non- performance by the third party. 6.3. To ensure business continuity, robust information technology security is a necessity. A breakdown in the IT capacity may impair the ability of the intermediary to fulfill its obligations to other market participants/clients/regulators and could undermine the privacy interests of its customers, harm the intermediary’s reputation, and may ultimately impact on its overall operational risk profile. Intermediaries shall, therefore, seek to ensure that third party maintains appropriate IT security and robust disaster recovery capabilities. 6.4. Periodic tests of the critical security procedures and systems and review of the backup facilities shall be undertaken by the intermediary to confirm the adequacy of the third party’s systems. 7. The intermediary shall take appropriate steps to require that third parties protect confidential information of both the intermediary and its customers from intentional or inadvertent disclosure to unauthorised persons. 7.1. An intermediary that engages in outsourcing is expected to take appropriate steps to protect its proprietary and confidential customer information and ensure that it is not misused or misappropriated. 7.2. The intermediary shall prevail upon the third party to ensure that the employees of the third party have limited access to the data handled and only on a “need to know” basis and the third party shall have adequate checks and balances to ensure the same. 7.3. In cases where the third party is providing similar services to multiple Page 85 of 107 entities, the intermediary shall ensure that adequate care is taken by the third party to build safeguards for data security and confidentiality. 8. Potential risks posed where the outsourced activities of multiple intermediaries are concentrated with a limited number of third parties. In instances, where the third party acts as an outsourcing agent for multiple intermediaries, it is the duty of the third party and the intermediary to ensure that strong safeguards are put in place so that there is no co-mingling of information /documents, records and assets. ANNEXURE I Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to regulatory provisions for Research Analysts 1. How are research analysts regulated in India? The SEBI (Research Analysts) Regulations, 2014 (“RA Regulations”) came into effect from December 01, 2014. The RA Regulations specify conditions for registration, certification, limitations on trading by research analysts, limitations on compensations of research analyst, various disclosures to be made during public appearance and during making recommendations through public media, code of conduct, records to be maintained, manner of conducting inspection, etc. The RA Regulations (as amended from time to time) are available on the SEBI website www.sebi.gov.in. 2. Whether the individuals employed as research analyst with a research entity are required to obtain registration certificate under RA Regulations? No. Individuals employed as research analyst with a research entity are not required to obtain registration certificate from SEBI. The research entity, which employs individuals as research analysts, is required to obtain registration certificate under the RA Regulations. The individuals employed as research analyst by research entity are required to comply with qualification and certification requirements as specified in the Page 86 of 107 regulations. The trading limitations prescribed under the regulations are applicable to them. 3. Whether the personnel involved in publication activities like marketing and editing are covered under the definition of Research Analyst under RA Regulations? The personnel engaged in clerical activities/marketing activities, back office assistance, support services, etc., in relation to publication and/or distribution of research report are not covered under the definition of research analysts. These personnel are also not considered as persons associated with research services if – (i) these personnel while performing these activities do not have client contact, or (ii) these activities have no connection with the research services provided as a RA. 4. What are the communications excluded from the definition of research report? "Research report” does not include the following communications: - i. comments on general trends in the securities market; ii. discussions on the broad-based indices; iii. commentaries on economic, political or market conditions; iv. periodic reports or other communications prepared for unit holders of Mutual Fund or Alternative Investment Fund or clients of Portfolio Managers and Investment Advisers; v. internal communications that are not given to current or prospective clients; vi. communications that constitute offer documents or prospectus that are circulated as per regulations made by SEBI; vii. statistical summaries of financial data of the companies; viii. technical analyses relating to the demand and supply in a sector or the index; ix. any other communication which SEBI may specify from time to time. Page 87 of 107 5. Whether technical analysis as a methodology is exempted from the purview of the RA Regulations? Research services provided under RA Regulations are specific to the securities under purview of SEBI and are agnostic to the methodology used to provide research services. Providing research services (including buy/sell/hold recommendation) on a security or securities based on any methodology (including the technical analysis) is not exempted from the purview of the RA Regulations. However, technical analyses relating to the demand and supply for a particular sector or index is exempted from the purview of RA Regulations. 6. What are the communications excluded under periodic reports referred to in answer to FAQ No. 4 above? Periodic reports such as sending financial account statements, annual reports and any other communication as required under the specific regulations prepared for unit holders of Mutual Fund or Alternative Investment Fund or clients of Portfolio Managers and Investment Advisers are excluded from the definition of research report under RA Regulations. 7. Does RA Regulations cover only equity and equity linked securities? No. RA Regulations cover all securities as defined under clause (h) of section 2 of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956. 8. Who is required to make an application to get registration under RA Regulations? No person shall act as a research analyst or research entity or hold itself out as a research analyst unless he has obtained a certificate of registration from SEBI on and from the commencement of RA Regulations unless an exemption specifically applies to such a person. An applicant who intends to engage in providing research services such as issuance of research report or research analysis is required to make an application for registration under RA Regulations. Page 88 of 107 9. Which intermediaries are covered under the definition of ‘Research Entity’ who are mandated to obtain registration under RA Regulations? SEBI registered Stock Brokers, Merchant Bankers and other intermediaries except those who are exempted from making application for registration under RA Regulations are required to make application for grant of registration under RA Regulations, if they are engaged in issuance of research reports or research analyses. Such intermediaries are covered under the definition of ‘research entity’. 10. Who are exempted from making application for grant of registration under RA Regulations? Investment Advisers, Credit Rating Agencies, Asset Management Companies and Fund Managers (i.e. Fund Managers of a mutual fund or alternative investment fund or venture capital fund or portfolio manager) are not required to be registered under RA Regulations. However, in case such intermediaries issue/circulate/distribute research reports to public or general investors and/or if they or their directors or employees make public appearance, they shall be required to comply with Chapter III of the RA Regulations. 11. Whether proxy advisers are required to obtain registration under RA Regulations? Yes. Proxy Advisers are required to obtain registration from SEBI under RA Regulations. 12. What are the requirements to be fulfilled by proxy adviser? All the provisions of Chapter II, III, IV, V and VI of RA Regulations shall apply mutatis mutandis to the proxy adviser.The proxy adviser shall be required to additionally disclose the following: i. the extent of research involved in a particular recommendation and the extent and/or effectiveness of its controls and procedures in ensuring the accuracy of issuer data; ii. policies and procedures for interacting with issuers, informing issuers about the recommendation and review of recommendations. Page 89 of 107 Proxy adviser is required to maintain the record of his voting recommendations and furnish the same to SEBI on request. 13. What is the procedure of obtaining registration as a research analyst from SEBI? Application is required to be made in Form A as specified in the RA Regulations with necessary supporting documents to the Research Analyst Administration and Supervisory Body (RAASB). Application can be submitted to RAASB at https://membershipraia.bseindia.com/ RAASB shall, after scrutiny of the application, recommend the application to SEBI for grant of registration as RA. A section by the name "Research Analyst" has been created on the SEBI website where the details/circulars/press releases pertaining to RA regulations are being uploaded on a periodic basis. 14. Whether any application fee is required to be paid at the time of making application for grant of registration under RA Regulations and what is the amount to be paid for grant of registration/continuation of registration as research analyst? Yes. Application fees must be paid along with application form for grant of registration. The details of the applicable fees to be paid to SEBI are as below: S.No. Category Application Fee Registration Fee (for the first five years of registration) Renewal Fee (for subsequent five years) Individual and Partnership Firms Rs. 2,000 Rs. 3,000 Rs. 1,000 Proxy Advisers Rs. 2,000 Rs. 3,000 Rs. 1,000 Body Corporate including Limited Liability Partnership Rs. 20,000 Rs. 30,000 Rs. 5,000 Further, the RAs are required to be enlisted with the RAASB and to pay administrative fees as specified by RAASB. Page 90 of 107 15. What is the capital adequacy requirement for a Research Analyst? There is no capital adequacy requirement applicable to an RA. However, an RA is required to maintain a deposit with RAASB in accordance with their number of clients in the manner specified by SEBI. The applicable deposit requirements are as under: No. of clients Deposit Up to 150 clients Rs. 1 lakh 151 to 300 clients Rs. 2 lakhs 301 to 1000 clients Rs 5 lakhs 1001 and above clients Rs 10 lakhs 16. Can a sole proprietor make an application to get registered as a research analyst? A sole proprietor can make an application to get registered as an independent research analyst. The proprietor of the sole proprietorship firm is required to fulfil eligibility conditions applicable to individual under RA Regulations. 17. Who is an independent research analyst? "Independent research analyst" means a person whose only business activity is research analysis or preparation and/or publication of research report. It includes individuals engaged in providing research services without being employed with any research entity (intermediary) and entities other than SEBI registered intermediaries who are engaged in research activities. 18. What is covered under ‘public media’? Public media means any media source available to the general public and includes a radio, television, internet, web or print media. 19. What are the disclosures required for making recommendations in public media? Page 91 of 107 Regulation 21(1) of RA Regulations applies to research analyst or research entity including its directors and employees. They are required to disclose their registration status and details of financial interest in the subject company during public appearance. Under regulation 21(2) of RA Regulations, whenever any person including a director or employee of an investment adviser or credit rating agency or asset management company or fund manager, makes a public appearance or makes a recommendation or offers an opinion concerning securities or public offers through public media, all the provisions of regulation 16 on limitations on trading and regulation 17 on limitations on compensation apply mutatis mutandis to him and he is required to disclose his name, registration status and details of financial interest in the subject company at the time of: (i) making such recommendation or offering such opinion in personal capacity; (ii) responding to queries from audiences or journalists in personal capacity; (iii) communicating the research report or substance of the research report through the public media. 20. Whether journalists who are on the payrolls of media organizations such as newspaper or television are required to get registered with SEBI? No. The journalists who are on the payrolls of media agency such as newspaper or television are not required to get registered with SEBI. However, if they make recommendations or offer an opinion concerning securities or public offers through public media, such recommendations/opinions shall be based on the research reports of SEBI registered research analyst or any other SEBI registered intermediary permitted by SEBI to issue research report. Further, all the provisions of regulations 16 on limitations on trading shall apply mutatis mutandis on such journalists and they shall disclose the name and details of financial interest in the subject company. They shall also disclose the name of RA/intermediary, its registration status and details of financial interest, if any, of such RA/intermediary in the subject company. 21. Whether a person located outside India can issue research reports under RA Regulations? Page 92 of 107 Yes. A person located outside India can issue research report or research analysis in respect of securities listed or proposed to be listed on a stock exchange in India. However, before issuance of such research report or research analysis, such person is required to enter into an agreement with a research analyst or research entity registered under the RA regulations. 22. Is it mandatory for research analysts to include the words ‘research analyst’ in their name? Research analysts registered under the RA regulations shall use the term "research analyst‟ in all their correspondences with clients. Part-time research analyst registered under the RA regulations shall use the term ‘part-time research analyst’ in all correspondences with clients. 23. In case of a partnership firm, who is required to fulfil qualification and certification requirement under regulation 7 of RA Regulations? The partner/s engaged in research services shall be required to fulfil qualification and certification requirement under regulation 7 of RA Regulations. 24. How long does the certificate of registration remain valid under RA Regulations? The certificate of registration under RA Regulations remains valid till it is suspended or cancelled. There is no requirement of renewal. However, the validity of the registration shall be subject to payment of applicable fees every five years. 25. Who are all required to monitor the personal trading activities of the individuals employed as research analysts? Research analysts/Research entities who employ individuals as research analysts are required to monitor and record the personal trading activities of the individuals employed as research analyst with them. 26. What are trading restrictions imposed under regulation 16 of RA Regulations? Page 93 of 107 Independent research analysts, part-time research analysts, individuals employed as research analyst or their associates shall not deal or trade any securities that the research analyst recommends or follows within 30 days before and 5 days after the publication of a research report on the subject company. Independent research analysts, part-time research analysts, individuals employed as research analyst or their associates shall not deal or trade directly or indirectly in securities that he reviews in a manner contrary to his given recommendation. Independent research analysts, part-time research analysts, individuals employed as research analyst or their associates shall not purchase or receive securities of the issuer before the issuer's initial public offering, if the issuer is principally engaged in the same types of business as companies that the research analyst follows or recommends. The aforesaid trading restrictions under regulation 16 of RA Regulations are also applicable in respect of research entities where the entity has not segregated its research activities from all other activities and maintained an arms-length relationship between such activities. 27. Who are required to appoint a compliance officer under RA Regulations? A non-individual research analyst or research entity is required to appoint a compliance officer who shall be responsible for monitoring the compliance in respect of the requirements of the Act, RA regulations and circulars issued by SEBI. A non- individual research analyst may appoint an independent professional who is a member of ICAI or ICSI or ICMAI or member of any other professional body as may be specified by the SEBI, provided such a professional holds a relevant certification from NISM, as may be specified by the SEBI. 28. Whether the existing compliance officer of a Brokerage Firm/Merchant Banking Firm, etc. can act as a compliance officer of research entity under RA regulations? Yes. The existing compliance officer of intermediary can be appointed as a compliance officer of a research entity under RA Regulations. Page 94 of 107 29. Whether the research services provided by intermediaries such as brokers or merchant bankers (research entities) as value added services to their clients are considered as research services ‘for consideration’ for the purpose of RA Regulations? In case of intermediaries such as brokers or merchant bankers who provide research services as value added services to their clients, the brokerage/merchant banking charges/ tariff consideration include the consideration for the research services though it may not be separately identified/attributed to the research services. Thus, research services provided to these clients are considered as research services ‘for consideration’ under RA Regulations even though no separate fee for research services is received by these intermediaries directly from the clients. 30. Whether brokerage services or merchant banking services provided by research entity are considered as distribution activity? No. Brokerage services or merchant banking services provided by research entity are not considered as distribution activity for the purpose of regulation 26C of RA Regulations. 31. Whether RAs/research entity can provide distribution services on the products/securities on which they are not providing research services/brokerage/merchant banking services to their clients? Is client level segregation (i.e. at group level, same client cannot be provided both research as well as distribution service) required if distribution and research services are provided on different categories of securities? An RA is expected to provide independent, unbiased, and objective research on securities. It is important to ensure that there is no conflict of interest between the research activity and other activities of the RA. Purpose of the regulation 26C of RA Regulations is to address the inherent concerns on potential conflict of interest of RA when it provides both the research and distribution services to their client that may not be in the interest of client. Thus in terms of the regulatory intent, RA/research entity Page 95 of 107 cannot provide research services for the securities/products in case it also provides distribution services for such securities/products. Thus, in alignment with the intent of the regulation, in exercise of power under regulation 33 of RA Regulations, it is clarified that RA/research entity can provide distribution services on products/securities provided they are not providing research services on such products/securities being distributed and are providing such distribution services through separately identifiable department or division or business unit within the same entity or through a separate entity on an arms’ length basis. Some clarifications with illustrations are given below: i. Client level segregation of research and distribution services is not required if RA/research entity distributes mutual funds/PMS schemes/AIF products but provides research services only on individual stocks and is not providing research services on mutual funds/PMS schemes/AIF products. e.g. If a RA distributes 'Mutual Fund Scheme A' at family or group level, it cannot provide research services on 'Mutual Fund Scheme A' and vice versa at family/group level. ii. The RA/research entity is required to maintain client level segregation at family/group level in case it is engaged in providing research services on mutual funds and is also engaged in distribution of mutual funds. iii. RA/research entity may carry out distribution of other products (such as banking products) not under purview of SEBI to their clients at family/group level. Any grievances related to such products shall not come under purview of SEBI. Note: For the purpose of abundant clarity, it may be noted that these provisions/clarifications do not restrict distributor of mutual funds from providing any investment advice to its clients incidental to its primary activity as mentioned under regulation 4(d) of SEBI (Investment Adviser) Regulations, 2013. 32. Is NISM certification mandatory for the sales staff, support staff, customer support team or other client-facing staff not involved in research? Page 96 of 107 As per the explanation to regulation 2(ne) of the RA regulations, all client and public facing persons such as analysts, sales staff, service relationship managers, client relationship managers, etc., by whatever name called, shall be deemed to be persons associated with research services, but shall not include persons who discharge clerical or office administrative functions if where there is no connection with research services and they have no client contact. Ii is clarified that the aforesaid personnel are not considered as persons associated with research services if – (i) these personnel while performing activities/services do not have client contact, or (ii) these activities/services have no connection with the research services provided as a RA. It shall not be mandatory for such persons to obtain the NISM certification. Persons associated with research services shall obtain the relevant certification from NISM as specified by SEBI within one year from the date of this circular 41or within the timeline as may be specified by SEBI. 33. Whether the following compliance requirements are also applicable in case of non-fee paying clients including institutional investors? - i. Disclosure of terms and conditions of research services including Most Important Terms and Conditions (MITC) and signing/taking consent of client on these terms and conditions ii. KYC Requirements iii. Maintenance of records of interactions with clients such as call recordings, emails, sms i. MITC is primarily intended for investors who may not have necessary resources to gather necessary information to take informed decision. Institutional investors/Qualified institutional Buyers (QIBs) are sophisticated investors who have necessary skills, knowledge and means to protect their interests and take informed decisions. Hence, in exercise of power under Regulation 33 and for ease of doing 41 Reference: Circular No. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/ MIRSD-PoD/P/CIR/2025/105 dated July 23, 2025 Page 97 of 107 business, it is clarified that consent on the terms and conditions including most important terms and conditions (MITC) of research services shall not be mandatory for the clients who are institutional investors or QIBs. However, RAs/research entities are required to disclose the terms and conditions of research services including MITC to these clients. ii. RAs/research entities are required to follow the KYC procedure for clients paying fees directly for research services. iii. The requirement of maintenance of records of interactions with clients such as call recordings, emails, etc. is applicable for fee-paying as well as non-fee paying clients whereas non-fee paying clients are the clients receiving research services as a value added service along with other services availed from the research entity or any other entity at family/group level on payable basis. For the purpose of abundant clarity, it is to be stated that call recording is not required if the interaction with client is made through means such as email, etc. for which digital footprint is available. The purpose of the records of the client interaction is to document the interaction to cater to potential client grievances related to research services provided by the research analyst/ research entity. Access to an effective grievance redressal mechanism is a basic right of every investor irrespective of the nature of the investors i.e. individual/ HUF/ institutions etc. Hence, RAs/research entities shall ensure compliance with the provision for maintenance of records of interactions even in case of their clients who are institutional investors or QIBs. 34. Whether non-fee paying clients are considered ‘clients’ of research entity? Whether number of such non-fee paying clients shall be considered as clients for the purpose of periodic reporting and determining the deposit amount to be lien marked to RAASB? Page 98 of 107 Whether research entity is required to disclose and take consent on the terms and conditions for research services from these clients? The term ‘consideration’ under RA regulation is defined as any form of economic benefit including non-cash benefit, received or receivable, directly or indirectly, in any form whether from client or otherwise for providing research services. Non-fee paying clients are the clients receiving research services as a value added service along with other services availed from the research entity or any other entity at family/group level on payable basis. This is also highlighted in response to FAQ No. 29 above where ‘consideration’ is received indirectly by research entity. Thus, the number of clients of RA/research entity shall mean total of fee-paying clients and non-fee paying clients of RA/research entity. RA/research entity is required to report this number of clients (fee-paying and non-fee paying clients) in periodic reporting format and shall also form basis for determining the requisite deposit amount applicable to the RA/research entity. The research entity is required to ensure the compliance with the requirement of disclosure of terms and conditions of research services to all such clients and to take their consent thereupon, except for clients who are institutional investors/QIBs for whom mere disclosure shall suffice and there shall be no requirement of seeking their consent to terms and conditions. 35. Whether the exemption to compliance with client level segregation of research services and distribution activities is allowed to all entities offering services to Institutional clients and not only to entities providing research services exclusively to institutional clients? As per the existing provisions, exemption on compliance with client level segregation of research services and distribution activities is given to only entities providing research services exclusively to institutional clients if the client signs a standard waiver. Institutional clients/QIBs are sophisticated investors who have necessary skills, knowledge and means to protect their interests and take informed decisions. Page 99 of 107 Accordingly, in exercise of power under Regulation 33 of RA Regulations and for ease of doing business, it is clarified that even in cases where research service is not exclusively provided to institutional clients/QIBs, all research analysts/entities are exempted from ‘client level segregation of research and distribution activities’ for their institutional clients/QIBs if such a client provides a standard waiver. Client may also provide such standard waiver through email or any other electronically verifiable mode. However, such exemption shall not be applicable in case of clients other than institutional clients/QIBs. 36. For technical recommendations, whether a mere technical chart with a time stamp shall suffice as a research rationale? Research analyst or research entity are required to maintain the rationale for arriving at research recommendations. They are required to have adequate documentary basis, supported by research, for preparing a research report and shall ensure that recommendations in the research report are corroborated by relevant data and analysis forming the basis for such research service. ************************************************************************ ANNEXURE J Periodic Reporting Format for Proxy Advisers (PA) Details of Proxy Adviser (PA) for the Half year ended on ………………(DD/MM/YYYY) Sr. No. Particulars Details 1 Registered Name (As per SEBI registration certificate) 2 Trade Name/ Brand Name 3 Permanent Account Number (PAN) 4 SEBI Registration No. 5 Logo (if any) Yes/No 6 Date of Incorporation (Date of Birth for individual PA) (DD/MM/YYYY) Page 100 of 107 7 Legal Structure of PA 8 Registered Office Address 9 Correspondence Address 10 Address of Principal place Of business 11 Number of branches 12 Addresses of Branches (provide details of all branches) 13 Total no. of Employees as on last date of the reporting period 14 Official Website Address 15 Provide Details of Bank accounts used for receiving fees from clients (provide details of all such bank accounts) Bank Account-1 Bank Account-2 Bank Account-3 Name as per Bank Account Account No. Type of account IFSCode Bank Name Bank Branch Name 16 Details of Contact Person Name Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY) Mobile Email id 17 Details of Compliance Officer Name Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY) Mobile Email id 18 Details of Managing Director/ Managing Partner Name PAN Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY) DIN (not applicable for partnership) Mobile Email id 19 Details of other directors/ partners (List of directors/partners) Director-1/ Partner-1 Director-2/ Partner-2 Director-3/ Partner-3 Name PAN Page 101 of 107 Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY) DIN (not applicable for partnership) 20 Shareholding Pattern (provide details of shareholders having a holding of 10% or more) Sharehold er-1 Sharehold er-2 Shareholder -3 Name of shareholder No. of shares % of shareholding 21 Details of last inspection Date of inspection (DD/MM/YYYY) Period of Inspection Any adverse remarks of inspection Remedial steps taken to address adverse remarks 22 Number of Advertisements issued during the half year period 23 Number of agenda items of companies for which voting recommendations were provided 24 Number of reports issued by PA: 24.1 Number of reports for general meetings such as AGM, EGM, PB (Postal Ballot) and TCM (Tribunal Convened Meeting) 24.2 Number of other type of reports such as research report etc. 25 Number of complaints pending at the beginning of the period 26 Number of complaints received during the period 27 Number of complaints resolved during the period 28 Number of complaints pending at the end of the period 29 No. of clients/subscribers who received the services of PA during the period 30 Total amount of fees received during the period VIII. APPENDIX: LIST OF CIRCULARS / NOTIFICATIONS/ COMMUNICATIONS Page 102 of 107 Sr. No. Circular/ Notification No. Date Subject 1 Cir/ ISD/1/2011 23-Mar-11 Unauthenticated news circulated by SEBI Registered Market Intermediaries through various modes of communication 2 CIR/ISD/2/2011 24-Mar-11 Addendum to Circular no. Cir/ISD/1/2011 dated March 23, 2011 3 CIR/MIRSD/24/2011 15-Dec-11 Guidelines on Outsourcing of Activities by Intermediaries 4 CIR/MIRSD/5/2013 27-Aug-13 General Guidelines for dealing with Conflicts of Interest of Intermediaries and their Associated Persons in Securities Market 5 CIR/MIRSD/3/2014 28-Aug-14 Information regarding Grievance Redressal Mechanism 6 SEBI/HO/IMD/DF1/CIR/P/2 020/147 03-Aug-20 Procedural Guidelines for Proxy Advisors 7 SEBI/HO/CFD/CMD1/CIR/ P/2020/119 04-Aug-20 Grievance Resolution between listed entities and proxy advisers 8 SEBI/HO/IMD/DF1/CIR/P/2 020/157 27-Aug-20 Procedural Guidelines for Proxy Advisors - Extension of implementation timeline 9 SEBI/HO/CFD/CMD1/CIR/ P/2020/159 27-Aug-20 Grievance Resolution between listed entities and proxy advisers –Extension of timeline for implementation 10 SEBI/HO/MIRSD2/DOR/CI R/P/2020/221 03-Nov-20 Advisory for Financial Sector Organizations regarding Software as a Service (SaaS) based solutions 11 SEBI/HO/IMD/DF1/CIR/P/2 020/256 31-Dec-20 Procedural Guidelines for Proxy Advisors 12 SEBI/HO/IMD/IMD-II CIS/P/CIR/2021/0685 13-Dec-21 Publishing of Investor Charter and disclosure of Investor Complaints by Page 103 of 107 Sr. No. Circular/ Notification No. Date Subject Research Analysts on their websites/mobile applications 13 SEBI/HO/DEPA-III/DEPA- III_SSU/P/CIR/2022/25 25-Feb-22 Approach to securities market data access and terms of usage of data provided by data sources in Indian securities market 14 SEBI/HO/MIRSD/ MIRSD- PoD-2/P/CIR/2022/163 28-Nov-22 Procedure for seeking prior approval for change in control 15 SEBI/HO/MIRSD/ MIRSD- PoD-2/P/CIR/2023/51 05-Apr-23 Advertisement code for Investment Advisers (IA) and Research Analysts (RA) 16 SEBI/HO/MIRSD/ MIRSD- PoD-2/P/CIR/2023/52 06-Apr-23 Usage of brand name/trade name by Investment Advisers (IA) and Research Analysts (RA) 17 SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD- SEC-3/P/CIR/2024/34 02-May-24 Framework for administration and supervision of Research Analysts and Investment Advisers 18 SEBI/HO/MRD/MRD-PoD- 3/P/CIR/2024/56 24-May-24 Norms for sharing of real time price data to third parties 19 SEBI/HO/MIRSD/SECFAT F/P/CIR/2024/79 06-Jun-24 Uploading of KYC information by KYC Registration Agencies (KRAs) to Central KYC Records Registry (CKYCRR) 20 SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD- POD-1/P/CIR/2024/101 12-Jul-24 Recognition of BSE Limited as Research Analyst Administration and Supervisory Body (RAASB) and Investment Adviser Administration and Supervisory Body (IAASB) 21 SEBI/HO/ITD- 1/ITD_CSC_EXT/P/CIR/20 24/113 20-Aug-24 Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience Framework (CSCRF) for SEBI Regulated Entities(REs) Page 104 of 107 Sr. No. Circular/ Notification No. Date Subject 22 SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD- POD-1/P/CIR/2024/120 13-Sep-24 Optional mechanism for fee collection by SEBI registered Investment Advisers (IAs) and Research Analysts (RAs) 23 SEBI/HO/MIRSD/ MIRSD- PoD-1/P/CIR/2024/143 22-Oct-24 Association of persons regulated by the Board and their agents with certain persons 24 SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD- PoD1/P/CIR/2024/146 24-Oct-24 Clarification with respect to advertisement code for Research Analysts (RAs) 25 SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD- PoD1/P/CIR/2024/148 25-Oct-24 Periodic reporting format for Research Analysts and Proxy Advisers 26 SEBI/HO/MIRSD/ MIRSD- PoD-1/P/CIR/2024/164 27-Dec-24 Prior approval for change in control: Transfer of shareholdings among immediate relatives and transmission of shareholdings and their effect on change in control 27 SEBI/HO/ITD- 1/ITD_CSC_EXT/P/CIR/20 24/184 31-Dec-24 Clarifications to Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience Framework (CSCRF)for SEBI Regulated Entities (REs) 28 SEBI/HO/MIRSD/ MIRSD- PoD-1/P/CIR/2025/004 08-Jan-25 Guidelines for Research Analysts 29 SEBI/HO/MIRSD/ MIRSD- PoD-1/P/CIR/2025/11 29-Jan-25 Details/clarifications on provisions related to association of persons regulated by the Board, MIIs, and their agents with persons engaged in prohibited activities 30 SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD- PoD/P/CIR/2025/20 17-Feb-25 Most Important Terms and Conditions (MITC) for Research Analysts 31 SEBI/HO/ITD- 1/ITD_CSC_EXT/P/CIR/20 25/45 28-Mar-25 Extension towards Adoption and Implementation of Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience Framework Page 105 of 107 Sr. No. Circular/ Notification No. Date Subject (CSCRF) for SEBI Regulated Entities (REs) 32 SEBI/HO/MIRSD/ MIRSD- PoD/P/CIR/2025/48 02-Apr-25 Relaxation of provision of advance fee restrictions in case of Investment Advisers and Research Analysts 33 SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD- POD/P/CIR/2025/51 4-Apr-25 Recognition and operationalization of Past Risk and Return Verification Agency (PaRRVA) 34 SEBI/HO/ITD- 1/ITD_CSC_EXT/P/CIR/20 25/60 30-Apr-25 Clarifications to Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience Framework (CSCRF) for SEBI Regulated Entities (REs) 35 SEBI/HO/MIRSD/SECFAT F/P/CIR/2025/74 23-May-25 Accessibility and Inclusiveness of Digital KYC to Persons with Disabilities 36 SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD- PoD/P/CIR/2025/81 02-Jun-25 Investor Charter for Research Analysts 37 SEBI/HO/DEPA-II/DEPA- II_SRG/P/CIR/2025/86 11-Jun-25 Adoption of Standardised, Validated and Exclusive UPI IDs for Payment Collection by SEBI Registered Intermediaries from Investors 38 SEBI/HO/ ITD- 1/ITD_CSC_EXT/P/CIR/ 2025/96 30-Jun-25 Extension towards Adoption and Implementation of Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience Framework (CSCRF) for SEBI Regulated Entities (REs) 39 SEBI/HO/MIRSD/ MIRSD PoD/P/CIR/2025/105 23-Jul-25 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to regulatory provisions for Research Analysts 40 SEBI/HO/ITD- 1/ITD_VIAP/P/CIR/2025/ 111 31-Jul-25 Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and rules made thereunder- mandatory compliance by all Regulated Entities Page 106 of 107 Sr. No. Circular/ Notification No. Date Subject 41 SEBI/HO/MIRSD/ MIRSD- PoD/P/CIR/2025/116 12-Aug-25 Use of liquid mutual funds and overnight mutual funds for compliance with deposit requirement by Investment Advisers and Research Analysts 42 SEBI/HO/ ITD- 1/ITD_CSC_EXT/P/CIR/ 2025/119 28-Aug-25 Technical Clarifications to Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience Framework (CSCRF) for SEBI Regulated Entities (REs) 43 SEBI/HO/ITD- 1/ITD_VIAP/P/CIR/2025/ 121 29-Aug-25 Extension of timelines and Update of reporting authority for IAs and RAs w.r.t. SEBI Circular for Compliance to Digital Accessibility Circular ‘Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and rules made thereunder- mandatory compliance by all Regulated Entities’ dated July 31, 2025 (Circular No. SEBI/HO/ITD- 1/ITD_VIAP/P/CIR/2025/111) 44 SEBI/HO/ITD- 1/ITD_VIAP/P/CIR/2025/ 131 25-Sep-25 Compliance Guidelines for Digital Accessibility Circular ‘Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and rules made thereunder- mandatory compliance by all Regulated Entities’ dated July 31, 2025 (Circular No. SEBI/HO/ITD- 1/ITD_VIAP/P/CIR/2025/111) 45 HO/38/12/11(1)2025- MIRSD-POD/ I/73/2025 30-Oct-25 Ease of doing business – Interim arrangement for certified past Page 107 of 107 Sr. No. Circular/ Notification No. Date Subject performance of Investment Advisers and Research Analysts prior to operationalisation of Past Risk and Return Verification Agency (“PaRRVA”) 46 HO/13/19/13(2)2025- ITD-1_VIAP/I/187/2025 08-Dec-25 Clarification on the Digital Accessibility circulars of SEBI 47 HO/38/30/12(1)2025- MIRSD-SEC-FATF 10-Dec-25 Relaxation on geo tagging requirement in India for NRIs while undertaking re-KYC *****