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PMS Registration SEBI - An Overview

PMS, which stands for Portfolio Management Services, offers advanced investment solutions designed to provide investors with personalised and professionally managed portfolios. To operate a PMS, registration with the SEBI is mandatory. However, the PMS registration SEBI helps investors achieve their financial goals efficiently through expert management, tailored strategies, and a disciplined approach to wealth creation.

The official process of PMS registration SEBI not only assists investors but also aims to mitigate investment risks and adjust market volatility and other related factors. Additionally, this procedure intends to ensure that portfolio managers meet particular standards, qualifications, and regulatory requirements before providing investment management facilities to clients. Get Corpbiz assistance for worry-free PMS registration SEBI in India and save your effort and time.

PMS Registration SEBI

Benefits of SEBI PMS Registration

SEBI PMS registration is crucial for portfolio managers, ensuring credibility, compliance, and investor protection. Have a look at some of the key benefits of SEBI PMS registration:

FSSAI License Benefits
Expert Management

Expert Management

The registered portfolio management service providers use their professional experts to design and execute strategies aimed at generating superior returns for investors.

Portfolio Diversification

Portfolio Diversification

PMS registration SEBI, which allows investments across multiple asset classes and sectors, helps investors achieve balanced diversification for their needs.

Legal Recognition

Legal Recognition

PMS registration SEBI grants legal recognition, which increases the credibility and trust for the security of their investments among potential clients.

Tax Efficiency

Tax Efficiency

The investment strategies under SEBI-registered PMS consider tax implications, potentially improving post-tax returns.

Risk Management

Risk Management

SEBI PMS registration ensures adopting appropriate risk management practices to safeguard wealth and credibility among investors.

Enhanced Professional Growth

Enhanced Professional Growth

PMS registration SEBI opens the door to business expansion and strengthens reputation, making it more attractive to potential clients and investors.

Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining PMS SEBI Registration

The eligibility criteria for obtaining PMS SEBI registration in India are as discussed below:

  • Must be a body corporate with fit and proper criteria
  • Must hold necessary infrastructure, such as adequate office space, manpower, etc.
  • Ensure appointment of a compliance officer
  • Have at least one employee with at least 2 years of experience in investment management
  • Appoint a principal officer qualified in finance, accounts, business management, or law
  • The principal officer must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in activities related to the securities market
  • The principal officer must possess a relevant NISM certification by SEBI
  • Must have a minimum net worth requirement of Rs. 5 crores, subject to exceptions
  • Must hold an active bank account in a well-recognized bank
  • Must have a tie-up with a custodian holding securities under the client’s name/ownership

Who Can Register as a SEBI-Registered Portfolio Manager?

    Any person who is actively engaged in the management of an intermediary is eligible to be registered as a SEBI-registered portfolio manager:

  • Resident individuals above 18 years of age
  • Hindu undivided families (HUFs)
  • Body corporate (private or public)
  • Trust, which is required
  • Co-operative society
  • Non-resident Indians, subject to RBI approval
  • Partnership firms or any other eligible investors
  • Sole proprietorship firm
PMS SEBI Registration Checklist
Documents Required for FSSAI

Documents Needed for Obtaining SEBI PMS License

The list of documents needed for obtaining the SEBI PMS license in India is as follows:

  • Copy of PAN and Aadhar Card of the applicant
  • Physical copy of duly signed Form A
  • Company incorporation details along with MOA/AOA
  • Details of the type of activities carried out or proposed to be carried out
  • Details of facilities for deciding on Portfolio Investments
  • Copy of bank statement or passbook details
  • Basic details and constitutional documents of the applicant
  • Copy of experience certificate duly authorized by employers
  • NISM Series XXI-B certificate of the Principal Officer
  • Details of the grievance redressal process
  • Copy of undertaking and declaration
  • Copy of duly signed PMS agreement
  • Copy of draft disclosure document
  • Copy of banker’s report
  • A comprehensive business plan
  • KYC and experience documents of all the applicants
  • Net Worth Certificate by CA
  • Copy of the last 3 years’ audited financial statement
  • List of approved share brokers for Portfolio Management
  • Intent letter from the Custodian along with their details

How to Apply for PMS Registration with SEBI?

The process for PMS registration with SEBI is as discussed below:

Pre-Application Preparation

Pre-Application Preparation

In the first step, the applicant must ensure compliance with pre-application requirements and all the eligibility requirements needed for PMS registration with SEBI.

Filing Application with SEBI

The next step requires the applicants to file a correct and complete Form A under Schedule I of the SEBI Regulations, 2020, along with all supporting documents.

Review of Application

After successful submission of the application, SEBI carefully reviews and verifies all the necessary documents to avoid unnecessary delays.

Payment of Registration Fees

Once SEBI is satisfied with the application, the applicants must pay the prescribed registration fee specified under the SEBI regulations.

Approval for Grant of Certificate

After successful verification and fee payment, SEBI grants the certificate of registration, officially allowing the entities to provide portfolio management services in India.

Types of PMS Registration with SEBI (Asset-based)

Given below are the types of PMS registration with SEBI based on assets-

Equity PMS

Equity PMS

Highly focused on equity instruments, comprising listed shares, unlisted shares, along with mutual funds. This is usually considered high-risk due to fluctuations in the market. Highly recommended for investors keeping an eye on long-term capital appreciation.

Debt PMS

Debt PMS

Investment is made in fixed-income securities, i.e., debt instruments such as government securities (issued by the government), corporate bonds (issued by companies), and debt mutual funds (pooled investments in several debt instruments). These are highly suggested for investors looking for stable returns.

Hybrid PMS

Hybrid PMS

It combines both equity and debt instruments. The risk depends on the equity-to-debt ratio. Recommended for investors looking for diversification via a single portfolio.

Multi-Asset PMS

Multi-Asset PMS

This is considered an enhanced version of a hybrid PMS. It involves assets like gold, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs).

Categories of PMS for SEBI PMS License

Have a look at the categories of PMS for SEBI PMS license based on the degree of control and investor involvement-

  • Discretionary PMS - All the decisions are taken by the fund manager on your behalf.
  • Non-Discretionary PMS - The fund manager recommends better investment prospects, but the final decision is yours.
  • Advisory PMS - The fund manager only gives advice; you must proceed with executing the investments.

Difference b/w PMS and Mutual Funds

S. No. Aspect Portfolio Management Services (PMS) Mutual Funds (MF)
1 Investor Profile Requires high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) with high investment capacity. Requires retail investors and the general public.
2 Minimum Investment Minimum investment capacity of around Rs. 50 lakhs are required. Minimum investment requirement of Rs. 100 to 500 is required.
3 Ownership of Securities Ensure ownership of individual stock and securities directly in your name. Ensure ownership of units of pooled funds, which own the securities.
4 Control & Transparency High degree of control and the exact stocks in your portfolio. Less control over fund holdings.
5 Management Approach Active management with a collaborative strategy between the client and manager. A pooled investment where the fund manager invests money from many investors in a diversified portfolio.
6 Flexibility Greater flexibility to adjust equity allocations and investment strategies based on market conditions. Constrained by regulations, limited flexibility in investment choices.
7 Taxation Taxed on capital gains for each stock sold based on its holding period. Taxed only when you sell your units.

Role of a SEBI Registered Portfolio Manager

The roles and responsibilities of a SEBI registered portfolio manager are as follows:

Fiduciary Relationship

Fiduciary Relationship

The portfolio manager is bound by fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of clients, prioritizing investor wealth and financial goals over personal gains.

Fiduciary Relationship

The portfolio manager is bound by fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of clients, prioritizing investor wealth and financial goals over personal gains.

Client Account Segregation

Client Account Segregation

The SEBI-registered portfolio managers maintain the funds and securities of each client, ensuring transparency in transactions.

Client Account Segregation

The SEBI-registered portfolio managers maintain the funds and securities of each client, ensuring transparency in transactions.

Compliance with Client Limitations

Compliance with Client Limitations

The SEBI-registered portfolio manager must strictly follow the investment objectives, risk preferences, and restrictions agreed upon with the client.

Compliance with Client Limitations

The SEBI-registered portfolio manager must strictly follow the investment objectives, risk preferences, and restrictions agreed upon with the client.

Minimum Investment Requirement

Minimum Investment Requirement

As per the SEBI regulations, the portfolio managers must ensure that the minimum investment requirement of Rs. 50 lakhs are fulfilled before the services are offered.

Minimum Investment Requirement

As per the SEBI regulations, the portfolio managers must ensure that the minimum investment requirement of Rs. 50 lakhs are fulfilled before the services are offered.

Unbiased and Impartial Guidance

Unbiased and Impartial Guidance

The SEBI-registered portfolio managers are expected to provide professional, unbiased advice without conflicts of interest, focusing solely on client benefit.

Unbiased and Impartial Guidance

The SEBI-registered portfolio managers are expected to provide professional, unbiased advice without conflicts of interest, focusing solely on client benefit.

Regulatory Oversight

Regulatory Oversight

Being a SEBI-registered portfolio manager requires compliance with reporting, disclosure, and record-keeping requirements to maintain market integrity.

Regulatory Oversight

Being a SEBI-registered portfolio manager requires compliance with reporting, disclosure, and record-keeping requirements to maintain market integrity.

Centralized Grievance Redressal

Centralized Grievance Redressal

The SEBI-registered portfolio manager ensures the setting up of mechanisms such as SCORES, enabling investors to resolve grievances against portfolio managers transparently.

Centralized Grievance Redressal

The SEBI-registered portfolio manager ensures the setting up of mechanisms such as SCORES, enabling investors to resolve grievances against portfolio managers transparently.

Centralized Grievance Redressal

Accessible Online Consultations

The PMS providers offer digital platforms for investor consultation, making portfolio management more convenient and accessible.

Accessible Online Consultations

The PMS providers offer digital platforms for investor consultation, making portfolio management more convenient and accessible.

Compliance Monitoring

Compliance Monitoring

Every PMS provider must appoint a compliance officer to maintain transparency and ensure adherence to SEBI regulations.

Compliance Monitoring

Every PMS provider must appoint a compliance officer to maintain transparency and ensure adherence to SEBI regulations.

Corpbiz Services to Secure PMS SEBI Registration

  • Pre-Application Consultation - Get expert guidance on SEBI PMS registration requirements and regulatory compliance before filing your application.
  • Evaluate Risk-Reward Fit - Corpbiz helps assess your investment strategies to ensure they align with regulatory norms and investor expectations.
  • Review Past Performance - Our team ensures evaluation of your historical investment performance and documentation, strengthening your PMS application.
  • Access to Fund Management Team - Benefit from expert insights and support from experienced fund managers structuring portfolios and operational framework in compliance with SEBI regulations.
  • Reporting and Communication Practices - We assist in setting up robust reporting and communication systems for investors, ensuring transparency and compliance with SEBI PMS guidelines.
  • Target Setting and Alignment - We ensure defining investment objectives, risk parameters, and operational goals, ensuring alignment of your PMS with SEBI regulatory standards.
  • Third-Party Verification Support - We strengthen the disclosure of credibility by verifying critical documentation and investment processes with independent third parties.
  • Access to Continuous Monitoring Tools - We provide access to digital systems for real-time tracking of portfolio performance, compliance status, and risk metrics.
  • Value Chain Engagement - Corpbiz ensures coordination with all stakeholders, ensuring your PMS operations and processes are fully compliant and investor-ready.
Apply PMS SEBI Registration

Why Partner with Corpbiz for PMS Registration SEBI?

Pre-Application Consultation

Pre-Application Consultation

Get expert guidance on SEBI PMS registration requirements and regulatory compliance before filing your application.

Evaluate Risk-Reward Fit

Evaluate Risk-Reward Fit

Corpbiz helps assess your investment strategies to ensure they align with regulatory norms and investor expectations.

Review Past Performance

Review Past Performance

Our team ensures evaluation of your historical investment performance and documentation, strengthening your PMS application.

Access to Fund Management Team

Access to Fund Management Team

Benefit from expert insights and support from experienced fund managers structuring portfolios and operational framework in compliance with SEBI regulations.

Reporting and Communication Practices

Reporting and Communication Practices

We assist in setting up robust reporting and communication systems for investors, ensuring transparency and compliance with SEBI guidelines.

Target Setting and Alignment

Target Setting and Alignment

We ensure defining investment objectives, risk parameters, and operational goals, ensuring alignment of your PMS with SEBI regulatory standards.

Third-Party Verification Support

Third-Party Verification Support

We strengthen the disclosure of credibility by verifying critical documentation and investment processes with independent third parties.

Access to Continuous Monitoring Tools

Access to Continuous Monitoring Tools

We provide access to digital systems for real-time tracking of portfolio performance, compliance status, and risk metrics.

Value Chain Engagement

Value Chain Engagement

Corpbiz ensures coordination with all stakeholders, ensuring your PMS operations and processes are fully compliant and investor-ready.

FAQs on SEBI Portfolio Manager Registration

The process to obtain a PMS license from SEBI requires compliance with the following steps, as discussed below:
  • Step 1: Pre-Application Preparation
  • Step 2: Filing Application with SEBI
  • Step 3: Review of Application
  • Step 4: Payment of Registration Fees
  • Step 5: Approval for Grant of Certificate

The applicants eligible to apply for the PMS license in India are as discussed below:
  • Resident individuals above 18 years of age
  • Hindu undivided families (HUFs)
  • Body corporate (private or public)
  • Trust, which is required
  • Co-operative society
  • Non-resident Indians, subject to RBI approval
  • Partnership firms or any other eligible investors
  • Proprietor or sole proprietorship firm

There is no single discretionary portfolio that consistently provides the highest returns, as performance fluctuates based on market conditions and investment strategies.

As specified by the Securities and Exchange Board of India, the minimum investment amount required for PMS in India is Rs. 50 lakhs (i.e., 5 million Indian Rupees).

Yes, a PMS is eligible to invest in Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and other securities, such as stocks and debt, for its clients.

No, PMS is not suitable for all investors. However, it is specially designed for high-net-worth individuals who meet the minimum investment requirement as specified by the SEBI.

The list of documents required for PMS registration SEBI is as provided below:
  • Copy of PAN and Aadhar Card of the applicant
  • Physical copy of duly signed Form A
  • Company incorporation details along with MOA/AOA
  • Details of the type of activities carried out or proposed to be carried out
  • Copy of bank statement or passbook details
  • Basic details and constitutional documents of the applicant
  • NISM Series XXI-B certificate of the Principal Officer
  • Details of the grievance redressal process
  • Copy of duly signed PMS agreement
  • Copy of draft disclosure document
  • Copy of banker’s report
  • A comprehensive business plan
  • Net Worth Certificate by CA
  • Copy of the last 3 years’ audited financial statement

The NISM PMS certificate granted by the SEBI is valid for a period of 3 years from the date of its issuance or revalidation.

No, there exists no regulatory lock-in period for PMS, allowing investors to exit anytime.

The risks associated with the investments in PMS are as follows:
  • Risk of exposure to market fluctuations and macroeconomic changes
  • Risk of underperformance of a specific investment
  • Risk of investing in less liquid assets facing unfavourable market conditions

As of 2025, there are around 10,000+ PMS distributors in India.

Authors

Written by Aarya Pokharel. Last updated on Nov 11 2025, 09:54 PM

Aarya Pokharel brings 3 years of solid experience in legal research and compliance. Her expertise spans tax filing, secretarial compliances, and advisory services, with a strong focus on delivering precise legal research and strategic advisory support.

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