A systematic investment plan allows investors to make regular investments in mutual fund schemes. Following are the prerequisites for starting an SIP.
- Identify the SIP based on scheme type, its performance, portfolio and financial goals of the investor.
- The investor must have his KYC completed and updated.
- An investor can initiate an SIP either offline or online.
Offline mode
The investor must fill up a form that can be obtained from the fund house or downloaded from the fund website. An auto debit NACH mandate also must be filled. A copy of a cancelled cheque should be attached along with KYC documents – address and ID proof. These documents can be submitted at the investor service centre or branch office of the AMC.
Online mode
There are various ways to set up an SIP instruction using online facilities:
Fund house website: SIP can be set up using i-SIP facility from the fund house website by entering personal details, SIP and bank details. A URN is generated on submission. Now, the investor needs to log in to his bank account and add the mutual fund as a ‘biller’. The URN is needed to enable the SIP instruction.
Distributor portals: Mutual fund distributors such as corporate distributors or banks provide portals for online transactions of mutual funds. SIP can be easily set up using these portals. If bank mandate for auto debit is already registered with the portal then the same can be used for SIP.
MF transaction portals: There are various transaction portals for mutual funds such as those hosted by registrars of fund houses or the MFU (Mutual Fund Utilities) platforms. SIP can be initiated using these platforms by following a similar process.
Points to note
- Investor can make a lump sum investment along with the SIP instruction to be able to start the investment forthwith.
- Any change to the SIP instruction amounts to starting a fresh SIP and may require redoing the whole set up process.
