The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on July 21, 2026, issued a circular regarding Certification Requirements for Distribution of Specialized Investment Funds (SIFs).
The following has been stated:-
•SEBI has revised the certification requirements for entities engaged in the sale and distribution of Specialized Investment Funds (SIFs) under the SEBI Master Circular for Mutual Funds, 2026.
•Distributors of SIFs must hold the new NISM Series V-D – Mutual Fund–Specialized Investment Fund Distributors Certification, which will also qualify them to distribute mutual fund products.
•Existing holders of the NISM Series XIII – Common Derivatives Certification are provided a transition period until the expiry of their certification, and the Series XIII requirement will cease to apply after September 21, 2026.
•The revised provisions take effect immediately, with AMFI and Asset Management Companies (AMCs) responsible for ensuring compliance.
[Circular No.: HO/24/13/17(1)2026-IMD-POD-1/I/16895/2026]
