Last week Rakesh started looking for suitable investment choices in mutual funds for his long-term goals. Now, Rakesh was not a market expert and, therefore, chose to take assistance from Karan, a mutual funds distributor.
However, for Karan to help Rakesh, or to sell or recommend any mutual funds legally, he needs an ARN or Application Reference Number Code. This unique code ensures Karan is registered with the Association of Mutual Funds in India or AMFI. Thus, he is eligible and qualified to help Rakesh make the right choices as per his personalised goals.
Without this unique code, Karan isn't eligible to sell or distribute mutual funds to Rakesh or anyone. This unique ARN code is nothing short of his license. If you are curious to know more about this ARN code, its importance, and what it has to offer, then you're at the right place. Continue reading as we explore the Application Reference Number, its benefits, the obtaining process, and much more in detail.
What is an ARN Code?
The investment world has a lot to offer, starting from wealth creation to helping you generate new sources of revenue, aiding you in fulfilling short and long-term goals, and whatnot. However, when it comes to the investment world, it is important to understand that safety is a common concern. To tackle the same and make investing easy and safe for investors, SEBI adopts a variety of measures. Obtaining this unique application reference number or ARN code is one such measure.
It is mandatory for the mutual funds distributors to procure the same. This unique code is offered to the intermediaries once they have cleared the NISM or National Institutes of Securities Market Certification. Post the exam clearance, intermediaries can easily register with AMFI, and get their unique ARN codes.
Application Reference Number can be simply understood as a unique ID for mutual funds distributors. Similar to how you need a driving license to take a car on the road, a mutual fund distributor needs to have this ARN code to engage in the selling of mutual funds. Such a tag ensures that only verified and knowledgeable experts are engaged in the process. The system of the ARN code is also beneficial in maintaining ethical standards and ensures investors’ safety. Thus, making the mutual fund industry in India- a safe and reliable place.
Importance of ARN in Mutual Fund Investments
Now that you've briefly read about ARN code and its needs, let's proceed further. Here comes the real question: what makes ARN code so important? Well, as mentioned the ARN code gives a unique identity to the sellers of mutual funds. Now, this comes in handy in a variety of ways. Let's learn more about the importance of ARN in mutual fund investments.
- Regulatory Requirement
The first thing that makes the ARN code important is that it's a regulatory or legal requirement. The unique code ensures that only verified experts and advisors who have qualified for the tough tests and rules of SEBI and AMFI are eligible to trade in mutual funds. This ultimately ensures only distributors who have a certain knowledge of these funds are the ones engaged in the process. Additionally, such a system also helps maintain professionalism and ensures that you and other investors may receive qualified and valuable advice before you choose to invest. Further, ARN compliance also comes in handy to reduce fraudulent activities, making it difficult for fraudsters to scam people.
- Protects Investors
As mentioned, distributors have to go through tough certification and exams of SEBI and AMFI to obtain this unique ARN code. This ensures that only verified and qualified individuals are engaged in the management of mutual funds. This ultimately helps investors rely on these experts for quality advice to manage risks and profits and maintain overall safety. Such a regulated system builds investor's confidence, helping them invest better and more.
- Fosters Accountability & Transparency
Having an ARN code is also important in terms of accountability. How, you ask. Well, let's see. SEBI and AMFI assign this unique code or identifier to eligible distributors, which comes in handy in tracking them. With this code, the regulatory authorities can see if the mutual fund's distributors are complying with the regulatory requirements, and if there is any unethical practice, misconduct, or more. This helps build a system for fines or penalties. Further, transparency is also tightened when investors can cross-check their advisor’s credibility. Such an accountable and transparent environment benefits the overall market as well as investors.
- Aids in Record-Keeping
The unique ARN code given to each certified mutual funds advisor or distributor also helps in record-keeping. Let's see how. With this unique code, each transaction and everything important is easily tracked and recorded. This effective record-keeping ultimately proves beneficial in auditing, regulatory compliance, and resolving problems if any. In fact, investors are also able to gauge the performance of their investments.
- Ensures Ethical Standards and Behaviour
With the help of a unique ARN code, regulatory authorities like SEBI can keep a close eye on the distributors and overall market. Thus, ensuring fairness and ethical standards securing the interest of investors and the overall market.
How to Obtain an ARN Code?
Now that you know the importance of the Application Reference Number, here comes the next step: how to obtain it. Well, obtaining an ARN code is a simple process. You can do it online or offline. If you're also looking to apply for ARN code, here is your step-by-step guide.
Online Application for ARN Code
Here is how you may apply for an ARN code online.
- First, consider getting the NISM certification. This ensures you have the required skills and knowledge to engage in the world of mutual funds.
- Once you have acquired the certification, consider registering yourself with AMFI. To do the same, visit their official website, and scroll to the registration section.
- Now, complete the online form by filling in your personal details.
- Consider attaching important documents like NISM certification, name, identity proof, address proof, and passport-size photographs.
- Once you've filled in everything carefully and attached the necessary documents, proceed to pay the registration fee. You may pay it online or via DD.
- Now, your application and the documents are verified by the AMFI. After successful verification, you may easily receive your ARM through your email.
Offline Application for ARN Code
Here is how you may acquire your ARN code offline.
- Even for offline applications, first, consider getting a NISM certification.
- Now, consider visiting your nearest AMFI office to get the application form. You can also download the same from their website.
- Now, fill in all the necessary details as per asked.
- Consider attaching important documents like NISM certification, address and identity proof, and passport-size photographs.
- Now, consider submitting your form by directly visiting the nearest AMFI office or via post.
- Pay the registration fee via DD or other acceptable payment methods.
- Once your application is successfully reviewed and verified, you will receive your ARM via email.
Benefits of Having an ARN Code
Having an ARN code is beneficial for both mutual fund distributors and investors. How, you ask? Well, here is a table helping you have a quick look at some of the benefits of this code.
Beneficiaries
| Benefits
|
For Mutual Funds Advisors and Distributors
| - Boosts Credibility: With the ARN code, distributors and advisors are looked upon as more reliable and credible, with commitment and knowledge of the mutual funds industry, its standards, and more.
- Offers Official Recognition
ARN code also offers legal and official recognition to advisors and distributors, which makes them verified and qualified, thus helping investors put their absolute trust in them. It also gives them a unique identity and reduces the chance of fraudulent activities and scams.
- Better Access to Several Resources
With the AMC code, distributors are eligible to get access to different resources and training sessions that are organised by AMCs to keep them updated and help their knowledge grow.
- Better Earning and Career Potential
AMC code also helps distributors in improving their earnings and career graph. It helps them earn commissions from companies and can also prove beneficial in pursuing roles like financial advisor and more.
|
For Investors
| - Enhanced Trust and Accountability: By dealing with an advisor or distributor with ARN, you are assured to be dealing with a verified and authorised professional, ensuring enhanced trust and confidence.
- Better Advice:
Distributors with ARN codes are known to adhere to strict rules and regulations of AMFI and SEBI. Plus, their knowledge ensures you make better investment decisions.
- Grievance Mechanism:
The code comes in handy to approach AMFI in case of any complaints against your distributors or advisors with ARN.
- Protection from Scams:
ARN code gives a unique identity to verified advisors. Thus, making it difficult for scammers to fool and cheat people.
|
Common Challenges and Solutions Related to ARN
When it comes to ARN, you may get them easily. However, at times, it is natural to face some challenges. But worry not you can easily conquer these challenges with effective solutions. For instance, one of the most common challenges is documentation concerns where incomplete documents might delay your application. To ensure that does not happen, make sure all your documents are complete and accurate. For difficulties occurring in NISM certification, make sure to study and prepare well with NISM materials. Further, for regulatory difficulties, you can easily conquer them by staying updated with the latest regulations.
Conclusion
No matter if you're a newbie or an expert investor, understanding the importance of ARN and its use can be beneficial in many ways. It makes your investing experience better informed, safe, and rewarding.
Having an ARN code isn't just about legal compliance but much more. For distributors, it facilitates them with credibility and recognition. For the market and investors, it helps build trust, accountability, and transparency. It plays a crucial role in maintaining ethical standards and professionalism in the mutual funds industry.
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