Introduction

This charter serves as a guideline to ensure transparency, accountability, and protection for investors. It details obligations of the reseach analyst, such as risk assessment, confidentiality, and disclosure of fees, alongside grievance mechanisms and investor rights.

Details of Business Transacted by the Analyst With Respect to the Investors

• Enter into an agreement with the client that includes all details, including fee information.
• Disclose any conflicts of interest and maintain confidentiality of client information.
• Conduct a thorough and unbiased risk profiling and suitability assessment for each client.
• Register with the Know Your Client Registration Agency (KRA) and Central Know Your Customer Registry (CKYC).
• Conduct an annual audit.
• Publish complaint status on the firm's website.
• Display the firm's name, proprietor name, registration type and number, validity, full address, phone numbers, and SEBI regional/local office details on the firm’s website.
• Hire only qualified and certified employees.
• Engage clients exclusively through official contact numbers.
• Maintain records of all interactions, including with prospective clients, where advice-related conversations take place (prior to onboarding).

Details of Services Provided to Investors Without Indicative Timelines

• Onboarding of Clients:

  • Provide a client with a copy of the client agreement.
  • Completing KYC of the client.

• Disclosure to Clients:

  • Provide full disclosure about the firm's business, affiliations, and compensation in the client agreement.
  • Refrain from accessing client accounts or holdings for offering advice.
  • Disclose the client's risk profile to them transparently.

• To provide investment advice to the client based on the risk-profiling of the clients and suitability of the client.

Details of Grievance Redressal Mechanism and its Access

• In case of any grievance or complaint, investors should approach the Analyst and expect resolution within 30 days.
• If the complaint is not resolved satisfactorily, it may be lodged with SEBI through SEBI's SCORES portal, a centralized, web-based complaint redressal system.
• SCORES allows tracking of complaint status as SEBI coordinates with the intermediary for timely redressal.
• For physical complaints, investors may send them to: Office of Investor Assistance and Education, SEBI Bhavan, Plot No. C4-A, 'G' Block, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), Mumbai – 400 051.
• SCORES portal – https://scores.sebi.gov.in/
• ODR portal – https://smartodr.in/login

Expectations from the Investors (Responsibilities of Investors)

• Do's

• Deal only with SEBI-registered Research Analysts.
• Verify that the Research Analyst has a valid registration certificate and SEBI registration number.
• Consult SEBI's list of registered Research Analysts on their website: Click Here
• Pay advisory fees only via banking channels and keep signed receipts with payment details.
• Request risk profiling before accepting investment advice, and ensure advice aligns with your profile and available options.
• Clarify any doubts with your Research Analyst before taking action.
• Evaluate investment risk-return profile, liquidity, and safety before investing.
• Get terms and conditions in writing, signed and stamped, and review them carefully, especially regarding fees, advisory plans, and recommendation categories.
• Be vigilant in all transactions.
• Contact relevant authorities to address concerns or grievances.
• Notify SEBI if any analyst or adviser offers assured or guaranteed returns.

• Don'ts

• Avoid stock tips disguised as investment advice.
• Do not provide investment funds directly to the Analyst.
• Beware of promises of high or guaranteed returns; avoid letting greed influence decisions.
• Ignore enticing advertisements or market rumors.
• Refrain from transactions based solely on calls or messages from the Analyst or representatives.
• Don't make decisions due to repeated messages or calls from analysts.
• Resist limited-time discounts or incentives offered by analysts.
• Invest based on your risk tolerance and goals.
• Do not share your trading or demat account login credentials with the Research Analysts.