Performance-Based Mutual Fund Rules SEBI 2026 | Key Insights for Exams

Performance-Based Mutual Fund Rules SEBI 2026 improve transparency, Base Expense Ratio, and investor protection. Learn key takeaways for exams like Banking, SSC, and Civil Services.

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📌 New Mutual Fund Rules: SEBI Allows Performance-Based Expense Structure Starting April 2026

Introduction to the New SEBI Mutual Fund Rules

India’s capital markets regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), has announced a comprehensive overhaul of mutual fund regulations, which will be implemented from April 1, 2026. The new framework allows mutual fund schemes to adopt a performance-linked expense structure, introduces a Base Expense Ratio (BER) concept, enforces stronger disclosure norms, and enhances governance rules for Asset Management Companies (AMCs). This reform is the first major revamp of mutual fund expense regulations in nearly three decades.

What Are the Key Changes in the Expense Structure?

One of the most significant reforms is the introduction of a performance-based expense component. Under the revised rules, mutual funds can charge a Base Expense Ratio (BER) tied to how well a scheme performs against pre-specified benchmarks. This aligns fund house compensation more closely with investor returns, moving away from a fixed total expense model.

Additionally, expenses previously grouped under the Total Expense Ratio (TER) — such as brokerage, statutory charges like STT (Securities Transaction Tax), GST, and exchange fees — will now be disclosed separately. This separation is aimed at enhancing transparency in cost disclosures so investors understand exactly what they are paying for.

Enhanced Transparency and Disclosure Requirements

Under the new rules, mutual funds must clearly disclose all cost elements to investors. The Total Expense Ratio (TER) will consist of:

• Base Expense Ratio (AMC fees)
• Brokerage and transaction costs
• Regulatory levies
• Statutory charges separately disclosed.
  Such transparency aims to help investors make better comparisons across different funds and evaluate true costs.

Stronger Governance and Oversight Norms

SEBI has also expanded the responsibilities of trustees and senior management in mutual funds. Enhanced governance rules will require tighter oversight of funds’ operations and compliance, improving investor protection and accountability.

Rationalisation of Brokerage Caps

The regulator has revised caps on brokerage costs that mutual funds can pay:

• For cash market transactions, the cap is reduced to 6 basis points (bps).
• For derivative trades, the new cap is 2 bps.
  These measures are expected to further lower trading costs for funds and reduce unnecessary expenses on investor portfolios.

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📌 Why This News Is Important for Competitive Exams

Relevance for Exam Aspirants

This news is significant for competitive exams such as SSC, Banking, Railways, Police, Defence, and Civil Services (PCS, IAS, etc.) because financial market reforms often appear in sections covering the Indian Economy, Financial Regulations, and Banking & Finance. Understanding SEBI’s regulatory actions helps students gain insights into how India’s capital markets evolve to protect investors and improve transparency.

Exam-Oriented Learning Benefits

1. Policy & Regulation: The new mutual fund rules reflect broader trends in financial regulation aimed at enhancing investor protection — a common topic in General Awareness sections.
2. Financial Literacy: Concepts like expense ratios, brokerage caps, and performance-based fees are crucial for bank and finance exam questions.
3. Economic Impacts: A deeper comprehension of how transparency and cost structures impact investment decisions and retail investor trust helps in essays and interview discussions.
4. Govt-Market Interface: SEBI is a key financial regulator; updates from this body are frequently tested in elite competitive exams.

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📌 Historical Context: Background of SEBI Mutual Fund Rules

Evolution of Mutual Fund Regulations in India

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) was established in 1992 to regulate India’s securities markets. Over time, SEBI developed a comprehensive framework for mutual funds to promote transparency, protect investors, and ensure fair market conduct.

Old Expense Structure

Historically, mutual funds used a Total Expense Ratio (TER) that bundled all fees — management charges, brokerage, statutory levies, and distribution costs — into a single figure. Critics argued that this lack of detailed disclosure made it difficult for investors to understand true costs.

Past Reforms

In the past decade, SEBI has consistently aimed to rationalize fund costs, tighten brokerage fees, and improve investor returns. Previous changes included capping certain fees and excluding statutory charges from TER caps to reflect actual costs.

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📌 Key Takeaways from “SEBI Allows Performance-Based Expense Structure Starting April 2026”

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the new SEBI rules for mutual funds starting April 2026?

SEBI has introduced a performance-based expense structure, a Base Expense Ratio (BER), enhanced disclosure requirements, and tighter governance rules for Asset Management Companies. These changes aim to improve transparency and align fund fees with investor returns.

2. What is the Base Expense Ratio (BER)?

The BER is a portion of the mutual fund expense ratio that covers management fees and operational costs, separated from statutory charges, brokerage, and transaction costs. It ensures investors know the exact fees charged for fund management.

3. How does performance-based expense structure work?

Mutual funds can now charge fees based on how well a scheme performs relative to a pre-specified benchmark. Higher returns may justify higher expenses, while poor performance may lead to lower charges, aligning interests of investors and fund managers.

4. Why are brokerage caps being reduced?

SEBI has capped brokerage to 6 bps for cash markets and 2 bps for derivatives to reduce unnecessary trading costs. This ensures investors are not overcharged and promotes cost efficiency in fund operations.

5. How will these rules impact investors?

The reforms improve cost transparency, allow better comparison between mutual funds, and incentivize fund managers to deliver higher returns, which can ultimately benefit investors in the long term.

6. Which exams can include questions on these SEBI rules?

These rules are relevant for Banking, SSC, Railways, Defence, and Civil Service exams where topics like Indian Economy, Financial Markets, and Regulatory Bodies are tested.

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