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Regulatory Reporting Guidelines for Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)

SEBI Issues Circular on Regulatory Reporting Requirements for AIFs

SEBI Issues Circular on Regulatory Reporting Requirements for AIFs

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued Circular No. SEBI/HO/AFD/SEC-1/P/CIR/2023/0155 dated September 14, 2023, outlining regulatory reporting requirements for Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). The circular mandates AIFs to submit quarterly reports to SEBI, and introduces a revised reporting format in collaboration with industry associations to streamline reporting and ensure transparency and accessibility for AIFs. AIFs are required to submit their reports online through the SEBI Intermediary Portal within 15 calendar days from the end of each quarter. The reporting format will undergo periodic reviews to align with the evolving AIF industry landscape.

Key Takeaways:

1. Regulatory Reporting Requirement: AIFs are mandated to submit quarterly reports to SEBI as per the SEBI (AIF) Regulations, 2012 and the SEBI Master Circular for AIFs dated July 31, 2023.


2. Revised Reporting Format: SEBI, in collaboration with industry associations, has introduced a revised reporting format to standardize compliance standards and simplify reporting for AIFs.


3. Availability of Reporting Format: The revised reporting format will be made available on the websites of industry associations within two working days of the circular’s issuance to ensure transparency and accessibility for AIFs.


4. Assistance from Associations: Industry associations will assist AIFs in understanding the reporting requirements and addressing any issues related to reporting to ensure accurate and timely reporting.


5. Submission Procedure: AIFs are required to submit their quarterly reports online through the SEBI Intermediary Portal within 15 calendar days from the end of each quarter.


6. Periodic Review: The reporting format will undergo periodic reviews to align with the evolving AIF industry landscape, with any revisions made available on the association websites at least one month before the end of the quarter.

Synopsis:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued Circular No. SEBI/HO/AFD/SEC-1/P/CIR/2023/0155 dated September 14, 2023, which outlines the regulatory reporting requirements for Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). This circular mandates AIFs to submit quarterly reports to SEBI and introduces a revised reporting format in collaboration with industry associations to streamline reporting and ensure transparency and accessibility for AIFs. Let’s break down the key points covered in this circular:

Detailed Analysis

1. Regulatory Reporting Requirement: According to the SEBI (AIF) Regulations, 2012, and the SEBI Master Circular for AIFs dated July 31, 2023, AIFs are required to submit quarterly reports to SEBI. These reports play a crucial role in monitoring and regulating the activities of AIFs.


2. Revised Reporting Format: To standardize compliance standards and simplify reporting, SEBI collaborated with industry associations – Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA) and Equalifi. The result is a revised reporting format designed to streamline reporting for AIFs.


3. Availability of Reporting Format: The revised reporting format will be made available on the websites of IVCA and Equalifi within two working days of the circular’s issuance. This move aims to ensure transparency and accessibility for AIFs.


4. Assistance from Associations: IVCA and Equalifi will assist AIFs in understanding the reporting requirements and addressing any issues related to reporting. This support is essential to ensure accurate and timely reporting.


5. Submission Procedure: AIFs are required to submit their quarterly reports online through the SEBI Intermediary Portal (SI Portal). Reports must be submitted within 15 calendar days from the end of each quarter.


6. Periodic Review: The reporting format will undergo periodic reviews to align with the evolving AIF industry landscape. Any revisions will be made available on the association websites at least one month before the end of the quarter.

Conclusion

SEBI’s Circular No. SEBI/HO/AFD/SEC-1/P/CIR/2023/0155 sets out important regulatory reporting guidelines for AIFs. AIFs must adhere to the revised reporting format and submission deadlines as specified. This proactive approach by SEBI, in collaboration with industry associations, aims to enhance transparency, compliance, and overall regulation in the AIF sector. For AIFs, staying informed about these reporting requirements and ensuring timely compliance is essential to maintain a strong foothold in the market and uphold investor interests.

Circular Details

The circular is addressed to All Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA), and Equalifi. It specifies the applicability of the revised reporting format and the engagement with AIFs to ensure a smooth transition to the new reporting requirements.

FAQ:

Q1: What are the regulatory reporting requirements for AIFs?

A1: AIFs are required to submit quarterly reports to SEBI as per the SEBI (AIF) Regulations, 2012 and the SEBI Master Circular for AIFs dated July 31, 2023.


Q2: Where can AIFs access the revised reporting format?

A2: The revised reporting format will be made available on the websites of industry associations within two working days of the circular’s issuance.


Q3: What is the submission procedure for AIFs’ quarterly reports?

A3: AIFs are required to submit their reports online through the SEBI Intermediary Portal within 15 calendar days from the end of each quarter.