Introduction
This Investor Charter has been adopted by Bellwether Associates in its capacity as an AMFI-registered Mutual Fund Distributor, pursuant to SEBI circulars SEBI/HO/IMD/IMD-II CIS/P/CIR/2021/0686 and SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD-PoD/P/CIR/2025/80. It sets out, in plain terms, what investors can expect from us, what we in turn expect from investors, and how we approach the resolution of any concerns that may arise in the course of our distribution services.
Our Vision and Mission
• Our vision is to protect and further the interests of every investor who chooses to invest through Bellwether Associates, by conducting our mutual fund distribution business with integrity, transparency, and a genuine regard for each investor’s financial wellbeing.
• Our mission is to translate that vision into practice through timely and dependable service, clear and complete disclosure of costs and risks, and a grievance redressal process that investors can rely on when something goes wrong.
Services We Provide
• Assistance with the purchase, redemption, switching, and systematic investment of mutual fund units, and help navigating the surrounding paperwork and processes with as little friction as possible.
• Access to scheme-related documents such as the Scheme Information Document, the Statement of Additional Information, and Key Information Memoranda, along with periodic factsheets and portfolio disclosures.
• Guidance, where useful, on selecting funds that are appropriate to an investor’s stated goals, time horizon, and risk appetite.
• Assistance with day-to-day servicing needs such as KYC updates, folio maintenance, and nominee registration.
Investor Rights
• Full and ready access to all scheme-related documents and portfolio disclosures, so that no investment decision is ever made in the dark.
• Fair treatment without discrimination, regardless of the size of an investor’s portfolio or the length of their relationship with the firm.
• Recommendations that are genuinely suited to the investor’s risk profile and financial goals.
• A transparent account of all fees and charges
• Protection of personal and financial information, kept private and secure.
• A timely and fair resolution of any grievance raised, with the right to escalate further to SEBI SCORES or AMFI if not satisfied, as set out in our Grievance Redressal Policy.
Investor Responsibilities
• Provide complete and accurate KYC and personal information at the outset, and keep it updated as circumstances change.
• Read the relevant scheme documents before investing, rather than relying solely on a summary or a conversation.
• Review transaction confirmations and account statements as they arrive, so that any discrepancy is caught early.
• Transact only through bank accounts held in their own name.
• Report any unauthorised transaction or suspected fraud without delay.
• Approach Bellwether Associates directly in the first instance where a concern arises, so the firm has a fair opportunity to put things right before the matter is taken further.
A Few Do’s and Don’ts
• Deal only with a distributor who holds a valid AMFI Registration Number, and verify that registration and its validity before transacting.
• Ask for the applicable expenses or cost disclosure whenever investing in a Regular Plan, and hold on to transaction confirmations as a record.
• Treat any promise of assured or guaranteed returns with suspicion, since mutual funds carry no such guarantee.
• Decline gifts, rebates, or other inducements offered to encourage an investment.
• Never sign a form that has been left blank for someone else to fill in later.
Grievance Redressal
Should an investor have cause for complaint, Bellwether Associates’ Grievance Redressal Policy sets out how to reach us, how a complaint is investigated and resolved, and how it may be escalated — first within the firm, and if necessary to SEBI SCORES or AMFI. That policy is available as a separate document and forms a companion to this Charter.
