Mutual Fund Distributor ARN Renewal Guide
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India Mutual Fund Distributor ARN Renewal Guide
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This guide outlines the critical process for renewing the AMFI Registration Number (ARN), the mandatory license required for legally distributing mutual fund products in India, which is valid for three years. Successful renewal hinges on timely application, ideally initiated up to six months before expiration, and fulfilling two primary requirements: completing 15 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE), which is conveniently available through online e-CPE modules, and passing the rigorous NISM Series V-A renewal exam covering updated industry compliance and knowledge. Failure to renew the ARN on time results in the suspension of business operations, although a one-year grace period exists before the license permanently lapses, underscoring that renewal is essential not just for compliance but also for professional integrity and regulatory alignment.
ARN RENEWAL GUIDE FOR MUTUAL FUND DISTRIBUTORS (INDIA)
Introduction
ARN is the mandatory license issued by the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) that authorizes an individual or entity to distribute mutual fund products in India.
An ARN is valid for three years from the date of issue and must be renewed on time to continue mutual fund distribution legally.
Failure to renew ARN on time results in suspension of business activity and reputational risk.
1. Why ARN Renewal is Important
ARN is compulsory to sell mutual funds
Validity is 3 years
Renewal ensures updated regulatory knowledge
Without a valid ARN, mutual fund distribution is illegal
2. Eligibility & Renewal Timeline
Renewal can be initiated up to 6 months before expiry
Processing takes time; last-minute renewal is risky
3. Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
15 hours of CPE required in the 3 years prior to renewal
Conducted by AMFI-accredited institutions (BSE, NSE, NISM, etc.)
Online and offline options available
CPE certificates must be uploaded during renewal
e-CPE (Electronic Continuing Professional Education)
e-CPE is an online mode of Continuing Professional Education approved by AMFI, designed for MFD who prefer flexibility and convenience.
Key Features of e-CPE:
Conducted full online through AMFI-accredited institutions
No physical classroom attendance required
Accessible from home or office
Suitable for busy distributor
Total 15 hours of CPE required for ARN renewal
Can be completed through one or multiple e-CPE sessions
Assessment & Completion:
e-CPE programs include:
Recorded or live learning modules
Short quizzes or assessments
Successful completion is mandatory to receive the CPE certificate
Certificate Validity:
After completing e-CPE, participants receive a digital CPE completion certificate
This certificate must be uploaded on the AMFI portal during ARN renewal
Approved Providers:
e-CPE must be completed only through AMFI-approved institutions, such as:
BSE NSE NISM
Other AMFI-recognized training partners
Cost:
e-CPE program fees generally range between ₹1,500 to ₹3,000, depending on the provider
Important Compliance Note:
e-CPE is accepted only if completed before ARN expiry
Completion of e-CPE does not eliminate the requirement to pass the NISM renewal exam
Advantage of e-CPE:
Time-efficient
Location-independent
Ideal for experienced distributors who want a structured refresher
4. ARN Renewal Exam (NISM Series V-A)
MFD Certification Examination
100 MCQs, 100 marks
Passing score: 60%
Duration: 120 minutes
Updated syllabus covering regulations, products, risk profiling, KYC, and compliance
5. Online vs Offline Exam
Online (Proctored):
Can be taken from home
Faster scheduling
Instant result
Offline (Test Centre):
Fixed location
Limited dates
Result takes a few days
Online exam is generally preferred for speed and convenience.
6. Fee Structure (Approximate)
CPE Program: ₹1,500 – ₹3,000
NISM Exam Fee: ₹1,500 + GST
AMFI Renewal Fee: ₹2,000
Total Cost: ₹5,000 – ₹6,000
7. Renewal Timeline
Preparation time: 2–4 weeks
Exam booking: Within a week (online)
Exam result: Instant (online)
AMFI
8. If You Fail the Exam
Immediate reattempt allowed
Exam fee applicable again
If ARN expires before passing, business must stop until renewal
9. Documents Required
CPE certificates
NISM exam pass certificate
Existing ARN copy
PAN card
Address proof
10. Online Renewal Procedure
1. Login to AMFI website
2. Select “Renew ARN”
3. Upload documents
4. Enter exam details
5. Pay renewal fee
6. Submit application
7. Track status
8. Download renewed ARN certificate
11. Grace Period Rules
1 year grace period after expiry
Distribution not allowed during grace period
After 1 year, ARN lapses permanently
ARN renewal is not just a compliance requirement but a professional upgrade.
It ensures distributors stay informed, ethical, and aligned with regulatory standards
#mfd #amfi #sebi #sebiregulations #renewal #arn #sipstrategy #mutualfunds #mutualfundsindia
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