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Comparing direct and regular mutual fund solutions: What is right for modern investors?

May 27, 2025

Mutual funds are popular investment options among investors. They can effectively create wealth, and when it comes to investing, they offer two choices – direct and regular mutual funds. Understanding the key differences between these options is vital for making informed investment decisions. In this blog, we’ll compare the two. Let’s look at direct mutual fund solutions.

Direct Mutual Fund

These plans are purchased directly from the AMC. They are designed for investors who prefer not to use intermediaries while investing. Direct plans can be obtained directly through the AMC’s website or any mutual fund investment platform.

Regular Mutual Fund

Regular mutual funds are acquired through a mutual fund distributor. In these plans, mutual fund distributors or financial advisors facilitate investments in mutual funds. MFDs provide insights, information, and assistance while leveraging mutual fund management software.

Mutual fund distributors offer services such as advising investors, submitting their documents to the Registrars and Transfer Agents (RTAs), and ultimately assisting investors with the investment process.

What are the 9 reasons compelling MFDs to use mutual fund software? Read here to know them. 

Difference between Direct and Regular Mutual Fund Solutions

ParametersDirect PlansRegular Plans
Expense Ratio  They have a lower expense ratio since no fees need to be paid for MFD services.In comparison, they have a higher expense ratio. Investors pay for the professional services provided by the MFDs. 
Professional Management  Investors are required to conduct their own research and make their own investment decisions. Regular plans offer professional management to investors. Fund managers use their expertise to provide insights and updates. 
Diversification  Investors may not diversify their portfolio due to a lack of knowledge and expertise. They might find it challenging to allocate their assets wisely. Mutual fund distributors using top mutual fund software provide updates and diversify investors’ portfolios according to market corrections.
Emotional Bias  Due to personal biases towards a fund or company, investors may make emotional decisions that could hinder their investment goals. In regular plans, MFDs avoid decisions based on emotional biases. They develop an investment strategy and balance risk and rewards. 
Returns  Investors may achieve higher returns when choosing direct plans. However, if they don’t make informed decisions, their returns could be impacted. Regular plans may yield lower returns compared to direct plans. Yet in the long term, making well-informed decisions with expert guidance, investors’ returns can potentially increase. 
Net Asset Value  NAV can be higher in direct plans, meaning the cost of purchasing units is lower.  NAV can be lower in regular plans, meaning investors may need to purchase mutual fund units at a higher price. 

Final Thoughts

Direct mutual funds offer lower costs and potentially higher returns due to a reduced expense ratio. However, they are suitable for investors who can make informed decisions and possess expertise. In contrast, regular mutual funds provide advice, insights, and solutions regarding portfolio balancing, investment strategy, investment goals, and wealth creation. If an investor is seeking professional expertise, they can choose regular plans.

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IPO Allotment Status: How to check it with PAN Number?

May 26, 2025

When an investor believes in the potential of the company and applies for an Initial Public Offering (IPO), it is always exciting. Investors anticipate the IPO allotment to find out whether they have been allotted shares or not. The process to check IPO allotment status is simple, and this can be done online using the PAN (Permanent Account Number).

In this blog, we’ll explore the steps on how to check IPO allotment status online using PAN number and what an investor should keep in mind.

IPO Allotment – Overview

IPO allotment is the process through which shares are distributed to investors who apply during an IPO. If the IPO is oversubscribed, it means it receives more applications than available shares, and then it is allotted through the computerised lottery system. After the allotment is finished, investors can check the status to see if they have received any shares.

Why use a PAN number?

A PAN number is a unique identifier across all your financial transactions, including IPO applications. It is one of the easiest ways for investors to track allotment status. They don’t need to remember the application number.

Steps to Check IPO Allotment Status Online Using PAN Number

There are several registrar and financial websites where you can check your allotment. Here’s a step-by-step guide using the most common platforms:

  1. Visit the Registrar’s Website: You can find out the registrar of a specific IPO from the stock exchange or the company’s prospectus. Example: If KFintech is the registrar, go to kfintech.com 
  2. Navigate to the IPO Allotment Section: Look for a section labelled “IPO Status” or “IPO Allotment Status”.
  3. Enter Your PAN Number: Select the option to check by PAN, then enter your 10-digit PAN number in the box provided.
  4. Select the IPO: Choose the IPO you applied for from the dropdown list. Make sure the allotment date has passed — allotment usually happens 6–7 days after the IPO closes.
  5. Submit and View Status: Click on ‘Submit’ or ‘Search’. The website will display your allotment status — whether shares were allotted to you and how many.

What are the IPO terms you must know? Read here

What to remember before checking your IPO allotment status?

  • Keep your PAN number handy and double-check for typos.
  • Don’t panic if the allotment status isn’t available immediately — it can take time after finalization.
  • In case of non-allotment, your application money will be refunded automatically.

Final Thoughts

Checking IPO allotment status using a PAN number is fast, simple, and secure. Whether an investor is experienced or new to IPOs, knowing how to track their application can ensure they stay informed and ready to act on their investments.

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NPS Vatsalya: What should parents know about this scheme?

May 23, 2025

Financial planning has become crucial for everyone in today’s fast-paced world, from adults to children; everyone needs a financially secure future. The National Pension System has introduced the NPS Vatsalya scheme for children under the age of 18. It aims to encourage financial discipline from a tender age and provide parents a cushion to start saving for their child’s future. In this blog, we’ll discover the NPS Vatsalya details, its advantages, and how parents can open an NPS Vatsalya account.

What is NPS Vatsalya?

The Government of India launched this scheme to empower the younger generation by inspiring them to plan for their retirement from an early age. This scheme comes under the National Pension System, and it is regulated and administered by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). The main aim of this scheme is to nurture and instil the importance of financial security from a tender age. Parents or guardians can open NPS Vatsalya accounts in the name of their children and contribute towards their long-term retirement savings. In this scheme, the child is the sole beneficiary, while the parent or guardian is designated as the nominee.

Read here to learn how NPS is a retirement plan for all Indian citizens. 

NPS Vatsalya Benefits

It is a well-designed and thoughtful initiative to secure long-term financial stability for children. Let’s have a look at the advantages of the scheme.

  • Long-Term Financial Security: NPS Vatsalya offers a structured and reliable way for parents to build a retirement fund for their children, ensuring a strong financial foundation as they grow.
  • Affordable: With a minimum annual contribution of just ₹1,000, the scheme is accessible to all families across income levels.
  • Encourage Financial Discipline: Parents can nurture financial awareness and responsibility from a young age.
  • Safeguard Against Uncertainty: The scheme provides a financial safety net, helping protect children’s futures even in unforeseen circumstances.
  • Flexible Contributions: Parents can tailor their investment amounts based on changing financial needs and capabilities.
  • Power of Compounding: Starting early maximizes the benefits of compound interest, helping to grow a substantial corpus over time.

Who can open an NPS account?

The following eligibility criteria must be fulfilled to enrol in NPS Vatsalya: 
  1. The child/children must be citizens of India
  2. It can be opened by a parent or a legal guardian
  3. NRIs and OCIs can also open an account

Final Thoughts

The NPS Vatsalya scheme promotes financial security and supports early retirement savings for children. Parents or guardians can open an account for their children, helping to build a retirement corpus from a young age. With low minimum contributions, flexible withdrawals, and a seamless transition at age 18, NPS Vatsalya ensures future financial stability. Additionally, it fosters early investment habits and secures long-term financial well-being.

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Why is NPS the best investment plan for senior citizens? Find out!

May 19, 2025

Retirement planning is becoming increasingly popular among Indian citizens. A reliable pension plan ensures that senior citizens receive steady income deposits in their accounts to cover daily expenses. In this context, the National Pension System (NPS) is regarded as one of the best investment options for senior citizens. This plan offers subscribers a pension scheme that helps maintain financial stability during their golden years.

Introduced by the Government of India, the NPS aims to provide a financial cushion for retirees post-retirement. In this blog, we will explain how the NPS serves as the best investment plan for senior citizens and why it should be chosen.

How does the NPS facilitate a comfortable retirement? Let’s explore.

The NPS is considered one of the top investment plans for senior citizens because it guarantees both stability and growth. Retirees benefit from market-linked returns while ensuring a dependable monthly pension. Upon reaching the age of 60, you can withdraw up to 60% as a lump sum, while the remaining 40% must be used to purchase annuities for a regular pension after retirement. 

Here are 7 reasons why the NPS stands out as the best investment plan for senior citizens:

  1. Regulated: The NPS is overseen by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), ensuring that your investments remain safe.
  2. Accessible to everyone: This affordable investment plan allows you to start investing with as little as ₹500.
  3. Tax Benefits: The NPS provides tax benefits up to ₹1.5 lakh under Section 80(C) and ₹50,000 under Section 80CCD (1B), which is in addition to Section 80(C).
  4. Diversification: Unlike traditional investment options, the NPS helps you diversify your portfolio across equity, corporate bonds, government securities, and alternative investment funds (AIFs).
  5. Better than traditional retirement plans: Being equity-linked, investment in NPS have a higher return potential compared to fixed deposits (FDs) and Public Provident Funds (PPFs), which is a significant reason for its preference among senior citizens.
  6. Flexible: The NPS provides subscribers with the option to choose their investment strategy. They can select between auto and active modes and choose fund managers based on their investment goals and time horizons.
  7. Portable: This is a key feature of the National Pension System, allowing subscribers to maintain their contributions regardless of changes in location or job, ensuring unaffected returns.

Click here to learn how NPS is an attractive retirement plan for every citizen of India.  

Final Thoughts

The National Pension System is a prominent retirement plan for both senior citizens and younger individuals. As mentioned above, any citizen of India between the ages of 18 and 70 can invest in it, making the NPS an attractive retirement saving option. If you are seeking the best saving scheme for senior citizens, the NPS is a structured and government-backed plan that ensures long-term financial security. However, it is advisable to consult a financial advisor before starting your journey. 

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Why Are Global Fund Solutions Significant in a Diversified Portfolio?

May 16, 2025

In today’s interconnected world, investors are no longer solely tied to domestic markets. Whether experienced, institutional, or part of a family office, diversification is vital for every investor. Global investment solutions serve as a powerful tool for any robust investment strategy. This blog will explore the importance of global investment funds in India for diversification and identify who should consider investing in them. 

Global Fund Solutions—An Overview

Global fund solutions encompass strategies, structures, and services that facilitate investments across geographies, asset classes, and sectors. These solutions enable investors to access international markets, hedge against country-specific risks, and seize unique growth opportunities globally. The primary objective of diversification is risk mitigation. By spreading investments across various assets, regions, and industries, investors can lessen the impact of a single underperforming investment on their overall portfolio. 

Why Do Global Fund Investments Matter in Diversification?

  1. Portfolio Diversification: Global funds invest across many countries, allowing investors to diversify their portfolios geographically. Economic slowdowns, political instability, or currency fluctuations in one country can adversely affect domestic investments. Investing globally disperses exposure, helping to balance out regional risks.
  2. Exposure to the Global Economy: Many emerging markets provide faster growth than developed countries. Global funds can give investors exposure to these markets, something that cannot be achieved through domestic investments.
  3. Reduced Volatility from the Domestic Market: Investors’ reliance on the domestic market diminishes when they invest in global funds. In times of domestic market volatility, global funds can potentially yield returns.
  4. Sector & Innovation Exposure: Global funds grant access to specific sectors or industries, taking advantage of the growth potential in international markets.
  5. Long-term Investment Strategy: Global diversification is generally regarded as a long-term investment strategy. By investing in global funds, investors can move closer to their financial objectives.

Looking to invest in global fund investments? Click here to know the factors before investing in them. 

Who Should Consider Global Fund Solutions?- 

  • Institutional investors seeking multi-region allocations.
  • High-net-worth individuals aiming to grow their wealth internationally. 
  • Indian investors looking for offshore growth.
  • Family offices targeting global diversification. 

Final Thoughts

Global fund solutions empower investors to diversify by opening up a wider and more balanced investment universe. However, similar to any investment, it’s essential to align global fund solutions with financial goals, risk tolerance, investment horizon, and the regulatory environment. Seeking professional advice from an expert is recommended.