Annexure 1

Investor Charter

Investor Rights and Protection Framework

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🎧 Expert Commentary: Investor Charter

Detailed glossary explanations and key term definitions

The SEBI Investor Charter for Research Analysts β€” a six-part framework covering vision, RA responsibilities, services, grievance redressal, investor rights, and investor duties
The SEBI Investor Charter for Research Analysts β€” six pillars: Vision, RA Business Responsibilities, Services Provided, Grievance Redressal, Investor Rights, and Investor Responsibilities

A. Vision and Mission Statements for investors

Vision

Invest with knowledge & safety.

Mission

Every investor should be able to invest in right investment products based on their needs, manage and monitor them to meet their goals, access reports and enjoy financial wellness.

SEBI Investor Charter Vision: invest with knowledge and safety; Mission: every investor reaches financial wellness through the right products, goal monitoring, and research access
Vision: Invest with knowledge and safety β€” Mission: every investor invests in the right product, monitors their goals, accesses research, and enjoys financial wellness

B. Details of business transacted by the Research Analyst with respect to the investors

  • To publish research report based on the research activities of the RA.
  • To provide an independent unbiased view on securities.
  • To offer unbiased recommendation, disclosing the financial interests in recommended securities.
  • To provide research recommendation, based on analysis of publicly available information and known observations.
  • To conduct audit annually.
  • To ensure that all advertisements are in adherence to the provisions of the Advertisement Code for Research Analysts.
  • To maintain records of interactions, with all clients including prospective clients (prior to onboarding), where any conversation related to the research services has taken place.
Research Analyst's seven core business responsibilities β€” unbiased research reports, independent views, annual audits, SEBI-compliant advertising, and full interaction records with all clients
Section B: the Research Analyst's obligations β€” from publishing unbiased research and disclosing financial interests to conducting annual audits and maintaining complete interaction records

C. Details of services provided to investors (No Indicative Timelines)

  • Onboarding of Clients
  • Sharing of terms and conditions of research services
  • Completing KYC of fee paying clients
  • Disclosure to Clients:
    • To disclose information that is material for the client to make an informed decision, including details of its business activity, disciplinary history, the terms and conditions of research services, details of associates, risk and conflicts of interest, if any;
    • To disclose the extent of use of Artificial Intelligence tools in providing research services;
    • To disclose, while distributing a third party research report, any material conflict of interest of such third party research provider or provide a web address that directs a recipient to the relevant disclosures;
    • To disclose any conflict of interest of the activities of providing research services with other activities of the research analyst.
  • To distribute research reports and recommendations to the clients without discrimination.
  • To maintain confidentiality w.r.t publication of the research report until made available in the public domain.
  • To respect data privacy rights of clients and take measures to protect unauthorized use of their confidential information.
  • To disclose the timelines for the services provided by the research analyst to clients and ensure adherence to the said timelines.
  • To provide clear guidance and adequate caution notice to clients when providing recommendations for dealing in complex and high-risk financial products/services.
  • To treat all clients with honesty and integrity.
  • To ensure confidentiality of information shared by clients unless such information is required to be provided in furtherance of discharging legal obligations or a client has provided specific consent to share such information.
Research Analyst's service obligations to investors β€” onboarding, KYC, AI tool disclosure, third-party conflict disclosure, non-discriminatory distribution, data privacy, and guidance on complex products
Section C: services provided to investors β€” from client onboarding and KYC to disclosing AI tool use, third-party conflicts, research timelines, and clear guidance on high-risk financial products

D. Details of grievance redressal mechanism and how to access it

Investor can lodge complaint/grievance against Research Analyst in the following ways:

Mode of filing complaint directly with the Research Analyst
In case of any grievance / complaint, an investor may approach the concerned Research Analyst who shall strive to redress the grievance immediately, but not later than 21 days of the receipt of the grievance.

Step 1 β€” Direct complaint to Research Analyst: the RA must acknowledge and resolve any investor grievance within 21 days of receipt
First channel: approach the Research Analyst directly β€” SEBI mandates resolution within 21 days of receiving the grievance

Mode of filing the complaint on SCORES or with Research Analyst Administration and Supervisory Body (RAASB)

  1. SCORES 2.0 β€” a web based centralized grievance redressal system of SEBI for facilitating effective grievance redressal in time-bound manner (https://scores.sebi.gov.in)
    Two level review for complaint/grievance against Research Analyst:
    • First review done by designated body (RAASB)
    • Second review done by SEBI
  2. Email to designated email ID of RAASB
SCORES 2.0 β€” SEBI's web-based centralised grievance redressal portal: two-level review for Research Analyst complaints (first by RAASB, then by SEBI)
Second channel: SCORES 2.0 (scores.sebi.gov.in) β€” two-level review with RAASB as the first reviewer and SEBI as the second; or email the RAASB directly

If the Investor is not satisfied with the resolution provided by the Market Participants, then the Investor has the option to file the complaint / grievance on the SMARTODR platform for its resolution through online conciliation or arbitration.

SMARTODR β€” online dispute resolution for investors not satisfied with market participant resolutions: conciliation and arbitration available fully online
Third channel: SMARTODR β€” if market participant resolution is unsatisfactory, investors can escalate to SEBI's online conciliation and arbitration platform

With regard to physical complaints, investors may send their complaints to:
Office of Investor Assistance and Education,
Securities and Exchange Board of India,
SEBI Bhavan, Plot No. C4-A, 'G' Block,
Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra (E),
Mumbai – 400 051.

Four-channel investor grievance pathway: direct RA approach (21 days) β†’ SCORES 2.0 / RAASB email β†’ SMARTODR online dispute resolution β†’ physical complaint to SEBI, Mumbai
Complete grievance redressal map: direct RA β†’ SCORES 2.0/RAASB β†’ SMARTODR β†’ Office of Investor Assistance and Education, SEBI Bhavan, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Mumbai 400 051

E. Rights of Investors

  • Right to Privacy and Confidentiality
  • Right to Transparent Practices
  • Right to Fair and Equitable Treatment
  • Right to Adequate Information
  • Right to Initial and Continuing Disclosure β€” Right to receive information about all the statutory and regulatory disclosures
  • Right to Fair & True Advertisement
  • Right to Awareness about Service Parameters and Turnaround Times
  • Right to be informed of the timelines for each service
  • Right to be Heard and Satisfactory Grievance Redressal
  • Right to have timely redressal
  • Right to Exit from Financial product or service in accordance with the terms and conditions agreed with the research analyst
  • Right to receive clear guidance and caution notice when dealing in Complex and High-Risk Financial Products and Services
  • Additional Rights to vulnerable consumers β€” Right to get access to services in a suitable manner even if differently abled
  • Right to provide feedback on the financial products and services used
  • Right against coercive, unfair, and one-sided clauses in financial agreements
15 investor rights under the SEBI Investor Charter β€” from privacy, fair treatment, and adequate information to grievance redressal, exit rights, and protection from coercive clauses
Section E: 15 rights of investors β€” including privacy, transparency, fair advertisement, timely grievance redressal, exit rights, caution on complex products, and accessible services for differently-abled investors

F. Expectations from the investors (Responsibilities of investors)

Do's

  1. Always deal with SEBI registered Research Analyst.
  2. Ensure that the Research Analyst has a valid registration certificate.
  3. Check for SEBI registration number.
  4. Please refer to the list of all SEBI registered Research Analysts which is available on SEBI website in the following link: (https://www.sebi.gov.in/sebiweb/other/OtherAction.do?doRecognisedFpi=yes&intmId=14)
  5. Always pay attention towards disclosures made in the research reports before investing.
  6. Pay your Research Analyst through banking channels only and maintain duly signed receipts mentioning the details of your payments. You may make payment of fees through Centralized Fee Collection Mechanism (CeFCoM) of RAASB if the research analyst has opted for the mechanism. (Applicable for fee paying clients only)
  7. Before buying securities or applying in public offer, check for the research recommendation provided by your research Analyst.
  8. Ask all relevant questions and clear your doubts with your Research Analyst before acting on the recommendation.
  9. Seek clarifications and guidance on research recommendations from your Research Analyst, especially if it involves complex and high risk financial products and services.
  10. Always be aware that you have the right to stop availing the service of a Research Analyst as per the terms of service agreed between you and your Research Analyst.
  11. Always be aware that you have the right to provide feedback to your Research Analyst in respect of the services received.
  12. Always be aware that you will not be bound by any clause, prescribed by the research analyst, which is contravening any regulatory provisions.
  13. Inform SEBI about Research Analyst offering assured or guaranteed returns.
Investor Do's β€” verify SEBI registration, pay only through banking channels (CeFCoM), read all disclosures, ask questions, seek clarification on complex products, and report guaranteed-return claims to SEBI
Section F Do's (13 obligations): deal only with registered RAs, pay via banking channels, attend to disclosures, clarify doubts on complex products, exercise your exit and feedback rights

Don'ts

  1. Do not provide funds for investment to the Research Analyst.
  2. Don't fall prey to luring advertisements or market rumours.
  3. Do not get attracted to limited period discount or other incentive, gifts, etc. offered by Research Analyst.
  4. Do not share login credentials and password of your trading and demat accounts with the Research Analyst.
Investor Don'ts β€” never hand funds to an RA, ignore luring advertisements or rumours, be swayed by discounts or gifts, or share trading and demat login credentials
Section F Don'ts (4 prohibitions): no funds to RA, no reaction to luring ads or rumours, no response to discount incentives, no sharing of trading or demat login credentials

πŸƒ Flashcards

65 cards Β· click to reveal the answer Β· use search to focus on a topic

What is the specific Vision stated in the Investor Charter for Research Analysts?
Invest with knowledge & safety.
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According to the Mission statement, what should every investor be able to enjoy after meeting their goals?
Financial wellness.
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Research Analysts are required to provide an independent and _____ view on securities.
Unbiased
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How often must a Research Analyst conduct an audit of their activities?
Annually.
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Research Analysts must maintain records of interactions with clients and _____ clients where research conversations occurred.
Prospective
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Which specific code must all advertisements by a Research Analyst adhere to?
Advertisement Code for Research Analysts.
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What process must be completed specifically for fee-paying clients during onboarding?
Know Your Customer (KYC).
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Research Analysts must disclose the extent of use of _____ tools in providing their research services.
Artificial Intelligence
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What information must be provided when distributing a third-party research report if conflict of interest is present?
A web address directing to relevant disclosures or the specific material conflict.
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What is the requirement for Research Analysts regarding the distribution of reports to different clients?
To distribute reports and recommendations without discrimination.
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Until what point must a Research Analyst maintain confidentiality regarding a research report?
Until it is made available in the public domain.
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What is the maximum time limit for a Research Analyst to redress a grievance after receiving it?
21 days.
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Which web-based centralized system does SEBI provide for time-bound grievance redressal?
SCORES 2.0.
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Term: RAASB
Definition: Research Analyst Administration and Supervisory Body.
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In the SCORES 2.0 review process, who performs the first level of review for complaints against Research Analysts?
RAASB.
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In the SCORES 2.0 review process, who performs the second level of review for complaints against Research Analysts?
SEBI.
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What platform provides online conciliation or arbitration if an investor is unsatisfied with a market participant's resolution?
SMARTODR platform.
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Which SEBI office should physical complaints be sent to?
Office of Investor Assistance and Education.
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The right to receive information about all statutory and regulatory disclosures is known as the Right to _____.
Initial and Continuing Disclosure
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What specific right protects investors against one-sided clauses in financial agreements?
Right against coercive, unfair, and one-sided clauses.
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Vulnerable consumers have a specific right to access services in a suitable manner even if they are _____.
Differently abled
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Investors have the right to exit from a financial product in accordance with the _____ agreed with the research analyst.
Terms and conditions
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Which regulatory body must a Research Analyst be registered with according to investor expectations?
SEBI.
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What should an investor verify on a Research Analyst's registration certificate before dealing with them?
SEBI registration number.
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Where can an investor find the list of all SEBI-registered Research Analysts?
On the SEBI website.
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Through what channel should an investor always pay their Research Analyst fees?
Banking channels.
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Term: CeFCoM
Definition: Centralized Fee Collection Mechanism.
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What action should an investor take before acting on a research recommendation?
Ask all relevant questions and clear doubts with the Research Analyst.
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Whom should an investor inform if a Research Analyst offers assured or guaranteed returns?
SEBI.
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What must an investor never provide directly to a Research Analyst for investment?
Funds.
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What sensitive information should an investor never share with their Research Analyst regarding their demat accounts?
Login credentials and password.
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Investors should not get attracted to limited period discounts, gifts, or _____ offered by Research Analysts.
Incentives
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Research recommendations provided by RAs must be based on known observations and analysis of _____.
Publicly available information
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What must Research Analysts share during the onboarding of clients besides terms and conditions?
Disclosures regarding business activity and disciplinary history.
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The Right to Transparent Practices ensures that investors are treated with _____.
Honesty and integrity
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Research Analysts must take measures to protect client confidential information from _____.
Unauthorized use
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Under what condition may a Research Analyst share client confidential information without specific consent?
To discharge legal obligations.
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What must a Research Analyst provide when recommending complex or high-risk financial products?
Clear guidance and adequate caution notice.
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How should an investor maintain proof of payment to a Research Analyst?
By maintaining duly signed receipts mentioning payment details.
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If an investor is unhappy with the services received, what specific right allows them to convey their opinion?
Right to provide feedback.
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The Right to Fair & True Advertisement protects investors from _____.
Luring advertisements or market rumours
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A Research Analyst must ensure that all services provided to clients follow disclosed _____.
Timelines
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Which body's designated email ID can be used to file a complaint if not using SCORES 2.0?
RAASB.
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In which city is the SEBI Office of Investor Assistance and Education located?
Mumbai.
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What is the primary objective of the Investor Charter?
To provide a framework for investor rights and protection.
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Investors are not bound by any clause prescribed by a Research Analyst that contravenes _____.
Regulatory provisions
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What must be disclosed regarding the Research Analyst's relationship with other business activities?
Any conflict of interest arising from those activities.
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The Charter emphasizes that every investor should be able to invest in products based on their _____.
Needs
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Before buying securities in a public offer, what should an investor check from their RA?
The research recommendation.
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Research Analysts must disclose any financial interests they have in _____.
Recommended securities
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Which platform handles online arbitration for investor grievances?
SMARTODR.
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The Right to Awareness about Service Parameters includes knowledge of _____ times.
Turnaround
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What is the purpose of CeFCoM in the context of Research Analysts?
To facilitate a centralized fee collection mechanism for clients.
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What must an RA do if they are distributing a research report prepared by a third party?
Disclose any material conflict of interest of that third party.
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The Right to be Heard is paired with the right to _____ grievance redressal.
Satisfactory
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What is the street address 'G' Block, Bandra-Kurla Complex associated with?
SEBI Bhavan (SEBI Headquarters).
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True or False: An investor should share their demat account password if the RA needs to verify holdings.
False.
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Research Analysts must provide information that is _____ for the client to make an informed decision.
Material
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The Investor Charter's mission includes helping investors enjoy financial _____.
Wellness
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What is the standard for the review of complaints by RAASB and SEBI?
Two-level review.
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An investor's Right to Adequate Information ensures they receive all necessary _____ disclosures.
Statutory and regulatory
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What is the expected behavior of an RA towards all clients regardless of their investment size?
To treat them with honesty and integrity.
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What should an investor seek from an RA regarding complex products specifically?
Clarifications and guidance.
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Which body is responsible for the annual audit of the Research Analyst?
The Research Analyst themselves must ensure it is conducted.
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The Right to Fair and Equitable Treatment implies that services should be provided without _____.
Discrimination
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Source Attribution

This comprehensive educational content is derived from the NISM-Series-XV: Research Analyst Certification Examination Workbook (June 2025 version), published by the National Institute of Securities Markets.

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