Mutual Fund Agent Apprenticeship Course Syllabus

Course Title

Mutual Fund Agent Apprenticeship Course

Course Code

MFA101

Description

This course, under the Apprenticeship Training Scheme (ATS), provides comprehensive training for mutual fund agents, focusing on selling mutual fund products, managing client relationships, and ensuring compliance with SEBI and AMFI regulations. Apprentices will gain hands-on experience in prospecting clients, recommending suitable mutual fund schemes, and handling documentation, preparing them for roles in financial services, investment firms, and wealth management. The course aligns with the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and complies with the Apprentices Act, 1961.

Objectives

• Identify and prospect potential clients to sell mutual fund products effectively.
• Recommend suitable mutual fund schemes based on client needs, risk profiles, and financial goals.
• Manage client documentation, including KYC and AMFI Registration Number (ARN) processes.
• Ensure adherence to SEBI, AMFI, and ethical standards in mutual fund distribution.

Schedule

The course spans 8 weeks, combining basic training and on-the-job practical training as per ATS guidelines. Each week focuses on specific skills essential for mutual fund agents. Below is the detailed breakdown:

Week 1: Introduction to Mutual Funds

Overview of mutual funds, agent roles, financial markets, and regulatory bodies like SEBI and AMFI under ATS. Introduction to the NISM-Series-V-A certification process.

Week 2: Mutual Fund Products and Features

Understanding types of mutual funds (e.g., equity, debt, hybrid, ELSS) and their features, risks, and returns.

Week 3: Sales and Prospecting Techniques

Learning lead generation, client prospecting, and effective sales strategies for mutual fund products.

Week 4: Client Needs Analysis and Scheme Selection

Assessing client financial goals, risk appetite, and recommending suitable mutual fund schemes using tools like SIP calculators.

Week 5: Documentation and KYC Compliance

Processing KYC documents, completing mutual fund applications, and understanding ARN and EUIN requirements.

Week 6: Regulatory Framework and Ethics

Ensuring compliance with SEBI regulations, AMFI Code of Conduct, and ethical practices in client interactions.

Week 7: Client Relationship Management

Building long-term client relationships, handling portfolio reviews, and addressing client queries on performance and taxation.

Week 8: Final Project and Assessment

Completion of a comprehensive mutual fund sales and client advisory project and preparation for the All India Trade Test (AITT) under NCVT.

Assessment Methods

Apprentice performance is evaluated through a combination of practical, theoretical, and participatory components, preparing them for the National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC):

• Weekly Assignments: 40%
• Midterm Project: 20%
• Final Project: 30%
• Participation and Attendance: 10%

Instructor

Prof. Neha Gupta

Language

Available in: English

Status

Published

Additional Notes

Apprentices must be at least 14 years old and meet the minimum educational qualification (typically 10th grade passed or equivalent, as per trade requirements). The course includes basic training (20-25% of the program) and on-the-job training, with a stipend provided as per NAPS guidelines (e.g., Rs. 7700 per month for one-year ITI trade passed apprentices, as per Gazette notification dated 25th September 2019). Successful completion leads to the National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) upon passing the All India Trade Test (AITT), recognized for employment in government and private sectors. Apprentices are encouraged to pursue the NISM-Series-V-A: Mutual Fund Distributors Certification Examination to obtain an AMFI Registration Number (ARN), a mandatory requirement for mutual fund distribution in India. The training emphasizes sales skills, client advisory, and regulatory compliance, addressing the demand for skilled mutual fund agents in India’s growing financial services sector, with mutual fund AUM reaching Rs. 68 lakh crores in 2024.