FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

What is the ExpertMFD Initiative?

ExpertMFD is a pan-India, collaborative initiative to create Financial Entrepreneurs for the
Mutual Fund industry. The Indian Mutual Fund industry is amongst the fastest growing sectors
of the Indian economy and there is an enormous opportunity for potential entrep reneurs to
participate in the growth story of the Industry.
To enable this growth, the top Mutual Fund Companies; Axis Mutual Fund, Aditya Birla Sunlife
Mutual Fund, ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, L&T Mutual Fund, Nippon India Mutual Fund , SBI
Mutual Fund, Sundaram Mutual Fund and UTI Mutual Fund have collaborated with NSE (National
Stock Exchange) and CIEL (Centre for Investment Education and Learning) to create a unique 360
degree Mutual Fund ready platform to provide end to end services for on-boarding, training and
scaling up the business of potential new to industry financial entrepreneurs.

What are the benefits of the ExpertMFD Initiative?

The benefits of registering on the ExpertMFD Platform include -
• Becoming an Agent of Change by creating wealth for your customers
• Securing your professional and financial growth along with your customers
• Serious business with ease of flexibility with regards to work locations and work timings
• Jump-starting your business by avoiding all operational hassles
• Developing the right skills to flourish as a financial entrepreneur
• Gaining recognition for your actions

What are the eligibility criteria to register for the “ExpertMFD” initiative?
• Minimum age of 18 years
• Possess a valid PAN
• Possess a valid Proof of Residence (Aadhaar, Passport, Driving License, Vehi cle
Registration, etc.)
What are the steps to be followed for becoming a mutual fund distributor through the
ExpertMFD initiative?
• Register on the ExpertMFD Portal
• Enter mandatory profile details and upload correct documents
• Take FEAT (Financial Entrepreneurship Assessment Test)
• Pass the NISM VA Mutual Fund Distributors Certification Examination
• Submit your KYD and apply for an ARN
• Undertake empanelment with our collaborative partners

How can I register on the ExpertMFD Platform?

Click here to fill the registration form for ExpertMFD

Why do I need to enter all my details for profile completion?

Your profile fields will help us with various steps for your NISM exam registration, KYD and ARN
applications and empanelment process. We will also be able to understand you better and offer
learning solutions to suit your lifelong learning needs.
Our Collaborative Partners also encourage you to share the details that help them service you
better.

Is all the information that I provide stored safely?

Yes. All the information that is collected by us is solely for the purpose of providing the best
operational support towards your journey of becoming a financial entrepreneur.
The information is stored safely and only shared with the relevant entities to ensure a seamless
fulfilment of your entrepreneurial journey.

How is this a collaborative industry initiative?

The eight Mutual Funds – Axis Mutual Fund, Aditya Birla Sunlife Mutual Fund, ICICI Prudential
Mutual Fund, L&T Mutual Fund, Nippon India Mutual Fund, SBI Mutual Fund, Sundaram Mutual
Fund and UTI Mutual Fund; have collaborated with the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and CIEL
(Centre for Investment Education and Learning) to create a unique 360-degree MF-ready
platform to provide end to end services of on boarding, training and scaling up the business of
potential new to industry financial entrepreneurs.
What is the validity of NISM certification?
The NISM VA certificate is valid for 3 years from the date of issue.
We will also help you with the renewal of the certificate with CPE (Continuous Professional
Education) before expiry of the certificate.

What is the AMFI Registration Number (ARN)?

AMFI Registration Number (ARN) is a unique number which identifies intermediaries as AMFI
Registered Mutual Fund Distributors. The registration comprises a photo iden tity card bearing
the unique ARN, address, his/ her name, photo and the validity period of ARN.

Are there any fees payable to the Association of Mutual Funds of India (AMFI) for ARN?
Yes. All individuals willing to obtain an ARN are required to pay ₹3,00 0 to AMFI through CAMS.
Please visit https://www.amfiindia.com to know more.

Do I need to comply with Know Your Distributor guidelines (KYD)?

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has advised AMFI to review the existing registration
procedure for Mutual Fund Distributors and initiate necessary action to strengthen the same to
ensure correctness of information furnished in the registration application and also to have in
person verification of the ARN holders.
AMFI has therefore decided to introduce Know Your Distributor (KYD) process for the Mutual
Fund distributors with effect from September 1, 2010. The KYD procedure consists of document
verification and biometric process. The distributor is therefore required to apply for KYD
simultaneously along with application for registration of ARN.
To know more, please visit https://www.amfiindia.com

What do I need to pay for enrolling in ExpertMFD Initiative?

You need to pay a fee of ₹2,680 which includes NISM Examination Fees, Training and Operational
Support throughout your journey on ExpertMFD.
The entire amount will be reimbursed to you post getting your first Mutual Fund application from
a client.
What benefits can I expect upon being a part of the ExpertMFD Initiative?
You will avail the following upon becoming a part of the ExpertMFD Initiative –
• Certificate of Completion from CIEL, upon fully completing the Training Module
• NISM VA Mutual Fund Distributors Certificate from NISM, upon passing the NISM VA MFD
Certification Examination
• AMFI Registration Number from AMFI, upon undertaking the ARN Process with CAMS
• Empanelment with Partner AMCs of the ExpertMFD Initiative
• Access to NSE Mutual Fund Platform to undertake all mutual fund transactions

When will CIEL apply for the NISM VA Mutual Fund Distributors Certification Examination?
You have the freedom to choose the convenient date to attempt the NISM VA MFD Examination.
CIEL will make best efforts in enrolling you on the chosen date and at the chosen location.
However, we recommend that you complete the Training Material & Practice Tests assigned to
you prior to registering for the Examination, to increase your chances of passing the same.

Can I take the NISM Exam from my home?

Yes. You can take the proctored online NISM examination from the comfort of your home (as per
the terms set by NISM); you can also take the examination from the authorised examination
centres of NISM.
Please refer to the NISM website for more details.

What if I fail to clear the NISM Exam?

If you fail to clear the examination or are unable to appear for the exam due to any contingency
or unable to take the proctored examination due to any technology related issue; you will need
to reapply for the NISM examination & pay an examination fee of ₹ 1,500.
For any complaints regarding the examination, you will have to coordinate with NISM directly .

I am an empanelled distributor with one of the MFs. Can I join the ExpertMFD Initiative?
Unfortunately, at the current stage, we are only encouraging individuals who are yet to obtain
the NISM VA MFD Certification to be a part of the initiative and attain success as Mutual Fund
Distributors.
Which entities are a part of the ExpertMFD Initiative?
The entities (in alphabetical order) include -
1. Aditya Birla Sunlife Mutual Fund
2. Axis Mutual Fund
3. ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund
4. L&T Financial Services Mutual Fund
5. National Stock Exchange
6. Nippon India Mutual Fund
7. SBI Mutual Fund
8. Sundaram Mutual Fund
9. UTI Mutual Fund

How long does it take to become an empanelled distributor with ExpertMFD?

Although we estimate the entire ExpertMFD Process to conclude in about a month, it is extremely
user-dependent and timelines would vary from user-to-user, as we are dependent upon the users
to provide us various details & documentation at the earliest.

How much will I earn upon being empanelled as a distributor through ExpertMFD?
The earnings of any distributor will depend predominantly on the volume of business they
generate, and would vary from user-to-user.
You may download and refer to the Revenue Calculator and get an estimate of your potential
earnings by clicking here.

Where can I get more information about the ExpertMFD Initiative?

To know more about the ExpertMFD Initiative, you may visit our website by clicking here.
Alternatively, you may also write to us at expertmfd@ciel.co.in.