India’s mutual fund industry has crossed ₹80 trillion in assets, reflecting strong retail participation and consistent SIP inflows. However, SEBI’s chairperson warned that financial literacy levels remain low, especially among first-time investors. The regulator stressed the need for better understanding of risk, product suitability, and long-term planning to ensure sustainable wealth creation as participation widens across demographics.

Beginning January 1, 2026, Sebi will treat all mutual fund and specialised investment fund (SIF) commitments to REITs as equity related instruments. The regulator said this shift aims to align REIT exposure with its underlying asset behaviour and improve transparency for investors. Existing REIT holdings under debt mutual fund schemes and SIF strategies will be grandfathered until December 31, 2025.