Jio Payments Bank Secures Mutual Funds Distribution License from AMFI

Jio Payments Bank, a subsidiary of Jio Financial Services, has successfully obtained a mutual fund distribution license from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI). This Category 1 Execution-only Platform (EOP) license enables Jio Payments Bank to distribute the direct plans of various mutual fund schemes, marking a significant step in its expansion within the financial services sector.

Transaction Charges

• Category 1 EOPs, like Jio Payments Bank, are entitled to receive transaction charges from fund houses.
• The fee for these transactions is capped at ₹2 per transaction, providing a structured revenue model for the distribution of mutual funds.

Current Landscape

• As of now, there are 15 Category 1 EOPs registered with AMFI.
• The direct plan distribution business is primarily dominated by stock brokers such as Groww and Zerodha, who have established themselves in the digital investment space.

Increased Stake in Jio Payments Bank

• In August, Jio Financial Services announced an increase in its stake in Jio Payments Bank from 78.95% to 82.17% by investing ₹68 crore, demonstrating confidence in the bank’s potential and future growth.

Strategic Partnerships

• Jio Financial Services has formed a joint venture with BlackRock, a leading U.S.-based investment management firm, to establish a wealth management and broking business.
• This venture not only focuses on wealth management but also involves the distribution of various financial products, further expanding Jio’s footprint in the financial services sector.

Future Implications

• The entry of Jio Payments Bank into the mutual fund distribution space is expected to enhance competition, particularly in the direct plan segment, providing more options for investors.

Presence

• The acquisition of a mutual fund distribution license for Jio Payments Bank is part of Jio Financial Services’ broader strategy to establish itself in various segments of the financial services industry, including asset and wealth management.

Approval by SEBI

• Last week, the joint venture with BlackRock received in-principle approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to enter the mutual fund business.
• SEBI’s final approval will follow once the joint venture meets all regulatory conditions, a process that typically takes around a year.

Future Outlook

• The initiatives taken by Jio Financial Services signal its commitment to becoming a major player in the Indian financial market.
• By leveraging its technology-driven approach and partnerships, the company aims to attract a diverse clientele looking for asset management and investment solutions.