AMFI -- Association of Mutual Funds in India

AMFI introduced the process to register the intermediaries who have passed the certification test as AMFI Registered Mutual Fund Advisors (ARMFA), thus laying the foundation for an organized industry and allotting a unique code- AMFI Registration Number (ARN) along with an identity card.

SEBI recognizing the importance of this initiative taken by AMFI had made Registration with AMFI after passing AMFI Certification Test compulsory for intermediaries.

SEBI has clarified that after obtaining certification from NISM as per changed mandate, the requirement of registration with AMFI, in terms of its circular dated November 28, 2002 would continue.

As such, all AMFI/ NISM Certified Intermediaries engaged in marketing and selling of Mutual Fund schemes are required to be registered with AMFI after passing AMFI/ NISM Certification Test. The Mutual Funds will not be able to deal with intermediaries who are not registered with AMFI and obtained ARN. In terms of SEBI Circular dated September 13, 2012,

"AMFI shall create a unique identity number of the employee/ relationship manager/ sales person of the distributor interacting with the investor for the sale of mutual fund products, in addition to the AMFI Registration Number (ARN) of the distributor. The application form for mutual fund schemes shall have provision for disclosing the unique identity number of such sales personnel along with the ARN of the distributor."