Investor Charter

Vision & Mission

Vision — Invest with knowledge & safety.

Mission — Every investor should be able to invest in the right investment products based on their needs, manage and monitor them to meet their goals, access reports, and enjoy financial wellness.

Details of business transacted by the Research Analyst with respect to investors

• To publish research reports based on the research activities of the RA.
• To provide an independent, unbiased view on securities.
• To offer unbiased recommendations, disclosing any financial interests in recommended securities.
• To provide research recommendations based on analysis of publicly available information and known observations.
• To conduct an audit annually.
• To ensure that all advertisements adhere to the Advertisement Code for Research Analysts.
• To maintain records of interactions with all clients, including prospective clients (prior to onboarding), where any conversation related to the research services has taken place.

Details of services provided to investors (no indicative timelines)

Onboarding of clients

• Sharing of terms and conditions of research services.
• Completing KYC of fee-paying clients.

Disclosure to clients

• To disclose information that is material for the client to make an informed decision, including details of business activity, disciplinary history, terms and conditions of research services, details of associates, and risks and conflicts of interest, if any.
• To disclose the extent of use of Artificial Intelligence tools in providing research services.
• While distributing a third-party research report, to disclose any material conflict of interest of such third-party research provider, or to provide a web address directing the recipient to the relevant disclosures.
• To disclose any conflict of interest in the activity of providing research services with other activities of the research analyst.

Other commitments

• To distribute research reports and recommendations to clients without discrimination.
• To maintain confidentiality regarding publication of the research report until it is made available in the public domain.
• To respect the data-privacy rights of clients and take measures to protect against unauthorised use of confidential information.
• To disclose the timelines for the services provided and ensure adherence to them.
• To provide clear guidance and adequate caution notice when recommending dealing in complex and high-risk financial products/services.
• To treat all clients with honesty and integrity.
• To ensure confidentiality of information shared by clients, unless required to be provided in furtherance of legal obligations or where the client has given specific consent.

Grievance redressal mechanism

An investor may lodge a complaint against the Research Analyst as follows:

1. With the Research Analyst — the investor may approach the concerned Research Analyst, who shall strive to redress the grievance immediately, but not later than 21 days of receipt of the grievance.
2. On SCORES / with RAASB — through SCORES 2.0, SEBI's web-based centralised grievance redressal system (scores.sebi.gov.in), with a two-level review (first by the designated body RAASB, then by SEBI); or by email to the designated email ID of RAASB.
3. SMARTODR — if not satisfied with the resolution, the investor may file the grievance on the SMARTODR platform for resolution through online conciliation or arbitration.

Physical complaints may be sent to: Office of Investor Assistance and Education, Securities and Exchange Board of India, SEBI Bhavan, Plot No. C4-A, 'G' Block, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), Mumbai – 400 051.

Rights of investors

• Right to Privacy and Confidentiality
• Right to Transparent Practices
• Right to Fair and Equitable Treatment
• Right to Adequate Information
• Right to Initial and Continuing Disclosure — including the right to receive information about all statutory and regulatory disclosures
• Right to Fair & True Advertisement
• Right to Awareness about Service Parameters and Turnaround Times
• Right to be informed of the timelines for each service
• Right to be Heard and to Satisfactory Grievance Redressal — including the right to timely redressal
• Right to Exit from a financial product or service in accordance with the agreed terms and conditions
• Right to receive clear guidance and caution notice when dealing in complex and high-risk financial products and services
• Additional rights for vulnerable consumers — including the right to access services in a suitable manner even if differently abled
• Right to provide feedback on the financial products and services used
• Right against coercive, unfair, and one-sided clauses in financial agreements

Expectations from investors (responsibilities)

Do's

• Always deal with a SEBI-registered Research Analyst; ensure the RA has a valid registration certificate and check the SEBI registration number. (List of registered RAs: sebi.gov.in)
• Always pay attention to disclosures made in research reports before investing.
• Pay your Research Analyst through banking channels only and keep duly signed receipts of payments. You may pay through CeFCoM if the RA has opted for it (for fee-paying clients only).
• Before buying / selling securities or applying in a public offer, check the research recommendation provided by your RA.
• Ask all relevant questions and clear your doubts before acting on a recommendation.
• Seek clarifications and guidance, especially for complex and high-risk products and services.
• Be aware that you have the right to stop availing the service of an RA as per the agreed terms.
• Be aware that you have the right to provide feedback on the services received.
• Be aware that you will not be bound by any clause that contravenes regulatory provisions.
• Inform SEBI about any RA offering assured or guaranteed returns.

Don'ts

• Do not provide funds for investment to the Research Analyst.
• Don't fall prey to luring advertisements or market rumours.
• Do not get attracted to limited-period discounts or other incentives, gifts, etc.
• Do not share the login credentials and passwords of your trading, demat or bank accounts with the Research Analyst.