Annexure A
Investor Charter
Investor Charter in respect of Research Analysts (RAs).
A. Vision and Mission Statements for Investors
Vision
Invest with knowledge & safety.
Mission
Every investor should be able to invest in right investment products based on their needs, manage and monitor them to meet their goals, access reports and enjoy financial wellness.
B. Details of Business Transacted by the Research Analyst
- Publish research reports based on research activities of the RA.
- Provide an independent, unbiased view on securities.
- Offer unbiased recommendations while disclosing financial interests in recommended securities.
- Provide research recommendations based on publicly available information and known observations.
- Conduct audit annually.
- Ensure advertisements adhere to the Advertisement Code for Research Analysts.
- Maintain records of interactions with clients and prospective clients where research services are discussed.
C. Details of Services Provided to Investors
- Disclose material information required for informed decision-making, including business activity, disciplinary history, terms and conditions, associates, risks and conflicts of interest.
- Disclose the extent of use of Artificial Intelligence tools in providing research services.
- Disclose relevant conflicts of interest when distributing third-party research reports.
- Distribute research reports and recommendations to clients without discrimination.
- Maintain confidentiality of research reports until they are made available in the public domain.
- Respect client data privacy and protect confidential information from unauthorized use.
- Disclose service timelines and adhere to them.
- Provide clear guidance and adequate caution when recommendations involve complex or high-risk financial products/services.
- Treat all clients with honesty and integrity.
D. Grievance Redressal Mechanism
In case of any grievance or complaint, an investor may approach the concerned Research Analyst, who shall strive to redress the grievance immediately, but not later than 21 days from receipt of the grievance.
Escalation options
- SCORES 2.0 — SEBI’s web-based centralized grievance redressal system.
- First review by the designated body (RAASB), followed by second review by SEBI.
- If the investor is not satisfied with the resolution, the grievance may be taken to the SMARTODR platform for online conciliation or arbitration.
E. Rights of Investors
- Right to privacy and confidentiality.
- Right to transparent practices.
- Right to fair and equitable treatment.
- Right to adequate information and continuing disclosures.
- Right to fair and true advertisement.
- Right to be informed of service parameters and turnaround times.
- Right to be heard and receive satisfactory grievance redressal.
- Right to exit a financial product or service in accordance with agreed terms.
- Right to clear guidance and caution when dealing in complex and high-risk products and services.
F. Expectations from Investors
Do’s
- Deal only with a SEBI-registered Research Analyst.
- Ensure the Research Analyst has a valid registration certificate and check the SEBI registration number.
- Read disclosures in research reports before investing.
- Pay through banking channels only and maintain duly signed receipts.
- Ask relevant questions and clarify doubts before acting on a recommendation.
- Seek clarification especially for complex and high-risk financial products and services.
Don’ts
- Do not provide funds for investment to the Research Analyst.
- Do not fall prey to alluring advertisements or market rumours.
- Do not get attracted to limited-period discounts, incentives or gifts offered by a Research Analyst.
- Do not share login credentials or passwords of trading, demat or bank accounts.