Mutual Funds Industry in India

Introduction

The mutual fund industry in India has emerged as a significant player in the financial services sector, facilitating investment for millions of retail and institutional investors. With a diverse range of schemes catering to various investment goals and risk appetites, mutual funds have transformed the investment landscape in India, promoting financial inclusion and literacy.

Key Highlights

  • Total AUM: The total Assets Under Management (AUM) as of August 31, 2024, was USD 804 Billion
  • Decadal Growth: The AUM increased from USD 122 Billion on August 31, 2014, to USD 804 Billion in 2024, representing a more than sixfold increase in ten years
  • Five-Year Growth: The AUM grew from USD 307 Billion on August 31, 2019, to USD 804 Billion in 2024, marking a more than twofold increase in five years
  • Folios Milestone: The mutual fund industry crossed 100 Million folios in May 2021. As of August 31, 2024, the total number of folios stood at 204.5 Million
  • Retail Investor Participation: Retail investors account for 48-50% of the total AUM
  • SIP Accounts: There were 96.1 Million total SIP accounts in India as of August 2024
  • SIP Contribution Growth: SIP contributions doubled between 2021 and 2024
  • Monthly SIP Inflows: Monthly SIP inflows reached USD 2.83 Billion as of August 2024

Types of Mutual Funds in India

Equity Mutual Funds

Primarily invest in stocks for long-term capital appreciation.

Debt Mutual Funds

Focus on fixed-income securities like bonds and debentures for stable returns.

Hybrid Mutual Funds

Combine investments in both equity and debt to balance risk and return.

Index Funds

Aim to replicate the performance of a specific market index, following a passive investment strategy.

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Traded like shares on stock exchanges, usually tracking an index with high liquidity.

What’s new in Mutual Fund Industry in India?

The Indian mutual fund industry has witnessed significant innovations, including:

  • Digital Platforms: The rise of technology has enabled seamless online transactions, making it easier for investors to access mutual funds. Mobile applications and robo-advisory services have further democratized investment
  • Thematic Funds: The introduction of thematic and sectoral funds allows investors to capitalize on specific trends or sectors, enhancing portfolio diversification
  • ESG Funds: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) funds are gaining traction as investors increasingly prioritize sustainability in their investment choices
  • Flexible SIPs: Innovations such as flexible SIPs, which allow investors to change their SIP amounts based on their financial circumstances, are becoming popular

Growth Drivers

  • Rising Financial Literacy: Increased awareness and education about financial products have encouraged retail participation
  • Technological Advancements: The integration of technology in investment platforms and advisory services has made mutual funds more accessible to a broader audience
  • Demographic Trends: With a young population increasingly interested in wealth creation, the demand for mutual funds continues to rise
  • Economic Recovery: The post-pandemic economic recovery has boosted investor confidence, leading to greater investments in equity markets
  • Diverse Product Offerings: The introduction of various mutual fund products catering to different risk appetites and investment goals has attracted a wide range of investors

Global Involvement in the Indian Mutual Fund Industry

  • Attraction of International Players: Several global asset management firms are entering the Indian market, recognizing its potential for growth and diversification
  • Collaborations and Partnerships: Domestic mutual fund houses are forming partnerships with international firms to leverage expertise and best practices in fund management
  • Regulatory Framework: SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) is creating a conducive environment for foreign investment in mutual funds, promoting cross-border fund offerings
  • Global Trends Influence: The Indian mutual fund industry is adopting global trends, such as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing, influenced by international investor preferences

Source – Association of Mutual Funds in India

Types of Mutual Funds in India

  1. Equity Mutual Funds: Primarily invest in stocks for long-term capital appreciation.
  2. Debt Mutual Funds: Focus on fixed-income securities like bonds and debentures for stable returns.
  3. Hybrid Mutual Funds: Combine investments in both equity and debt to balance risk and return.
  4. Index Funds: Aim to replicate the performance of a specific market index, following a passive investment strategy.
  5. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs): Traded like shares on stock exchanges, usually tracking an index with high liquidity.
IGF_Mutual Fund

Top 10 Mutual Funds AMC houses in India

Fund House AUM
SBI Mutual Fund
USD 133 Bn
ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund
USD 106 Bn
HDFC Mutual Funds
USD 94 Bn
Nippon India Mutual Funds
USD 67 Bn
Kotak Mutual Funds
USD 57 Bn
Aditya Birla Capital
USD 46 Bn
Axis Mutual Funds
USD 38 Bn
UTI Mutual Funds
USD 38 Bn
Mirae Asset Mutual Funds
USD 23 Bn
Tata Mutual Funds
USD 21 Bn

What’s new in Mutual Fund Industry in India?

The Indian mutual fund industry has witnessed significant innovations, including:

  • Digital Platforms: The rise of technology has enabled seamless online transactions, making it easier for investors to access mutual funds. Mobile applications and robo-advisory services have further democratized investment
  • Thematic Funds: The introduction of thematic and sectoral funds allows investors to capitalize on specific trends or sectors, enhancing portfolio diversification
  • ESG Funds: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) funds are gaining traction as investors increasingly prioritize sustainability in their investment choices
  • Flexible SIPs: Innovations such as flexible SIPs, which allow investors to change their SIP amounts based on their financial circumstances, are becoming popular

Growth Drivers

  • Rising Financial Literacy: Increased awareness and education about financial products have encouraged retail participation
  • Technological Advancements: The integration of technology in investment platforms and advisory services has made mutual funds more accessible to a broader audience
  • Demographic Trends: With a young population increasingly interested in wealth creation, the demand for mutual funds continues to rise
  • Economic Recovery: The post-pandemic economic recovery has boosted investor confidence, leading to greater investments in equity markets
  • Diverse Product Offerings: The introduction of various mutual fund products catering to different risk appetites and investment goals has attracted a wide range of investors

Global Involvement in the Indian Mutual Fund Industry

  • Attraction of International Players: Several global asset management firms are entering the Indian market, recognizing its potential for growth and diversification
  • Collaborations and Partnerships: Domestic mutual fund houses are forming partnerships with international firms to leverage expertise and best practices in fund management
  • Regulatory Framework: SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) is creating a conducive environment for foreign investment in mutual funds, promoting cross-border fund offerings
  • Global Trends Influence: The Indian mutual fund industry is adopting global trends, such as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing, influenced by international investor preferences