The End Of Bundled Mutual Funds

The regulator now wants insurers to launch customised, innovative products and give customers more choice and benefits

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On June 17, market regulator SEBI instructed the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), the MF industry body, to terminate bundled mutual funds. For several years now, there have been mutual fund schemes that bundle life insurance on select schemes as well as SIPS. Likewise, two asset management companies (AMCs)-LICMF and UTI-have for long managed and run two schemes that mix insurance with investments, somewhat similar to the unit-linked insurance plans (ULIP) offered by life insurers. These mutual fund schemes offer mortality benefits that pass to the nominees of the investor on death.

For many years now, mutual funds have bundled life insurance with schemes to attract long-term investors. Such bundled products are available with the SIP option in investments.

The sum assured is typically linked with the amount and tenure of the SIP. For instance, an AMC would fix a minimum tenure on the SIP to take advantage of the insurance benefits, which could be three years to begin with. The sum assured as part of the insurance component would range anywhere from 100-120 times the monthly SIP instalment or capped at Rs 50 lakh.