Direct investing plans offer a unique avenue for investors to access mutual funds directly from fund houses or asset management companies (AMCs), completely bypassing brokers, agents, or distributors. In this article, we’ll explore what direct investing plans entail, how to invest in them, and the advantages and challenges associated with this approach.
Understanding Direct Investing Plans
Direct investing plans, as the name suggests, allow investors to purchase mutual funds directly from the source – the fund houses or AMCs. The distinguishing feature of these plans is that they do not involve any commission or intermediary fees. This direct route translates into potentially higher returns for investors due to lower expense ratios and zero commission charges. However, it’s important to note that direct investing plans are better suited for investors who are comfortable making their mutual fund choices without external advice.
Ways to Invest in Direct Investing Plans
Investing in direct plans can be done through both online and offline modes. Here’s a brief overview of each:
Online Mode: Investors can easily access direct investing plans through the websites of AMCs, registrars and transfer agents (RTAs).To get started, investors need to complete Know Your Customer (KYC) formalities, open an account with the chosen AMC or platform, select the direct plan option, pick their desired scheme and growth/dividend option, and then make payments using various online methods like net banking, UPI, or debit cards.
Offline Mode: For those who prefer in-person transactions, it’s possible to invest in direct investing plans by visiting the branch offices of AMCs or RTAs. This involves filling out the requisite application forms, providing KYC documents, submitting PAN cards, and including a cheque or demand draft. Alternatively, investors can download the application forms from the AMC’s website, fill them out, and submit them at the branch office along with the required documentation.
Benefits of Direct Investing Plans
Higher Returns: Direct investing plans often yield superior returns compared to regular plans. This is due to the absence of intermediary commissions and lower expense ratios. Over time, this difference can result in substantial savings, thanks to the power of compounding.
Lower Costs: These plans boast lower expense ratios since they exclude commissions and distribution charges. A lower expense ratio directly translates into a higher net asset value (NAV) for the fund, ultimately benefiting the investor.
Enhanced Transparency: With no intermediaries involved, direct investing plans offer greater transparency. Investors can rely on their own research and analysis, free from any potential conflicts of interest or biases that intermediaries may have. Account and investment-related information is easily accessible online through dedicated accounts or platforms.
Challenges of Direct Investing Plans
Lack of Advice: Direct investing plans require investors to possess sufficient knowledge and skills to make informed mutual fund choices without expert guidance. Factors like risk appetite, return expectations, asset allocation, and portfolio management must be handled independently.
Reduced Convenience: Some investors may find direct plans less convenient than regular plans, especially if they prefer a single point of contact for all their investments. Managing multiple accounts, passwords, statements, and transactions across different AMCs or platforms can be more cumbersome.
Examples of Direct Investing Plans in India
Multi Asset Allocation Funds: These hybrid funds invest in multiple asset classes, including equity, debt, gold, and real estate. By adjusting allocations based on market conditions and fund strategies, they aim to provide diversification and risk reduction.
Dynamic Asset Allocation Funds: These hybrid funds maintain a mix of equity and debt instruments but change their allocations based on market conditions and fund models to optimise returns with minimal risk. An example is the ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund, a direct dynamic asset allocation fund.
Balanced Advantage Funds: Similar to dynamic asset allocation funds, these hybrids use derivatives to hedge equity exposure, aiming to reduce portfolio volatility and tax liability.
Direct investing plans offer investors a direct route to mutual funds, promising potentially higher returns and lower costs. However, they require investors to be self-reliant in their investment decisions and may be less convenient for those who prefer centralised management. Before diving in, it’s essential to carefully evaluate your own knowledge, risk tolerance, and investment preferences.
FAQs
A direct investment plan allows individuals to buy mutual funds directly from fund houses without paying intermediary commissions, suitable for self-directed investors.
Options include monthly SIPs in mutual funds, opening recurring deposits (RDs) in banks, or contributing to a Public Provident Fund (PPF) account.
Yes, you can invest 500 rs per month through SIPs in mutual funds, RDs in banks, or the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) designed for girl children’s financial goals.
You can invest Rs 1,000 per month via monthly SIPs in mutual funds, open RDs in banks, or purchase National Savings Certificates (NSC).
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Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks; read all the related documents carefully before investing.