In India’s rapidly growing financial markets, trust and transparency are paramount. With an increasing number of retail investors relying on market research and financial advice, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has taken proactive steps to regulate professionals offering investment recommendations and advisory services. Two primary categories—Research Analyst (RA) and Investment Advisors (IA)—fall under SEBI’s regulatory lens.
Although their roles appear similar, they serve different functions and follow distinct SEBI regulations. Let’s explore how both are registered, what compliance requirements they must meet, and how SEBI ensures investor protection by regulating these professions.
Legal Provisions and Regulatory Framework
SEBI governs the activities of RAs and IAs through dedicated regulations to ensure quality advice and prevent conflicts of interest.
- Key SEBI Regulations
SEBI (Research Analysts) Regulations, 2014These govern individuals and entities who publish or prepare research reports or make recommendations on securities.
SEBI (Investment Advisers) Regulations, 2013These apply to professionals offering personalized financial planning and investment advice to clients for a fee.
Both regulations are framed under the SEBI Act, 1992.
Who is a Research Analyst?
A Research Analyst (RA) is someone who analyzes financial instruments, securities, or companies and shares their recommendations publicly or privately. They do not provide personalized advice but instead issue general reports through newsletters, blogs, YouTube videos, or research portals.
Example: An analyst who publishes a report saying “Buy XYZ stock with a target of ₹500” is a Research Analyst.
Who is an Investment Advisor?
An Investment Advisor (IA) provides customized financial advice to clients based on their risk appetite, goals, and income profile. They may suggest asset allocation, mutual funds, stocks, or retirement plans for a fee.
Example: A financial planner who tells a 30-year-old professional to invest 60% in equity and 40% in debt is acting as an Investment Advisor.
Key Differences Between RA and IA
CriteriaResearch Analyst (RA)Investment Advisor (IA)Type of AdviceGeneral (non-customized)Personalized (tailored to individual needs)Nature of WorkAnalysis, reports, recommendationsFinancial planning, portfolio managementFee ModelCan earn via subscription or platformMust earn only via advisory feesProduct DistributionCannot distribute or sell productsCannot distribute or sell productsRegulationSEBI (RA) Regulations, 2014SEBI (IA) Regulations, 2013
Eligibility Criteria for SEBI Registration
- For Research Analyst Registration
Education: Graduation in any discipline + Professional qualification (CA, CFA, MBA in Finance, etc.)
Experience: At least 1 year in financial analysis or related field
Certification: NISM-Series-XV: Research Analyst Certification Examination
Net Worth Requirement: ₹1 lakh for individuals, ₹25 lakhs for body corporates
- For Investment Advisor Registration
Education: Graduation + post-grad diploma/degree in finance, economics, commerce, or similar field
Experience: Minimum 5 years in advisory, financial planning, or similar activities
Certification: NISM-Series-X-A: Investment Adviser (Level 1 & 2) exams
Net Worth Requirement: ₹5 lakhs for individuals, ₹50 lakhs for body corporates
Registration Process with SEBI
Both registrations follow a structured process through SEBI’s Intermediary Portal.
- Steps for RA/IA Registration:
Create an Account on https://intermediary.sebi.gov.in
Fill the Application Form (Form A for IAs, RA Form for Analysts)
Upload Required Documents like educational qualifications, NISM certificates, net worth certificate, Aadhaar, PAN, etc.
Pay the Fees
RA: ₹5,000 (individual), ₹25,000 (non-individual)
IA: ₹5,000 (individual), ₹1,00,000 (non-individual)
SEBI Review and approval, typically within 3–6 months.
Documents Required
PAN and Aadhaar
Educational qualification certificates
NISM Certification(s)
Net worth certificate from CA
Income Tax Returns
Office proof and KYC
Compliance and declaration forms
Post-Registration Compliance
After getting registered, both IAs and RAs must comply with ongoing SEBI regulations:
- RA Compliances:
Disclose conflict of interest in reports
Maintain records of recommendations for 5 years
File annual report with SEBI
- IA Compliances:
Ensure suitability of advice
Maintain client risk profiling and financial data
Avoid product distribution
Appoint a compliance officer (for body corporates)
Maintain records for 5 years
Conduct periodic audits
Why SEBI Registration is Crucial
SEBI’s licensing system is designed to protect investors from unregulated or misleading advice. With rampant online tips and social media influencers promoting stocks, registered professionals add credibility, accountability, and reliability to financial guidance.
Penalty for Non-Compliance:Unregistered advisory or research activity is a punishable offence under the SEBI Act, 1992, with fines and even prosecution in extreme cases.
Combining RA and IA in One Frame
Many professionals aim to register for both RA and IA to offer research-based insights along with personal advisory services. However, SEBI mandates separate legal entities and segregated operations for those wishing to hold both licenses.
You cannot offer both services under the same brand name or entity. This is to avoid conflict of interest and mixing of services, especially where the advisor also prepares research reports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I register as both Research Analyst and Investment Advisor?
Yes, but SEBI requires separate registrations for investment advisor and research analyst and operational segregation. One entity cannot offer both services simultaneously.
Q2. Can a SEBI-registered RA give personalized advice?
No. Research Analysts can give general recommendations but not customized financial advice. For that, IA registration is needed.
Q3. What is the cost of obtaining SEBI registration?
RA: ₹5,000 (individual), ₹25,000 (firm)
IA: ₹5,000 (individual), ₹1,00,000 (firm)Additional cost includes NISM exams and documentation like net worth certificate.
Q4. Can I charge commission as a SEBI-registered IA?
No. SEBI prohibits IAs from earning any commission or referral fee. Revenue must come only from advisory fees paid by clients.
Q5. What happens if I give advice without SEBI registration?
It's a punishable offence under the SEBI Act, 1992. SEBI may impose fines, order cease-and-desist, and even initiate criminal prosecution.
Conclusion
The financial advice site in India is becoming increasingly regulated, with SEBI tightening norms to protect investors. Whether you're a market analyst preparing stock tips or a planner guiding someone’s financial journey, proper SEBI registration is not just a formality—it’s a necessity.
RAs and IAs, though closely related, serve different roles and follow distinct guidelines. By simplifying the process and drawing a clear boundary between research and advice, SEBI ensures that investors get reliable, conflict-free, and professional guidance.
So, if you're looking to start your career in financial services or already offer market opinions—get registered, stay compliant, and build trust.