Choice International Limited, a diversified financial services group, has secured final approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to establish a mutual fund business in India. This landmark regulatory development positions the Group to foray into the investment management domain with the launch of Choice Mutual Fund, further expanding its integrated financial services ecosystem.

SEBI has granted Choice International the status of Sponsor, and Choice AMC Private Limited, its wholly owned subsidiary, has been authorised to operate as the Asset Management Company (AMC) for the mutual fund. This dual approval enables the Group to begin formal operations under the regulatory oversight of SEBI.

A Strategic Milestone for Choice

Commenting on the milestone, Arun Poddar, CEO of Choice International Ltd, said, “This approval marks a significant milestone in the expansion of our financial services portfolio and reinforces our long-term commitment to delivering comprehensive and accessible investment solutions. The mutual fund platform will initially focus on passive products, in line with our objective to build a stable, scalable, and professionally managed AMC under a strong regulatory and governance framework.”

Choice Mutual Fund aims to introduce Index Funds and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) in the first phase of its rollout. This strategic approach reflects the growing global and domestic demand for passive investing, which offers cost efficiency, market-linked returns, and broader accessibility.

Empowering the Next Wave of Indian Investors

Backed by Choice’s Pan-India presence, robust technology-led distribution capabilities, and a strong governance framework, the mutual fund arm seeks to cater to a wide demographic—ranging from retail and emerging affluent clients to institutional investors.

The company has positioned its offering to fill a critical gap between traditional financial advice and modern investment tools, aiming to serve investors through goal-based investing, Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), and broad-market index solutions.

Choice International is betting big on financial inclusion, intending to leverage its vast network of over 58,000 trained business associates and a client base exceeding 14 lakh to deliver modern financial products to every corner of India.

The Bigger Vision: Democratising Finance

According to internal strategy documents, Choice’s expansion into mutual funds is part of a long-term roadmap to build a future-ready investment ecosystem. The Group views mutual funds as a natural next step in empowering Indian investors with low-cost, well-regulated, and high-quality investment options, especially as awareness and financial literacy continue to grow.

The global shift towards passive investing, where ETFs and index funds have seen exponential inflows, is a trend being replicated in India. Choice Mutual Fund plans to ride this wave by offering retail investors simple and transparent vehicles to participate in the country’s long-term economic growth story.

A Decade of Trust and Compliance

Headquartered in Mumbai, Choice International Limited has evolved over the last decade into a diversified conglomerate, offering services across finance, engineering, and consulting domains. The Group holds registrations and memberships with several key financial regulators, including:

• SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India)

• RBI (Reserve Bank of India)

• IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India)

• NSE, BSE, MCX, and NCDEX

• AMFI (Association of Mutual Funds in India)

• CDSL and NSDL (India’s central depositories)

The Group has also earned ISO 27001:2002 certification, highlighting its commitment to data security and operational excellence. Moreover, it is certified as a “Great Place to Work”, reflecting its culture of employee engagement and workplace quality.

Outlook for the Mutual Fund Industry

India’s mutual fund industry is witnessing rapid expansion, with assets under management (AUM) crossing ₹58 lakh crore as of mid-2025. Increasing participation from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, backed by digital platforms and investor education, has fuelled growth.

The entry of Choice Mutual Fund is timely, especially as regulatory frameworks encourage low-cost passive products to be included in retirement savings, child education funds, and other goal-based schemes. The fund house's emphasis on compliance, accessibility, and investor awareness is expected to position it competitively in this rapidly growing sector.

Conclusion

With SEBI’s approval now secured, Choice Mutual Fund is set to formally begin operations under the aegis of Choice AMC Private Limited. As the Group transitions from planning to execution, it seeks to redefine how Indian investors engage with mutual funds—by offering simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and strategic growth opportunities through passive investment products.

This marks a strategic inflection point for Choice International Limited, enhancing its profile from a financial services provider to a comprehensive wealth management powerhouse. The Group's vision is clear: to democratise investing in India by bringing quality financial products to every household.

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