What is the fate of my investment in UTI's Master Share scheme, which I had invested around 1987 to 1992 & now lost entire bunch of certificates, in transit when I changed my accomodation. Now I do not have any clue i. e. Folio number.. How can I recover the money invested?
Ans: It's completely understandable to feel stressed when old investments get lost in transition. But there is a clear process in place to help investors like you recover long-forgotten mutual fund investments—even without folio numbers or physical certificates.
Let us address this step-by-step from a Certified Financial Planner’s point of view.
? Understanding Your Investment Background
– You had invested in UTI Mastershare between 1987 and 1992.
– These were likely physical unit certificates.
– Now those are lost during your house shifting.
– You no longer remember the folio number or unit details.
– You want to know how to reclaim or trace the investment.
Let me reassure you—it is very much possible to recover your investment.
? Why You Can Still Recover This Investment
– Mutual funds in India are SEBI-regulated and traceable.
– All units, even old ones, are managed under registrar records.
– UTI Mutual Fund has proper data on old investors.
– They are legally bound to verify your identity and help trace records.
– Even without folio number, they can search with your PAN, name, address, and bank details.
So your money is not lost, just needs effort to trace.
? Steps You Can Take to Recover Your Investment
Here’s the full process you must follow now.
? Step 1: Collect All Personal and Investment Clues
Start by preparing the following:
– Your full name, as used during investment
– Father’s name (sometimes used in records pre-1990s)
– Your old residential address during that investment period
– PAN card (if you had it at the time or now)
– Bank name and branch used for the original investment
– Any cheque stub, bank passbook, or UTI letter (if available)
– Approximate years of investment (1987–1992 in your case)
Even small clues will help narrow down the search.
? Step 2: Reach Out to UTI Mutual Fund Directly
You must now send a written request to UTI Mutual Fund with all above details.
Where to send:
UTI Asset Management Company Ltd
Investor Relations Department
UTI Tower, ‘Gn’ Block,
Bandra Kurla Complex,
Bandra (East), Mumbai – 400051
Or contact their investor helpline:
Toll-Free: 1800 22 1230
Email: invest (at the rate of) uti.co.in
Clearly mention that:
– You had invested in UTI Mastershare (1986 Scheme)
– Approximate period (1987 to 1992)
– Units were lost in transit
– You don’t remember folio number
– Requesting a search by name, old address, and PAN
Attach self-attested copies of:
– PAN card
– Aadhaar card
– Address proof (current and if possible, old)
– Signed letter with full explanation
They will take a few days or weeks to respond with a trace or a request for further details.
? Step 3: Once Folio Is Found – Apply for Duplicate Units
Once UTI confirms they found your record:
– They will guide you to fill a duplicate unit request form
– You will have to submit indemnity bond and possibly affidavit
– If units are in physical form, they will issue an account statement
– If units were converted to demat, they will guide you to link with your demat
– You can request redemption or switch to newer schemes
Once reissued, you can also consolidate units into a modern folio with PAN and KYC compliance.
? Step 4: Update KYC and Link PAN If Not Already Done
If your PAN was not linked earlier, you may be required to complete full KYC process:
– Submit PAN, Aadhaar, Photo, Address Proof
– This allows you to receive money or continue investing
– UTI will guide if any KYC update is needed
– It is mandatory now for all mutual fund units to be KYC compliant
? Step 5: If You Still Get No Response – Use RTI or SEBI SCORES
If after following all steps, UTI does not respond:
– File a Right to Information (RTI) request to UTI
– Or register complaint on SEBI SCORES portal
(https://scores.gov.in)
Explain everything and attach your documents. SEBI will ensure UTI takes action.
? About Tax and Maturity Value of Old Mastershare Units
– UTI Mastershare has grown well since launch.
– It is an equity-oriented scheme.
– Units invested in 1987–1992 may have multiplied many times.
– Dividends may have been paid (but now unclaimed).
– UTI can confirm your current unit value and accumulated dividends.
– If you redeem now, LTCG (Long Term Capital Gain) applies.
As per new tax rules:
Equity mutual fund LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
STCG (if applicable) is taxed at 20%.
Tax is payable only if you redeem units.
If not needed, you may continue holding the investment. Or switch to new schemes with better diversification.
? What If It Was a Joint Investment?
If you had made it jointly with someone:
– Provide both names and details
– If second holder is deceased, then death certificate is needed
– Legal heir or nominee process applies if both holders not alive
UTI has a smooth process to handle joint or deceased holder cases. Just provide legal papers.
? If You Had Multiple Investments
– Don’t assume only one folio.
– You may have invested in more than one scheme.
– Request UTI to search for all folios linked to your name
– Many old investors find surprise folios with bonus units or dividends.
Always ask for consolidated statement from UTI for peace of mind.
? What You Can Do Going Forward
– Once recovered, move units to a single PAN-linked folio
– Do KYC and link Aadhaar
– Redeem if money is needed or switch to better mutual funds
– Avoid keeping mutual funds in physical form in future
– Always invest via regular plan with MFD + CFP guidance
– Register email, mobile and nominee for all future investments
Your old investment can now be used to build a fresh financial plan.
? Finally
– Your investment in UTI Mastershare is not lost.
– It is recoverable even after 30+ years.
– UTI is legally required to trace and return it.
– Follow the steps above patiently and clearly.
– Gather all identity documents and clues.
– Contact UTI in writing with explanation.
– Be persistent but polite.
– Use RTI or SEBI if they delay response.
You will most likely get back your full investment with growth.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment