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Can I Sell My SBI Mutual Funds Without Aadhaar as an NRI?

Ramalingam Kalirajan |10925 Answers |Ask -Follow

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 16, 2025

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 04, 2025Hindi

Hi I am NRI (US citizen). I moved to US 30 years back. I hold some SBI mutual fund units. I donot have Aadhar card but I have PAN card. I asked SBIMF to redeem the units and send me a check to address on my statement. They are asking me to personally visit SBI MF office and present Aadhar card or voter registration. I presented proof of identity with OCI card, US passport and PAN card by email. I didnot have much luck in redeeming my units Frustrated investor.

Ans: Your concern regarding the redemption of SBI mutual fund units is valid. Let me address it step by step to provide clarity and potential solutions.

1. Legal Documentation Requirements
SBI Mutual Fund follows strict documentation rules.

The requirement of an Aadhaar card or voter ID is standard in India.

However, NRIs with PAN and OCI cards should also be eligible.

PAN is legally accepted for financial transactions, even without Aadhaar.

2. Presenting OCI and US Passport as Proof
Your OCI and US passport are valid identity proofs.

These documents establish your identity as an NRI.

PAN card further confirms your association with Indian financial systems.

Mutual fund companies must accept these as substitutes for Aadhaar.

3. Difficulty in Personal Visits
Being in the US, visiting their office is impractical.

Mutual fund companies have online processes for NRIs.

Redemption requests should accommodate remote verification.

SBI Mutual Fund needs to update their NRI servicing standards.

4. Communicating with SBI Mutual Fund
Direct communication can resolve your issue faster.

Write to the grievance redressal cell of SBI Mutual Fund.

Clearly explain your situation and provide supporting documents.

Mention the challenges you face in visiting India personally.

5. Role of Certified Financial Planner
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can mediate for you.

CFPs have experience in resolving such issues with fund houses.

They can guide you on alternate processes for redemption.

Collaborating with a CFP ensures a professional approach.

6. Checking KYC Compliance
Ensure your KYC is updated as an NRI.

KYC is mandatory for mutual fund transactions in India.

NRIs must update their KYC when there is a status change.

Use KYC registration agencies to check and update your details.

7. Alternative Redemption Options
Explore other methods to redeem your mutual funds.

Contact the Registrar and Transfer Agent (RTA) for SBI Mutual Fund.

RTAs like CAMS or KFintech often provide better assistance.

Explain your NRI status and request a solution for remote redemption.

8. Legal Recourse if Needed
As a last resort, consider legal action.

Consult an expert lawyer experienced in financial disputes.

File a complaint with SEBI through the SCORES platform.

SEBI ensures that investor grievances are addressed promptly.

Final Insights
Your frustration is understandable, but there are solutions.

Strengthen your communication with SBI Mutual Fund and escalate issues if needed.

Engage a Certified Financial Planner for expert guidance.

Update your NRI KYC and use RTAs for smoother resolution.

Keep patience and follow up consistently for the best outcome.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.