The Government of India acknowledges the dearth of financial advisers in India.
In response to a question raised in Lok Sabha on high entry barrier to become authorized financial advisors in India, Pankaj Chaudhary, Union Minister of State for Finance said that there are 2.75 crore mutual fund investors, 7.38 crore demat account holders and 1324 registered investment advisers (RIAs).
He said that the ratio of mutual fund investors and demat account holders to RIAs is 76,510:1. This means there is only one RIA for over 76500 capital market investors.
The minister further said that SEBI (Investment Advisers) Regulations, 2013 were notified on January 2013 in order to strengthen the regulatory framework for investment advisers. Subsequently, certain amendments to the Investment Advisers Regulations were notified on July 2020, the minister added.