SEBI’s Accredited Investor (AI) framework enables sophisticated investors to access Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), Angel Funds, and other private market avenues under a structured and flexible regulatory regime. The framework is designed to deepen India’s capital markets and build a stronger domestic base of private capital.
This page is IVCA’s information hub for the AI framework, consolidating eligibility, benefits, investment opportunities, accreditation process, SEBI circulars, consultation papers, and direct links to SEBI-approved accreditation agencies.
The Accredited Investor (AI) framework was introduced by SEBI to broaden investor participation and create a pool of sophisticated investors with the ability to access alternative assets under lighter compliance. It is part of SEBI's wider effort to strengthen India's private capital ecosystem, drawing on global best practices while tailoring for the domestic market.
Individuals, HUFs, Family Trusts, Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships
Net worth ≥ ₹7.5 crore, with ≥ ₹3.75 crore in financial assets, OR
Annual income ≥ ₹2 crore, OR
Annual income ≥ ₹1 crore and net worth ≥ ₹5 crore, with ≥ ₹2.5 crore in financial assets
Body Corporates or Trusts (other than Family Trusts)
Net worth ≥ ₹50 crore
Note: The value of the primary residence is excluded from net worth calculations.
Access to exclusive AI-only AIFs and co-investment opportunities
Diversification beyond listed markets
Flexible terms and extended fund tenures in select schemes
Lower minimum thresholds in certain specialised vehicles
Streamlined compliance for sophisticated investors
Accredited Investors can access a broader set of private market instruments, including:
AI-only schemes
AIFs and Large Value Funds (LVFs)
Angel Funds (for AIs)
Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs)
Co-Investment Vehicles (CIVs)
PMS, private placements, corporate bonds, private equity, and venture capital funds
Confirm eligibility (see criteria above)
Prepare documents: PAN, Aadhaar, Net Worth Certificate from a CA, ITRs
Apply via SEBI-recognised accreditation agencies
Use DigiLocker for secure submission and verification
Accreditation certificate validity: typically 1–3 years
Note: Some AIFs may allow provisional onboarding before certification
Circulars
18th December 2023
:
:
SEBI Circular: Simplification of requirements for grant of accreditation to investors
Consultation Papers
August 2025
:
:
Consultation Paper on Introduction of Separate Type of AIF Scheme for Only Accredited Investors
August 2025
:
:
Consultation Paper on Providing Flexibilities to Large Value Funds for Accredited Investors (LVFs) under SEBI AIF Regulations
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