SEBI Rules for Authorised Person Registration

Entering the financial markets as a business partner opens doors to tremendous growth and endless possibilities. The stock market provides a brilliant pathway to build a solid career while helping investors manage their wealth effectively. To step into this exciting space, individuals must follow specific guidelines set by the market regulator. The authorities have laid down a clear path for seamless entry. Following these steps ensures a highly rewarding and completely safe professional journey.

Who is an Authorised Registration Person for SEBI?

An authorised person acts as a vital bridge between a registered stockbroker and a retail investor. Formerly known as a sub broker, this individual or firm provides clients with safe access to the trading platform of a stock exchange. They work strictly as dedicated agents for their affiliated stockbrokers.

These professionals guide clients to choose the right shares and assist them in building strong investment portfolios. They operate under the constant supervision of their stockbroker. The stockbroker remains completely responsible for all their official actions and trades.

Unlike direct brokers, these agents do not charge brokerage directly to the clients. Instead, they receive a fixed commission from the stockbroker for every transaction they help execute. This system keeps the market transparent, fair, and highly regulated for everyone involved.

Registration Forms of Authorised Person

The registration process requires specific forms to be filled out and submitted carefully. These documents are usually provided by the affiliated broking house. Filling these correctly prevents unnecessary delays in the final approval process.

• Official Application Form: The main application document must be obtained from the stockbroker’s official website. This form captures all the basic details of the applicant. It needs to be duly signed and stamped by both the applicant and the broking house.
• Form-B: This is a mandatory form required by the stock exchange for official records. The form must be filled, signed, and stamped in the exact format defined by the broking house. Any minor mistakes here can delay the entire registration process.
• Form-C: This document acts as an official endorsement from the broker. It must be printed directly on the member’s official letterhead. It needs to bear the official registration stamp of the broking house to be considered valid.
• Official Debit Authorization Letter: The broking house must provide a formal financial letter to the exchange. This letter allows the stock exchange to deduct the registration fees directly from the broker’s account. This makes the fee payment process smooth and removes the need for manual cheque clearances.
• Reference Letters: The applicant must submit two distinct reference letters recommending them for the role. At least one of these letters must come directly from the applicant’s banker. This step helps the authorities verify the financial standing and character of the applicant.

Read Also: Can an Authorised Person Trade for Himself? Rules Explained

Eligibility of SEBI Rules Authorised Person

Meeting the eligibility criteria is the first major step for anyone looking to enter this business. The rules exist to ensure that only capable and trustworthy individuals handle investor money. The market regulator wants to protect the common investor from fraud and mismanagement.

The criteria cover everything from basic education to the legal structure of the business. Both individuals and corporate companies can apply for this role. They simply need to meet the specific conditions outlined below.

Criteria Category	Specific Eligibility Rules
Citizenship	The applicant must be a resident and a legal citizen of India.
Age Limit	The individual must be at least 18 years old, though some brokers might require applicants to be above 21 years of age.
Education	The applicant needs to have passed at least the 10th standard or an equivalent high school examination.
Certification	The applicant must hold the required NISM certifications for the specific market segment to prove their practical knowledge.
Infrastructure	The individual must possess adequate office space, manpower, and computer equipment to handle daily trading activities smoothly.
Entity Structure	Companies must be registered under the Companies Act, while partnerships need registration under the Partnership Act of 1932 or LLP Act of 2008.

Additional Declaration of Authorised Person

Along with the main forms, the applicant must provide a few specific legal declarations. These documents confirm the ethical background and clear intentions of the applicant. It is a formal way to promise the regulator that business will be conducted honestly.

• Direct Dealing Undertaking: The applicant must declare in a prescribed format that they will deal directly with investors. They must confirm that they will not work through any other unapproved or hidden person. This ensures total transparency in daily business operations.
• Clean Record Declaration: A formal written statement is required to confirm a completely clean past. This builds trust between the regulator and the applicant.
• Broker Agreement Copy: A certified true copy of the formal agreement between the broking firm and the applicant is absolutely needed. This important document must be printed on a Rs. 100 stamp paper. It must be clearly signed by witnesses to be legally binding.
• Profit Sharing Details: If the applicant operates as a partnership firm, they must declare the exact profit sharing ratio among all the partners. This document must include the total number of partners and their specific asset details. It prevents future financial disputes among business owners.

Other Declaration of Authorised Person

Depending on the specific type of business entity, some extra declarations might be needed during the process. These ensure that the business structure complies fully with corporate laws. It helps the regulator understand who is actually running the business behind the scenes.

• Corporate Entities: If the applicant is a registered corporation, they have to follow strict company laws. They must submit a certified true copy of the ROC Form 32. This proves their legal standing and active status in the corporate registry.
• Board Resolutions: Corporate bodies need to provide an official board resolution document. This document must clearly authorize specific directors or managers to conduct trading activities on behalf of the company. It ensures that the company officially supports the trading venture.
• Partnership Firms: Partnerships require different proofs of existence to operate legally. A duly signed and notarized copy of the partnership deed is highly required. The memorandum of articles must also be submitted alongside it for full legal clarity.
• Broker Database Certificate: If the applicant is already a member of a regional stock exchange, they have to show proper proof. They must provide a broker database certificate for verification. This needs to be certified directly by the respective regional exchange.
• Cancellation Undertakings: Some individuals might already be registered as a remisier with the same exchange. In such cases, they cannot hold two conflicting positions at once. They must submit an undertaking to cancel their previous premiership during the new registration process.

Documents Required for Authorised Registered Person

The following papers must be arranged properly before applying.

• Identity and Age Proof: Certified photocopies of a valid ID card are strictly required for identity checks. This ID card must clearly show the applicant’s exact date of birth. The regulator uses this to verify that the applicant meets the exact age criteria.
• PAN Card: A clear copy of the Permanent Account Number card is completely mandatory for everyone. The government uses this specifically for tax tracking and financial identity verification. Without a PAN card, no financial business can be started in India.
• Educational Certificates: A passing certificate for the highest educational qualification must be attached to the application. Usually, a High School Certificate or 10th standard pass certificate is the minimum requirement. This proves the applicant has the basic educational knowledge required for the role.
• Address Proofs: Valid documents showing both the residential address and the official office address must be submitted. This helps the broker and the exchange know exactly where the business operates. It is vital for sending official letters and legal notices.
• Market Experience Certificate: Sometimes an applicant does not meet the minimum educational criteria set by the rules. In such scenarios, they must submit a hard copy of a Market Experience Certificate. This certificate must come directly from a registered financial firm.

Read Also: Authorised Person Vs Franchise: What’s the Difference?

Conclusion

Entering the financial sector as a certified professional opens the door to immense growth and learning. The rules and guidelines created by the regulator exist purely to build a safe, transparent, and highly trusted market environment. By completing the correct paperwork and understanding the compliance requirements, individuals can build a highly respectable career.It brings financial independence to the professional and deep safety to the retail investor. Ready to build your business as an Authorised Person? Partner with Pocketful for competitive profit sharing, advanced trading tools, and dedicated support to help you manage your operations smoothly.