SEBI ·

SEBI specifies lighter NISM Series-XXV-B certification for investment-adviser sales and non-core staff

Investment advisers must certify sales and non-core associated persons through the lighter NISM Series-XXV-B exam instead of the full adviser exams

Change
On 24 June 2026, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) specified that Persons Associated with Investment Advice (PAIA) performing only sales and other non-core services obtain the NISM Series-XXV-B certification instead of the Series-X-A (Level 1) and Series-X-B (Level 2) Investment Adviser examinations, with immediate effect.
Why it matters
PAIA who perform only sales and non-core services — sales staff and relationship managers with client contact but no direct role in investment advice — obtain the NISM Series-XXV-B certification; PAIA involved in investment advice continue to pass Series-X-A and Series-X-B. Sales and non-core PAIA who already hold Series-X-A and Series-X-B as on the circular date need not take Series-XXV-B now, and obtain it only before their existing certifications expire. The circular takes immediate effect and the IAASB must amend its bye-laws and rules to implement it.
Implications
  • Registered investment advisers' compliance teams must classify which associated persons perform only sales and non-core services and certify them through NISM Series-XXV-B rather than Series-X-A and Series-X-B — certifying advice-giving associated persons under the lighter module breaches the IA Regulations.
  • Registered investment advisers must ensure sales and non-core associated persons who currently hold Series-X-A and Series-X-B obtain Series-XXV-B before their existing certifications expire — an expired certification without the replacement leaves the associated person uncertified to perform the function.
  • The Investment Adviser Administration and Supervisory Body (IAASB) must amend its bye-laws and rules to implement the circular and disseminate it to registered investment advisers — an unamended supervisory framework is misaligned with the binding SEBI circular.
Who is affected
  • Registered investment advisers' compliance teams
  • Persons Associated with Investment Advice performing sales and non-core services
  • Investment Adviser Administration and Supervisory Body (IAASB)

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