Key updates for mutual fund and financial product distributors
AMC and product-related updates
- Sundaram Mutual Fund has announced IDCW payouts under select Aggressive Hybrid and Balanced Advantage schemes. The record date is 17 February 2026, with payout amounts differing across regular and direct plans.
Regulatory and distribution-related developments
- The Reserve Bank of India has proposed stricter action in cases of mis-selling by banks and NBFCs.
Under draft guidelines, institutions may be required to issue full refunds and compensate customers where mis-selling of financial products such as mutual funds or insurance is established. The move reinforces the regulator’s focus on accountability and customer protection. - IRDAI data shows ULIP commission payouts rose sharply in FY25. Total commissions reached ₹7,855 crore, a 60% year-on-year increase and the highest growth since FY18.
Institutional and macro signals
- SoftBank has realised $7.4 billion from its India investments, with the remaining portfolio valued at $13.7 billion as of December-end. The group continues to hold stakes across ecommerce, fintech, edtech and software companies, while reporting its fourth consecutive profitable quarter.
- Fitch Ratings expects India’s GDP to grow 6.4% in 2026, maintaining its position as the fastest-growing major economy in Asia. The projection offers a supportive macro backdrop despite near-term market volatility.
Sector and global developments
- Indian IT stocks have seen a cumulative erosion of nearly ₹6 lakh crore in market value over eight sessions, amid ongoing concerns around AI-led disruption and global technology spending trends.
- The United States has granted Reliance Industries license to purchase Venezuelan crude, easing restrictions for the Indian refiner and carrying implications for energy sourcing and supply dynamics.
Other major headlines
- India approved a defence procurement worth ₹3.6 lakh crore, with the Defence Acquisition Council clearing key acquisitions including 114 Rafale multirole fighter aircraft and 288 S-400 surface-to-air missile systems, marking a significant expansion of the country’s defence capabilities.
- Indian agricultural exports to the US could see a boost, with an SBI research report indicating that around 75% of such exports now qualify for zero-tariff treatment under the recently announced India–US trade framework.
- India plans to add 50 new airports over the next five years, a step expected to support long-term growth across infrastructure, aviation, and real estate-linked segments.
Source: Cafemutual, Moneycontrol, Angelone, ICICI Direct, Perplexity Finance
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. This update is intended to keep mutual fund and financial product distributors informed of industry and regulatory developments. It does not constitute investment advice or product recommendations. Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks; read all the related documents carefully before investing.
