Alternative Investment Funds (AIF for short) are those funds created or established in India as a privately pooled investment vehicle in order to collect funds from specific investors as per a previously defined investment policy.
AIF does not include funds covered under the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996, SEBI (Collective Investment Schemes) Regulations, 1999 or any other regulations of the Board to regulate fund management activities.
The Union Cabinet too had approved the creation of an Alternative Investment Fund of Rs. 25,000 core to revive affordable housing projects.
In this article, we shall discuss at length the objectives and significance of the Alternative Investment Funds, important from the perspective of various government and the IAS Exam.
Refer to the topics below, included in the UPSC Syllabus for the prelims and mains examination:
| National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) | Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) |
| Types of Central Government Funds | Venture Capital (VC) |
| Types of Monetary System | Fiscal Policy in India |
Overview of Alternative Investment Funds
Alternative Investment Funds consist of investment funds pooled in together which is then used in investing private equity, hedge funds etc
Regulation 2(1)(b) of the Regulation Act, 2012 of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) lays down the definition of AIFs. Through a company, or a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) and Alternative Investment Fund can be established.
AIF does not include funds that are included in the regulations of the SEBI which oversee fund management activities. Other exemptions include family trusts, employee welfare trusts or gratuity trusts.
*Note: The SEBI granted further exemptions to AIFs on investment committee framework in January 2021. The exemption in AIF rule is conditional upon a capital commitment of at least Rs 70 crore from each investor accompanied by a suitable waiver.
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Types of Alternative Investment Funds
As per the Securities and Exchange Board of India, AIFS are divided into three categories. They are as follows:
1. Category 1 AIFS
These funds are invested in businesses that are new or have the potential to grow financially such as StartUps, Small and Medium Enterprises. The government encourages investments in these ventures as they have a positive impact on the economy with regards to high output and job creation.
Examples of this category are as follows:
- Infrastructure Funds
- Angel Funds
- Venture Capital Funds
- Social Venture Funds
2. Category 2 AIFS
Under this category, funds that are invested in equity securities and debt securities are included. Those funds not already under Category 1 and 3 respectively are also included. No concession is given by the government for any investment made for Category 2 AIFS
Examples of this category are as follows:
- Fund of Funds
- Debt Funds
- Private Equity Funds
3. Category 3 AIFS
Category 3 AIFs are those funds which give returns under a short period of time. These funds use complex and diverse trading strategies to achieve their goals. There is no known concession or incentive given towards these funds specifically by the government
Examples of this category are as follows:
- Hedge Funds
- Private Investment in Public Equity Funds
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Benefits and Drawbacks of Alternative Investment Funds
Like all financial instruments, Alternative Investment Funds have come with their share of benefits and drawbacks. They are as follows:
Benefits:
- Alternative Investments may help in reducing volatility that is commonly associated with traditional investments as their performances are not dependent on the ups and downs of a stock market.
- Helps in diversification in terms of markets strategies and investment styles
- Strong potential in improving performance.
Drawbacks
- A high investment amount is required, something which is not possible for small-scaled investors.
- Alternative investment funds are complex funds and due diligence is needed before deciding to invest in them.
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