The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) in its circular dated May 8, 2017, allowed the use of e-wallets for investment in mutual funds within the umbrella limit of Rs 50,000 for investments by investors, especially the young generation — to purchase these instruments through both e-wallet and/or cash per mutual fund per financial year.
The move was also part of the efforts to promote digital payments in the mutual fund industry and channelise household savings into the capital market.
Mutual funds are investment vehicles made up of a pool of funds collected from a number of investors. The funds are invested in stocks, bonds and money market instruments, among others.
The circular is issued to protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote the development and regulate the securities market, Sebi said.