Top RIA Melvin Joseph teaches how to become a SEBI Registered Investment Advisor

Published on / By M. Pattabiraman Twitter: @pattufreefincal

Published: January 26, 2025 at 6:00 am

Last Updated on April 26, 2025 at 9:21 pm

Many Freefincal readers have shown interest in becoming a SEBI Registered Investment Advisor to offer unbiased advice to clients and earn a decent income from this. Investment Advisory can be a second career for many DIY investors passionate about helping others manage their finances.

As per old SEBI regulations, a postgraduate qualification in finance and 5 years of relevant work experience were the criteria for applying for an RIA licence.

 The good news is that SEBI recently relaxed the eligibility criteria.

 Now, finance, accountancy, business management, commerce, economics, capital market, banking, insurance, and actuarial science graduates are eligible to apply for RIA.

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  • The experience stipulation is removed.
  • If you have the above academic qualification, you can apply for an RIA licence, even if you have no work experience.
  • You must also pass the NISM XA and XB examinations to get the RIA licence.

Unfortunately, Graduates in other subjects like science/ engineering/ Arts cannot consider this even now.  They should still go for a PG in Finance.

 Melvin Joseph, one of the most experienced RIAs in the country, is on a mission to create more RIAs. He is not new to Freefincal readers.  He has created around 3400 financial plans in the last 14 years. Also see:

Melvin Joseph
Melvin Joseph

 I met him for the first time in March 2015 and later in Oct 2016 during the Mumbai DIY investor meets and then again during Fee-only India’s launch: a movement to serve investors and advisors.

 His interview with LabourLawAdvisor talks about his journey and plans to create more RIAs.

 He started Kids Education and You ( KEY) in 2018, a movement to support the education of underprivileged kids. Around 960 kids are beneficiaries of this.

 He is conducting a webinar for RIA aspirants on Sunday, 2nd February, at 11 am.  It will be a golden chance to listen to him if you are serious about becoming an RIA.

He will guide you in getting an RIA license, setting up an advisory business, etc.

 VAXEL Academy will arrange the webinar.  There will be a registration fee of Rs. 1000/-.

Entry is limited only to the first 50 participants.

 If you want to attend the webinar, please register with this link. https://vaxel.in/courses/ria-webinar/

Note: Freefincal has no conflict of interest in this initiative. In our opinion, Melvin is one of the best and most ethical advisors, and this is an excellent opportunity if you wish to become an advisor.