Portfolio Management Services (PMS) offer tailored investment solutions for high-net-worth individuals seeking personalized asset management. These services are designed to align with an investor’s specific financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.
Key Features of Portfolio Management Services:
- Customized Investment Strategies: PMS provides bespoke investment plans tailored to individual financial objectives and risk profiles.
- Professional Management: Experienced portfolio managers actively manage investments, leveraging their expertise to optimize returns.
- Transparency: Investors receive regular updates and comprehensive reports detailing portfolio performance and holdings.
- Flexibility: PMS allows for adjustments in investment strategies in response to market dynamics and changing investor needs.
- Minimum Investment Requirement: As per SEBI regulations, the minimum investment for PMS is ₹50 lakh.

Types of Portfolio Management Services:
- Discretionary PMS: The portfolio manager has full authority to make investment decisions on behalf of the client, aiming to achieve the client’s financial objectives.
- Non-Discretionary PMS: The portfolio manager provides investment recommendations, but the final decision rests with the client.
- Advisory PMS: The portfolio manager offers advice, and the client executes the investment decisions independently.
Comparison of Top Portfolio Management Services in India (2024-2025):
The following table provides a comparison of select PMS providers based on available data:
PMS Provider | Notable Strategy | 1-Year Return (%) | 3-Year Return (%) | 5-Year Return (%) | Minimum Investment (₹) | Fee Structure |
ICICI Prudential PMS | Value Strategy | 48.21 | Data Not Available | Data Not Available | 50 lakh | Performance-based |
Motilal Oswal PMS | Value Strategy | 48.08 | Data Not Available | Data Not Available | 50 lakh | Fixed + Variable |
WhiteOak Capital PMS | Multi-Asset Allocation Fund | 17.9 | Data Not Available | Data Not Available | 50 lakh | Fixed + Performance |
Abakkus Asset Manager | Emerging Opportunities Strategy | Data Not Available | Data Not Available | Data Not Available | 50 lakh | Performance-based |
Note: Returns are indicative and subject to market conditions. It’s advisable to consult with the respective PMS providers for the most current performance data and fee structures.
Differences Between Mutual Funds and Portfolio Management Services:
Aspect | Mutual Funds | Portfolio Management Services (PMS) |
Investment Structure | Pooled investment from multiple investors into a common fund. | Individualized investment portfolios tailored to each investor. |
Minimum Investment | Can start as low as ₹500, depending on the fund. | Minimum investment of ₹50 lakh as mandated by SEBI. |
Control Over Investments | Investors have no direct control over individual securities selection. | Investors can have a say in investment decisions, especially in non-discretionary PMS. |
Customization | Standardized investment approach for all investors in a particular scheme. | Highly customized investment strategies based on individual goals and risk profiles. |
Fee Structure | Typically charge a percentage of assets under management (AUM) and may include exit loads. | Fees may include a combination of fixed management fees and performance-based incentives. |
Regulatory Oversight | Regulated by SEBI with strict investment guidelines and disclosure norms. | Also regulated by SEBI but with more flexibility in investment choices. |
In summary, while both mutual funds and PMS offer professional management of investments, PMS provides a more personalized and flexible approach, catering to the specific needs and objectives of high-net-worth investors.
FOR ULTRA HNI
Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) are privately pooled investment vehicles that collect funds from sophisticated investors, both Indian and foreign, for investing in accordance with a defined investment policy. These funds are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) under the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012.
Types of AIFs:
- Category I AIFs: These funds invest in start-ups, early-stage ventures, social ventures, SMEs, infrastructure, and other sectors considered socially or economically beneficial. They often receive incentives or concessions from the government. Examples include venture capital funds, infrastructure funds, and social venture funds.
- Category II AIFs: This category includes funds that do not fall under Category I or III and do not undertake leverage or borrowing other than to meet day-to-day operational requirements. They invest in various equity and debt securities. Private equity funds and debt funds are typical examples.
- Category III AIFs: These funds employ diverse or complex trading strategies and may use leverage, including through investment in listed or unlisted derivatives. They aim for short-term returns and include hedge funds and other funds with similar strategies.

Key Features of AIFs:
o Structure: AIFs can be established as trusts, companies, limited liability partnerships (LLPs), or body corporates.
o Investor Eligibility: Resident Indians, NRIs, and foreign nationals can invest in AIFs.
o Minimum Investment: The minimum investment limit is ₹1 crore for investors. For directors, employees, and fund managers of the AIF, the minimum limit is ₹25 lakh.
o Lock-in Period: AIFs typically have a minimum lock-in period of three years.
o Number of Investors: The number of investors in each scheme is restricted to 1,000, except for angel funds, where the limit is 49 investors.
Taxation Benefits of Category III AIFs:
Category III AIFs, especially those located in International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs), enjoy certain tax advantages. Under Section 115AD of the Income Tax Act, income received by a specified AIF from securities (such as dividends and interest) is taxed at a rate of 10% (plus surcharge and cess), provided this income is attributable to units held by non-residents. This concessional tax rate makes Category III AIFs in IFSCs particularly attractive to non-resident investors seeking tax-efficient investment avenues.
Top 5 AIFs in India with Their Returns:
Based on available data, here are five notable AIFs in India along with their recent performance:
AIF Name | Category | 2024 Return (%) | ||
Finavenue Growth Fund | Category III | 132 | ||
Negen Undiscovered Value Fund | Category III | 57 | ||
Motilal Oswal Growth Anchors Fund | Category III | 48 | ||
Carnelian Asset’s Structural Shift Fund | Category III | 47 | ||
Note: Returns are indicative and based on available data. Investors should consult with financial advisors or the respective fund houses for the most current performance figures.
Comparison: PMS vs. AIF
Aspect | Portfolio Management Services (PMS) | Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) |
Regulatory Framework | Regulated under SEBI (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 1993. | Governed by SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012. |
Investment Structure | Involves managing a portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities on behalf of clients, with investments held in the client’s name. | Pooled investment vehicle where funds from multiple investors are collected and invested according to a defined strategy. |
Minimum Investment | Typically requires a minimum investment of ₹50 lakh. | Minimum investment of ₹1 crore for investors; ₹25 lakh for directors, employees, and fund managers. |
Customization | Offers personalized investment strategies tailored to individual client preferences and risk profiles. | Generally follows a predefined investment strategy for all investors within a specific fund. |
Taxation | Taxation occurs at the individual investor level, with investors responsible for paying taxes on income generated from their portfolio. | Taxation varies by category: |
Leverage | Typically does not employ leverage in investment strategies. | Category III AIFs may employ leverage to enhance returns, subject to SEBI regulations. |
Comparison: Mutual Funds vs. AIF
Aspect | Mutual Funds | Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) |
Regulatory Framework | Regulated under SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996. | Governed by SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012. |
Investment Structure | Pooled investment vehicle that collects funds from multiple investors to invest in diversified portfolios of stocks, bonds, or other securities. | Pooled investment vehicle that collects funds from sophisticated investors to invest in accordance with a defined investment policy, often involving alternative assets or strategies. |
Minimum Investment | Can start with as low as ₹500, making them accessible to retail investors. | Minimum investment of ₹1 crore for investors; ₹25 lakh for directors, employees, and fund |