Once the 3 – tier structure is in place, the AMC launches new schemes, under
the name of the Trust, after getting approval from the Trustees and SEBI.
The launch of a new scheme is known as a New Fund Offer (NFO). We see
NFOs hitting markets regularly. It is like an invitation to the investors to put
their money into the mutual fund scheme by subscribing to its units. When a
scheme is launched, the distributors talk to potential investors and collect
money from them by way of cheques or demand drafts. Mutual funds cannot
accept cash. (Mutual funds units can also be purchased on-line through a
number of intermediaries who offer on-line purchase / redemption facilities).
Before investing, it is expected that the investor reads the Offer Document
(OD) carefully to understand the risks associated with the scheme.