He added from October 21, only those who had registered under the regulation with Sebi would be able to offer investment advisory services. Under the regulation, individuals, corporations and partnership firms engaged in providing investment advice would be registered and regulated. The regulation was announced in January.
"We did not make these regulations immediately applicable. We gave a lot of time...That is why I am surprised the applications received are very few," Barua said. Sources said many experts working as advisors were concerned at this, as the regulation restricted them from engaging in activities such as distribution of mutual funds.