Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA)

Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) Latest News

IEPFA’s recent MoU with Kotak Mahindra Bank and the launch of the ‘Niveshak Shivir’ initiative, to boost digital investor awareness and financial literacy across India.

About Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA)

• The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) was established in 2016 under the Companies Act, 2013.
• It manages the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) and promotes investor awareness and financial protection.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Corporate Affairs
• The IEPF consists of amounts that remained unclaimed for 7 years, including:
  • Unpaid dividends,
  • Application money is due for refund,
  • Matured deposits and debentures,
  • Interest on investments from the fund,
  • Grants or donations received from the government or other entities.

IEPFA’s ‘Niveshak Shivir’ Initiative

• ‘Niveshak Shivir’ is a joint initiative of IEPFA and SEBI launched to simplify the process of reclaiming unclaimed dividends and shares.
• The camps will feature one-stop kiosks set up by companies and RTAs in cities with large numbers of unclaimed dividend holders, starting with Mumbai and Ahmedabad in May 2025.
• Investors can update KYC and nominations, verify claim status, and get real-time grievance redressal at these camps.
• The initiative aims to reduce investor dependence on intermediaries, thereby minimising fraud and misinformation risks.
• A QR-code-based Google Form will be used for pre-registration, supported by the regional offices of ICAI and SEBI.

Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) FAQs

Q1. What is the purpose of the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA)?
Ans. The IEPFA aims to promote investor awareness and refund unclaimed shares, dividends, and debentures to rightful investors.

Q2. Under which Act is the IEPFA established?
Ans. It was established under Section 125 of the Companies Act, 2013.

Q3. Which Ministry oversees the IEPFA?
Ans. The IEPFA functions under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

Source: PIB | PIB