Cardiff Services

AIF Cat I, II & III Registration

AIF Cat I, II & III Registration– Overview

Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) are privately pooled investment vehicles regulated by the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012. AIFs raise funds from investors and invest them according to defined investment policies.

They are classified into three categories:

  • Category I AIF: Invests in start-ups, SMEs, social ventures, infrastructure, and early-stage businesses.

  • Category II AIF: Includes private equity funds, debt funds, and funds not falling under Cat I/III; usually close-ended.

  • Category III AIF: Uses complex strategies, including hedge funds, to generate short-term returns with leverage.

Any fund intending to operate as an AIF in India must obtain SEBI registration.

At Cardiff Services, we provide end-to-end AIF Registration Services for Cat I, II & III funds in India, ensuring regulatory approval, structuring, and ongoing compliance.

Why Choose Cardiff Services for AIF Registration

At Cardiff Services, we help fund managers and sponsors navigate the complex SEBI AIF registration process with ease. From structuring and drafting the PPM to liaising with SEBI and setting up governance frameworks, we ensure your fund is regulator-ready.

 

We also provide ongoing compliance services covering reporting, disclosures, and audits so that your AIF remains fully compliant post-registration. With Cardiff Services, your AIF gets a seamless registration process, trusted compliance support, and investor confidence.

Key Features of AIF Registration Support

  • Fund Structuring: Advisory on choosing the right category (I, II, or III) based on strategy.

  • Application Preparation: Drafting and filing Form A with SEBI.

  • Trust/Company/LLP Setup: Structuring entity as per AIF requirements.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring compliance with SEBI regulations, PPM (Private Placement Memorandum), and disclosure norms.

  • Investor Advisory: Guidance on fundraising, investor agreements, and eligibility.

  • Ongoing Compliance: Quarterly reporting, audit support, and SEBI disclosures.

Documents Required for AIF Registration

  • Incorporation documents – Certificate, MOA, AOA / Trust deed / LLP agreement.

  • Board resolution approving AIF application.

  • Net worth certificate (₹10 crore minimum for AIF manager/sponsor).

  • Details of sponsor, manager, and investment team.

  • Draft Private Placement Memorandum (PPM).

  • Business plan and investment strategy.

  • Track record of manager/sponsor.

  • Audited financial statements.

  • KYC of directors, partners, or trustees.

  • Compliance policies (AML, risk management).

Step-by-Step Procedure for AIF Registration

  • Eligibility & Structuring – Choose AIF category and structure (Trust/LLP/Company).

  • Document Preparation – Collect incorporation, financial, and compliance records.

  • Application Filing – Submit Form A along with draft PPM to SEBI.

  • Fee Payment – Pay registration fees depending on category.

  • SEBI Review – Respond to clarifications and update documents as required.

  • Grant of Registration – Obtain SEBI AIF Certificate of Registration.

  • Post-Registration Compliance – File quarterly reports, maintain investor disclosures, and audit compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

A company name search ensures that your chosen business name is unique, legally compliant, and not already registered with Companies House UK. It helps you avoid legal disputes, trademark issues, and confusion in the Cardiff business market.

If your desired name is already registered, you’ll need to choose a different name or modify it. Using a taken name could result in rejection by Companies House or potential legal issues. Our experts can help you brainstorm alternative names that are compliant and market-ready.

It’s not advisable to use a name that’s too similar to another company, especially within the same industry. Similar names can confuse customers and risk trademark disputes. A company name search helps you identify these risks early.

For a company name search in Cardiff, you may need:

  • Proposed company name

  • Business entity type (Ltd, LLP, Partnership, etc.)

  • Jurisdiction (Cardiff / UK)

  • Owner or shareholder details (if applicable)

  • Business description

A “high probability” result means your proposed company name is likely to be available, but further checks are recommended. This is why our detailed Cardiff Company Name Search Report includes both identical and similar names for clarity.

Certain words are restricted under UK law (e.g., “bank,” “insurance,” “government”). If you want to use them, you’ll need special approval from regulatory bodies. We guide you through this process if your Cardiff business requires such terms