cs vinay mehta

A Complete Guide to Delaware Company Incorporation for Indian Entrepreneurs Delaware is one of the most business-friendly states in the United States and has earned global recognition for its efficient company laws, strong investor protection, and tax flexibility. Many Indian founders, investors, and startups now choose Delaware as their base for global operations — particularly when planning to attract foreign investors or expand internationally. This guide explains how non-U.S. residents , especially Indian entrepreneurs , can incorporate in Delaware and what RBI, FEMA, and tax implications they should consider before doing so. 1. Why Indian Entrepreneurs Choose Delaware Delaware is home to over two-thirds of Fortune 500 companies and thousands of global startups. Its popularity comes from: Ease of incorporation – fast online process Business-friendly corporate law Reputation and credibility with international investors Strong legal protection through Delaware’s Court...

On September 10, 2025 , the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced a revised regulatory framework for Angel Funds under AIF Regulations . This move is designed to provide operational clarity, improve governance, and strengthen investor protection. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes and what they mean for both investors and startups. 🔑 Key Highlights of the New Framework 1. Only Accredited Investors Allowed Going forward, angel funds can raise money only from accredited investors . Existing angel funds have until September 8, 2026 to transition. During this period, they may still accept up to 200 non‑accredited investors . 2. Minimum Investor Requirement at First Close An angel fund must secure at least five accredited investors at the time of its first close . The first close must happen within 12 months of SEBI recording the Private Placement Memorandum (PPM). 3. Angel Funds Get Their Own Category Angel Funds are now recognised as a separate Category I AIF , i...

 Analysis of RBI’s Master Direction on Compounding of Contraventions under FEMA, 1999 (April 22, 2025)       1. Overview   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued Master Direction No. 04/2025-26 on April 22, 2025, consolidating and updating the framework for compounding contraventions under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999. This replaces the earlier Foreign Exchange (Compounding Proceedings) Rules, 2000, with the new Compounding Rules, 2024, notified by the Government of India on September 12, 2024.       2. Key Amendments and Updates       A. Structural Changes   - Consolidation of Rules: The Master Direction integrates all prior circulars and notifications, including:     - A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 17 (October 1, 2024)     - A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 02 (April 22, 2025) (which deleted the 50% penalty enhancement clause for rep...

Subject: Detailed Note on SEBI Circular Dated April 29, 2024 – Relaxation in Filing of Changes in PPM Through Merchant Banker Dear All, As you are aware, the Financial Year 2024–25 has concluded. In accordance with the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012, Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) are required to file changes in the Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) with SEBI. As per paragraph 2.5.3 of the SEBI Master Circular (SEBI/HO/AFD/PoD1/P/CIR/2023/130) dated July 31, 2023, any change in the terms of the PPM must be intimated to SEBI through a Merchant Banker, along with a due diligence certificate in the prescribed format. However, SEBI has now issued a new circular (SEBI/HO/AFD/PoD/CIR/2024/028) dated April 29, 2024 , to ease compliance and reduce the regulatory burden on AIFs. This circular brings the following relaxations , effective immediately: Key Highlights of the SEBI Circular: Direct Filing Allowed for Certain Changes: SEBI has identified specifi...

  1. AIF Lifecycle Overview The entire process of setting up, managing, and exiting an AIF. The key stages include: Trust Deed Execution : The fund's Settlor executes a trust deed with a Trustee. The trust deed is registered with the sub-registrar. Document Drafting : Key documents include the Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) and an Application to SEBI . Application to SEBI : SEBI application (Form A) is submitted along with required documents. An application fee of INR 1 lakh is paid. SEBI Approval : The fund needs to comply with SEBI’s Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) regulations. Approval is granted after paying the necessary fees. Investment Management Agreement (IMA) Execution: This agreement is signed between the fund and the Investment Manager . Investor Onboarding : A Contribution Agreement is executed between the Sponsor and Investors. Fund Closure & Commitment Collection : AIFs must secure a minimum...

The ISO 27001 certification is a globally recognized standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). It provides a framework for managing sensitive company information, ensuring it remains secure through risk management and mitigation processes. In the context of the recent SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) circular on cyber security, the requirement for ISO 27001 certification for Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) and Qualified Registrars (REs) aligns with SEBI's emphasis on strengthening cyber security frameworks. SEBI has been increasingly focused on ensuring that entities under its regulation adopt robust cyber security measures to protect sensitive data and ensure the integrity of the financial markets. Applicability of ISO 27001 Certification as per SEBI Circular: 1. Mandatory Requirement: SEBI has mandated that MIIs (such as stock exchanges, depositories, and clearing corporations) and Qualified REs must obtain ISO 27001 certification. This i...

ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT FUNDS Vinay Mehta Vinay Mehta is a qualified and experienced Company Secretary, Lawyer, and Commerce Graduate by and has a rich experience of almost a decade in Compliances, Governance, FEMA Matters, Regulatory reporting, Corporate Secretarial matter and deep insight and niche in AIF related matters. WHAT IS ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT FUND ? Alternative investment fund , means any fund established or incorporated in India in the form of a Trust or a Company or a Limited Liability Partnership or a body corporate which is privately pooled investment vehicle which collects funds from investors, whether Indian or foreign, for investing it in accordance with a defined investment policy for the benefit of its investors; and is not covered under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Mutual Funds) Regulations 1996, Securities and Exchange Board of India (Collective Investment Schemes) Regulations 1999, or any other regulations of the board to regulate fund management a...