What is Mutual Fund Distributor Commission & How Does It Work?
Mutual Fund Distributors (MFDs) play a pivotal role in India’s investment ecosystem. They help investors identify and invest in the right mutual fund schemes based on their financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. As a reward for their expertise and service, MFDs earn commissions - a key source of income - based on the products they distribute.
This commission is paid by Asset Management Companies (AMCs) for distributing their mutual fund schemes. It creates a win-win relationship by:
Incentivizing MFDs to offer personalized financial advice, and
Helping investors make informed, consistent investment decisions.
How Does the Commission Structure Work?
Each AMC follows a commission payout structure that varies across different mutual fund categories, such as:
🟢 Equity Funds
🔵 Debt Funds
🟡 Hybrid Funds
🔘 Index Funds
The overall commission range typically falls between 0.05% to 2% of the scheme's AUM (Assets Under Management).
However, the exact commission depends on factors such as:
AUM (Asset Under Management) of the scheme
TER (Total Expense Ratio)
Slab or Market Share held by the MFD in that scheme
AUM (Asset Under Management) → TER (Total Expense Ratio) → AssetPlus Commission → MFD Commission
Let’s Break it Down:
1. AUM-Based Impact on Commission
If a scheme has high AUM, its TER (as % of average NAV) is generally lower, which in turn means the MFD’s commission (a component of TER) will also be lower.
Conversely, lower AUM schemes have higher TER, resulting in higher commissions for distributors.
2. Slab-Based/Market Share Commissions
AMCs categorize distributors into slabs based on the volume of business (AUM) they bring.
The higher the AUM slab, the better the commission payout. This encourages MFDs to grow their book and stay loyal to certain AMCs.
Key Insight: A well-structured commission model not only rewards MFDs for their effort but also ensures investors continue to receive consistent and high-quality service throughout their investment journey.
Types of Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) Commissions Explained
Mutual Fund Distributors (MFDs) have traditionally earned commissions through different models. Over time, regulatory changes have simplified and standardized how these commissions are paid. Upfront Commission (Front-End Load) (Discontinued)
This model involved a one-time commission paid to MFDs at the time of each transaction.
Linked to: The initial investment made by the client
Drawback: Encouraged short-term sales and misselling
Status: SEBI has discontinued this model to promote transparency and long-term investor benefit.
Trail Commission (Backend Load) (Active Model)
This is the only commission model allowed today.
Linked to: The total Assets Under Management (AUM) handled by the distributor
How it works: A small percentage of AUM is paid monthly or quarterly, as long as the investor stays invested
Why it’s effective:
Encourages long-term client retention
Incentivizes ongoing advisory support
Aligns distributor interests with investor growth
Example: If an MFD manages ₹2 crore in AUM with a trail commission of 1%, they could earn ₹2 lakhs annually—paid out in intervals.
SEBI Mandate on Trail-Only Model
SEBI has made it mandatory for AMCs to pay MFDs only through trail commissions—a percentage of AUM.
This means MFDs now earn commissions only as long as investors remain invested through them.
Geographic-Based Commission Incentives: T-30 vs B-30 Cities
Earlier, MFDs could also earn additional commissions based on the geographic location of their investors.
Tier 1 Cities (T-30):
These include top cities with high mutual fund penetration, such as: Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, etc.
No extra incentive was paid for acquiring investors from these cities.
Tier 2 Cities (B-30):
These were smaller towns and cities beyond the top 30, with lower mutual fund adoption.
Incentive: AMCs paid an additional 0.1% to 2% commission to MFDs for onboarding investors from B-30 cities.
Condition: Incentives applied only for investments made in the first year.
Note: The B-30 commission structure has now been discontinued to ensure uniformity in mutual fund distribution.
Mutual Fund Distribution Commission Structure: A Complete Guide
The commission structure for Mutual Fund Distributors (MFDs) is primarily determined by the trail commission model, which is linked to the AUM (Assets Under Management) and the Net Asset Value (NAV) of mutual fund units on a given date.
Trail Commission in Mutual Funds: How NAV Impacts MFD Earnings
MFDs earn ongoing trail commissions based on the daily value of units held by investors. This commission is calculated pro-rata, considering the number of days the investment remains in the fund during a given month.
Formula for Trail Commission: Trail Commission = [No. of Units × NAV on Given Date × Commission Rate × No. of Days Invested in Month] ÷ 365
Let’s Understand with an Example:
Month 1:
An investor buys 1,000 units of a mutual fund through an MFD
NAV at time of purchase = ₹10
Total investment value = ₹10,000
Commission rate = 1.5% annually
Commission for Month 1: (1,000 × ₹10 × 1.5% × 30 days) ÷ 365 = ₹12.33 approx
Month 2:
NAV increases to ₹15
Number of units = 1,000 (unchanged)
Commission for Month 2: (1,000 × ₹15 × 1.5% × 30 days) ÷ 365 = ₹18.49 approx
This illustrates how trail commissions increase with NAV growth, rewarding MFDs for helping clients grow their investments.
SIP vs Lumpsum – Commission Impact
While most AMCs follow the same calculation method for both SIP and lumpsum, here’s how they differ in impact:
Investment Mode | AUM Growth Pattern | Commission Impact |
Lumpsum | Increases in one large shot | Higher commission from Day 1 |
SIP | Grows monthly in smaller chunks | Commission grows gradually |
So, while trail commission is calculated the same way, the effective commission value builds up faster in a lumpsum, compared to SIP. Important Note:
AMC Discretion: The trail commission rates may be revised at the discretion of the AMC, depending on factors like AUM slab or policy changes. Existing assets: Commission on past investments is not always fixed and may be adjusted downward over time.
Commission Based on AUM: How It Works for MFDs
The commission earned by a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) is directly proportional to the Assets Under Management (AUM) they manage. The larger the AUM, the higher the trail commission they receive on a periodic basis—typically monthly or quarterly.
What Influences an MFD’s AUM?
An MFD’s AUM is dynamic, meaning it fluctuates regularly due to:
Investor Transactions – New investments increase AUM, while redemptions decrease it.
Market Movement (Mark-to-Market Impact) – A rise or fall in fund NAV affects the total market value of the AUM.
Since commissions are paid on current AUM, any change in these factors will also impact the trailing commission earned by the MFD.
Example: Monthly Commission Calculation
Let’s break it down with a simple illustration:
Total AUM handled by MFD: ₹10,00,000
Trail commission rate: 1% per annum
Days in the month: 30
Commission =(AUM × Commission Rate × No. of Days) / 365 = (₹10,00,000 × 1% × 30) ÷ 365 ≈ ₹822 per month (approx.)
Note: This is a representative example. Actual commissions may vary depending on the scheme, AMC structure, and the number of days in the month.
Key Takeaway:
The more AUM you manage as an MFD, the greater your commission earnings.Conversely, market dips, client redemptions, or switching to direct plans may reduce AUM and thus your earnings.
When Does an MFD Receive a Commission?
Most Asset Management Companies (AMCs) release Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) commissions on a monthly basis, although the brokerage structure is typically revised and updated every quarter, depending on the mutual fund scheme.
While payouts are monthly, commissions are calculated daily based on the daily Net Asset Value (NAV) of the scheme. These daily accruals are then aggregated and paid to the MFD at the end of each month.
Commission Tracking – A Common Challenge for MFDs
If an MFD is empanelled with multiple AMCs, they receive separate brokerage reports and payouts from each AMC. Reconciling these numerous statements every month can be time-consuming, especially when it’s done manually.
This administrative burden limits the MFD's time - time that could otherwise be spent onboarding new investors and growing AUM.
How AssetPlus Solves This
At AssetPlus, we eliminate this challenge by providing a reconciled and consolidated brokerage report to every MFD in our network.
Here’s how it works:
Our expert backend team collects commission reports from all AMCs you work with.
We reconcile the data, ensuring accuracy and clarity.
You receive a single, unified brokerage statement, giving you a clear view of your commission earnings across all schemes and clients.
This transparency and time-saving support allow MFDs to focus on what matters most: client engagement and business growth.
AssetPlus Mutual Fund Distribution Commission – What Sets Us Apart?
Partnering with AssetPlus doesn’t just simplify operations—it also boosts your earnings.
Higher commission slabs.
PAN India presence.
Trusted by 14,000+ MFDs across India.
Seamless tech + human support model.
Case Study: Mr. Shahul’s Journey to ₹1 Lakh Commission/Year Mr. Shahul, an MFD who partnered with AssetPlus in April 2018, is now earning ₹1 lakh per year in commission—just five years into the business. With our end-to-end support, he was able to scale consistently: Monthly SIP Book: ₹50,000 Monthly Lumpsum Investments: ₹5,00,000 Average Return Assumption: 12% p.a. This story is one among thousands—and it all started with a decision to partner with a smarter platform.
Ready to simplify your business and grow your Mutual Fund Distributor Commission Structure 2025?
Join AssetPlus today and unlock higher earnings with better operational support.
With the Right Business Partner, Success is Just the Beginning:
With the right support system and technology partner, you can build a thriving Mutual Fund Distribution business - one that not only creates better income opportunities for you, but also helps thousands of investors grow their wealth with confidence and clarity.
Partner with AssetPlus – where your growth is our mission.
5 Tips to Earn More Commission as a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD)
If you're a Mutual Fund Distributor looking to increase your income potential, these simple yet powerful tips can help you grow your AUM and commissions while delivering more value to clients.
1. Cross-Sell Complementary Financial Products
Don’t limit your offerings to just mutual funds. Explore cross-selling:
SIPs + Insurance
Liquid funds for emergency needs
Tax-saving ELSS during tax seasonThis not only boosts your commission but also deepens client engagement.
2. Run Investor Awareness Campaigns
Host webinars, financial literacy sessions, or WhatsApp groups to educate potential investors.The more people trust you, the more likely they are to invest through you.
3. Encourage SIP Top-Ups or Step-Up Investments
Motivate existing investors to increase their SIPs annually with rising income.Small increases (e.g., 10% per year) can significantly grow both their wealth and your trail commission over time.
4. Educate Clients About Staying Invested Long-Term
Explain the power of compounding and why long-term investing yields better results.Fewer redemptions = higher AUM retention = sustainable commission income.
5. Ask for Referrals from Happy Clients
Word of mouth is powerful. Ask satisfied investors to refer their:
Friends
Family
Colleagues This helps you grow your book without extra marketing spend.
Conclusion: Ready to Grow Your MFD Business?
Now that you understand how MFD commissions work and how to increase them strategically, it’s time to act.
If you're already a registered MFD, you're in the right place to scale. Join AssetPlus and discover smart tools, consolidated brokerage, and expert support to unlock your next level of growth.
Want to become a Mutual Fund Distributor?
Learn how to start your MFD journey with us and turn your passion for finance into a rewarding career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mutual Fund Distributor Commission?
The commission or brokerage is the primary source of income for mutual fund distributors, paid by Asset Management Companies (AMCs) for distributing their mutual funds.
How is the commission structure determined for Mutual Fund Distributors?
What is the formula for calculating Mutual Fund Distributor commission?
What types of commissions do Mutual Fund Distributors earn?
How is the trail commission calculated for Mutual Fund Distributors?
What is the role of the ARN code in the Mutual Fund Distributor commission?
When do Mutual Fund Distributors receive their commissions?
What factors influence the commission earned by a Mutual Fund Distributor?
How can you start earning a commission as a Mutual Fund Distributor?
How can Mutual Fund Distributors increase their commission earnings?