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Client-Level Segregation – The PAN-Based Control Record Explained

A detailed guide to the PAN-based control record for client-level segregation of research and distribution services for Research Analysts.

25 Jul 20264 min read

The PAN-based control record is a critical element of client-level segregation compliance for Research Analysts (RAs). It ensures accurate identification and monitoring of clients receiving research and distribution services. This article provides a comprehensive technical analysis of the PAN-based control record.

Regulatory Basis

The PAN-based control record requirement is part of the compliance and monitoring process for client-level segregation under Regulation 26C(5) .

What is the PAN-Based Control Record?

Definition

The PAN-based control record is a system that uses the Permanent Account Number (PAN) of each client as the control record for identification and client-level segregation.

Purpose

  • Ensure accurate identification of clients.
  • Prevent the same client from receiving both research and distribution services.
  • Enable monitoring of segregation compliance.

Key Features

1. PAN as the Control Record

  • PAN of each client is the primary control record.
  • Used for identification and segregation.
  • Enables accurate tracking of clients.

2. "Family of Client" Treatment

  • For individual clients, "family of client" is reckoned as a single client.
  • PAN of all members in "family of client" jointly and severally serve as the control record.
  • This ensures that family members cannot circumvent segregation by using different PANs.

3. Non-Individual Clients

  • For non-individual clients, the entity's PAN is the control record.
  • No family treatment applies.

"Family of Client" Definition

Regulatory Definition

Regulation 2(1)(fc) defines "family of client" as:

  • Individual client
  • Dependent spouse
  • Dependent children
  • Dependent parents

Implications for Segregation

  • All members of the family are treated as a single client.
  • The PAN of all members jointly and severally is the control record.
  • A family cannot receive both research and distribution services.

Implementation

1. Client Onboarding

Collect PAN details of all clients and family members.

2. PAN Recording

Record PAN details in the client register.

3. Segregation Check

Check PAN against the segregation database.

4. Ongoing Monitoring

Continuously monitor for segregation compliance.

5. Annual Certificate

Include PAN-based control record in annual certificate.

Sample Control Record

Individual Client

Client NamePANRelationshipSegregation Status
Mr. AABCDE1234FIndividualResearch Only
Mrs. A (Spouse)FGHIJ5678KDependent SpouseResearch Only
Master A (Child)KLMNO9012PDependent ChildResearch Only
Miss A (Daughter)PQRST3456QDependent ChildResearch Only

Non-Individual Client

Client NamePANSegregation Status
ABC Company LtdABCD12345XResearch Only

Common Compliance Gaps

1. Not Recording All Family PANs

Some RAs do not record PANs of all family members.

Solution: Record PANs of all family members.

2. Not Using PAN as Control Record

Some RAs do not use PAN as the control record.

Solution: Use PAN as the primary control record.

3. Not Monitoring Segregation

Some RAs do not monitor segregation compliance.

Solution: Continuously monitor segregation.

4. Not Including PAN in Annual Certificate

Some RAs do not include PAN details in the annual certificate.

Solution: Include PAN details in the annual certificate.

Conclusion and How Anuj Desai & Associates Can Help

The PAN-based control record is essential for client-level segregation compliance.

Anuj Desai & Associates offers specialized services to help RAs implement PAN-based control records:

  • Review of PAN recording processes.
  • Implementation of segregation monitoring.
  • Compliance audit and advisory.

Contact us today to ensure your PAN-based control records comply with SEBI requirements. Our team will review your processes and provide a tailored compliance roadmap.


Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers are advised to consult qualified professionals for legal and compliance matters. Anuj Desai & Associates is a SEBI compliance consulting firm based in India.


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