The “Green-Channel: AIF Rollout Upon Document Acknowledgement” (GARUDA) mechanism has been proposed to accelerate the launch of Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) schemes by reducing regulatory timelines and simplifying filing requirements. As per the proposal, regular AIF schemes may be launched within 10 working days of filing placement memorandums with SEBI instead of the existing 30-day period. For Accredited Investor-only schemes and Angel Funds, it has been proposed allowing direct filing of placement memorandums without merchant bankers and replacing merchant banker due diligence certificates with undertakings from the CEO and Compliance Officer of the AIF manager. The proposal also permits immediate launch of such schemes upon filing with SEBI. The feedback/comments from stakeholders are invited.
