About Us
Who We Are?
OVI Advisory Services Private Limited is a specialized trusteeship firm dedicated to serving Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) across India. We understand that the success of any investment fund rests not just on investment acumen, but on a foundation of strong governance, regulatory compliance, and unwavering commitment to investor protection.
Backed by a highly experienced leadership team with decades of combined expertise in banking, finance, corporate law, and regulatory compliance, we provide comprehensive trusteeship services that go beyond mere compliance. We partner closely with investment managers, fund sponsors, legal advisors, and other service providers to create robust trust structures that facilitate smooth fund operations while safeguarding investor interests at every stage.
Our Philosophy
Transparency
We believe in clear, open communication with all stakeholders. Every decision, every process, and every oversight activity is conducted with full transparency, ensuring that fund managers and investors alike have complete visibility into the governance framework.
Process Excellence
Alignment of Interests
We recognize that successful fund management requires alignment between the interests of investors, fund managers, and sponsors. Our role is to ensure this alignment is maintained throughout the fund lifecycle, creating an environment of trust and mutual benefit.
Understanding Alternative Investment Funds
An Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) represents a sophisticated investment vehicle that pools capital from sophisticated investors—both Indian and foreign—to invest in accordance with a defined investment policy. Unlike traditional investment options like mutual funds, AIFs cater to investors seeking specialized investment strategies, higher risk-return profiles, or exposure to alternative asset classes.
In India, AIFs are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) under the comprehensive SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012. These regulations establish stringent requirements for fund formation, operation, disclosure, and investor protection.
AIFs can be structured in various legal forms:
Trust
The most common structure, offering flexibility and tax efficiency
Company
Provides corporate governance framework
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
Combines partnership flexibility with limited liability
Body Corporate
Alternative corporate structure
At OVI Advisory Services, we specialize in serving as Corporate Trustee for AIFs structured as trusts, providing the governance backbone that enables fund managers to focus on what they do best—generating returns for investors.
Understanding The Trust Structure
What Is a Trust?
A trust is a time-tested legal arrangement that separates ownership from management and beneficial enjoyment. In this structure, a sponsor (Settlor or Grantor) transfers assets to a trustee, who holds and manages these assets for the benefit of designated beneficiaries—the investors.
The trust operates under the terms specified in the Trust Deed—a comprehensive legal document that outlines the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of all parties. The Trust Deed serves as the constitutional document of the fund, governing everything from investment policies to distribution of returns.
The trust structure offers several compelling advantages for Alternative Investment Funds:
Why Trust Structure for AIFs?
- Fiduciary Protection
The trustee acts in a fiduciary capacity, legally bound to act in the best interests of investors. This creates an additional layer of protection beyond regulatory requirements.
- Flexibility
Trust structures allow for flexible investment strategies and customized terms that can be tailored to specific investment objectives and investor requirements.
- Flexibility
Trust structures allow for flexible investment strategies and customized terms that can be tailored to specific investment objectives and investor requirements.
- Regulatory Alignment
The trust structure aligns well with SEBI’s regulatory framework for AIFs, facilitating compliance and oversight.
- Tax Efficiency
Trusts offer certain tax advantages and pass-through benefits that can enhance overall returns for investors.
- Clear Governance
The separation of trustee oversight from investment management creates clear lines of responsibility and accountability.
Key Roles in an AIF Trust Structure
- Sponsor/Settlor
The individual or entity that conceives the fund, creates the trust structure, and contributes the initial corpus. The sponsor typically has deep domain expertise and a track record in the relevant investment space.
- Trustee (OVI Advisory Services)
Holds the fund’s assets in a fiduciary capacity, ensures regulatory compliance, monitors the investment manager’s activities, and protects investor interests. The trustee serves as the guardian of the fund’s governance framework.
- Investment Manager
The entity responsible for day-to-day portfolio management, executing the investment strategy, making buy/sell decisions, and managing the fund’s operations. The Investment Manager operates under the oversight of the Trustee.
- Custodian
Safeguards the fund’s securities and assets, providing secure custody services and facilitating settlements.
- Auditor
Conducts independent audits of the fund’s financial statements, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
- Beneficiaries/Investors
The ultimate owners of the fund who contribute capital and receive returns based on the fund’s performance. In an AIF, these are typically sophisticated investors such as high net-worth individuals, family offices, institutions, and corporations.