India Post and NSE have signed an MoU to distribute mutual funds through post offices nationwide, combining trusted grassroots reach with digital market infrastructure to boost financial inclusion, investor awareness, and mutual fund access in rural and semi-urban India.
A Major Step Towards Financial Inclusion
New Delhi: The Department of Posts (DoP), under the Ministry of Communications, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) to expand access to mutual fund investments across India.
This partnership aims to make mutual fund products available through India Post’s vast and trusted postal network, especially benefiting people in rural and semi-urban areas who have limited access to formal investment channels.
India Post operates one of the largest postal networks in the world, with more than 1.64 lakh post offices spread across the country. Under this collaboration, the Department of Posts will use this extensive reach to serve as a last-mile distribution channel for mutual funds. This means that citizens, even in remote villages and small towns, will be able to access modern investment products through their local post offices.
NSE will bring its robust digital mutual fund platform into the partnership. This platform handles the complete lifecycle of mutual fund transactions, from order placement to settlement, while strictly adhering to Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulations. By combining NSE’s technological expertise with India Post’s physical presence, the initiative seeks to create a transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly ecosystem.
As part of the MoU, selected employees of the Department of Posts will be trained and certified as mutual fund distributors. These employees will be required to obtain mandatory certifications, including NISM certification and EUIN registration, to ensure regulatory compliance and investor protection. Once onboarded, they will be able to offer mutual fund products and related investor services through NSE’s platform.
The collaboration strongly aligns with the Government of India’s vision of deepening financial inclusion and promoting financial literacy. By offering trusted investment services through post offices, the initiative is expected to enhance investor awareness, improve transparency, and build confidence among first-time and small investors, particularly in Tier-2, Tier-3, and rural regions.
The MoU, signed in New Delhi on 10 February 2026, will remain valid for three years, with an option for renewal by mutual consent. The rollout will happen in phases, starting with a pilot project in selected locations. Over time, it is expected to significantly increase mutual fund penetration and support India’s journey toward a financially empowered and inclusive society.
