SEBI Proposes ‘GARUDA Mechanism’ to Speed Up AIF Scheme Launches

May 13, 2026
Current Context: SEBI, in its consultation paper dated May 11, 2026, proposed the GARUDA Mechanism (Green-Channel: AIF Rollout Upon Document Acknowledgement) to fast-track the launch of Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) schemes.
SEBI Proposes ‘GARUDA Mechanism’ to Speed Up AIF Scheme Launches
  • The mechanism aims to reduce regulatory timelines, simplify compliance, and enable faster capital deployment, while ensuring oversight through post-facto risk-based scrutiny.
  • For regular AIF schemes, the launch timeline will shrink from 30 days to 10 working days after filing via merchant banker.
  • For first-time schemes, launches will be permitted from the date of SEBI registration or 10 working days after filing, whichever is later.
  • For Accredited Investor-only schemes and Angel Funds, GARUDA allows immediate launch upon filing, with direct submission to SEBI; CEO and Compliance Officer undertakings will replace merchant banker due diligence certificates.
  • This proposal comes at a time when India has 1,849 registered AIFs (March 2026), commitments worth ₹15.74 lakh crore, and a backlog of 183 pending schemes.

Question:

Q.1 What is the full form of GARUDA in SEBI’s proposal?
a) Green Approval Route for Unified Digital Assets
b) Green-Channel: AIF Rollout Upon Document Acknowledgement
c) Growth and Regulation Unit for Domestic Assets
d) Government Approved Route for Unified Deposits and AIFs

Answer: b) GARUDA stands for Green-Channel: AIF Rollout Upon Document Acknowledgement, aimed at speeding up the launch of AIF schemes.

Continue on BankExamsToday

Revise notes, practice questions and resume anytime.

About Me

Ramandeep Singh

Ramandeep Singh

Educator & Banking Expert

I'm Ramandeep Singh, your guide to banking and insurance exams. With 14 years of experience and over 5000 successful selections, I understand the path to success firsthand, having transitioned from Dena Bank and SBI. I'm passionate about helping you achieve your banking and insurance dreams.

14+
Years Experience
5000+
Selections
Ex-BoB
Banker