India Post to offer mutual funds through 1.64 lakh post offices after pact with NSE

In a move aimed at deepening financial inclusion and expanding access to investment products, the Department of Posts (DoP) on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) to facilitate the distribution of mutual fund products through the vast India Post network.

The agreement seeks to leverage India Post’s extensive reach of over 1.64 lakh post offices across the country, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions, to provide citizens with access to capital market-linked investment options.

Expanding Financial Access Through Postal Network

Under the collaboration, the Department of Posts will work with NSE’s digital mutual fund transaction platform, which enables end-to-end processing of investments — from order placement to settlement — in compliance with Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulations.

The initiative is expected to enhance last-mile connectivity for mutual fund distribution, especially in areas where formal financial advisory and investment infrastructure remain limited.

Training and Certification of Postal Employees

As part of the arrangement, selected postal department employees will be identified and trained to function as certified mutual fund distributors. These employees will be required to obtain mandatory certifications, including the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) certification, and complete Employee Unique Identification Number (EUIN) registration before offering investment services.

Once certified, they will be able to distribute mutual fund products and provide related investor services through NSE’s platform, subject to regulatory compliance.

The agreement will remain valid for three years from the date of signing and may be renewed upon mutual consent.

Phased Implementation With Pilot Rollout

The collaboration will be implemented in phases, beginning with a pilot project in selected locations. Based on its performance and operational readiness, the initiative is expected to be scaled up gradually across the country.

Government’s Push for Financial Inclusion

Officials said the partnership aligns with the government’s broader objective of strengthening financial inclusion and promoting investor awareness.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in New Delhi, Ms. Manisha Bansal Badal, General Manager (Citizen Centric Services & Rural Business), Department of Posts, said the initiative would enable India Post to provide modern investment solutions while ensuring transparency and investor protection.

Shri Sriram Krishnan, Chief Business Development Officer, NSE, described the collaboration as a step toward widening access to capital market products by combining India Post’s physical reach with NSE’s technological infrastructure.

Boost to Mutual Fund Penetration

The initiative is expected to increase mutual fund participation in Tier-2, Tier-3, and rural markets, where awareness and accessibility remain comparatively low. By integrating postal services with regulated investment platforms, the move aims to create a compliant and transparent distribution ecosystem.

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The MoU was signed on February 10, 2026, in New Delhi in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.

With this partnership, India Post adds another financial service to its portfolio, reinforcing its role as a key facilitator of citizen-centric financial services across urban and rural India.