Edelweiss Asset Management has announced the launch of its new alternative investment platform, altiva SIF, marking one of the first specialised investment funds (SIFs) approved by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), according to a report by Bloomberg.

The platform aims to bring sophisticated, hedge fund-style strategies to the country's growing base of retail investors.

The newly introduced SIF framework is designed to bridge the gap between traditional mutual funds and portfolio management services, offering enhanced flexibility and tailored investment approaches.

Under the altiva SIF brand, Edelweiss will offer a diversified suite of products across equity, hybrid, and fixed-income strategies, the firm said in an official statement.

The rollout follows SEBI’s finalisation of the regulatory framework for SIFs in February, a move intended to democratise access to complex strategies traditionally reserved for high-net-worth individuals and institutional players.

Notably, SIFs are permitted to invest up to 25% of net assets in exchange-traded derivatives for non-hedging purposes, with a minimum investment threshold set at INR1m.