Research Analyst FAQs
Platform Overview
InsightPier is a cloud-based, SEBI compliant platform that enables SEBI registered Research Analysts to publish subscriptions, distribute research, automate KYC, collect direct payments via UPI, and maintain audit-ready records in one place. Compliance automation, integrated e-sign, and real-time alerts remove 70-80% of the routine administration that typically slows an RA's practice.
InsightPier follows SEBI compliance to the heart. It enables RAs to directly collect payments, mandates research reports while publishing recommendations and maintains audit records which can be collected during SEBI audits. InsightPier layers SEBI specific compliance (e.g., deposit monitoring, mandatory disclosures, annual audit reports) on top of subscription management, KYC, and messaging, creating an "Amazon-like" marketplace purpose-built for Indian investment research.
InsightPier is not a SEBI registered intermediary or advisory firm. We operate as a technology platform that enables SEBI registered Research Analysts to deliver their services, manage client relationships, and maintain regulatory compliance through our digital infrastructure.
Eligibility & Registration
Any individual, partnership firm, LLP, or corporate entity holding an active SEBI Research Analyst registration number (INH-xxxxx) may apply.
Following documents may be required based on your use-case:
- SEBI registration certificate (PDF)
- PAN and GST (if applicable)
- Proof of address (OVD)
- NISM-Series-XV certificate or exemption proof
- Digital signature certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar e-Sign consent
Once all documents are uploaded and e-signed, InsightPier completes verification in 1-2 business days. This beats the 7-10 day average for manual onboarding cited by RAs in industry forums.
Compliance & Regulations
InsightPier will provide compiled audit package for the recommendations and subscription plans published on InsightPier website within 6 months of FY-end as per Regulation 25(3).
Integrated online KYC with Aadhaar e-Sign for every client as per SEBI KYC Circular (Apr 24 2020).
Immutable repository with time-stamped edit logs as per audit-trail rule 11(g).
Subscription Management & Pricing
Yes. Highly customized plans can be created on InsightPier website. Create one-time, monthly, quarterly, or annual plans. Checkout an example.
You can generate percentage or rupee discounts and share them on social media. Discounts are applied at checkout; audit logs retain the original and discounted amounts for transparency.
We support UPI ID / QR (real-time receive). UPI transactions respect the ₹1 lakh per-day NPCI limit; InsightPier may split larger invoices into multiple captures if needed.
Client Onboarding & KYC
Here is the overall purchase and KYC cycle for your clients:
- Investor clicks "Subscribe" → pays RA directly via UPI
- Automated KYC form is sent
- Investor uploads PAN, address proof, and e-signs with Aadhaar OTP in <5 min
- RA receives a review alert; one-click "Approve/Reject"
- Investor and RA get stamped KYC PDF for records
Yes. Mark deficiencies, auto-notify the investor, or process a refund. Refunds are executed peer-to-peer since the original payment hit your UPI account.
Research Publishing & Distribution
Drag-and-drop PDFs, add ticker tags, set embargo (optional). InsightPier watermarks each page and embeds your SEBI number automatically.
We support email, SMS, and WhatsApp. When you create a subscription plan, you can choose which medium you want to send alerts to your clients. All outbound messages will contain mandatory disclaimers per Reg. 19A and SEBI Advertising Code.
Payments & Revenue
Funds go straight to your UPI VPA or bank account. InsightPier never touches your revenue.
Yes. Mark refund in InsightPier; proof of transfer & reason stored for audit.
Audit & Record-Keeping
Eight years of immutable logs to match Rule 11(g) retention standards.
List of documents
- Every research PDF version
- Client correspondence
- KYC forms & video tags only if you provide encryption keys
- Payment receipts
- Audit reports & remedial actions.
Portfolio Review & Consulting Add-Ons
Yes. Publish "30-min Zoom Consult" listings. Clients book a slot, pre-pay, and schedule a call. Post-call notes can be archived for SEBI oversight as per analyst's choice.
Technology & Integrations
We are integrated with following:
- Aadhar based eSign
- Real-time BSE data API - Eliminates manual price tracking
- AI-powered draft summary - One-click plain-language brief (AI use disclosure auto-appended)
- API & Webhook support - Push subscription events to your CRM or Telegram
- Mobile RA Console - Accept KYC, verify payments, or send alerts on the go
Security & Data Protection
We are completely on AWS cloud and follow security standards:
- AES-256 encryption at rest; TLS 1.3 in transit
- Role-based access controls
- No Aadhaar numbers stored post-verification (hash only)
- Continuous NPCI & UPI compliance checks
Support & Community
Dedicated RA account managers are available via email and phone.
Yes. Private InsightPier RA Slack workspace for best-practice sharing, regulatory updates, and product beta access.
Business Growth & Marketing
Here are some features we have built for your business growth:
- SEO-friendly public profile with verified badge
- Social share cards for each subscription tier
- Featured analyst carousel for consistent compliance scorecards (audit completion, 0 complaints, etc.)—higher score, higher visibility
Yes. Post-subscription rating system helps you showcase credibility. InsightPier moderates for abusive language but does not alter honest criticism to remain transparent.
Getting Started
You can go live in 20 mins with a few simple steps:
- Sign-up & upload SEBI cert (5 min)
- Connect UPI VPA (2 min)
- Create at least one subscription plan (4 min)
- Publish first research note (7 min)
- Share profile link on social channels (1 min)
InsightPier's compliance engine is rule-based. Future rule changes will be integrated very quickly, and you'll receive migration guides and our support.
Export all of your data in CSV/ZIP. InsightPier retains a secure archive to satisfy statutory retention, but you control future client communication.