New Delhi, Jan. 9 -- The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has simplified accredited investor onboarding by allowing investment managers to complete key processes before certification is issued, a move expected to ease delays for alternative investment funds (AIFs) and reduce friction for high net worth investors accessing private market products.

The changes, notified through a circular on Friday, come amid sustained industry feedback that the accreditation framework, introduced in 2021, had become cumbersome and operationally inefficient. The changes take effect immediately.

Under the revised framework, AIF managers will be allowed to proceed with key onboarding steps even before an investor formally receives an accreditat...