Fixed Maturity Plans or FMP - Definition, Types and how do they work?

Fixed Maturity Plans (FMPs) are becoming more and more popular as a viable choice for investors seeking stability and dependability in the ever-changing investing market. Designed for investors who choose a more hands-off approach, FMPs provide a combination of capital protection and guaranteed returns over time. This comprehensive blog will discuss Fixed Maturity Plans, including their features, workings and how they are different.

What are Fixed Maturity Plans?

Fixed Maturity Plans (FMPs) are a type of fund which guarantee investors a set return, over a predetermined time frame. Unlike end funds, which allow ongoing investments and withdrawals, FMPs come with a fixed maturity date.

What sets it apart?

• FMPs primarily put money into fixed income securities like government bonds, corporate bonds and commercial papers. These investments are chosen to mature with time, as the FMP itself ensures there's cash on hand to pay out investors when the plan reaches maturity.
• Once an FMP is launched, it closes its doors to investments and withdrawals until it reaches its maturity date. This closed structure allows fund managers to concentrate on managing the investments without being distracted by money coming in and going out.
• By investing in debt instruments with known maturity dates, FMPs offer investors returns. Investors can count on a fixed return based on the interest earned from the securities held in the fund, enabling expectations about their earnings.
• FMPs come with an investment period spanning 1 to 5 years. This predetermined duration matches the maturity dates of the securities held in the fund, ensuring investors get their investment back when the term ends.

Features of Fixed Maturity Plans

Consistent Returns

One key advantage of FMPs is their ability to provide returns. By investing in fixed income securities with known maturity dates, FMPs offer a view of the anticipated returns when the investment period concludes.

Preservation of Capital

FMPs prioritise safeguarding capital by investing in debt instruments expected to repay the amount upon maturity. This emphasis on capital preservation positions FMPs as a choice compared to equity investments, though the level of safety is influenced by the credit quality of the securities held.

Defined Investment Duration

The fixed duration of FMPs assists investors in planning their objectives. When saving for a purchase, preparing for future expenses with a set timeline enables better financial planning and goal establishment.

Tax Efficiency

FMPs come with tax benefits particularly if held for over three years. Long term capital gains from FMPs qualify for tax treatment resulting in tax rates than short term gains. This tax efficiency makes FMPs an option for investors with taxation considerations.

Absence of Immediate Liquidity

The lock-in duration of FMPs prevents investors from withdrawing their funds before the maturity date. Although this limited access to liquidity may not suit everyone, it enables the fund manager to concentrate on investment management without distractions from withdrawals.

Ideal for Risk Averse Investors

FMPs cater to investors who value safeguarding capital and consistent returns over venturing into high-risk, high return ventures. The emphasis on fixed income securities aligns with an investment approach.

How do Fixed Maturity Plans work?

Here's a breakdown of the working of FMPs: 

Investing in Fixed Income Securities

Fixed Maturity Plans (FMPs) focus on acquiring debt instruments, like bonds and commercial papers that mature along with the fund’s maturity date. This strategic alignment ensures that the fund can fulfil its payout commitments to investors upon maturity.

Specified Maturity Period

Each FMP comes with a predetermined duration set at the fund's inception. Throughout this period, the fund is not open to investments or withdrawals. This setup allows the fund manager to uphold an investment approach without interruptions due to liquidity requirements.

Commitment Period

Investors allocate their funds for the duration of the FMP. This commitment period is essential for maintaining the fund’s stability and ensuring that investments are handled in line with the planned strategy.

Earnings Calculation

The returns on FMPs are based on the interest earned from fixed income securities in the fund’s portfolio. As investments are selected to align with the fund’s maturity date, returns are foreseeable and typically communicated to investors before they commit.

Tax Implications

FMPs are subject to Capital Gains Tax. If you keep the units for over three years, they become eligible for long term Capital Gains Tax treatment, which incurs a rate higher than short term gains. This tax benefit can be advantageous for investors seeking to reduce their tax obligations.

Matching Investment Goals

Fixed Maturity Plans (FMPs) are well suited for investors who aim to save for a significant expense or strategise for future cash needs. The set maturity period and predictable returns simplify the process of aligning investments with goals.

Advantages of Fixed Maturity Plans

If you are thinking of investing in FMPs, know about these benefits:

• FMPs offer predictable returns with low risk because these are closed-ended debt funds that invest in fixed-income instruments like bonds or certificates of deposit that match the plan’s maturity.

• This way, you can be sure to avert the high risk of the market and reduce the overall interest rate risk.

• These are less volatile than equity funds and offer better tax efficiency if held for more than 3 years due to indexation benefits.

• If you are a conservative investor, then these funds are ideal for you.

Limitations of a Fixed Maturity Plan

The major limitations of FMP are:

• They lack liquidity as investors cannot redeem before maturity, except through stock exchanges where trading volumes are low.

• It is also important to know that the returns from FMP are not assured. It still carries some credit risk if the issuers default.

• Market timing matters since you can invest only during the New Fund Offer (NFO) period.

• Finally, another important limitation is that FMPs do not offer flexibility to rebalance the portfolio or switch funds midway.

Taxation of Fixed Maturity Plan

The tax treatment of FMPs is similar to that of debt mutual funds:

• If you sell your FMP units within 3 years, the gains are treated as short-term capital gains (STCG) and taxed according to your applicable income tax slab.

• If you hold the units for more than 3 years, the gains qualify as long-term capital gains (LTCG) and are taxed at 20% after applying indexation benefits, which adjust the purchase cost for inflation and reduce the taxable amount.

This tax structure makes long-term investments in FMPs more tax-efficient, potentially enhancing your real returns over time.

Advantages of Fixed Maturity Plans

If you are thinking of investing in FMPs, know about these benefits:

• FMPs offer predictable returns with low risk because these are closed-ended debt funds that invest in fixed-income instruments like bonds or certificates of deposit that match the plan’s maturity.

• This way, you can be sure to avert the high risk of the market and reduce the overall interest rate risk.

• These are less volatile than equity funds and offer better tax efficiency if held for more than 3 years due to indexation benefits.

• If you are a conservative investor, then these funds are ideal for you.

Limitations of a Fixed Maturity Plan

The major limitations of FMP are:

• They lack liquidity as investors cannot redeem before maturity, except through stock exchanges where trading volumes are low.

• It is also important to know that the returns from FMP are not assured. It still carries some credit risk if the issuers default.

• Market timing matters since you can invest only during the New Fund Offer (NFO) period.

• Finally, another important limitation is that FMPs do not offer flexibility to rebalance the portfolio or switch funds midway.

Taxation of Fixed Maturity Plan

The tax treatment of FMPs is similar to that of debt mutual funds:

• If you sell your FMP units within 3 years, the gains are treated as short-term capital gains (STCG) and taxed according to your applicable income tax slab.

• If you hold the units for more than 3 years, the gains qualify as long-term capital gains (LTCG) and are taxed at 20% after applying indexation benefits, which adjust the purchase cost for inflation and reduce the taxable amount.

This tax structure makes long-term investments in FMPs more tax-efficient, potentially enhancing your real returns over time.

Conclusion

For investors looking for consistency and predictability in their investment portfolio, Fixed Maturity Plans (FMPs) provide an organised investing strategy. Fixed-income products, specified investment horizons and tax advantages make FMPs a great option for conservative investors trying to reach certain financial objectives. Fixed Maturity Plans could very well be the best option for your investing goals, as they assess your financial circumstances and risk tolerance.

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