How to Apply For An IPO Under the HNI Category

Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) give investors a chance to be part of a company's growth story from the very start. For High Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs), IPOs offer an opportunity to invest larger amounts of capital in the Non-Institutional Investor (NII) segment, which is specifically designed for those investing above ₹2 lakh.

This blog explains how to apply for an IPO in the HNI category, eligibility, application process, documentation, and other important considerations.

Understanding IPOs and the HNI Investment Segment

An Initial Public Offering (IPO) refers to the mechanism by which a privately held company makes its shares available to the public for the very first time. Investors can participate in different categories depending on their investor profile and investment amount.

One of these segments is the HNI category in IPO, which falls under the broader Non-Institutional Investors (NII) category. This route is specially designated for investors applying for shares worth more than ₹2 lakh. Let’s understand “What is an HNI category in the IPO process?”.

Who is Considered an HNI in IPO Applications?

In the context of IPO (Initial Public Offering) applications, an HNI, or High Net-Worth Individual, is defined not by total wealth, but by the investment amount in a specific IPO.

According to SEBI guidelines:

Any investor applying for over ₹2 lakh worth of shares in an IPO is classified under the Non-Institutional Investor (NII) category, commonly referred to as the HNI category.

This applies to individuals, NRIs, HUFs, and other eligible entities who submit IPO applications exceeding the ₹2 lakh threshold.

Important Notes:

• The HNI's full form in the share market is High Net-Worth Individual, but its usage here is strictly tied to IPO investment size, not personal net worth.
  
• You do not need to have a net worth over ₹2 lakh; you simply need to apply with more than ₹2 lakh in a single IPO application.
  
• Applications below ₹2 lakh fall under the Retail Individual Investor (RII) category.

Who Can Invest in IPOs via the HNI Route?

Here’s a list of investor types eligible to apply through the HNI route:

• Resident Individuals: Indian citizens residing in India can apply under the HNI category if their investment in an IPO exceeds ₹2 lakh.
  
• Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs): HUFs with a valid PAN and Demat account are eligible to invest as HNIs, provided they meet the ₹2 lakh minimum threshold.
  
• Non-Resident Indians (NRIs): NRIs are allowed to participate in Indian IPOs through the HNI/NII route, subject to RBI (Reserve Bank of India) and FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) regulations.
  
• Trusts, Societies, and Partnerships: Registered trusts, cooperative societies, and partnership firms can invest under this category if they fulfill the application and compliance requirements.
  
• Corporate Bodies and Institutions: Companies, LLPs, and other corporate bodies can invest as HNIs under the NII segment, provided their applications exceed ₹2 lakh.

Different Classes of Investors Within the HNI IPO Category

The HNI portion of IPO applications encompasses a wide array of investor categories, differentiated by their investment size and individual characteristics. Recognising these distinctions helps clarify the broader understanding of what the HNI category is in IPO and how it operates.

1. Small-Scale HNIs (S-HNIs):

These are individual investors who typically apply for IPO shares valued between ₹2 lakh and ₹10 lakh. Often using their capital, S-HNIs tend to focus on portfolio diversification by participating in multiple IPOs over time. Their strategy usually involves moderate allocations with calculated risk exposure.

2. Large-Scale HNIs (B-HNIs):

This group includes applicants investing above ₹10 lakh in a single IPO. These investors may be affluent individuals or family offices aiming for larger allotments. Their investment decisions are generally more aggressive, and they may monitor grey market premiums and subscription trends before placing bids.

3. Ultra High-Value HNIs:

Investors falling under this sub-category typically apply for IPO shares worth ₹10 crore or more. These individuals or entities often leverage funding options (such as HNI IPO funding) to submit large-scale applications, aiming to increase the probability of substantial allotment and potential returns. Due to the high stakes involved, they often rely on professional financial advisors.

4. Institutional or Corporate HNIs:

These are corporates, LLPs, trusts, or investment firms participating in IPOs through the HNI route. Their strategies may involve long-term holdings or sector-specific plays. Corporate HNIs often have more structured approaches backed by research teams and portfolio managers.

Different types of HNI investors play distinct roles in the IPO ecosystem. Their collective bidding behaviour significantly impacts the HNI category's subscription rates, consequently affecting allotment outcomes and market mood.

HNI IPO Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding how to apply for an IPO in the HNI category is essential for ensuring your application is valid and increases your chances of allotment. Below is a step-by-step guide to submitting an HNI IPO application:

Step 1: Access Your Bank’s IPO Platform

Start by logging into the online banking portal or investment platform linked to your bank. Navigate to the section dedicated to IPO investments.

Step 2: Choose the Desired IPO and Confirm Investment Size

Identify the IPO you wish to invest in, then ensure your bid amount is greater than ₹2 lakh to qualify for the HNI category.

Step 3: Enter Bid Details

Determine your desired quantity of shares (or lots) and your preferred bid price, which can be either the cut-off price or a specific value within the provided price range.

Step 4: Authorise Fund Blocking via ASBA

Use the ASBA (Application Supported by Blocked Amount) facility to authorise your bank to reserve the required funds. This amount remains in your account but cannot be used unless shares are allotted.

Step 5: Submit and Monitor Application Status

After reviewing and confirming all the details, submit your IPO application. Conveniently, you can verify your IPO share allocation by visiting your banking portal, your brokerage account, or the registrar's website.

HNIs interested in participating in IPOs can consider opening a Demat account with Choice to facilitate seamless and secure share transactions. Along with IPO applications, the platform also provides research-backed insights and dedicated support to help investors make informed investment decisions.

Eligibility Requirements for HNI Investors in IPOs

Here are some of the key eligibility conditions for those planning to invest in an IPO through the HNI route:

1. Minimum Investment Threshold:

• For an IPO application, the bid amount needs to surpass the ₹2 lakh baseline.
• Any bid amount of ₹2,00,001 or more qualifies under the Non-Institutional Investor (NII) or HNI category.

2. Valid PAN and KYC Compliance:

• The applicant must possess a valid Permanent Account Number (PAN).
• KYC (Know Your Customer) compliance is mandatory, including verified identity and address proof, as per SEBI norms.

3. Demat Account is Essential:

• You must have an active Demat account to receive allotted shares electronically.
• The Demat account should be in the same name as the applicant on the IPO form.

4. ASBA-Enabled Bank Account:

• Submitting applications requires an ASBA-enabled bank account
• The system ensures that money is just blocked, being debited exclusively upon successful allocation of shares.

5. Correct IPO Category Selection:

• During the application process, it is essential to specifically choose the Non-Institutional Investor (NII), often termed HNI, category.
• Submitting in the wrong category (e.g., retail) may lead to disqualification or rejection.

6. One PAN, One Application Rule:

• Only one application per PAN is allowed in the HNI category.
• Multiple applications using the same PAN can lead to all of them being rejected.

Essential Documents Required for HNI Investors in IPO Applications

To apply for an IPO under the HNI category, investors must ensure they have the necessary documentation in place.

The following is a list of crucial documents generally necessary:

1. PAN Card: A valid Permanent Account Number (PAN) issued by the Income Tax Department is mandatory. It is used to verify the investor’s identity and ensure only one application is made per PAN.

2. Demat Account Details: An active Demat account number (DP ID & Client ID) is essential, as all IPO shares are credited in electronic form.

3. ASBA-Enabled Bank Account: Applications require an ASBA-enabled bank account, which ensures the IPO bid amount is blocked and held until allotment results are announced.

4. Client Master List (CML) – if applying offline: For offline applications or through third-party financial advisors, a Client Master List from your broker or DP may be requested. This document confirms your Demat account details.

5. Power of Attorney (if applicable): If an agent or portfolio manager is applying on your behalf, a legally valid Power of Attorney (PoA) may be required.

Quick Tip:

Ensure all your documents are up to date and KYC-compliant before the IPO window opens. Any mismatch or incomplete information can lead to application rejection in the HNI category in the IPO.

How IPO Share Allocation Works for HNI Applicants?

When applying under the HNI category in IPO, understanding the share allotment process is crucial. Since this segment often sees high demand, the method of allocation depends significantly on the level of subscription.

1. Proportional Allocation in the Case of Oversubscription

If the number of shares applied for by HNI investors is less than or equal to the number of shares reserved for them, each eligible applicant typically receives the full quantity they bid for.

However, in most IPOs, the HNI segment gets oversubscribed, which means that the total demand far exceeds the available allocation. In such situations, allotment is made on a proportionate basis.

Example:

Let’s say an IPO reserves 8 lakh shares for the HNI category. If the total number of shares applied for by HNI investors amounts to 40 lakh shares, then the IPO is said to be 5 times oversubscribed in that category. In this case, each eligible applicant might receive approximately 1/5th (or 20%) of the quantity they applied for, depending on the size and timing of their bids.

The final allocation percentage may vary based on how many investors applied, how many shares each one requested, and the overall subscription ratio at the time of closing.

2. Managing Oversubscription in HNI IPOs:

When demand surpasses supply in the HNI category, the issuing company and its lead managers adopt predefined processes to distribute shares fairly:

• Randomised Selection (Lottery Method):

In highly oversubscribed IPOs, especially in the case of small individual applications, a lottery system may be used. This introduces an element of chance, where only selected applications are considered for allotment, regardless of how large the bid amount is.

• Rule-Based Distribution:

In some IPOs, allocation may follow pre-set rules outlined in the offer document. These criteria could be considered:

• The size of the investment
• Investor category (individual vs institutional HNI)
• Time of application submission
• Historical relationship with the issuing company or its promoters

Advantages of Investing in IPOs via the HNI Route

Here are some notable benefits of participating in IPOs as an HNI:

• Dedicated Share Quota: A specific 15% portion of the total IPO issue is earmarked for High Net Worth Individuals, offering a relatively better opportunity compared to the heavily subscribed retail segment.
  
• Higher Allocation Probability in Select IPOs: Because HNIs can place bids of larger amounts, they may have a better chance of receiving a more substantial allotment, particularly in IPOs that attract strong investor interest.
  
• Access to Premium Research and Advisory Services: HNIs often benefit from exclusive insights and detailed research reports offered by wealth managers and brokers, enabling them to make more informed investment decisions.
  
• Priority in Investor Relations and Future Offerings: Companies and intermediaries often provide HNIs with enhanced support, communication, and early access to future investment opportunities or preferential participation in follow-on public offerings.
  
• Potential for Scaled Returns: By investing larger sums, HNIs can potentially generate higher absolute returns if the IPO performs well in the secondary market, though this also involves proportionate risk.

Regulatory Framework Governing HNI Applications in IPOs

Applying for an IPO under the HNI category comes with specific rules and regulatory guidelines established by SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India). Here’s a breakdown of the HNI IPO allotment rules and framework:

• To be classified under the High Net Worth Individual (HNI) segment, officially known as the Non-Institutional Investor (NII) category, you must apply for IPO shares worth more than ₹2,00,000 in a single application.
  
• In accordance with SEBI's guidelines, a dedicated 15% portion of an IPO's entire issue is designated for the Non-Institutional Investor (NII) and High Net Worth Individual (HNI) segments. This ensures that large investors get dedicated access to public issues.
  
• HNIs must place their bids at a specific price within the IPO’s declared price band. In contrast to retail investors, they are unable to choose the cut-off price when submitting their application.
  
• Shares are typically allotted to HNIs on a proportionate basis; the larger the investment, the higher the chance of receiving a meaningful allocation. However, allotment is still subject to overall demand and subscription levels.
  
• When the HNI segment is heavily oversubscribed, issuers may implement a lottery mechanism to randomly select applications. This ensures fair distribution regardless of bid size beyond a certain threshold.
  
• Applications in the HNI category must be submitted before 4 PM IST on the final day of the IPO window. Timely submission is crucial, as late applications may not be eligible for allotment.
  
• Both Indian residents and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can apply as HNIs, provided they meet the required investment threshold and hold a valid PAN, Demat, and ASBA-enabled bank account.
  
• There is no cap on the investment amount under the HNI category. Investors can bid for as many shares as they wish, subject to available funds and compliance with the IPO terms.
  
• While retail investors might benefit from a price concession, HNIs are typically not offered any discount on the IPO's issue price.
  
• Following the IPO's closing, shares are ordinarily deposited into the accounts of successful applicants within a six-working-day period. If shares are not allotted, the blocked funds are automatically released back to the bank account.

Keep in mind that an application within the HNI category doesn't ensure you'll receive shares. Final allocation depends on the total subscription level and the relative size of your application.

What HNIs Should Consider Before Applying for an IPO

Before committing a large sum, it’s crucial to assess a few essential factors to make informed, educated investment decisions.

• Evaluate the Company’s Fundamentals: Before applying, thoroughly analyse the company's financial performance, business model, industry outlook, and promoter background. Avoid relying solely on hype or market sentiment.
  
• Understand the Risks Involved: IPO investments, particularly in the HNI category, involve significant capital and market-linked risks. There’s no guarantee of allotment or positive listing gains. Always invest an amount you can afford to keep locked for a period or risk partial loss.
  
• Be Aware of Oversubscription Trends: Track subscription data during the IPO window, especially in the HNI segment. Higher oversubscription reduces the chance of full allotment, affecting your return expectations.
  
• Bid Strategically Within the Price Band: HNIs must bid at a specific price, foregoing the cut-off option available to retail investors. To ensure a competitive bid, analyse peer valuations, grey market premium (GMP), and industry P/E ratios.
  
• Monitor Lock-In Periods and Exit Strategy: While HNIs don’t face official lock-in periods like anchor investors, it’s wise to define your exit timeline and listing gain expectations beforehand to avoid reactive decisions.
  
• Diversify Across IPOs: Avoid concentrating large funds into a single IPO. Even as an HNI, a diversified IPO portfolio across sectors and issue sizes can help balance risk.
  
• Check Tax Implications: Gains from IPO listings are subject to short-term capital gains tax if sold within one year. Consider the tax impact when calculating potential returns.
  
• Use Advisory Services Where Needed: If you’re uncertain, consider consulting a SEBI-registered financial advisor. Professional guidance can help align IPO opportunities with your investment goals.

Conclusion

The HNI category in IPOs offers a distinct advantage for individuals and entities seeking to invest substantial capital. With a clear understanding of the eligibility criteria, application process, documentation, and allotment rules, investors can make informed decisions aligned with their financial goals.

Always remember that equity investments carry inherent risks. Analysing the company fundamentals and market dynamics is crucial, and seeking advice from financial professionals can provide additional clarity and protection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the lowest investment threshold for participating in an IPO within the High Net-Worth Individual (HNI) category?

To be classified as an HNI, an IPO application's value needs to be greater than ₹2 lakh.

How are shares typically allocated to investors in the HNI segment of an IPO?

Allotment for HNIs operates on a proportionate system; consequently, larger application amounts generally increase the likelihood of receiving shares, contingent on the extent of oversubscription.

Are Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) permitted to submit applications in the HNI category during an IPO?

Yes, NRIs are eligible to apply within the HNI/Non-Institutional Investor (NII) category, provided they fulfil the specified investment criteria and comply with all regulatory stipulations.

What does "HNI" stand for within the context of the share market, specifically for IPOs?

The acronym or full form of HNI stands for High Net-Worth Individual, and it's applied to investors whose IPO applications exceed ₹2 lakh.

Can the UPI be utilised for HNI IPO application payments?

UPI can indeed be used, though a cap exists. While UPI is an option for applications up to ₹5 lakh, for larger sums, it is advisable to use ASBA (Application Supported by Blocked Amount) directly through a bank account.