Fund of Funds
Full Form of FOF
What is FOF?
A Fund of Funds (FOF) is an investment strategy where a fund invests in a portfolio of other underlying funds rather than directly in stocks, bonds, or other securities. This structure offers diversification across multiple asset classes, fund managers, and investment styles, reducing risk through broad exposure. In India, FOFs are commonly used in the mutual fund industry, particularly for equity, debt, and hybrid fund categories. They are also prominent in the venture capital and startup ecosystem, where the government has launched initiatives like the 'Fund of Funds for Startups' (FFS) under the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to provide capital to alternative investment funds (AIFs). This mechanism channels public money into early-stage companies via professionally managed funds. FOFs are popular among retail and institutional investors seeking simplified diversification without the need to pick individual funds. They are offered by asset management companies (AMCs) and are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). For competitive exams like UPSC, RBI Grade B, and NABARD, understanding FOFs is important in the context of financial markets, government schemes, and risk management. FOFs typically have higher expense ratios due to layered fees but provide access to specialized strategies and top-tier fund managers.
FOF का फुल फॉर्म
फंड ऑफ फंड्स
Example
The government's Fund of Funds for Startups, managed by SIDBI, has committed capital to over 100 AIFs, boosting early-stage funding in India.