Markets regulator Sebi on Wednesday extended the timeline till March 1 for the implementation of an additional incentives structure for mutual fund distributors for onboarding new individual investors from B-30 cities and new women investors from any city. Earlier, the new incentive structure, aimed at promoting wider outreach and awareness, was scheduled to be effective from February 1, 2026. According to the classification used in the mutual fund industry, B-30 refers to places beyond the top 30 cities. Based on the feedback received from the industry, citing operational difficulties in putting in place the requisite systems and processes for smooth implementation of the additional incentive structure, Sebi has decided to extend the implementation timeline. Accordingly, the new provisions will now come into effect from March 1, 2026, Sebi said in its circular. Under the new framework, asset management companies (AMCs) will pay these distributors 1 per cent of the first lump-sum