AIFs, REITs & InvITs: An Emerging Opportunity for Company Secretaries
FOP to SM REIT: Understanding the Structural Shift Most CS professionals stay far away from AIF, REIT, and InvIT. The...
Read More →
Navigating Regulations. Sustaining Business.
Enabling Growth.
Strategic solutions for businesses operating in a dynamic and evolving environment.
About Us
A Lakhotia & Co. believes compliance is not merely about meeting regulatory requirements; it is about building sustainable businesses, strengthening governance, and establishing long-term association.
Our practice is built around end-to-end advisory across some of India’s most specialised regulatory domains, providing access to the clients to explore the expertise within a single & focused engagement. As businesses and investors navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment, we engage with them with clarity, precision, and practitioner-level rigour.
We expertise in REIT (Real Estate Investment Trusts ), SM REIT (Small and Medium Real Estate Investment Trusts), and InvIT (Infrastructure Investment Trusts)— an asset class that demands a precise understanding of SEBI regulations, Trusts law, Institutional Governance, Trustees regulations and allied laws rules and regulations. Recognising the importance of AIF (Alternative Investment Fund) we provide lifecycle advisory from structuring – registration – compliance. We assist you in India Entry, FEMA-FDI compliance, GIFT City, IFSC advisory to foreign funds, global corporates, and family offices in establishing their presence in India. Beyond these specialisations, we offer end-to-end support across Corporate Restructuring and (M & A) Mergers and Acquisitions, NBFC & RBI Compliances, IPO & Listing Advisory, Secretarial Compliances and Audit ensuring clients have a trusted advisor and compliance partner.
Total Registered InvITs
0
Total Listed InvITs
0
Total Publicly Listed InvITs
0
Total Registered REIT
0
Total Listed REIT
0
Total Publicly Listed REIT
0
Core Services
Secretarial Compliances
We offer comprehensive secretarial compliance management for listed and unlisted companies, LLPs, and other entities covering incorporation, retainership-based compliance, annual filings, board meeting management, MCA representations, Secretarial Audit, MGT-8 certification, entity conversions, and representation before NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal), NCLAT (National Company Law Appellate Tribunal), and
ROC ( Registrar of Companies).
India Entry Advisor
We guide foreign corporations, investment funds, and family
offices through every step of establishing a compliant presence in India.
Our advisory covers Wholly Owned Subsidiary and LLP formation, Branch and Liaison Office setup, FDI and FEMA compliance, Joint Venture structuring, RBI approvals, and corporate governance frameworks making India entry seamless and fully compliant.
IPO & Listing Advisory
We serve as an independent secretarial and regulatory advisor throughout your IPO journey working alongside Merchant Bankers on pre-listing due diligence, SEBI LODR compliance, companies corporate governance structuring, secretarial audits, and post-listing compliance management. We ensure a smooth, compliant, and well-governed path to the
public markets.
NBFC & RBI Compliance
We provide comprehensive compliance and advisory support for
Non-Banking Financial Companies and Housing Finance Companies — covering registration, routine and event-based RBI filings, charge creation and modification, diligence reports, and retainership-based regulatory management. Our focused expertise ensures NBFCs remain fully compliant, operationally sound, and well-governed at every stage.
Corporate Restructing and M & A
We advise on the full spectrum of corporate restructuring and M & A transactions covering mergers, amalgamations, demergers, acquisitions, and fast-track exits. From secretarial due diligence and NCLT representation to documentation and post-merger compliance, we ensure every restructuring transaction is executed with regulatory precision and strategic clarity.
Why Choose Us?
Practical Solutions
Our approach combines legal precision with commercial understanding to deliver solutions that are practical, efficient and business-focused.
Core Expertise
Dedicated focus on complex areas including REIT, InvIT, AIF, FEMA and listed company governance.
End-to-End Solutions
From structuring, advisory, compliance and execution, we offer services at every stage.
Trusted by Diverse Clients
Serving listed companies, multinationals, NBFCs, fund managers and growth-stage businesses across Globe.
Industries Served
Blogs
FOP to SM REIT: Understanding the Structural Shift
FOP to SM REIT: Understanding the Structural Shift #SMREITThursdays — Week 3: FOP to SM REIT — Understanding the Structural...
Read More →
SM REITs in India: Understanding SEBI’s New Framework for Fractional Real Estate Ownership
SM REITs in India: Understanding SEBI’s New Framework for Fractional Real Estate Ownership If you’ve been tracking India’s real estate...
Read More →
Want to build your career with us?
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does A Lakhotia & Co. LLP offer?
- A Lakhotia & Co. LLP is a Peer Reviewed Practicing Company Secretaries firm offering end-to-end regulatory, secretarial, and advisory services across REITs, SM REITs, InvITs, Alternative Investment Funds, FEMA, India Entry Advisory, IPO & Listing Advisory, NBFC & RBI Compliance, Corporate Restructuring, Secretarial Audit, GIFT City IFSC Advisory, and BRSR Reporting serving listed companies, multinationals, investment funds, NBFCs, and growth-stage businesses across India.
How to register a REIT in India and what are the compliance requirements?
- Registering a Real Estate Investment Trust in India requires SEBI approval, a designated trustee, sponsor, and investment manager meeting eligibility criteria under SEBI REIT Regulations. Post-registration, REITs must adhere to ongoing compliance obligations including periodic filings, unitholders' meeting management, distribution reporting, and asset acquisition due diligence. A Lakhotia & Co. LLP provides end-to-end advisory from SEBI registration and Trust Deed drafting to ongoing governance and compliance management.
What is an SM REIT and how is it different from a regular REIT in India?
- An SM REIT, introduced through SEBI's 2024 amendment, is designed for smaller real estate assets with a minimum asset value of ₹50 crores and maximum ₹500 crores significantly lower than the threshold for traditional REITs. SM REIT operates through separate investment schemes, each holding distinct assets, and are structured to enable fractional ownership of income-generating real estate. A Lakhotia & Co. LLP advises sponsors and managers on SM REIT registration, scheme structuring, documentation, and ongoing SEBI compliance.
Is a Secretarial Audit mandatory for my company and who can conduct it?
- Secretarial Audit under Section 204 of the Companies Act is mandatory for listed companies, public companies with a paid-up capital of ₹50 crores or more, and public companies exceeding borrowings ₹100 crores or with a turnover of ₹250 crores or more.It can only be conducted by a Practicing Company Secretary. A Lakhotia & Co. LLP provides Secretarial Audit services for listed companies, material subsidiaries, and unlisted entities — along with MGT-8 certification, compliance certificates, and gap analysis.
How can a foreign company invest in India and what are the FEMA compliance requirements?
- Foreign companies can invest in India through the FDI route under the automatic or government approval pathway, depending on the sector. Key FEMA compliance requirements include filing of FC-GPR within 30 days of allotment of shares, valuation reports, KYC documentation, and ongoing ODI and APR filings where applicable. A Lakhotia & Co. LLP advises foreign investors, funds, and corporates on FDI structuring, FEMA filings, RBI approvals, ECB documentation, and cross-border investment compliance.
What is the best structure for a foreign company entering India — Subsidiary, Branch Office, or Liaison Office?
- The right structure depends on the nature and intent of business operations in India. A Wholly Owned Subsidiary offers full operational flexibility and is preferred for businesses looking to conduct commercial activities. A Branch Office is suitable for companies looking to carry out limited activities permitted under FEMA. A Liaison Office is ideal for representation and market research purposes only, with no revenue generation permitted. A Lakhotia & Co. LLP provides end-to-end India Entry Advisory advising on the right structure, managing FEMA approvals, RBI filings, and post-incorporation compliance.
What is the role of a Company Secretary or Secretarial Advisor in an IPO?
- A Practicing Company Secretary plays a critical role in the IPO process conducting pre-listing secretarial due diligence, ensuring compliance with SEBI LODR and Companies Act requirements, reviewing corporate governance frameworks, managing board and shareholder resolutions, and coordinating with SEBI, Stock Exchanges, and Merchant Bankers throughout the listing process. Post-listing, the CS ensures ongoing compliance with SEBI LODR, insider trading regulations, and periodic disclosure requirements. A Lakhotia & Co. LLP works alongside Merchant Bankers as an independent secretarial and regulatory advisor to ensure a smooth, compliant, and well-governed IPO journey.
What is a Practicing Company Secretary firm and what do they do?
- A Practicing Company Secretary (PCS) firm provides expert advisory and compliance services under the Companies Act, SEBI regulations, FEMA, and other corporate laws. Services include secretarial audits, annual filings, corporate governance advisory, regulatory representations, and compliance management helping businesses stay legally compliant and well-governed at every stage.
How is A Lakhotia & Co. different from other Company Secretary firms?
- Unlike general secretarial firms, A Lakhotia & Co. LLP specialises in high-complexity regulatory domains including REITs, SM REITs, InvITs, AIFs, FEMA, GIFT City IFSC, and India Entry Advisory making it one of the few CS firms in India with dedicated expertise in fund structuring and cross-border regulatory compliance. The firm is also recognised as a Peer Reviewed Firm by ICSI.
Does your firm only serve large companies or do you also work with startups and SMEs?
- We serve a diverse range of clients from listed companies, multinationals, and investment funds to SMEs, MSMEs, and startups. Whether you are incorporating a new business or managing complex regulatory compliance for an established organisation, we offer tailored solutions suited to your specific stage and needs.
What is a Peer Reviewed Firm and why does it matter?
- A Peer Reviewed Firm is one that has been independently assessed and recognised by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) for adherence to the highest standards of professional practice and quality. Engaging a Peer Reviewed Firm gives clients the assurance that their compliance and advisory work is handled with verified professional rigour and accountability.
Can A Lakhotia & Co. LLP help with both one-time compliance needs and ongoing retainerships?
- Yes. We offer both project-based engagements for specific transactions or compliance requirements, as well as ongoing retainership arrangements where we manage your complete secretarial and regulatory compliance on a continuous basis ensuring nothing is missed and your business stays fully compliant at all times.
What services does a Lakhotia & Co. LLP offer?
- A Lakhotia & Co. LLP is a Peer Reviewed Practicing Company Secretaries firm offering end-to-end regulatory, secretarial, and advisory services across REITs, SM REITs, InvITs, Alternative Investment Funds, FEMA, India Entry Advisory, IPO & Listing Advisory, NBFC & RBI Compliance, Corporate Restructuring, Secretarial Audit, GIFT City IFSC Advisory, and BRSR Reporting serving listed companies, multinationals, investment funds, NBFCs, and growth-stage businesses across India.
How to register a REIT in India and what are the compliance requirements?
- Registering a Real Estate Investment Trust in India requires SEBI approval, a designated trustee, sponsor, and investment manager meeting eligibility criteria under SEBI REIT Regulations. Post-registration, REITs must adhere to ongoing compliance obligations including periodic filings, unitholders' meeting management, distribution reporting, and asset acquisition due diligence. A Lakhotia & Co. LLP provides end-to-end advisory from SEBI registration and Trust Deed drafting to ongoing governance and compliance management.
What is an SM REIT and how is it different from a regular REIT in India?
- An SM REIT, introduced through SEBI's 2024 amendment, is designed for smaller real estate assets with a minimum asset value of ₹50 crores and maximum ₹500 crores significantly lower than the threshold for traditional REITs. SM REIT operates through separate investment schemes, each holding distinct assets, and are structured to enable fractional ownership of income-generating real estate. A Lakhotia & Co. LLP advises sponsors and managers on SM REIT registration, scheme structuring, documentation, and ongoing SEBI compliance.
Is a Secretarial Audit mandatory for my company and who can conduct it?
- Secretarial Audit under Section 204 of the Companies Act is mandatory for listed companies, public companies with a paid-up capital of ₹50 crores or more, and public companies exceeding borrowings ₹100 crores or with a turnover of ₹250 crores or more.It can only be conducted by a Practicing Company Secretary. A Lakhotia & Co. LLP provides Secretarial Audit services for listed companies, material subsidiaries, and unlisted entities — along with MGT-8 certification, compliance certificates, and gap analysis.
How can a foreign company invest in India and what are the FEMA compliance requirements?
- Foreign companies can invest in India through the FDI route under the automatic or government approval pathway, depending on the sector. Key FEMA compliance requirements include filing of FC-GPR within 30 days of allotment of shares, valuation reports, KYC documentation, and ongoing ODI and APR filings where applicable. A Lakhotia & Co. LLP advises foreign investors, funds, and corporates on FDI structuring, FEMA filings, RBI approvals, ECB documentation, and cross-border investment compliance.
What is the best structure for a foreign company entering India — Subsidiary, Branch Office, or Liaison Office?
- The right structure depends on the nature and intent of business operations in India. A Wholly Owned Subsidiary offers full operational flexibility and is preferred for businesses looking to conduct commercial activities. A Branch Office is suitable for companies looking to carry out limited activities permitted under FEMA. A Liaison Office is ideal for representation and market research purposes only, with no revenue generation permitted. A Lakhotia & Co. LLP provides end-to-end India Entry Advisory advising on the right structure, managing FEMA approvals, RBI filings, and post-incorporation compliance.
What is the role of a Company Secretary or Secretarial Advisor in an IPO?
- A Practicing Company Secretary plays a critical role in the IPO process conducting pre-listing secretarial due diligence, ensuring compliance with SEBI LODR and Companies Act requirements, reviewing corporate governance frameworks, managing board and shareholder resolutions, and coordinating with SEBI, Stock Exchanges, and Merchant Bankers throughout the listing process. Post-listing, the CS ensures ongoing compliance with SEBI LODR, insider trading regulations, and periodic disclosure requirements. A Lakhotia & Co. LLP works alongside Merchant Bankers as an independent secretarial and regulatory advisor to ensure a smooth, compliant, and well-governed IPO journey.
What is a Practicing Company Secretary firm and what do they do?
- A Practicing Company Secretary (PCS) firm provides expert advisory and compliance services under the Companies Act, SEBI regulations, FEMA, and other corporate laws. Services include secretarial audits, annual filings, corporate governance advisory, regulatory representations, and compliance management helping businesses stay legally compliant and well-governed at every stage.
How is A Lakhotia & Co different from other Company Secretary firms?
- Unlike general secretarial firms, A Lakhotia & Co. LLP specialises in high-complexity regulatory domains including REITs, SM REITs, InvITs, AIFs, FEMA, GIFT City IFSC, and India Entry Advisory making it one of the few CS firms in India with dedicated expertise in fund structuring and cross-border regulatory compliance. The firm is also recognised as a Peer Reviewed Firm by ICSI.
Does your firm only serve large companies or do you also work with startups and SMEs?
- We serve a diverse range of clients from listed companies, multinationals, and investment funds to SMEs, MSMEs, and startups. Whether you are incorporating a new business or managing complex regulatory compliance for an established organisation, we offer tailored solutions suited to your specific stage and needs.
What is a Peer Reviewed Firm and why does it matter?
- A Peer Reviewed Firm is one that has been independently assessed and recognised by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) for adherence to the highest standards of professional practice and quality. Engaging a Peer Reviewed Firm gives clients the assurance that their compliance and advisory work is handled with verified professional rigour and accountability.
Can a Lakhotia & Co. LLP help with both one-time compliance needs and ongoing retainerships?
- Yes. We offer both project-based engagements for specific transactions or compliance requirements, as well as ongoing retainership arrangements where we manage your complete secretarial and regulatory compliance on a continuous basis ensuring nothing is missed and your business stays fully compliant at all times.
Subscribe to our newsletter
