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Market watchdog SEBI has come out with a consultation paper in a bid to ease the functioning of <keyword id="22476006" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="ESG-Rating-Providers" source="keywords">ESG Rating Providers</keyword> (ERPs), pushing for the development of a <keyword id="23760035" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="subscriber-pays-model" source="keywords">subscriber-pays model</keyword>. As of July 2024, nine ERPs are registered with SEBI to operate in the country. These include <keyword id="23760037" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="CRISIL-ESG-Ratings" source="keywords">CRISIL ESG Ratings</keyword> &amp; Analytics, ESG Risk Assessments and Ratings, GlobeTrend Climate Impact Institutional Investor Advisory Services, <keyword id="23760038" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NSE-Sustainability-Ratings" source="keywords">NSE Sustainability Ratings</keyword> and Analytics, PGS Impact, Pragati Development Consulting, CARE ESG Ratings, and SES ESG Research. Per the paper's proposal, ERPs won't be required to disclose ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings to the bourses, provided they confirm that there is no non-public information that could potentially affect the rating. Another proposal was the simultaneous sharing of the ESG rating reports both to the rated companies and to the subscribers who pay to access these reports. ERPs should ensure that rated entities, their group companies, or associates cannot subscribe to their own ESG ratings, SEBI said in its consultation paper. Some of the other suggestions put forth by SEBI include: 1. Companies will have a specific timeframe to respond to the ESG report, and any such comments should be included in the report as an addendum. 2. In case the ERP does not agree with the remarks issued by the rated company, they can add their comments to the report as well. 3. ERPs can rate unlisted issuers or other products, provided they meet specific guidelines from relevant regulators. SEBI is receiving public comment on these proposals until November 15, 2024. <h2>Steady returns </h2>Of the 11 ESG mutual fund schemes available to Indian mutual fund investors, the Quant ESG Equity fund has generated the highest returns of about 45.44% over one year, data from ValueResearch showed. Simply put, had you invested Rs 10,000 every month in this fund for three years, you would have accumulated a corpus of Rs 5,47,525. Over three years, the returns on this fund come to around 26%. This was followed by the ICICI Pru ESG Exclusionary Strategy fund, which yielded 44.73% returns over the same period. However, over ultra-short terms, i.e., 1-3 months, ESG funds have largely delivered negative returns, underscoring their suitability only as a long-term investment avenue. Only the SBI ESG Exclusionary Strategy Direct Fund and Quantum ESG Best In Class Strategy Direct Fund have been around for 5 years, during which they have generated returns of about 16.67% and 18.7%, respectively. <keyword id="23760036" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ESG-mutual-funds" source="keywords">ESG mutual funds</keyword> typically select and invest in companies that are ESG-compliant, i.e., who weave in environmental conversation, social welfare, and robust <keyword id="20392393" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="corporate-governance" source="keywords">corporate governance</keyword> practices into their working philosophy and work ethos, while simultaneously generating decent financial returns for stakeholders as well.

SEBI mulls measures to facilitate ease of doing business for ESG Rating Providers (ERPs)

New Delhi: Markets regulator <keyword id="19901201" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sebi" source="keywords">Sebi</keyword> on Tuesday proposed relaxing net-worth, qualification and experience requirements for <keyword id="22695845" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="investment-advisers-and" source="keywords">investment advisers and</keyword> research analysts, a move aimed at curbing the activities of unregulated <keyword id="22205854" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="financial-influencers" source="keywords">financial influencers</keyword>. The proposals will simplify and reduce registration requirements and compliance costs for <keyword id="21253972" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="investment-advisers" source="keywords">Investment Advisers</keyword> (IAs) and Research Analysts (RAs) registered with Sebi, the regulator said. In its consultation paper, Sebi has proposed to relax minimum qualification from post-graduate to graduate degree and remove the experience requirement for registration as investment advisers and research analysts. Currently, IAs and RAs are required to obtain the prescribed certifications from NISM at the time of registration. They are required to obtain the same base certifications before expiry of validity of such certifications. Additionally, the regulator has proposed to abolish the requirement of maintaining minimum net worth by IAs and RAs. Instead, it has proposed that IAs/RAs should maintain a deposit with the stock exchange, based on the number of clients. For up to 150 clients, investment advisers or research analysts will have to maintain a deposit of Rs 1 lakh, for 150 to 300 clients, they need to maintain Rs 2 lakh, for 300 to 1,000 clients, the deposit requirement will be Rs 5 lakh and for over 1,000 clients, the requirement will be Rs 10 lakh. Also, Sebi has proposed allowing individuals or partnership firms to register as both IA and RA and allow individuals or partnership firms engaged in non-securities businesses to register as IA/RA. Sebi noted that the Indian securities market has seen a significant increase in domestic investors due to market growth and technical advancements. However, the number of registered Investment Advisers and Research Analysts remains low compared to the large investor base, especially when compared to countries like the United States. "This is leading to proliferation of the unregistered entities acting as IAs and RAs," it added. To ensure investors can make informed decisions and to support the growth in wealth creation, a larger number of registered IAs and RAs is needed, the Sebi said. Recently, Sebi board approved a series of measures on restricting the play of fin-influencers, which focus mainly on policing the segment through their tie-ups with the entities regulated by Sebi. Also, senior Sebi officials in the recent past have said that challenges to get registered as an investment advisor are among the reasons for growth in the problematic fin-influencers segment. The registered investment advisors have said that getting and maintaining the registration is an onerous task due to which their numbers are low. The <keyword id="19901204" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Securities-and-Exchange-Board-of-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Securities and Exchange Board of India" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Securities and Exchange Board of India">Securities and Exchange Board of India</keyword> (Sebi) has sought public comments till August 26 on the proposals.

Sebi proposes relaxing norms for investment advisers and analysts, floats consultation paper

New Delhi: Markets regulator <keyword id="19901201" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sebi" source="keywords">Sebi</keyword> has proposed allowing Real Estate Investment Trusts (<keyword id="20186402" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="REITs" source="keywords">REITs</keyword>), Small and Medium REITs (SM REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (<keyword id="20186403" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="InvITs" source="keywords">InvITs</keyword>) to use <keyword id="21737868" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="interest-rate-derivatives" source="keywords">interest rate derivatives</keyword> for <keyword id="23778373" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="hedging-risk" source="keywords">hedging risk</keyword>. Also, the regulator has suggested approving locked-in units for REITs and InvITs to be transferred among sponsors and their groups, similar to rules for promoters in listed companies, to help sponsors manage their holdings without compromising "skin in the game". Additionally, Sebi has suggested permitting fixed deposits to be considered as cash equivalents when calculating leverage for REITs and InvITs, clarifying credit rating requirements for REIT and InvIT borrowings, and setting a timeline for filling vacancies on their boards and expanding the asset base for REITs and SM REITs. The regulator has also proposed to permit REITs to invest in liquid mutual funds. It has suggested measures to facilitate ease of doing business for REITs and InvITs, along with investors' protection. According to its consultation paper, Sebi is considering allowing REITs and InvITs to hedge against interest rate fluctuations by using derivatives like interest rate swaps. This could help stabilise cash flows, reduce risks, and protect unitholder interests, especially for long-term infrastructure projects. It is also proposed to define "Common Infrastructure" for REIT regulations. To enhance business flexibility for REITs, it has been proposed to clarify that facilities like power plants, heating/cooling systems, water treatment, and waste treatment plants -- serving one or more REIT assets -- will qualify as "common infrastructure" under REIT rules. This applies even if these facilities are not located within a single project due to their technical requirements. These facilities should supply and be used exclusively by REIT assets. For power plants, however, any excess power can be sold to the state utility/grid as per regulations, with any credits or payments going towards the benefit of REIT assets. To improve transparency, it has been proposed to amend the governance norms for quarterly reporting of InvITs. Currently, quarterly results for the investment manager and its business segments are presented to the investment manager's board, but there is no direct requirement for InvITs to report their performance. The proposed amendment would clarify that quarterly results should specifically reflect the performance of the InvITs themselves, not just the investment managers. This change aligns InvIT regulations with REIT regulations, where the focus is on the quarterly results of the REIT itself. Also, it has been suggested to align the composition of NRCs in REIT and InvIT managers with listed companies under the LODR regulations. Currently, all NRC members for REITs and InvITs must be independent directors. The proposal allows a mix of independent and non-executive directors, similar to listed companies. To enhance investors' protection, Sebi has suggested reviewing conditions for InvITs to borrow beyond the 49 per cent limit, assessing REIT investments in unlisted equity shares and outlining the roles and responsibilities of trustees for REITs, InvITs, and SM REITs. In a separate consultation paper, the regulator has proposed a regulatory framework for "restricted return InvITs" to provide infrastructure investors with predictable returns by setting limits on both upside gains and downside protection. The proposed framework for restricted return InvITs is designed to provide investors with structured returns, capped at both minimum and maximum levels to offer stability. Restricted return InvITs would include downside protection -- a minimum assured return -- and/or an upside restriction, a cap on returns -- depending on the arrangement. These investments would be limited to sophisticated investors who meet high minimum investment thresholds, with each unit priced at a minimum of Rs 500 crore and total InvIT assets of at least Rs 50,000 crore. Investors would be required to sign a waiver and undertaking form, acknowledging their understanding of the structured returns and risks involved, including the transfer of any excess returns to the sponsors. This waiver should be submitted before purchase in both primary and secondary markets, with compliance overseen by merchant bankers or brokers. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has sought public comments on both consultation papers by November 13.

Sebi proposes to allow InvITs, REITs, SM REITs to use interest rate derivatives for hedging risk

New Delhi: Markets regulator <keyword id="19901201" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sebi" source="keywords">Sebi</keyword> has proposed a minimum ticket size or <keyword id="21732014" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="investment-threshold" source="keywords">investment threshold</keyword> of Rs 1 crore for the RBI-regulated originators and unregulated entities engaged in securitisation activities. The proposal also introduced limitations on the number of investors in <keyword id="22496291" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="private-placements" source="keywords">private placements</keyword>, allowing <keyword id="23778966" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="securitized-debt-instruments" source="keywords">securitized debt instruments</keyword> (SDIs) issued privately to be offered to a maximum of 200 investors. If this limit is exceeded, the issuance must be classified as a public issue. Public offers should remain open for a minimum of three days and a maximum of 10 days, with advertisement requirements aligned with Sebi's regulations for non-convertible securities. Additionally, the regulator has suggested that all securitized debt instruments should be issued and transferred exclusively in demat form. SDIs are financial products created by pooling together various types of debt -- such as loans, mortgages, or receivables -- and then selling them as securities to investors. This process, known as securitisation, allows the originator (such as a bank) to convert illiquid assets into liquid ones, providing an alternative source of funding. Investors in these instruments receive returns based on the performance of the underlying debt pool, and the risk is spread across multiple assets, offering potentially attractive returns. The current framework is based on Sebi's 2008 regulations, with updates from the Reserve Bank of India's (<keyword id="19899808" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="RBI" source="keywords">RBI</keyword>) 2021 directions on securitising standard assets. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is now considering updates to the regulatory framework for securitized debt instruments and sought public comments till November 16 on the proposals. Regarding risk management, Sebi has proposed that originators retain a minimum risk retention of 10 per cent of the securitised pool or 5 per cent for receivables with a maturity of up to 24 months. A minimum holding period requirement will also be specified by Sebi for underlying receivables to ensure that originators maintain an interest in the underlying assets, the regulator said in a consultation paper. The regulator further suggested including an optional clean-up call for originators, allowing them to repurchase up to 10 per cent of the original value of the assets. This call is optional and intended to help manage the pool's longevity without mandating additional commitments from the originator. Liquidity facilities, essential to handle timing mismatches in cash flows, should either be provided directly by the originator or through an appointed third party. The updated definition of "debt/receivables" limits permissible underlying assets to listed debt securities, accepted trade receivables, rental incomes, and equipment leases while disallowing single-asset securitisation. The proposal establishes minimum track record requirements for both originators and obligors. Originators should have a minimum of three years of operating experience, while trade receivables specifically require at least two cycles of successful, default-free payments.

Sebi proposes Rs 1 crore minimum investment, mandatory demat form for securitized debt instruments

Markets regulator <keyword id="19901201" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sebi" source="keywords">SEBI</keyword> has proposed expanding the <keyword id="22367248" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sustainable-finance-framework" source="keywords">sustainable finance framework</keyword> in the <keyword id="20922662" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="securities-market" source="keywords">securities market</keyword> by introducing a new category of financial instruments. This category will include <keyword id="20518791" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Social-Bonds" source="keywords">social bonds</keyword>, <keyword id="22623575" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sustainable-Bonds" source="keywords">sustainable bonds</keyword>, and <keyword id="22623576" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sustainability-linked-Bonds" source="keywords">sustainability-linked bonds</keyword>, in addition to the current <keyword id="22819966" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="green-debt-securities" source="keywords">green debt securities</keyword>. It aims to provide issuers with flexibility in raising funds for projects that align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives. In a consultation paper released on Friday, SEBI proposed that issuers, in addition to existing green debt securities, should be allowed to raise funds through issuance of social bonds, sustainable bonds, and sustainability-linked bonds. These bonds will collectively be known as ESG Debt Securities. This will enable issuers to raise money for more sustainable projects, assisting in closing the funding gap for the Sustainable Development Goals. SEBI said it received representations from market participants including the Confederation of Indian Industry to expand the scope of the regulatory framework pertaining to sustainable finance to include social bonds, in addition to existing green debt securities as a mode of raising sustainable finance, in line with global practices. As per the consultation paper, SEBI said, it "proposed to introduce the concept of sustainable securitised debt instruments for the purpose of providing originators of the underlying credit facilities which are within such international or domestic frameworks for sustainable finance, and thereby provide investors as well an opportunity to participate in the sustainable securitised debt instruments". The consultation paper also addressed the initial and continuous disclosures for sustainable securitised debt instruments that would be based on international frameworks. Initial disclosures could be made in the offer document for the securities, while continuous disclosures might be included in annual reports or other mandated formats. The markets watchdog also suggested that issuers of ESG debt securities and sustainable securitised debt instruments appoint an independent external reviewer or certifier, to facilitate transparency and credibility. The review could take various forms including, second-party opinions, verification, certification, or scoring/ rating. The <keyword id="19901204" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Securities-and-Exchange-Board-of-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Securities and Exchange Board of India" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Securities and Exchange Board of India">Securities and Exchange Board of India</keyword> (SEBI) has invited comments and suggestions from the public on the consultation paper by September 6.

SEBI proposes expansion of sustainable financial framework in securities market

<keyword id="19901201" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sebi" source="keywords">SEBI</keyword> has proposed that registered <keyword id="21253972" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="investment-advisers" source="keywords">Investment Advisers</keyword> (IAs) and <keyword id="21511721" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="research-analysts" source="keywords">Research Analysts</keyword> (RAs) who employ artificial intelligence (AI) tools in their services must disclose the extent of their usage to clients, emphasizing the importance of strong security measures to avoid unintended data exposure. This transparency is crucial for clients to understand how <keyword id="20096338" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI-tools" source="keywords">AI tools</keyword> contribute to their investment decisions and to make informed choices about their advisory services. "The possibility of unintended data exposure highlights the need for strong security measures and clear disclosure to clients about the extent of AI tool usage", Trivesh D, COO at Tradejini, a stock trading platform, told PTI. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), in its consultation paper earlier this month, highlighted the growing usage of AI tools in Investment Adviser (IA) and Research Analyst (RA) services. With technological innovations and advancements, many AI tools are currently available in chatbot form such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, etc. AI-based tools allow one to have human-like conversations and receive human-like responses with the chatbot. These tools assist various tasks such as summarising and analysing data and may help in improving efficiency and productivity. "These AI tools, however, may not adequately safeguard sensitive data shared during conversations, potentially leading to unintended data exposure and concerns related to <keyword id="19900735" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="data-security" source="keywords">data security</keyword>," SEBI said in its consultation paper issued last week. Feroze Azeez, Deputy CEO, Anand Rathi Wealth Ltd said "while embracing this innovation, we must be mindful of its implications and responsibilities". IAs provide personalised services according to client-specific requirements, based on <keyword id="22797015" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="risk-profiling" source="keywords">risk profiling</keyword> and suitability. Similarly, RAs provide recommendations based on certain parameters and methodology adopted and are required to keep records of the research report, research recommendations and rationale for arriving at research recommendations. While AI tools can provide significant assistance in the work of IAs and RAs, they may not always give meaningful outputs that are expected to be based on the understanding of complex security-specific or client-specific scenarios/ requirements such as personal/ financial conditions or goals, SEBI stated. Further, such tools may not always provide all the information based on which output/ recommendation has been generated. For example, AI tools may not bring out whether the requirements of risk profiling and suitability have been complied with by IA, it added. "An IA/RA who uses AI tools for servicing its clients must provide complete disclosure of the extent of use of such tools to its prospective clients, to enable them to take informed decisions of continuance or otherwise with the IA/RA," SEBI suggested in the consultation paper. Considering that the investment advice/ research services provided by IA/RA based on AI tools would affect the investment decision of clients, SEBI said, the responsibility of data security, compliance with the regulatory provisions governing investment advisory services/research services lies solely with the IA/ RA, irrespective of the scale and scenario of IA/ RA using AI tools. Trivesh believes that <keyword id="19901571" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="technology" source="keywords">technology</keyword> can significantly enhance the efficiency and reach of investment advisory service, but it should be used as a complementary tool, rather than a complete replacement for human judgment and expertise. "The dynamic and culturally diverse nature of India's financial landscape demands personalized investment advice that AI alone cannot provide. Since AI will undoubtedly continue to change the <keyword id="19976433" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="financial-services" source="keywords">financial services</keyword> sector, efforts to integrate it into IA and RA services should be pursued with a balanced approach, leveraging its strengths while addressing its limitations," he added. Additionally, SEBI is also looking to create a closed ecosystem for fee collection by registered investment advisers and research analysts through a separate mechanism in order to help investors ensure that their payments are reaching only registered IAs and RAs and help them identify, isolate and avoid unregistered entities, who would be unable to access this closed ecosystem.

Investment Advisers, Research Analysts should disclose AI tools usage to clients, notes SEBI

Stock <keyword id="20345915" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="exchanges" source="keywords">exchanges</keyword> and <keyword id="20710434" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="brokers" source="keywords">brokers</keyword>, catering to retail traders, could be hit hard by the regulator <keyword id="19901201" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sebi" source="keywords">SEBI</keyword>'s proposed measures for Futures &amp; Options (F&amp;O) <keyword id="22748189" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="trading-regulations" source="keywords">trading regulations</keyword>, with market volumes slumping 30-40 %, according to reports. If these measures are implemented, the number of investors could decrease, it added. Moreover, discount brokers, who depend heavily on retail investors, are expected to be more affected than traditional full-service brokers. SEBI, in its consultation paper in July, proposed seven measures, including increasing minimum contract size and upfront collection of option premiums, intra-day monitoring of position limits, rationalisation of strike prices, removal of calendar spread benefit on expiry day and increase in near contract expiry margin. SEBI stated that these measures are aimed at enhancing <keyword id="20775670" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="investor-protection" source="keywords">investor protection</keyword> and promoting <keyword id="20813757" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="market-stability" source="keywords">market stability</keyword> in derivative markets. According to a report by Jefferies, SEBI's proposed measures to reduce the number of weekly option contracts from 18 to 6 could impact around 35% of industry premiums. However, if trading shifts to the remaining contracts, the overall impact can be reduced to 20-25%. Among its 7 proposed measures, IIFL Securities see the highest impact from the withdrawal of <keyword id="22353333" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="weekly-options" source="keywords">weekly options</keyword> (only 1 per exchange allowed) as index Options account for 98% of the volumes. IIFL Securities expects the National Stock Exchange (NSE) to be more affected than the BSE because 60 % of NSE's revenue comes from options trading, compared to 40% for BSE. It estimates that by the financial year 2026, NSE's earnings could be reduced by 25-30% while BSE's earnings could drop by 15-18%. Jefferies also believes that the removal of Bankex weekly contract can impact BSE's earnings per share (EPS) by 7-9% over FY25-27. It further said that BSE might see a small decline in earnings, but if trading activity shifts from discontinued products, it could offset the impact or even lead to earnings growth. "We don't see any impact on MCX from these regulations. Within the value chain, discount brokers are likely to be more impacted than traditional full-service brokers given the former's dependence on retail investors," IIFL Securities said. Jefferies believes that clearing members like Nuvama, which caters to institutional players High-Frequency Traders (HFTs), and Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) are less impacted. Rationalizing weekly options to only one benchmark index per exchange will significantly affect the NSE because it currently has four weekly index expiries, with "Bank Nifty" being the most important, contributing to 50 % of its options volume. The change could reduce NSE's overall trading volumes by 30-35 %, IIFL Securities said. On the other hand, BSE is expected to be less affected since it only has two contracts, with Sensex making up 85 % of its volumes in FY24. Even if "Bankex" contributes 30% by FY26, the impact on BSE's volumes is expected to be smaller compared to NSE, it said. Additionally, with just two expiries, BSE might gain market share and experience higher trading volumes, resulting in an estimated 20 % reduction in its overall volumes, it added. Jefferies said that SEBI's proposed measure of increasing lot sizes by 3-4 times over six months could lead to higher costs for retail traders, potentially reducing their participation in the market. The proposed margin increase for options sellers close to expiry could reduce leverage and profitability, especially for retail traders with limited funds. "Finally other measures like increasing ELM (extreme loss margin) around expiry, and withdrawal of calendar spread margin on expiry will increase the margin requirements and thereby could impact the liquidity. Based on our initial estimates we expect a 30-40 % impact on market volume," IIFL Securities said. SEBI Chief Madhabi Puri Buch recently mentioned that households are losing up to Rs 60,000 crore a year in the problematic futures and options segment. Earlier, SEBI research showed retail traders lose money in nine out of 10 trades in the F&amp;O segment Last month, the government in the Union Budget raised the securities transaction tax (STT) on both futures and options trade from October 1 to allay concerns about hyperactive interest in the derivative segment. Before that, the Economic Survey flagged concerns over rising retail investors' interest in derivative trading. The survey stated that speculative trade has no place in a developing country. It also pointed out that the sharp increase in retail investor participation in F&amp;O trading is likely driven by humans' gambling instincts.

SEBI proposed F&O norms to hit exchanges, brokers, says reports

<ul><li><keyword id="35210" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sebi" source="Orion">SEBI</keyword> has put out a consultation paper on <keyword id="152818" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="algorithmic-trading" source="Orion">algorithmic trading</keyword> by retail investors yesterday.</li><li>The market regulator has suggested additional restrictions before executing an algo trade to which online broking firms providing such services have raised their concerns.</li><li><keyword id="6377626" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="algo-trading" source="Orion">Algo trading</keyword> means a sell/buy order gets executed automatically when the pre-defined levels are met.</li></ul>A consultation paper by India’s market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), that came out on December 9, regarding algorithmic trading by retail investors is a topic of concern for online trading platforms offering automated services to trade in the stock market. Algorithmic/algo trading means a sell/buy order gets executed automatically when the predefined levels are met. For example: You have 10 stocks of ABC company bought at ₹10 and you feel the stock will move up to ₹20. In such a case you can put an upper limit to the selling price and execute a trade beforehand. This sets you free from monitoring the stock every minute and executing the trade conveniently. So, definitely it feels like algo trading is the future, but apparently there are many concerns for the regulator regarding the misuse of such automated products especially by retail investors who have a small ticket size (average amount of investment). "This kind of unregulated/unapproved algos pose a risk to the market and can be misused for systematic market manipulation as well as to lure the retail investors by guaranteeing them higher returns. The potential loss in case of failed algo strategy is huge for retail investor [sic],” said SEBI in the consultation paper. Some of the key factors from <keyword id="12710158" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sebi-consultation-paper" source="Orion">SEBI consultation paper</keyword> that indicates it wants to control algo services for retail investors. <ul><li>Stock exchanges — BSE, NSE — should approve all algo trades before execution from stock brokers.</li><li>Stock exchanges need to develop a system to ensure that only those algos which are approved by the exchange and having unique algo ID provided by the exchange are being deployed.</li><li>Brokers shall also deploy suitable technological tools to ensure that appropriate checks are in place to prevent unauthorised altering/tweaking of algos.</li><li>All algos developed by any entity have to run on the servers of broker wherein the broker has control of client orders, order confirmations, margin information etc</li><li>Stock brokers need to have adequate checks in place so that the algo performs in a controlled manner.</li><li>Stock broker is responsible for all algos emanating from its application programming interface (APIs) and redressal of any investor disputes.</li></ul>SEBI has put out the paper to seek comments from various stakeholders including market intermediaries. One of the online broking platforms that offer algo services to investors says that SEBI may want to control the automated process. “SEBI has put [out] a consultation paper with the intent of curbing unregulated algo platforms that promise guaranteed returns. But the way it's planned will mean brokers will have to stop offering APIs. This will be 2 steps back in a tech-first future,” said Nithin Kamath, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of <keyword id="759851" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="zerodha" source="Orion">Zerodha</keyword> in a tweet. Deepak Shenoy, founder and CEO at wealth management firm Capitalmind said the problem isn’t algorithms, it's the way humans are misusing the technology. “The problem wasn’t the algorithm. It did exactly what it was supposed to do. But the human thinking that technology could save the day was exactly what ruined the day. Too many people blindly relied on technology that didn't know how to deal with the compounding effects of its own actions,” said Shenoy. Head of investment platform Dhan — Pravin Jadhav — also shared his views on SEBI’s recommendations saying SEBI is not intending to ban it, but wants more accountability on such trades. “SEBI wants stock exchanges to know which orders are coming from where and how; as a regulator it is a very fair ask [sic]. If you are worried because you are doing something wrong, then you shouldn’t be doing that in the first place,” said Jadhav. SEBI’s growing concerns over misuse of the automated features to trade in stocks is in line with the increasing popularity of algo trading platforms especially for young investors. In the consultation paper, SEBI is asking brokers to get exchange approvals for every algo trade, which is ‘an extremely tedious and complex process’ as per Kamath. Disallowing APIs will just shift investors from using broker APIs to third party automation tools which aren't in the control of the brokers. API establishes an online connection between a data provider (i.e., stock broker) and an end-user (i.e., client). SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/metro-brands-that-is-open-for-ipo-is-aggressively-planning-on-opening-new-stores-despite-covid-19s-impact-on-its-profits/articleshow/88204220.cms">Metro Brands is aggressively planning on opening new stores despite COVID-19’s impact on its profits</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/pharmeasy-ipo-is-now-facing-a-rejection-plea-from-traders-lobby/articleshow/88207514.cms">After chemists’ body, traders demand rejection of PharmEasy’s IPO</a>

Tech-enabled broking firms like Zerodha raise concerns over SEBI’s views on algo trading

New Delhi, Capital markets regulator Sebi on Monday proposed to provide flexibility to Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), <keyword id="20198292" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="venture-capital-funds" source="keywords">Venture Capital Funds</keyword> (VCFs) and their investors to deal with unliquidated investments of their schemes beyond expiry of tenure. In its consultation paper, the regulator suggested that instead of launching a new liquidation scheme by AIFs, the same scheme itself can be allowed to continue with the unliquidated investments beyond their tenure for a certain period or dissolution period for fully liquidating their unliquidated investments. Additionally, the regulator proposed extending flexibility of the dissolution process to venture capital funds through migration to the <keyword id="19903848" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="aif" source="keywords">AIF</keyword> regime. At present, the option to launch liquidation scheme is available only to those schemes of AIFs which are under 'Liquidation Period'-- the period of one year following the expiry of tenure of the scheme for fully liquidating the scheme and not available to VCFs, irrespective of whether their tenure has expired or not. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has sought public comments till February 2 on the proposal. The proposal came after Sebi received representations from participants in the AIF industry highlighting certain tax related issues. They also highlighted that setting up a liquidation scheme and winding up the original AIF scheme is a process involving time, cost, and efforts, which directly or indirectly, would ultimately be paid by investors. In the consultation paper, the regulator suggested that during the liquidation period of an AIF scheme, if the AIF decides to opt for dissolution period, then AIF should obtain positive consent of 75 per cent of investors by value of their investment in the scheme. After obtaining the consent, the AIF should arrange bids for a minimum of 25 per cent of the value of the unliquidated investments. The bids should be arranged for units representing consolidated value of all unliquidated investments of the scheme's investment portfolio. Sebi suggested that investor approval and bid should be obtained by the AIF before the expiry of the Liquidation Period of the scheme. "Liquidation schemes that have already been launched by AIFs shall be grand-fathered," Sebi said. The regulator also suggested one-time flexibility to AIF schemes, whose Liquidation Period has expired or would be expiring within one month from the date of notification in this regard, to deal with unliquidated investment. Also, it has recommended extending flexibility of the dissolution process to venture capital funds through migration to the AIF regime. It further suggested that such migration should be smooth and cost effective. Under the <keyword id="20198293" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vcf-regulations" source="keywords">VCF Regulations</keyword>, VCFs are required to liquidate their investments within three months from the expiry of their tenure, whereas AIF Regulations provide AIFs a Liquidation Period of 12 months for the said purpose. There is no provision in <keyword id="20198294" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vcf" source="keywords">VCF</keyword> Regulations for extension of tenure of VCF scheme. Therefore, any VCF operating beyond their tenure specified in the Private <keyword id="20198291" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="placement-memorandum" source="keywords">Placement Memorandum</keyword> (PPM) is in violation of the VCF rules. Accordingly, Sebi suggested a new framework to facilitate VCFs to migrate to AIF Regulations, so that the proposed flexibility of Liquidation Period and the flexibility of dealing with unliquidated investments by opting for dissolution period / process, can be availed by VCFs. Under the proposed regulatory framework for migration of VCFs to AIF Regulations, a sub-category should be created under Category I - VCFs called Migrated VCFs. Such VCFs can migrate themselves within 6 months of the date of Sebi's notification in this regard. Sebi suggested that certain flexibilities under VCF rules should continue to be availed by migrated VCFs and accordingly the migrated VCFs should be exempted from the requirements of minimum investment requirement in AIF, minimum corpus size, maximum number of investors in a scheme, manner of calculation of tenure and audit of terms of PPM. Moreover, certain benefits of AIF Regulations that are not available under VCF rule should be extended to migrated VCFs.

You Searched For "SEBI consultation paper" and got 9 results

SEBI mulls measures to facilitate ease of doing business for ESG Rating Providers (ERPs)

Ira Alok Puranik

Sebi proposes relaxing norms for investment advisers and analysts, floats consultation paper

PTI

Sebi proposes to allow InvITs, REITs, SM REITs to use interest rate derivatives for hedging risk

PTI

Sebi proposes Rs 1 crore minimum investment, mandatory demat form for securitized debt instruments

PTI

SEBI proposes expansion of sustainable financial framework in securities market

PTI

Investment Advisers, Research Analysts should disclose AI tools usage to clients, notes SEBI

PTI

SEBI proposed F&O norms to hit exchanges, brokers, says reports

PTI

Tech-enabled broking firms like Zerodha raise concerns over SEBI’s views on algo trading

Bhakti Makwana

Sebi mulls flexibility for AIF, VCFs to deal with unliquidated investments beyond tenure expiry

PTI

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