MCX-SX gets Sebi nod for debt, SME trading segment

MCX-SX, the latest entrant in capital markets, today said it has received Sebi's approval for separate debt and SME trading platforms.

The trading in the two segments is expected to commence shortly.

In two separate circulars, MCX Stock Exchange (MCX-SX) said that the market regulator has granted a final approval for trading in debt segment, while an in-principle nod has been given for Small Medium Enterprises (SME) platform.

In the debt segment, banks, insurance companies, pension funds, provident funds and retail investors can become members of the bourse and trade in this market. There will be separate order books for retail and institutional investors.

According to sources, trading in debt platform would begin from next month, while that SME segment would be launched after receving Sebi's final approval.

The bigger rivals--BSE Ltd and National Stock Exchange (NSE) are already running SME platforms, while NSE has recently launched a separate unified debt segment. BSE is awaiting the approval of Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) for debt platform.

Besides, the bourse said it has received an "in-principle" approval from Sebi for operationalising the SME platform, which would offers small and medium companies to raise funds from the primary market.

The volumes on MCX-SX, which began trading in February, have been improving in the past few days, it said.