Page 20 - Sebi

Sebi moots lighter regulatory framework for AIFs with accredited investors

Capital markets regulator Sebi has proposed a separate category of Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) schemes, consisting of accredited investors, which will enjoy a lighter-touch regulatory framework compared to regular AIFs. In a consultation paper issued on Friday, Sebi suggested that such accredited investors (AI-only schemes) could be allowed certain flexibilities, given that accredited investors are deemed to have the knowledge, financial capacity and risk appetite to make informed investment decisions without the same level of regulatory safeguards required for retail participants. The proposal includes exemptions from requirements such as maintaining pari-passu rights among investors, NISM certification for key investment team members, and the current limit of 1,000 investors per scheme, the regulator said. These schemes could also extend their tenure by up to five years, subject to investor approval, and in the case of trust-structured AIFs, managers could take over certain

Sebi streamlines norms for converting private InvITs to public ones

Sebi has revised the framework for converting private listed Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) into public InvITs, streamlining sponsor holding norms and aligning disclosure requirements with follow-on offers. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) said the changes, effective immediately, are based on market feedback and recommendations of the Hybrid Securities Advisory Committee. Under the revised framework, sponsors and their groups must comply with the minimum unitholding requirements specified in the InvIT regulations at all times. The lock-in on such units will also be as per the regulations, the regulator said in a circular on Friday. The market regulator has also modified the procedural and disclosure norms for public offers during conversion to bring them in line with those applicable for follow-on offers. Accordingly, InvITs will have to adhere to the follow-on offer requirements under InvIT rules and related circulars, including any amendments. These

Sebi scraps transaction charges for MF distributors, effective immediately

Markets regulator Sebi has abolished transaction charges paid to mutual fund distributors, bringing an immediate end to the provision that allowed asset management companies (AMCs) to pay such charges for investments above a certain threshold. The regulator said the decision came after a public consultation was carried out in May 2023 and an industry consultation in June this year. Under the earlier framework, Sebi said distributors were eligible for such charges if they brought in a minimum subscription amount of Rs 10,000. "...Sebi Master Circular for Mutual Funds dated June 27, 2024, allows AMCs to pay to the distributor transaction charges, subject to a minimum subscription amount of Rs 10,000 brought in by such distributors," the regulator said in a circular on Friday. Based on the feedback, Sebi observed that distributors, as agents of AMCs, are entitled to be remunerated by the AMCs, the "charges or commission, as prescribed under rules, shall be done away with". Accordingl

Sebi proposes single-window gateway for trusted foreign investors

Sebi's SWAGAT-FI proposal aims to give trusted foreign investors a streamlined, low-cost entry to India's capital markets with simplified registration and compliance

Sebi proposes lowering investment limit for LVFs under AIF framework

The current minimum threshold for LVF AIFs is Rs 70 crore, which could be brought down to Rs 25 crore after the public consultation process is over

Sebi proposes new lighter-touch approach for accredited investors for AIFs

Sebi's latest consultation paper has proposed gradual transition from the traditional minimum commitment threshold to using only accreditation status as the metric for investor sophistication in AIFs

JSW Cement public offer booked 56%; Varmora Granito files DRHP with Sebi

Tiles and bathware maker Varmora Granito Ltd has filed draft papers with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi)

Dissent, don't be honorary appointees: Sebi chief to independent directors

Sebi Chairman urges independent directors to evolve from passive critics to active stewards, highlighting AI, ESG, and whistle-blower oversight as urgent board priorities

Related-party transactions below pre-pandemic levels, shows data

An RPT is a deal between connected entities. This can involve buying or selling of goods or raw materials among group companies

Independent directors must be stewards of accountability: Sebi chief

Sebi chief Tuhin Kanta Pandey underlined the need for broader diversity in board composition, drawing talent from varied sectors, younger professionals, and individuals outside familiar networks

Upcoming IPO! Transline Technologies files draft papers with Sebi; details

The equity shares, as proposed in the DRHP, are to be listed on the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and the BSE.

Silver Consumer Electricals files DRHP for ₹1,400-cr IPO; check key details

Silver Consumer Electricals plans to raise ₹1,400 crore through a combination of fresh issue aggregating up to ₹1,000 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) aggregating up to ₹400 crore

Sebi chief urges redefining independent directors' role for accountability

Capital markets regulator Sebi chief Tuhin Kanta Pandey on Friday called for redefining the role of independent directors, emphasising that they must be regarded and treated as stewards of accountability. "We cannot continue to view them as honorary appointees or friendly critics. They must be viewed and treated as stewards of accountability," Pandey said while addressing the 2025 Annual Directors' Conclave. According to him, this transformation requires a change in multiple areas. Independent directors must feel free to dissent and be well-versed in emerging risks such as AI governance, cyber threats, and ESG disclosures. Their orientation should be ongoing, rather than limited to a one-time induction. Pandey stressed the need for broader diversity in board composition, drawing talent from varied sectors, younger professionals, regional voices, and individuals outside familiar networks. "A board that never disagrees is not aligned - it's asleep. Divergent views, when rooted in ...

Sebi proposes relaxing educational qualification criteria for IAs, RAs

Market regulator proposes to ease IA, RA registration and fee rules, broaden eligibility to all graduates, and allow past data sharing with client consent

Sebi proposes activity-based rules, single category for RTAs

Sebi on Thursday proposed introducing activity-based regulation for Registrars and Transfer Agents (RTAs), whereby services provided to listed companies would fall within its regulatory ambit and those for unlisted firms would be overseen by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). RTAs that cater to both listed and unlisted entities will be required to establish a Separate Business Unit (SBU) exclusively for unlisted services. These SBUs should be set up within 18 months from the date of implementation, Sebi said in its consultation paper. Also, RTAs are required to ensure complete operational separation between the listed and unlisted businesses. "While registrations shall continue to be granted by Sebi, services provided by RTAs to unlisted companies will be overseen by the MCA. The MCA will handle investor complaints pertaining to unlisted securities," the regulator said. Additionally, Sebi has also proposed merging the two existing categories -- Registrar to an Issue (RTI) an

Capitalmind gets Zerodha's Rainmatter backing after MF debut success

Capitalmind secures Series-A funding from Zerodha's Rainmatter after raising ₹45 crore in its mutual fund NFO. The Flexi Cap Fund reopens as Capitalmind targets retail and HNI investor segments

Sebi chief Tuhin Kanta Pandey denies ban on weekly options expiry

Sebi Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey rejects reports of ending weekly options expiries, says reforms in derivatives will undergo full market consultation before adoption

Sebi issues new norms for MIIs to review or waive regulatory penalties

Markets watchdog Sebi on Tuesday issued new guidelines for market infrastructure institutions (MIIs) -- stock exchanges, clearing corporations and depositories -- for handling requests to review or waive penalties related to regulatory actions. Under the new guidelines, if the action was taken by the Internal Committee (IC) or based on a pre-approved policy of the MII, then the Member Committee (MC) will still handle the review, appeal, or waiver requests, Sebi said in its circular. If the action was taken by the MC itself, such requests will now be handled by a new mechanism formed by the governing board of the MII. This new body will include public interest directors and/or independent external professionals, who are not part of the MC. The governing board are also required to establish a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for handling such cases. If members or participants are not satisfied with the outcome of this process, they are free to approach the appropriate legal ...

Tax dept probing Jane Street over possible tax treaty misuse: Report

Searches at the US trading firm's India offices by the income tax department have been underway since last week, sources have said

Sebi plans to ease related-party transaction rules for big companies

Sebi proposes easing related party transaction (RPT) norms for large companies, raising materiality thresholds and reducing the number of approvals needed from shareholders and audit committees