India

SEBI to Allow Investors Direct Access to Mutual Funds via Stock Exchanges

By Editors | 28/02/2020

The change would allow investors to bypass distributors, investments advisers and other intermediaries when purchasing and redeeming mutual fund units.

RBI Lifts Branch Opening Restrictions for Bandhan Bank

By Editors | 28/02/2020

The ban was imposed in September 2018 for the bank’s failure to reduce its promoter’s ownership below a 40% ceiling within three years of its commencement.

Capital / Liquidity

RBI Extends External Benchmarking to Medium Enterprise Loans

By Editors | 27/02/2020

From 1 April, loans to medium enterprises must be linked to external interest rate benchmarks, expanding on a policy that took effect in October for retail and micro/small enterprise loans.

Securities / Derivatives

SEBI Imposes New Margin Collection Norms on Brokers

By Editors | 27/02/2020

From 1 June, collateral accepted by brokers for margin purposes must be held in a separate demat account created in the depository system, tagged as ‘Client Securities Margin Pledge Account’.

Securities / Derivatives

SEBI Amends Margin Framework for Cash, Derivatives Segments

By Editors | 25/02/2020

Margin requirements will be lower for positions that are hedged against each other, making some options strategies more feasible for traders.

SEBI Approves Proposals to Tighten Investment Adviser Regulation

By Editors | 21/02/2020

The proposals approved include higher net worth requirements for investment advisers, a cap on fees, and segregation of investment advice from product distribution.

Market Infrastructure

India Cabinet Approves SEBI-FCA Updated AIFMD MoU

By Editors | 20/02/2020

The updated MoU substitutes references to EU legislation with the relevant UK law, pursuant to the UK’s exit from the EU on 31 January.

Securities / Derivatives

SEBI Forms Municipal Bonds Development Committee

By Editors | 18/02/2020

The committee will advise on regulation to develop the primary and secondary markets for municipal bonds.

Capital / Liquidity

SEBI Bars Portfolio Managers from Charging Upfront Fees

By Editors | 18/02/2020

SEBI has barred portfolio managers from charging upfront fees from clients and imposed caps on annual management fees and exit loads.