SEBI guidelines on Market Access through Authorised Persons under Stock Brokers regulation as amended on 2010

To expand the reach of the markets for exchange traded products, it has been decided to allow SEBI registered stock brokers (including trading members) of stock exchanges to provide access to clients through authorised
persons.

Regulatory Framework for Market Access through Authorised Persons (MIRSD/ DR-1/ Cir- 16 /09 dated 6th November 2009)
1. Who is an “Authorised Person”?
Any person - individual, partnership firm, LLP or body corporate – who is
appointed as such by a stock broker (including trading member) and who
provides access to trading platform of a stock exchange as an agent of the
stock broker.
2. Appointment of Authorised Person
A stock broker may appoint one or more authorised person(s) after obtaining
specific prior approval from the stock exchange concerned for each such person. The approval as well as the appointment shall be for specific segment of the exchange.
3. Procedure for Appointment
a) Stock broker shall select a person in compliance with the criteria laid down
by the Exchange and this framework for appointment as an authorized
person and forward the application of the person to stock exchange for
approval.
b) On receipt of the aforesaid application, the stock exchange
i. may accord approval on satisfying itself that the person is eligible for
appointment as authorized person, or
ii. may refuse approval on satisfying itself that the person is not eligible for
appointment as authorized person.
4. Eligibility Criteria
4.1 An individual is eligible to be appointed as authorised person if he:
a) is a citizen of India;
b) is not less than 18 years of age;
c) has not been convicted of any offence involving fraud or dishonesty;
d) has good reputation and character;
e) has passed at least 10th standard or equivalent examination from an
institution recognized by the Government; and
f) has the certification, as applicable to approved user / sales personnel of
the respective segment, and undertakes to continue to have valid
certification thereafter. [vide SEBI/Cir/MIRSD/AP/8/2010 dated 23rd July 2010]
(Stock Exchange shall prescribe appropriate certification if no such
certification is prescribed under SEBI Regulations and monitor
compliance.)
4.2 A partnership firm, LLP or a body corporate is eligible to be appointed as
authorized person
a) if all the partners or directors, as the case may be, comply with the
requirements contained in clause 4.1 above.
b) the object clause of the partnership deed or of the Memorandum of
Association contains a clause permitting the person to deal in securities
business.
4.3 The person shall have the necessary infrastructure like adequate office
space, equipment and manpower to effectively discharge the activities on
behalf of the stock broker.

4.4 The approved users and/or sales personnel of Authorised Persons shall have the necessary certification of the respective segments at all points of time. [vide SEBI/Cir/MIRSD/AP/8/2010 dated 23rd July 2010]
5. Conditions of Appointment
The following are the conditions of appointment of an authorised person:
a) The stock broker shall be responsible for all acts of omission and
commission of the authorized person.
b) All acts of omission and commission of the authorized person shall be
deemed to be those of the stock broker.
c) The authorized person shall not receive or pay any money or securities
in its own name or account. All receipts and payments of securities and
funds shall be in the name or account of stock broker.
d) The authorised person shall receive his remuneration - fees, charges,
commission, salary, etc. - for his services only from the stock broker and
he shall not charge any amount from the clients.
e) A person shall not be appointed as authorized person by more than one
stock broker on the same stock exchange.
f) A partner or director of an authorised person shall not be appointed as
an authorised person on the same stock exchange.
g) The stock broker and authorised person shall enter into written
agreement(s) in the form(s) specified by Exchange. The agreement shall
inter-alia cover scope of the activities, responsibilities, confidentiality of
information, commission sharing, termination clause, etc.
6. Withdrawal of Approval
Approval given to an authorised person may be withdrawn by the stock
exchange:
a) on receipt of a request to that effect from the stock broker concerned or
the authorised person, subject to compliance with the requirements
prescribed by the stock exchange, or
b) on being satisfied that the continuation of authorised person is
detrimental to the interest of investors or securities market or the
authorised person at a subsequent date becomes ineligible under clause
4 above.
7. Obligations of Stock Broker
a) The stock broker shall be responsible for all acts of omission and
commission of his authorised person(s) and/or their employees,
including liabilities arising there from.
b) If any trading terminal is provided by the stock broker to an authorised
person, the place where such trading terminal is located shall be treated
as branch office of the stock broker.
c) Stock broker shall display at each branch office additional information
such as particulars of authorised person in charge of that branch, time
lines for dealing through authorised person, etc., as may be specified by
the stock exchange.
d) Stock broker shall notify changes, if any, in the authorised person to all
registered clients of that branch at least thirty days before the change.
e) Stock broker shall conduct periodic inspection of branches assigned to
authorised persons and records of the operations carried out by them.
f) The client shall be registered with stock broker only. The funds and
securities of the clients shall be settled directly between stock broker and
client and all documents like contract note, statement of funds and
securities would be issued to client by stock broker. Authorised person
may provide administrative assistance in procurement of documents and
settlement, but shall not issue any document to client in its own name.
No fund/securities of clients shall go to account of authorized person.
g) On noticing irregularities, if any, in the operations of authorised person,
stock broker shall seek withdrawal of approval, withhold all moneys due
to authorised person till resolution of investor problems, alert investors in
the location where authorised person operates, file a complaint with the
police, and take all measures required to protect the interest of investors
and market.
8. Obligations of Exchange
a) The stock exchange shall maintain a database of all the authorised
persons which shall include the following:
I. PAN Number of authorised person and in case of partnership or body
corporate, PAN Number of all the partners or directors as the case
may be.
II. Details of the broker with whom the authorised person is registered.
III. Locations of branch assigned to authorised person(s).
IV. Number of terminals and their details, given to each authorised person.
V. Withdrawal of approval of authorised person.
VI. Change in status or constitution of authorised person.
VII. Disciplinary action taken by the Exchange against the authorised
person.
All the above details, except I above, shall be made available on web site of
the stock exchange.
b) While conducting the inspection of the stock broker, the stock exchange
shall also conduct inspection of branches where the terminals of
authorised persons are located and records of the operations carried out
by them.
c) Dispute between a client and an authorised person shall be treated as
dispute between the client and the stock broker and the same shall be
redressed by the stock exchange accordingly.
d) In case of withdrawal of approval of authorised person due to
disciplinary action, the stock exchange shall issue a press release and
disseminate the names of such authorised persons on its website citing
the reason for cancellation.

New Rule 19(2)(b) & 19A for initial & continuous listing requirement of 25% of capital with public as per SCRR amendment 2010 [for all companies]: 10% for 4000 crores to be increased@5% every year

The Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules 1957 provide for the requirements which have to be satisfied by companies for the purpose of getting their securities listed on any stock exchange in India. A dispersed shareholding structure is essential for the sustenance of a continuous market for listed securities to provide liquidity to the investors and to discover fair prices. Further, the larger the number of shareholders, the less is the scope for price manipulation. Accordingly, the Finance Minister in his Budget speech for 2009-10, inter- alia, proposed to raise the threshold for non- promoter, public shareholding for all listed companies. To implement the Budget announcement the Securities Contracts(Regulation) (Amendment) Rules, 2010 has been notified vide Press Release F.No.5/35/2006-CM dated 4th June 2010 through

this Notification. [download now]

a) The minimum threshold level of public holding will be 25% for all listed companies.

b) Existing listed companies having less than 25% public holding have to reach the minimum 25% level by an annual addition of not less than 5% to public holding.

c) For new listing, if the post issue capital of the company calculated at offer price is more than Rs. 4000 crore, the company may be allowed to go public with 10% public shareholding and comply with the 25% public shareholding requirement by increasing its public shareholding by at least 5% per annum.

d) For companies whose draft offer document is pending with Securities and Exchange Board of India on or before these amendments are required to comply with 25% public shareholding requirement by increasing its public shareholding by at least 5% per annum, irrespective of the amount of post issue capital of the company calculated at offer price.

e) A company may increase its public shareholding by less than 5% in a year if such increase brings its public shareholding to the level of 25% in that year.

f) The requirement for continuous listing will be the same as the conditions for initial listing.

g) Every listed company shall maintain public shareholding of at least 25%. If the public shareholding in a listed company falls below 25% at any time, such company shall bring the public shareholding to 25% within a maximum period of 12 months from the date of such fall.

New definitions in Rule 2 of SCRR:

(d) “public” means persons other than – (i) the promoter and promoter group; (ii) subsidiaries and associates of the company. Explanation: For the purpose of this clause the words “promoter‟ and “promoter group‟ shall have the same meaning as assigned to them under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements-ICDR) Regulations, 2009.

(e) “public shareholding” means equity shares of the company held by public and shall exclude shares which are held by custodian against depository receipts issued overseas”.

New Rule 19(2)(b) of SCRR:

(i) At least 25% of each class or kind of equity shares or debentures convertible into equity shares issued by the company was offered and allotted to public in terms of an offer document; or
(ii) At least 10% of each class or kind of equity shares or debentures convertible into equity shares issued by the company was offered and allotted to public in terms of an offer document if the post issue capital of the company calculated at offer price is more than Rs. 4000 crores;

Provided that the requirement of post issue capital being more than Rs. 4000 crores shall not apply to a company whose draft offer document is pending with SEBI on or before the commencement of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) (Amendment) Rules, 2010, if it satisfies the conditions prescribed in clause (b) of sub-rule 2 of rule 19 of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1956 as existed prior to the date of such commencement (which is: offering atleast 10% if there are 20 lakh in number of securities, Rs.100 crores of offer size is given to public and follows bookbuilding by offering 60% to QIB)
Provided further that the company, referred in sub-clause (ii), shall bring the public shareholding to the level of at least 25% by increasing its public shareholding to the extent of at least 5% per annum beginning from the date of listing of the securities, in the manner specified by the Securities and Exchange Board of India .
Provided further that the company may increase its public shareholding by less than 5% in a year if such increase brings its public shareholding to the level of 25% in that year.

 

New Rule 19(4) of SCRR – fresh application in all cases now!!!

An application for listing shall be necessary in respect of the following: (a) all new issues of any class or kind of securities of a company to be offered to the public; (b) all further issues of any class or kind of securities of a company if such class or kind of securities of the company are already listed on a recognised stock exchange.

 

New Rule 19(6A) – taking away the power from Clause 40A of Listing Agreement of stock exchanges as there is no more Provisio!!!

All the requirements with respect to listing or continuous listing requirement prescribed by these rules, shall, so far as they may be, also apply to a body corporate constituted by an Act of Parliament or any State Legislature. [Old Provisio deleted]

Note: SEBI’s power to relax listing requirements under SCRR is withdrawn.  Also note, there is no more Clause 40A continuous listing requirement of 10% if the company has 2 crores of listed shares with a market capitalisation of Rs.1000 crore or more.

Clause 40A is now Rule 19A mandating 25% as CONTINUOUS LISTING REQUIREMENT for all Companies:

Every listed company shall maintain public shareholding of at least 25%

Provided that any listed company which has public shareholding below 25% on the commencement of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) (Amendment) Rules, 2010, shall bring the public shareholding to the level of at least 25% by increasing its public shareholding to the extent of at least 5% per annum beginning from the date of such commencement, in the manner specified by SEBI.

Provided further that the company may increase its public sharholding by less than 5% in a year if such increase brings its public shareholding to the level of 25% in that year.

(2) Where the public shareholding in a listed company falls below 25% at any time, such company shall bring the public shareholding to 25%within a maximum period of 12 months from the date of such fall in the manner specified by the Securities and Exchange Board of India.”

No Ministry of Commerce approval is required for Royalty/Lumpsum payment above 5%/8% - RBI Current Account Transaction Amendment

In continuation of Press Note 8 issued by DIPP with effect from 16.12. 2009 that No limits for royalty/lumpsum payment in FEMA under Current Account Transaction as per PN 8 – DIPP allowed it under Automatic route (ie) without the approval of RBI

The Foreign Exchange Management (Current Account Transactions) (Amendment) Rules, 2010 is passed. They shall be deemed to have come into force with effect from the 16th day of December, 2009.

In terms of Rule 4 of the Foreign Exchange Management (Current Account Transactions) Rules 2000, prior approval of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, is required for drawing foreign exchange for remittances under technical collaboration agreements where payment of royalty exceeds 5% on local sales and 8% on exports and lump-sum payment exceeds USD 2 million [item 8 of Schedule II to the Foreign Exchange Management (Current Account Transactions) Rules, 2000]. The Government of India has reviewed the extant policy with regard to liberalization of foreign technology agreement and it was decided to omit item number 8 of Schedule II to the Foreign Exchange Management (Current Account Transaction) Rules, 2000, and the entry relating thereto.

Accordingly, AD Category-I banks may permit drawal of foreign exchange by persons for payment of royalty and lump-sum payment under technical collaboration agreements without the approval of Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

The amendment to the Foreign Exchange Management (Current Account Transactions) Rules, 2000, in this regard has been notified by the Government of India vide Notification No.G.S.R.382 (E) dated May 5, 2010.

Source: RBI/2009-10/465 A. P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 52 dated 13th May 2010

SEBI Timelines for 12 day listing of IPO/FPO/Public issue of securities w.e.f 3rd May 2010 - The Public offer schedule to commence trading

In consultation with market intermediaries, SEBI has issued a press release for Listing with Stock Exchanges to be made within 12 days of closure of public issue wef 1st May 2010.

In the new process, the syndicate members shall capture all data relevant for
purposes of finalizing basis of allotment while uploading bid data in the electronic bidding system of the stock exchanges. In order that the data so captured is accurate, syndicate members may be permitted an additional day to amend some of the data fields entered by them in the electronic bidding system.

It is to be noted that syndicate members shall be responsible for any error in the bid details uploaded by them. In case of apparent data entry error by either syndicate member or collecting bank in entering the application number in their respective schedules other things remaining unchanged, the application may be considered as valid and such exceptions may be recorded in minutes of the meeting submitted to stock exchange(s). In the event of mistake in capturing the application number by either the syndicate member or collecting bank leading to rejection of application, the registrar may identify based on the bid form, the entity responsible for the error. Valid records in electronic file will be those for which money is received.

This circular contains indicative timelines for the various activities in the issue process. The non-ASBA process in this regard is given in Annexure I of the circular. Since the ASBA process also needs to be revised pursuant to the
reduced timelines, the revised ASBA process is indicated in Annexure II of the circular.

Details of the mandatory data fields which are required to be captured into the electronic bidding system by the syndicate members including the fields which are modifiable/non-modifiable is given in Annexure III of the circular.

In order to facilitate quicker processing of applications for the purpose of allotment, instead of the name of the applicant, it is proposed to use PAN which is a unique identification number of the applicant. In this regard, the merchant bankers are directed to ensure that the following is clearly disclosed in the prospectus/abridged prospectus, application form and the pre-issue advertisements: “The applicants may note that in case the DP ID & Client ID and PAN mentioned in the application form and entered into the electronic bidding system of the stock exchanges by the syndicate members do not match with the DP ID & Client ID and PAN available in the depository database, the application is liable to be rejected.”

Stock Exchanges are directed to ensure that in case of revision of bids, there shall be appropriate provisions to capture the details of the payment instrument for difference of amount, if any.  It is given to understand that there is no uniformity in the documents required to be submitted to the stock exchanges along with the listing application which results in delay in the process. In this regard, stock exchanges are directed to clearly indicate the list of documents which they require for giving listing approval, at the time of grant of in-principle approval.

Stock Exchanges, Merchant Bankers, Registrar to an Issue, Bankers to an issue including those acting as Self Certified Syndicate Banks and depositories are directed to ensure that the instructions contained in this circular are complied with. This revised procedure shall be applicable to all public issues opening on or after May 3, 2010.

Download the IPO Timeline or Public Issue Schedule issued by SEBI from T+0 till T + 12 days, where “T” is the issue closing date and “T+12” is the date of commencement of trading vide SEBI CIR/CFD/DIL/3/2010 dated 22nd April 2010.

DIPP Consolidated FDI Policy Circular 1 of 2010 wef 1st April and all Press Notes repealed, the legal edifice is built on FEMA RBI notifications (Master)

The system of periodic consolidation and updation of Indian Foreign Direct investment (FDI) Policy issued by Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) under Ministry of Commerce & Industry is introduced as an investor friendly measure (as assured by Finance Ministry in his recent Budget Speech).  The draft master Press Note was released for public comments which can be read from Download all Press Notes from 1991 to 2009 issued by DIPP as it proposes to consolidate PNs in 2010 to release a comprehensive FDI policy in India like Master Circulars with a sunset clause of 6 months

Now, it has been decided that from now onwards a consolidated circular (Master Press Notes or Consolidated FDI Policy or Circular 1 of 2010) would be issued every 6 months to update the FDI policy. This consolidated circular will, therefore, be superseded by a circular to be issued on September 30, 2010. (like you wait for RBI Master Circulars on 1st July every year).  While this circular consolidates FDI Policy Framework, the legal edifice is built on notifications issued by RBI under FEMA.

Press Notes are NOT applicable:

All earlier Press Notes/Press Releases/Clarifications on FDI issued by DIPP which were in force and effective as on March 31, 2010 stand rescinded as on March 31, 2010. The present circular consolidates and subsumes all such/these Press Notes/Press Releases/Clarifications as on March 31, 2010.  Enjoy reading the last press note, it won’t kill you any more.  Its just a single document hereon (making the life of a Corporate Legal Consultant easier and interpretations tougher).

Consolidated FDI Policy is APPLICABLE:

With effect from 1st April 2010, the Consolidated FDI Policy will be applicable.  It has the following important categories,

1. ORIGIN, TYPE, ELIGIBILITY, CONDITIONS AND ISSUE/TRANSFER OF INVESTMENT
2. CALCULATION, ENTRY ROUTE, CAPS, ENTRY CONDITIONS ETC. OF INVESTMENT
3. POLICY ON ROUTE, CAPS AND ENTRY CONDITIONS
4. AGRICULTURE
5. INDUSTRY, MINING, MANUFACTURING
6. SERVICES SECTOR
7. REMITTANCE, REPORTING AND VIOLATION/COMPOUNDING
8. ANNEXURES

• Annex-1 Form FC-GPR
• Annex-2 Terms and conditions for transfer of capital instruments from resident to non-resident and vice-versa
• Annex-3 Documents to be submitted by a person resident in India for transfer of shares to a person resident outside India by way of gift
• Annex-4 Definition of "relative" as given in Section 6 of Companies Act, 1956
• Annex-5 Report by the Indian company receiving amount of consideration for issue of shares / convertible debentures under the FDI scheme
• Annex-6 Know Your Customer (KYC) Form in respect of the non-resident investor
• Annex-7 Form FC-TRS
• Annex-8 Form DR
• Annex-9 Form DR – Quarterly

Definitions

CAPITAL
Means
Compulsorily, Mandatorily and Fully convertible
Preference Shares	Debenture Shares
and includes
DR’S	FCCB’s

Any many more interesting definitions, concepts, provisions, etc…

Download Circular 1 of 2010 on FDI Policy

Changes in Automatic Route Sectoral Cap under FEMA FIPB & treatment of additional foreign investments - Press Note 1 2010

Government Route (ie) prior approval of Government of India shall be considered by Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), under Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance.

Approval of FIPB/CCEA:

• FIPB can recommend on proposals for approval of Ministry of Finance if total foreign equity inflow is UPTO Rs.1200 crore.
• The FIPB Secretariat in DEA will process the recommendations of FIPB to obtain the approval of Minister of Finance and Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) for total foreign equity inflow of more than Rs. 1200 crore.
• The CCEA would also consider the proposals which may be referred to it by the FIPB/ the Minister of Finance.

Additional Foreign Investment into Same Entity:

It has also been decided that companies may not require fresh prior approval of the Government i.e. Minister in-charge of FIPB/CCEA for bringing in additional foreign investment into the same entity, in the following cases:

1. Cases which earlier required prior approval of FIPB/Cabinet Committee on Foreign Investment (CCFI)/CCEA and who had, accordingly, earlier obtained prior approval of FIPB/CCFI/CCEA for their initial foreign investment but subsequently such activities/sectors have been placed under automatic route;
2. Cases which had sectoral caps earlier and who had, accordingly, earlier obtained prior approval of FIPB/CCFI/CCEA for their initial foreign investment but subsequently such caps were removed/increased and the activities placed under automatic route; provided that such additional investment alongwith the initial/original investment does not exceed the sectoral caps;
3. Cases of additional foreign investment into the same entity where prior approval of FIPB/CCFIICCEA had been obtained earlier for the initial/original foreign investment due to requirements of Press Note 18/1998 or Press Note 1 of 2005 and prior approval of the Government under the FDI policy is not required for any other reason/purpose.

Thats it, this is the final and last of the classes of Press Note series.  This subsequently will be superceded by Master Press Notes which will be released for every 6 months.

Source: Press Note 1 of 2010

Conversion into New Pricing Norms for FCCB on or before 15th August 2010 (ie) average 2 week high & low prices only like QIP under ICDR

A Scheme for issue of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds and Ordinary Shares (Through Depositary Receipt Mechanism) Scheme was notified in 1993 to allow the Indian Corporate sector to access global capital markets through issue of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCB)/Equity Shares under the Global Depository Receipt Mechanism (GDR) and American Depository Receipt Mechanism (ADR). The Scheme has been amended several times since then.

What is FCEB?

Amendment: On or before 15th August 2010 (6 month period from 15th February 2010), the corporates have the option to revise from OLD CONVERSION PRICE norms to NEW CONVERSION PRICE norm (as below) for FCCB’s.  The said revision of conversion price is subject to the following conditions:

• Prior approval from RBI (PRBI) is mandatory.
• The issuing Company shall ensure that the revision of price and consequent issue of shares may not breach Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit (Sectoral caps) under Automatic or Approval route.
• The issuing Company shall take approval from its Board as well as from its shareholders (Board Resolution + Ordinary Resolution).
• The issuing Company shall enter into a fresh agreement with the FCCB holders in terms of re-negotiation of the conversion price.

Source: Ministry of finance Press Note F.No.9/3/2009-ECB dated 15th February 2010.

[Old Conversion Price]FCCB Pricing Norm prior to 27th November 2008:

Listed Companies – The pricing should not be less than the higher of the following two averages:

(i) The average of the weekly high and low of the closing prices of the related shares quoted on the stock
      exchange during the six months preceding the relevant date;

(ii) The average of the weekly high and low of the closing prices of the related shares quoted on a stock
       exchange during the two week preceding the relevant date.

The “relevant date” means the date thirty days prior to the date on which the meeting of the general body of shareholders is held, in terms of section 81 (IA) of the Companies Act, 1956, to consider the proposed issue.”

[New Conversion Price]FCCB Pricing Norm from 27th November 2008: similar to QIP pricing under ICDR

Listed Companies – The pricing should not be less than the average of the weekly high and low of the closing prices of the related shares quoted on the stock exchange during the two weeks preceding the relevant date; [avg 2 weeks high & low]
The “relevant date” means date of the meeting in which the Board of the company or the Committee of Directors duly authorized by the Board of the company decides to open the proposed issue.”

Source: FINMIN

Download all Press Notes from 1991 to 2009 issued by DIPP as it proposes to consolidate PNs in 2010 to release a comprehensive FDI policy in India like Master Circulars with a sunset clause of 6 months

Draft Master Press Note with FDI Regulatory Framework

The Legal basis: Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) by non-resident (NRI) in resident entities through transfer or issue of security to person resident outside India (PROI) is a ‘Capital account transaction’ and Government of India and Reserve bank of India (RBI) regulate this under the FEMA 1999 and its various regulations. Keeping in view the current requirements, the Government comes up from time to time with new regulation, amends/changes in existing one through order/allied rules, Press Notes, etc. . The regulatory framework over a period of time thus consists of Acts, Regulations, Press Notes, Press Releases, Clarifications, etc.

This draft Press Note consolidates into one document all the prior regulations on FDI and reflects the current ‘regulatory framework’ on FDI. It is clarified that this is a consolidation/compilation and comprehensive listing of most matters on FDI and is not intended to make changes in the extant regulations. While attempt has been made to deal with the subject comprehensively, if some aspect(s) has been left out then that will continue to be dealt in the current way where it is listed.

It is the intent and objective of the Government to have a regulatory framework which is transparent, predictable, understandable, simple and clear to reduce the regulatory burden and promote foreign direct investment. The new system of continuous consolidation and updation is primarily evinced as a measure of investor and investment friendliness.

This Press Note will have a sunset clause of 6 months and will automatically lapse on 30th September, 2010. A new press Note on Regulatory Framework would be issued every six months which will incorporate and reflect all the changes in the regulations during the last intervening period of 6 months. Thus the Government will issue Press Note on FDI Regulatory Framework twice a year in April and October which would be the current regulatory framework on that date.

All earlier Press Notes on FDI issued by Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Government of India stand rescinded.

Notwithstanding the rescindment of earlier Press Notes, anything done or any action taken or purported to have been done or taken under the resinded Press Notes shall in so far as it is not inconsistent with this Press Note be deemed to have been done or taken under the corresponding provisions of this Press Note.

Download all Press Notes issued by DIPP from 1991 to 2009 here

Foreign Investment in Commodity Exchanges to be diluted on or before 31st March 2010 – PN 7 issued by DIPP

Press Note 7 of 2009 vide D/o IPP F.No. 12(58)/2005-FC dated 26.09.2009

Difficulties have been brought to the notice of the government in complying with the provisions of the earlier Press Notes within the stipulated time frame by Commodity Exchanges in India. The Government, on consideration and in order to facilitate the existing Commodity Exchanges to comply with the guidelines notified vide Press Note 2 (2008), has now decided to allow a further transition / complying/correction time to the existing Commodity exchange(s) beyond 30.09.2009. Accordingly, all such Commodity Exchanges are hereby advised to adhere to the conditions of Press Note 2 (2008) by 31.03.2010. This would comprise the last opportunity for such compliance.

All Commodity Exchanges shall furnish a status report informing the foreign investment in the Commodity Exchange as on 30.09.2009, along with details of equity structure, as well as the steps already taken/proposed to be taken with regard to compliance with the guidelines notified vide Press Note 2(2008), to the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), Department of Consumer Affairs, Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), the Forward Market Commission (FMC) and SEBI.

No limits for royalty/lumpsum payment in FEMA under Current Account Transaction as per PN 8 – DIPP allowed it under Automatic route (ie) without the approval of RBI

Press Note 8 of 2009 as notified by 0/0 IPP F. No. 5(6)/2008-FC dated 16.12.2009

The existing policy of Government of India on the payment of royalties under Foreign Technology Collaboration provides for automatic approval for foreign technology transfers involving payment of lumpsum fee of US$ 2 million and payment of royalty of 5% on domestic sales and 8% on exports. In addition, where there is no technology transfer involved, royalty up to 2% for exports and 1% for domestic sales is allowed under automatic route on use of trademarks and brand names of the foreign collaborator. Separate norms are available for the hotel sector vide Press Note 18 (1991 Series) and Press Note 1 (1995 Series). Technology transfers involving payments above these limits required prior permission of the Government of India (Project Approval Board, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion).

The Government of India has reviewed the extant policy and it has been decided to permit, with immediate effect, payments for royalty, lumpsum fee for transfer of technology and payments for use of trademark/brand name on the automatic route i.e. without any approval of the Government of India. All such payments will be subject to Foreign Exchange Management (Current Account Transactions) Rules, 2000 as amended from time to time.

Meaning, Payment of Royalty and Lumpsum fees is fully liberalised now without any ceiling limits and will fall under Automatic Route.

ECB NBFC & Spectrum amended w.e.f December 2009 & others applicable from 1st January 2010 – RBI FEMA Notification

On a review of the prevailing macroeconomic conditions and developments in international financial markets, it has been decided to modify some aspects of the ECB policy as indicated below:

AMENDMENTS WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT

(i) ECB for the NBFC Sector

As per the current ECB norms, Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs), which are exclusively involved in the financing of the infrastructure sector, are permitted to avail of ECBs from multilateral / regional financial institutions and Government owned development financial institutions for on-lending to the borrowers in the infrastructure sector under the approval route.  In view of the thrust  given to development of infrastructure sector, it has been decided with immediate effect to allow NBFCs exclusively involved in financing the infrastructure projects to avail of ECB from the recognized lender category including international banks under the approval route, subject to complying with the prudential standards prescribed by the Reserve Bank and the borrowing entities fully hedging their currency risk. The AD Category-I bank should certify the compliance with the prudential norms by the borrowing NBFCs.

(ii) ECB for Spectrum in the Telecommunication Sector

As per the extant policy, as indicated in A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 26 dated October 22, 2008, payment for obtaining license/permit for 3G Spectrum is considered an eligible end - use for the purpose of ECB under the automatic route. It has now been decided to permit eligible borrowers in the telecommunication sector to avail of ECB for the purpose of payment for Spectrum allocation. This modification will come into effect with immediate effect.

AMENDMENTS WITH EFFECT FROM 1ST JANUARY 2010

(i) All-in-cost ceilings

As per the extant policy, the all-in-cost ceilings have been dispensed with, under the approval route, until December 31, 2009. In view of the improvement in the credit market conditions and narrowing credit spreads in the international markets, it has been decided to withdraw the existing relaxation in the all-in-cost ceilings under the approval route with effect from January 1, 2010. Accordingly, the all-in-cost ceilings under the approval route for the ECBs, where Loan Agreements have been signed on or after January 1, 2010 will be as under:

Average Maturity Period	All -in-cost Ceilings over six month Libor*
3 – 5 years	300 basis points
Over 5 years	500 basis points

*for the respective currency of borrowing or applicable benchmark.

Eligible borrowers proposing to avail of ECB after December 31, 2009, where the Loan Agreement has been signed on or before December 31, 2009 and where the all-in-cost exceed the above ceilings, should furnish a copy of the Loan Agreement. Such proposals would continue to be considered under the approval route.

(ii) Integrated township

As per the extant policy, corporates, engaged in the development of integrated township, as defined in Press Note 3 (2002 Series) dated January 04, 2002, issued by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India are permitted to avail of ECB, under the approval route, until December 31, 2009. On a review of the prevailing conditions, it has been decided to extend the current policy until December 31, 2010, under the approval route. All other terms and conditions, stipulated in the A.P. (DIR Series) Circulars referred to above, remain unchanged.

iii) Buyback of the Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCBs)

In terms of A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 39 dated December 8, 2008, read with A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 58 dated March 13, 2009 and A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 65 dated April 28, 2009, Indian companies have been allowed to buyback their Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCBs) both under the automatic route and approval route until December 31, 2009. Keeping in view the prevailing macroeconomic conditions and global developments, especially the improvements in the stock prices, it has been decided to discontinue the facility with effect from January 1, 2010.

Source: RBI/2009-10/252 A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No.19 dated 9th December 2009

LLP Press Note on applicability of Income Tax on LLP similar to general Partnership effective 1st April 2010

Taxation of Limited Liability Partnership like General Partnerships effective from 1st April 2010-LLP Press Note 2009

Since the taxation related matters in India are provided under Tax Laws, the taxation of LLPs was not provided in the Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Act, 2008. The Finance Bill, 2009 has made provisions in this regard, pursuant to which the taxation scheme of LLPs has been proposed to be introduced in the Income Tax Act.  The amendments shall be effective from the 1st day of April 2010 i.e. assessment year 2010-11.  Find details of the notification in http://www.lawlabz.com/blog.html

Source: Press Note No.1/16/2007-CL.V dated 10/07/2009 on Taxation of Limited Liability Partnerships

Violation of ECB provisions mandates RBI approval route, instead of automatic route & SEZ can avail for devlopment now

Attention of Authorized Dealer Category - I (AD Category - I) banks is invited to the A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 46 dated January 2, 2009 relating to External Commercial Borrowings (ECB).

On a review, it has been decided to modify some aspects of the ECB policy vide RBI/2008-09/517 A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No.71 dated 30th June 2009 as indicated below:

(i) ECB for Integrated Township
As per the extant policy, corporates, engaged in the development of integrated township, as defined in Press Note 3 (2002 Series) dated January 04, 2002, issued by DIPP, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India are permitted to avail of ECB, under the Approval route, until June 2009 [which is extended to 31st December 2009], still under RBI approval route.

(ii) ECB for NBFC sector
As per the current ECB norms, Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs), which are exclusively involved in financing of the infrastructure sector, are permitted to avail of ECBs from multilateral / regional financial institutions and Government owned development financial institutions for on-lending to the borrowers in the infrastructure sector under the Approval route, subject, inter-alia, to the condition that the direct lending portfolio of these lenders vis-à-vis their total ECB lending to NBFCs, at any point of time, should not be less than 3:1 [the ratio is dispensed from 1st July 2009], still under RBI approval route.

(iii) ECB for Development of Special Economic Zone
As per the extant guidelines, ECB is permissible for the Infrastructure sector, which is defined as (i) power, (ii) telecommunication, (iii) railways, (iv) road including bridges, (v) sea port and airport, (vi) industrial parks, (vii) urban infrastructure (water supply, sanitation and sewage projects) and (viii) mining, refining and exploration. Further, units in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) are also permitted to access ECBs for their own requirements. However, ECB is not permissible for the development of SEZ. It has now been decided to allow SEZ developers also to avail of ECB under the Approval route for providing infrastructure facilities, as defined in the ECB policy, within the SEZ. However, ECB shall not be permissible for development of integrated township and commercial real estate within the SEZ.

(iv) Corporates under Investigation
Currently, the ECB policy is not explicit about accessing of ECB by the corporates, which have violated the extant ECB policy and are under investigation by the Reserve Bank and / or Directorate of Enforcement. It is clarified that corporates, which have violated the extant ECB policy and are under investigation by Reserve Bank and / or by Directorate of Enforcement, will not be allowed to access the Automatic route for ECB. Any request by such corporates for ECB will be examined under the Approval route.

Click here to read all about External Commercial Borrowings

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[Press Note 2009]FDI, Downstream Invesment, clarification & types of companies

Downstream investment refers to either fresh investment or acquisition by foreign-owned Indian holding company in a project of different activity which may or may not belong to the same group.

Click here for Press Note 2 of 2009 series regarding "Guidelines for calculation of total foreign investment i.e. direct and indirect foreign investment, including downstream investment in any or all Indian companies". 'Downstream investment' means indirect foreign investment by one Indian company into another Indian company by way of subscription or acquisition in terms of Press Note 2 of 2009. Para 5.2 of the said Press Note provides the guidelines for calculation of indirect foreign investment with conditions specified in para 5.5. It has definition of terms "when an Indian Company is owned and controlled by resident Indian citizens" OR "when an Indian company is owned or controlled by non-resident entities" OR "foreign investment". Download Press Note 2 from http://siadipp.nic.in/policy/changes/pn2_2009.pdf

Click here for Press Note 3 of 2009 series regarding "Guidelines for transfer of ownership or control of Indian companies in sectors with caps from resident Indian citizens to non-resident entities" with definition of terms "owned by resident Indian citizens & Indian companies" OR "controlled by resident Indian citizens or Indian companies" OR "owned by non-resident entities" OR "controlled by non-resident entities". It is clarified that these guidelines will not apply for sectors/activities where there are no foreign investment caps, that is, 100% foreign investment is permitted under the automatic route. Download Press Note 2 from http://siadipp.nic.in/policy/changes/pn3_2009.pdf

Click here for Press Note 4 of 2009 series regarding "Clarificatory guidelines on downstream investment by Indian Companies". The 'guiding principle' is that downstream investment by companies 'owned' or 'controlled' by non resident entities would require to follow the same norms as a direct foreign investment i.e. only as much can be done by way of indirect foreign investment through downstream investment in terms of Press Note 2 (2009 series) as can be done through direct foreign investment and what can be done directly can be done indirectly under same norms. It has definitions of "operating company" OR "investing company". It can be downloaded from http://siadipp.nic.in/policy/changes/pn4_2009.pdf

The classification for the purpose of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) include:
Only Operating Companies - to comply with respective sectoral conditions & caps for foreign investment.
Operating-cum-investing companies - to comply with respective sectoral conditions & caps for foreign investment and the subject Indian companies into which downstream investments are made by such companies should also comply with its respective sectoral conditions & caps.
Investing companies - require prior approval of Government or FIPB for foreign investment and the subject Indian companies into which downstream investments are made by such companies should also comply with its respective sectoral conditions & caps.
Companies with no operations or downstream investments - require approval of Government or FIPB for foreign investment and when such company commences business or makes downstream investment it will have to comply with its respective sectoral conditions & caps.

Downstream investment by OTHER THAN 'only operating companies' is subject to following conditions:

1. To notify SIA, DIPP and FIPB of its downstream investment within 30 days of such investment even if equity shares/CCPS/CCD have not been allotted;
2. If by way of induction of foreign equity in an existing Indian Company to be duly supported by a resolution of the Board of Directors supporting the said induction as also a shareholders Agreement if any;
3. Issue/transfer/pricing/valuation of shares shall be in accordance with applicable SEBI/RBI guidelines;
4. Investing companies would have to bring in requisite funds from abroad and not leverage funds (not raising debts) from domestic market for such investments.

Thats it about Press Notes 2, 3 & 4 of 2009. TO keep track of Press Notes, click http://yehseeyes.blogspot.com/search/label/Industries%20DIPP

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[FDI-DIPP]Print Media liberalisation & read Indian Wall Street Journal now

Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion has issued press Note 1 of (2009 Series) dated 14th January 2009 amending FDI policies in Print Media in particular News & Current affairs matters.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in publication of facsimile edition of foreign newspapers:

· FDI up to 100% is permitted with prior approval of FIPB in publication of facsimile edition of foreign newspapers.

· Investment should be made by the owner of the original foreign newspaper(s) whose facsimile edition is proposed to be brought out in India.

· Business can be undertaking only by an entity incorporated or registered in India under the provisions of the Companies Act.

· Publication of facsimile edition of foreign newspaper would also be subject to the Guidelines for publication of newspapers and periodicals dealing with news and current affairs and publication of facsimile edition of foreign newspapers issued by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting on 31.3.2006, as amended from time to time.

Foreign investment in publication of Indian editions of foreign magazines dealing with news and current affairs.

• FDI upto 26% including investment by NRIs/PIOs/FII, is permitted with prior approval FIPB.
• 'Magazine', for the purpose of these guidelines, will be defined as a periodical publication, brought out on non-daily basis, containing public news or comments on public news.

· Foreign investment would also be subject to the Guidelines for Publication of Indian editions of foreign magazines dealing with news and current affairs issued by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting on 4.12.2008.

Click here for the Press Note 1 2009 series http://siadipp.nic.in/policy/changes/pn1_2009.pdf

So, whats the impact of this amendment

A facsimile edition is an exact replica of an international edition that meets certain conditions and cannot carry separate advertisements aimed at Indian readers or locally generated content or India-specific content, not published in the original edition of the foreign newspaper.

The all new Indian edition was added to the WSJ.com website this weekend and includes coverage from the New Delhi and Mumbai bureaus of Wall Street Journal which can be read from http://india.wsj.com/

For your kind information, Wall Street Journal also has a partnership with Hindustan Times in India to publish Mint - a business newspaper that is available in both print and online edition at livemint.com.

And you will find many more Indian editions of e-newspapers & foreign magazines.

[ECB]corporates in service sector under automatic route&any all-in-cost ceiling, NBFCinfrastructure finance with approval

1. RBI has liberalized the ECB policy by dispensing with the requirement of all-in-cost ceilings on ECB until June 30, 2009. However eligible borrowers, proposing to avail of ECB beyond the permissible all-in-cost ceilings as mentioned below may approach the Reserve Bank under the Approval Route.

Ceilings under Automatic Route:

2. Development of integrated township [as in Press Note 3 (2002 Series) dated January 04, 2002] is now a permissible end-use of ECB unless reviewed in 30th June 2009. Integrated township includes housing, commercial premises, hotels, resorts, city and regional level urban infrastructure facilities such as roads and bridges, mass rapid transit systems and manufacture of building materials. Development of land and providing allied infrastructure forms an integrated part of township's development.

The minimum area to be developed should be 100 acres for which norms and standards are to be followed as per local bye-laws / rules. In the absence of such bye-laws/rules, a minimum of two thousand dwelling units for about ten thousand population will need to be developed.

3. ECB by Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) exclusively involved in financing of the infrastructure sector, to avail of ECBs from multilateral / regional financial institutions and Government owned development financial institutions for on-lending to the borrowers in the infrastructure sector under the Approval route.

The direct lending portfolio of the above lenders vis-à-vis their total ECB lending to NBFCs, at any point of time should not be less than 3:1. AD Category - I banks should obtain a certificate from the eligible lenders to this effect. This facility will be reviewed in June 2009.

4. Corporates in the Hotels, Hospitals and Software sectors to avail of ECB up to USD 100 million per financial year, under the Automatic Route, for foreign currency and / or Rupee capital expenditure for permissible end-use. The proceeds of the ECBs should not be used for acquisition of land. ECB by other entities in Hotels, Hospitals and Software sector continue to remain under Approval Route as earlier.

5. Necessary amendments to the Foreign Exchange Management (Borrowing or Lending in Foreign Exchange) Regulations, 2000 dated May 3, 2000 are being issued separately

Pl. find atached RBI/2008-09/343 A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 46 dated January 2, 2009 for details.

Click here for erstwhile ECB amendment.

Foreign Direct Investment Policy

Consolidated policy on Foreign Direct Investment.   DIPP issued a Press Note  (7/2008) dated 16th June 2008 detailing the summary of the FDI policy and regulations applicable in various sectors and activities after incorporating the policy changes up to 31-3-2008 .The press note gives details of sectors in whcih FDI is prohibited and sector specific FDI cap , entry route and other conditions .The said press note can be accessed at http://siadipp.nic.in/policy/changes/pn7_2008.pdf.

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Public Comment on Norms for Branch/Liaison Offices in India by Foreign Entities

Dear All,

Public Comment on Norms for
Branch/Liaison Offices in India by Foreign Entities

As per existing provisions of Foreign Exchange Management (Establishment in India of branch or office or other place of business) Regulations, 2000 both opening and closure of Branch/Liaison/Project Offices in India can be done only after getting prior approval from RBI (Central / Regional Office as applicable). This note covers procedural formalities involved in opening of Branch/Liaison/Project Offices in India.

Vide Press Release dated 6^th May 2008, the Reserve Bank of India has proposed to delegate certain powers to authorised dealers regarding extension of validity period of liaison offices of foreign entities and closure of their branch/liaison offices in India. It has proposed to make the delegated powers effective from July 1, 2008 in order to provide necessary time to authorised dealers to assimilate the revised dispensation. So, once it is implemented, if foreign Companies wanted close its Branch/Liaison/Project Offices in India, it can do so once obtaining approval from concern AD instead of Regional Office of RBI. I believe it will reduce considerable time involved in closure liaison/branch office from current time limit of about 2 months in general to complete all the formalities.

Relaxation in Eligibility Criteria

Further, under the present provisions of Foreign Exchange Management Act, a person resident outside India requires prior approval of the Reserve Bank of India for establishing branch/liaison offices in India. The applications are considered by the Reserve Bank on case by case basis subject to the company meeting the eligibility criteria, such as, track record, financial position, etc. with a view to achieving greater transparency, the Reserve Bank of India has also proposed to place in public domain eligibility criteria and procedural guidelines for establishment of branch and liaison offices by foreign entities in India.

For the purpose of seeking public comments, the Reserve Bank has placed on its website, both - the draft circulars regarding delegation of powers for extension of validity period or closure of liaison offices of foreign entities in India and eligibility criteria and procedural guidelines for branch/liaison offices of foreign entities in India. Comments on these can be sent to The Chief General Manager, Foreign Exchange Department, Reserve Bank of India, Central Office (FID), Central Office Building, 11th Floor, S.B.S.Marg, Fort, Mumbai-400001 or by FAX (Fax No. 022-2261 0623) or by e-mail latest by May 20, 2008.

Thanks & Regards

Alagar
Investment Banking
Karvy Investor Services Limited
Chennai
Tel: 044-28151034/3445/3658
Moble: 919884731993/ 919790906827
e-mail: alagar.muthu@karvy.com

FDI Update- Credit Info Co, Commodity Exchange, Foreign Currency Bids of Indian Projects, SEBI SARFAESI QIB notification

Foreign investment in Credit Information Companies:

1. To comply with the Credit Information Companies (Regulations) Act 2005 and

2. subject to the following :
i) The aggregate Foreign Investment in Credit Information Companies would be 49%.

ii) Foreign Investment upto 49% would be allowed only with the prior approval of FIPB and regulatory clearance from RBI.

iii) Investment by SEBI Registered FIIs would be permitted only through purchases in the secondary market to an extent of 24%.

iv) Investment by SEBI Registered FIIs would be within the overall limit of 49% for Foreign Investment.

v) No FII can individually hold directly or indirectly more than 10% of the equity.

A copy of the Press Note 1 (2008 series) dated March 12, 2008 issued by the Government is enclosed.

Click here for Notification http://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=4150&Mode=0

Foreign investment in Commodity Exchanges:

subject to the following conditions : i) There would be a composite ceiling of 49% Foreign Investment, with a FDI limit of 26% and an FII limit of 23%.
ii) FDI will be allowed with specific approval of the Government.
iii) The FII purchases in equity of Commodity Exchanges will be restricted only to the secondary markets.
iv) Foreign Investment in Commodity Exchanges would also be subject to compliance with the regulations issued, in this regard, by the Forward Market Commission.
A copy of Press Note 2 (2008 series) dated March 12, 2008 issued in this regard is enclosed.

Link to the notification http://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=4151&Mode=0

It has been brought to the notice of the Government that some of the existing Commodity Exchanges had foreign investment above the permitted level as on the date of issue of the said Press Note. In order to facilitate the existing Commodity Exchanges to comply with the guidelines notified vide Press Note 2(2008), vide press note 8 of 2008 series dated 19th August 2008 it has now been decided to allow a transition / complying/correction time to the existing Commodity exchange(s). The Commodity Exchange(s) would be required to divest foreign equity equal to the amount by which the cap was being exceeded in accordance with Press Note 2(2008). Accordingly, all such Commodity Exchanges are hereby advised to adhere to the conditions of Press Note 2(2008) by 30.6.2009. All Commodity Exchanges shall furnish a compliance report informing the foreign investment in the Commodity Exchange as on 30.6.2009, along with details of equity structure, to the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Department of Consumer Affairs, Foreign Investment Promotion Board, the Forward Market Commission and SEBI.

Non-compliance of the conditions of Press Note 2(2008) after 30.6.2009 would be a violation of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999

Bids in foreign currency for projects to be executed in India:
1. Person resident in India has been permitted to incur liability in foreign exchange and to make or receive payments in foreign exchange in respect of global bids where the Central Government has authorized such projects to be executed in India and the approval of the concerned Administrative Ministry has been obtained. In such cases, authorized dealers are permitted to sell foreign exchange to the resident Indian company which has been awarded the contract.
2. Persons resident in India are now permitted to incur liability in foreign exchange and to make or receive payments in foreign exchange in respect of global bids for projects to be executed in India without insisting on prior approval of the concerned Administrative Ministry for the International Competitive Bidding.

Link to Notification http://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=4149&Mode=0

SEBI Notification under Section 2(1) (u) of SARFAESI Act, 2002:

certain non-deposit NBFC = QIB u/SARFAESI

Non-banking financial companies (NBFC) registered under section 45-IA of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934 and satisfying the following conditions shall be qualified institutional buyers (QIB) for the purposes of the SARFAESI Act,

Conditions:

1. systemically important non-deposit taking non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) with asset size of one hundred crore rupees and above (>=100 Crores); and
2. other non-deposit taking NBFCs which have asset size of fifty crore rupees and above (>=50 Crores) and “Capital to Risk – weighted Assets Ratio” (CRAR) of 10% as applicable to non-deposit taking NBFCs as per the last audited balance sheet.

Notification in http://thisisvj.googlepages.com/SEBI-QIBNotification-31Mar08.pdf

Changes in FDI Policy - DIPP Press Notes Series 2008

Dear All,

Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion has issued 6 Press Notes under 2008 series on 12^th March 2008. Brief amendments in FDI policy in said press notes are as follows:

Press Note 1 (2008): Change in FID on Credit Information Company (CIC):

As per PN-1 of 2008, Foreign Investment is permitted to the extent of 49% through composite ceiling i.e both Foreign Direct Investment and as well Investment by FII through portfolio investment, subject to the approval from FIPB and necessary regulatory clearance from RBI and subject to the following conditions.

• Portfolio investment by FII should not exceed 24% at any case.
• Further no such FII should hold more than 10% either directly or indirectly.
• Any acquisition in excess of 1% is subject to the reporting to the RBI.
• FII's who are going to invest in CICs Companies, should not seek any representation in the Board based on their shareholding.

Press Note 2 (2008): Foreign Investment on Commodities Exchange:

As per PN-2 of 2008, Foreign Investment is permitted to the extent of 49% through composite ceiling i.e both Foreign Direct Investment and as well Investment by FII through portfolio investment, subject to the specific approval of the Government and necessary regulatory clearance from RBI and subject to the following conditions.

• FII can invest only through secondary market i.e Portfolio investment route only to the extent of 23% at any case.
• Investment under FDI scheme will be allowed to the extent of 26%.
• No foreign investor, including person acting in concert with can hold more than 5% either directly or indirectly.

Press Note 3 (2008): Clarification on FID in Industrial Park:

You may be aware of that as per press note 2 of 2000, 100% FDI is allowed for industrial park under the automatic route. Further through press note 2 of 2005, the Govt of India stipulated certain conditions for FDI upto 100% under the automatic route for development industrial projects subject to the terms and conditions as stipulated PN 2 of 2005. But, Companies which are in established industrial park are falling under 100% automatic route without complying with PN 2 of 2005.

Further through this PN 3 of 2008, it is clarified FDI will be permitted under the automatic route without complying with PN 2 of 2005 both for setting up industrial park and as well established industrial park.

Besides, DIPP has also issued press notes on the following subject, Press Note 4 (2008): Change in FDI Policy in Civil Aviation Sector, Press Note 5 (2008): Change in FDI Policy in petroleum and Natural Gas Sector, Press Note 6(2008: FDI Policy for mining of titanium bearing mineral and ores.

You can access entire text of press notes 2008 series at http://groups.google.com/group/cschennai/files in PDF format.

Thanks & Regards

Alagar

Investment Banking

Karvy Investor Services Limited
G-1 Swathi Court
22, Vijayaraghava Road
T.Nagar, Chennai - 600 017
Tel: 044-28151034/3445/3658
Moble: 919884731993
e-mail: alagar.muthu@karvy.com
website: karvy.com

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