SEBI IEPF notified to protect investors with 14 regulations, 2009, which also amends forfeiture of escrow in Takeover code

Securities and Exchange Board of India (Investor Protection and Education Fund) Regulations, 2009 by way of Notification No. LAD-NRO/GN/2009-10/05/163525 dated 19th May 2009 with immediate effect.

 

Yes, SEBI calls IEPF (under MCA) as IPEF by this regulation which has 14 regulations, divided into V Chapter with a Schedule for the purpose of listed companies.  Understand the said regulation now.

 

Reg 2(1)(e) ->‘Fund’ means the Investor Protection and Education Fund (IPEF) created by SEBI u/s. 11 (functions) of the SEBI Act.

As per Regulation 3, the Fund shall be deemed to have been established on 23rd day of July, 2007, by the order made by the Board under section 11 of SEBI Act.

 

Reg 2(1)(g) ->‘Legal proceedings’ MEANS any proceedings before a court or tribunal where 1000 (one thousand) or more investors are affected or likely to be affected by:-
(i) mis-statement, misrepresentation or omission in connection with the issue, sale or purchase of securities;
(ii) non-receipt of securities allotted or refund of application monies paid by them;
(iii) non-payment of dividend;

(iv) default in redemption of securities or in payment of interest in terms of the offer document;
(v) fraudulent and unfair trade practices or market manipulation;
(vi) such other market misconduct which in the opinion of the Board may be deemed appropriate;
BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE any proceeding where the Board is a party or where SEBI has initiated any enforcement action.

 

Reg 4 - The following amounts shall be credited to the Fund:-
(a) contribution as may be made by SEBI to the Fund;
(b) grants and donations given to the Fund by the Central Government, State Government or any other entity approved by the for this purpose;
(c) proceeds in accordance with the sub-clause (ii) of clause(e) of sub-regulation (12) and the sub- regulation (13)of regulation 28 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers-sast) Regulations, 1997;
(d) security deposits, if any, held by stock exchanges in respect of public issues and rights issues, in the event of de-recognition of such stock exchanges;
(e) amounts in the Investor Protection Fund and Investor Services Fund of a stock exchange, in the event of de-recognition of such stock exchange;
(f) interest or other income received out of any investments made from the Fund;
(g) such other amount as SEBI may specify in the interest of investors.

 

Reg 5 (1) The Fund shall be utilised for the purpose of protection of investors and promotion of investor education and awareness in accordance with these regulations.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the object in sub-regulation (1), the Fund may be used for the following purposes, namely:-
(a) educational activities including seminars, training, research and publications, aimed at investors;
(b) awareness programmes including through media - print, electronic, aimed at investors;
(c) funding investor education and awareness activities of Investors’ Associations recognized by SEBI;
(d) aiding investors’ associations recognized by the Board to undertake legal proceedings in the interest of investors in securities that are listed or proposed to be listed;
(e) refund of the security deposits which are held by stock exchanges and transferred to the Fund consequent on derecognition of the stock exchange as mentioned in Regulation 4(d) in case the concerned companies apply to SEBI and fulfill the conditions for release of the deposit subject to Regulation 6.
(f) expenses on travel of members of the Committee, who are not officials of SEBI, and special invitees to the meetings of the Committee, in connection with the work of the Committee;
(g) salary, allowances and other expenses of office of Ombudsman; and
(h) such other purposes as may be specified by the Board.

 

Reg 6 - The aid to investors’ associations, as referred to in clause (d) of sub-regulation (2) of Regulation 5, shall be given by SEBI in accordance with the guidelines made by it and subject to the following conditions:-
(a) that the aid shall not exceed 75% of the total expenditure on legal proceedings;
(b) such aid shall not be considered for more than one legal proceeding in a particular matter;
(c) if more than one investors’ association applies for seeking legal aid, the investors’ association whose application is received first, shall be considered for such aid.

 

Reg 7, 8, 9 & 10 deals with the constitution of Advisory Committee, its functions, meetings and meeting the expenses.

 

Reg 11 – The Accounts of the fund shall be maintained in accordance with the SEBI(Form of Annual Statement of Accounts and Records) Rules, 1994 as far as such rules apply, which shall be audited within 6 months of Financial Year.

 

Reg 12 & 13 deals with relaxation of regulation & delegation.

 

Reg 14 read with the Schedule to the Regulation deals with amendment to Regulation 28 of SEBI Takeover Code, which is as under:

(a) in sub-regulation (12) , for clause (e) , the following shall be substituted, namely:-
“(e) the entire amount to the merchant banker, in the event of forfeiture for nonfulfillment of any of the obligations under the Regulations, for distribution in the following manner, after deduction of expenses, if any, of the merchant banker and
the registrars to the offer, -
(i) one third of the amount to the target company;
(ii) one third of the amount to the Investor Protection and Education Fund established by the Board;
(iii) one third of the amount to be distributed pro-rata among the
shareholders who have accepted the offer.”
(b) in sub-regulation (13) , for the words “to the regional stock exchange of the target company, for the credit of the Investor Protection Fund or any other similar fund” appearing after the words “ proceeds thereof” the words “to the Investor Protection and Education Fund established by the Board” shall be substituted.

SEBI extend observation letter validity, rights entitlement in Demat & no early exit for close ended MF

PRESS RELEASE

PR No.283/2008

SEBI Board Meeting

1. SEBI to extend validity of the observation letter

SEBI Board has approved extension of validity of observation letter issued for public / rights issue from present three months to one year, subject to filing of updated document with SEBI where there are material changes.

2. SEBI to introduce electronic rights entitlements and ASBA in the Rights Issue process.

SEBI Board has approved certain policy measures pertaining to rights issue process, which inter-alia include enabling electronic rights entitlement, which can be traded electronically in Stock Exchanges, introducing alternate mode for making applications in rights issue viz Applications Supported by Blocked Amount (ASBA) mode and mandating that the issuer can get access to rights issue proceeds only after the allotment is finalized.

Currently a shareholder intending to renounce his/her Rights entitlements fills up part B of the rights issue application form. The renouncee can trade this form or apply in the Rights Issue by filling up Part C of the form. Renunciation forms are traded in physical segment in Bombay Stock Exchange. The right entitlement will now be made available in demat form for all shareholders holding the underlying shares in demat form.

The policy measures approved by the Board in this meeting, along with measures undertaken in the recent past for reduction in timelines, are expected to streamline the rights issue process and make it more efficient.

3. It was decided that no early exit will be allowed in any scheme of Mutual Fund in the nature of a close ended scheme. The schemes which have been approved earlier but not yet launched will also have to be amended accordingly. It will be obligatory for the Asset Management Company to list the close ended schemes. The Board also decided that for such close ended schemes the underlying assets will not have a maturity beyond the date on which the scheme expires.

4. The Board decided to adopt a code to avoid conflict of interest for the members of the Board. It was further decided that this code will be put up in the public domain by publishing it on the SEBI website before December 12, 2008.

5. In order to bring transparency in the working of the Board it was decided that the agenda papers submitted to the Board on all policy issues will be made available in the public domain by putting them up on the SEBI website after the Board has taken a decision on the issue. The minutes of the meeting relating to such items will also be made available on the SEBI website after the Board has approved the minutes. Accordingly the agenda papers for today's Board meeting will be made available on the SEBI website by December 15, 2008.

[SEBI]FII allocation of government debt investment limit&link to FII section in SEBI website

This is in continuation of SEBI FII notification regarding allocation of debt investment limits vide FII’s rush with your debt request to SEBI tonight when clock ticks 23-59 PM IST

In the said notification, SEBI allocated USD 8 billion (out of 15 billion) limit as allotted to FII for debt investment through an open bidding platform as provided by Stock Exchanges as per Clause 3 of SEBI circular No. IMD/FII & C/37/2009 dated February 06, 2009.

As per Clause 3(h) of the said circular, no single entity shall be allocated more than Rs 10, 000 crores of the investment limit.  SEBI vide circular No. IMD/FII & C//2009 dated 12th May, 2009 has decided that,

• Unutilised investment limits for Government debts shall also allocated through open bidding platform as provided by Stock Exchanges as said above.
• No single entity shall be allocated more Rs.1,000 crores of the Government debt investment limit.

Source: SEBI vide circular No. IMD/FII & C//2009 dated 12th May, 2009

All the SEBI circulars on Foreign Institutional Investors (F.I.I/FII) is available in the FII section of SEBI website which can be accessed through http://www.sebi.gov.in/Index.jsp?contentDisp=Department&dep_id=10

SEBI Board Meeting on P Notes Issue

PRESS RELEASE

PR No.286/2007

SEBI Board Meeting

The SEBI Board today discussed the various issues relating to registration of FIIs viz issuance of P-Note/ODIs by some FIIs/Sub-accounts, the linkages (or absence thereof) between quantum of P-Notes/ODIs issued v/s the capital flows into the Indian markets.

The Board also discussed the nature of measures that need to be implemented immediately vis-à-vis the long term direction of the policy aspects relating to participation of foreign entities in the Indian Securities Market. It was felt that in the long term, SEBI may consider introduction of a regime of KYC/AML/CFT certification on foreign entities seeking to invest in the Indian markets, as is currently applicable on domestic entities, compliance with which will enable such entity to invest directly.

Having regard to the need to contain the export of the Indian capital markets, the Board felt that in the long term the approach should be to enable access to Indian markets by quality investors, by introducing a range of innovative products, including OTC derivatives, as are available in other markets, at competitive costs.

The Board discussed the policy measures on Offshore Derivative Instruments (Participatory Notes) hosted by SEBI on its website on October 16, 2007. Having considered the comments and suggestions in response to the proposals, the Board has taken the following decisions:

1. It was proposed that "FIIs and their sub-accounts shall not issue/renew ODIs with underlying as derivatives with immediate effect. They are required to wind up the current position over 18 months, during which period SEBI will review the position from time to time."

It is has already been clarified by SEBI that there is no proposed bar on ODI contracts, expiring this month or in the following months, being renewed, provided the renewal does not go beyond 18 months. It was further made clear that this proposal did not in any manner seek to restrict renewal or rollover of Indian Exchange Traded Derivative Contracts by the FIIs.

FIIs/sub-accounts are free to invest in derivatives traded on recognized stock exchanges.

The Board decided that starting from the date of implementation of this proposal, they can not issue P-Notes that are based on such derivatives.

2. It was proposed that "further issuance of ODIs by the sub-accounts of FIIs will be discontinued with immediate effect. They will be required to wind up the current position over 18 months, during which period SEBI will review the position from time to time."

The Board decided that from the date of implementation of the proposal, no sub-account can issue fresh ODIs. Existing ODI issuing sub-accounts have to ensure that they wind up all their ODIs within 18 months of implementation of the proposal.

SEBI had received several requests from existing P-Note issuing sub-accounts on the above proposal. Taking note of the transition being made by the sub-accounts currently issuing participatory notes, into FIIs, and in order to ensure implementation of the proposals in a non-disruptive manner, the Board has decided that that these applicants be treated as if they were FIIs as on the date decided for calculation of the AUC for the above proposals.

3. It was proposed that "The FIIs who are currently issuing ODIs with notional value of PNs outstanding (excluding derivatives) as a percentage of their AUC in India of less than 40% shall be allowed to issue further ODIs only at the incremental rate of 5% of their AUC in India. "

The Board confirmed the proposal with the understanding that 5% incremental issuance allowed to such FIIs would be applicable on an annual basis, till such time that the percentage reaches 40%, after which the entity will abide by the proposal applicable to entities above the 40% limit.

4. It was proposed that "Those FIIs with notional value of PNs outstanding (excluding derivatives) as a percentage of their AUC in India of more than 40% shall issue PNs only against cancellation / redemption / closing out of the existing PNs of at least equivalent amount." The Board confirmed the proposal.

5. The Board discussed several possible dates for implementation of the above proposals. Taking into account the fact that reporting of P-Notes/ODIs by FIIs is on a monthly basis and the last available data with SEBI was in respect of September 2007, the Board decided that the effective date for calculation of the AUC for the purpose of determining the notional value of PNs issued as a percentage of AUC, for the above proposals shall be September 30, 2007. The proposal will however take effect after close of trading hours on October 25, 2007.

In view of the submissions of some PN-holders that they would like to register with SEBI directly, instead of participating through the P-Note route but are are unable to adhere to the eligibility criteria prescribed under the FII Regulations, the SEBI board has agreed to the following changes to the registration criteria

1. Broad-based criteria

The "broad-based" criteria shall now be modified to include entities having at least 20 investors, no single investor holding more than 49% (instead of 10% at present).

2. Track record of the applicant

Track record of individual fund managers will be considered for the purpose of ascertaining the track record of a newly set up fund, subject to such fund manager providing its disciplinary track record details.

3. Issuance of ODIs/PNs would be limited to only "regulated" entities and not "registered" entities.

4. FII and sub-account registrations will be perpetual, subject to payment of fees.

5. The Board further discussed the issue of registration of Pension Funds, Foundations, Endowments, University Funds and Charitable trusts or societies, which are not regulated with any regulatory authority and having regard to the nature of these entities, advised that these entities may be registered as FIIs without imposing the requirement of their being "regulated".

Mumbai

October 25, 2007

Thanks & Regards
Alagar

Stock Exchange's Inspection, Internal Audit by CS/CA/CWA in practice, Default & Implementation - SEBI Master Circular

SEBI/MIRSD/Master Cir-04/2010 dated 17th March 2010

Master Circular on Oversight of Members (Stock Brokers/Trading Members/Clearing Members of any Segment of Stock Exchanges and Clearing Corporations).  This master circular consolidates and updates the requirements/obligations with regard to oversight of members (Inspection by Stock Exchanges/Clearing Corporations, Internal Audit and Default)

 

I. Inspection of Members by Stock Exchanges / Clearing Corporations
The Stock Exchange or the Clearing Corporation shall

1. formulate a policy for inspection of members and follow up action thereon.
2. shall inspect all active members in various segments every year covering,

a. Compliance with the relevant provisions of the Act, Rules and Regulations made there under, Rules and Regulation of the Stock Exchange / Clearing Corporation and the circulars issued by SEBI and Stock Exchanges / Clearing Corporations from time to time, and
b. Efficacy of the investor grievance redressal mechanism and discharge of various obligations towards clients, for the preceding one year unless a longer period is warranted in the circumstances.

An illustrative list of common violations/deficiencies observed by SEBI in its inspections of members are,

• Relating to KYC
• Relating to Contract notes
• Relating to Investor services
• Relating to funds and securities
• Relating to terminals
• OTHERS

The Stock Exchanges and Clearing Corporations are advised to bring this list to the notice of members with an advice to them to avoid these violations/deficiencies.

The Stock Exchange or the Clearing Corporation, as the case may be, shall initiate all the follow up action – remedial, penal and disciplinary - required on inspection findings, within 6 months from the conclusion of the inspection.

II. Internal Audit
The member shall carry out complete internal audit on a half yearly basis by an independent qualified Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary or Cost and Management Accountant who is in practice and does not have any conflict of interest.

The audit shall cover, inter alia,
a. the existence, scope and efficiency of the internal control system,
b. compliance with the provisions of the SEBI Act, 1992, Securities Contracts
(Regulation) Act 1956, SEBI (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008, SEBI (Stock Brokers and Sub-Brokers) Regulations, 1992, circulars issued by SEBI from time to time, Bye Laws and Regulations and circulars issued by the Stock Exchange / Clearing Corporation,
c. data security and insurance in respect of operations, and
d. efficacy of the investor grievance redressal mechanism and discharge of various obligations towards clients.

The internal auditor shall submit the audit report to the member, who shall place it before its Board of Directors/Proprietor/Partners and shall forward the same along with para-wise comments to the respective stock exchange/clearing corporation within 3 months from the end of the half year period.

The Stock Exchange/Clearing Corporation shall initiate appropriate actions – remedial, penal or disciplinary - against the members where deficiencies are noticed in audit reports or where audit report has not been received, and inform the details of action taken to SEBI, within 6 months from the end of the half year period.

III. Default in case of Multiple Membership
Whenever a member of any segment is declared defaulter, the concerned Stock Exchange/Clearing Corporation shall immediately declare it a defaulter in all its segments. It shall also immediately inform all other Stock Exchanges/Clearing Corporations the details of the defaulter member such as name of the member, the names of the proprietors/partners/promoters/dominant shareholders, as applicable.  Immediately on receipt of the information about default of a member, the Stock Exchange / Clearing Corporation shall declare the said member defaulter on all its segments.

The Stock Exchanges / Clearing Corporations shall take appropriate action against the associates of defaulter member. For this purpose, the term ‘associate’ shall include a person:
a. who, directly or indirectly, by itself, or in combination with other persons,
exercises control over the member, whether individual, body corporate or firm or holds substantial share of not less than 15% in the capital of such entities; or
b. in respect of whom the member, individual or body corporate or firm, directly or indirectly, by itself or in combination with other persons, exercises control; or
c. whose director or partner is also a director or partner of the member, body
corporate or the firm, as the case may be.
Explanation: The expression “control" shall have the same meaning as defined under clause (c) of Regulation 2 of the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 1997.

IV. Implementation
For the above purpose, the Stock Exchanges / Clearing Corporations shall take all necessary action, including the following:
a. make necessary amendments to the relevant bye-laws, rules and regulations for the implementation of the above decision immediately, if the same has not been already made.
b. bring the provisions of this circular to the notice of the members and also to disseminate the same on the website, and
c. communicate to SEBI, the status of the implementation of the provisions of
this circular in the Monthly Development Report (MDR).

The circulars mentioned hereunder stand rescinded:

A. Circular no. SMD(B)/104/22775/93 dated October 29, 1993
B. Circular no. SMD/MDP/CIR/043/96 dated August 5, 1996
C. Circular no. SMD/Policy/Cir-24/97 dated September 26, 1997
D. Circular no. SMDRP/POLICY/Cir-45/2001 dated September 17, 2001
E. Circular no. SEBI/SMD/DBA-1/CIR-27/2003 dated June 25, 2003
F. Circular no. MIRSD/DPSIII/Cir-26/08 dated August 22, 2008, and
G. Circular no. MRD/DMS/Cir-29/2008 dated October 21, 2008

Notwithstanding such rescission, anything done or any action taken under those circulars before the date of this Master circular, shall be deemed to have been done or taken or commenced under the corresponding provisions of this circular. After the rescission of the earlier circulars, any reference thereto in any regulation, guidelines and circulars shall be deemed to be a reference to this Master Circular.

SEBI consents with UBS means its a Consent Order

SEBI, Swiss co UBS settle dispute on consent terms, what does this mean?
for a CS Executive Students doing Securities Law.

Yes, Consent Order is an order passed by SEBI which are NOT appealable to SAT. That is, orders passed with the consent of both the parties (one of the party being SEBI). It is similar to compounding under Companies Act or other Acts, where both the parties enter into settlement terms for a feasbile sum.

Try reading through the consent order of UBS in http://www.sebi.gov.in/consentorders/ubsconsent.pdf and the case is explained well in http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/02/22/stories/2009022251150100.htm

In the consent order, you may find SEBI Circular No. EFD/ED/Cir-1/2007 dated April 20, 2007 which is the circular empowering SEBI to enter into Consent Order, for which the party has to apply in Form A.

Understand, the difference between Consent Order & Compounding now.

CONSENT ORDER	COMPOUNDING
Sec 15T of SEBI Act	Sec 24A of SEBI Act
For administrative / civil proceedings	For criminal prosecutions; NOT being an offence punishable with imprisonment only OR imprisonment & fine
BY SEBI	BY SAT
Application at any stage where probable cause of violation has been found	Application before / after institution of proceedings
To appropriate sanction, remedy & deterrence WITHOUT resorting to litigation, lengthy proceedings & consequential delays	To avoid lengthy process, which would save cost, time, mental, agony, etc…in return for payment of compounding charges

Enjoy CS exams...

Fee Clearance & NoC NA to certain Intermediaries under SEBI

Requirement of Fee Clearance and NOC – Non applicability in
respect of certain category of members of stock exchanges
1. In terms of clause 4 (e) of SEBI Circular No.SEBI/SMD/SE/Cir-24/2003/18/06 dated June 18, 2003 members of the stock exchanges are required to obtain ‘NOC’ from SEBI through the respective stock exchanges before claiming refund of excess Base Minimum Capital from the stock exchange.
2. Further, in terms of clause 4 of SEBI Circular No.MIRSD/MSS/Cir-30/13289/03 dated July 9, 2003, members of the stock exchanges are required to obtain ‘fee clearance’ from SEBI through the respective stock exchanges for the following purposes:
(a) Change in shareholding pattern without change in control,
(b) Issue and redemption of preference shares, issue of bonus shares, and
(c) Change in directors other than designated / whole time directors
3. On a review, it has been decided that the above referred provisions of the aforesaid circulars shall, henceforth, be not applicable to the following categories of members of the stock exchanges:
(i) trading members and clearing members in the equity derivatives and currency derivatives segments
(ii) stock brokers in the cash segment who are covered under Schedule III A [payment of fees by stock brokers] of the SEBI (Stock Brokers and Sub-brokers) Regulations, 1992 and
(iii) stock brokers in the cash segment who may migrate to Schedule III A
[payment of fees by stock brokers] of the SEBI (Stock Brokers and Sub-brokers) Regulations, 1992 in future (as and when they migrate).
4. However, the stock brokers who are covered under Schedule III [payment of fees by stock brokers] of the SEBI (Stock Brokers and Sub-brokers) Regulations, 1992 will be required to comply with the above referred provisions of the aforesaid circulars.

Source: SEBI/MIRSD/Cir. No.03/2010 dated 21st January, 2010

NOC to release 1% issue amount in SEBI circular and not in DIP/ICDR regulations now, application after 4 months of listing with 2 months for bank guarantee

SEBI - OIAE/Cir-1/2009 dated November 25, 2009

Sub: Issue of No Objection Certificate for release of 1% of issue amount

As per the Listing Agreement with the Stock Exchanges, the issuer company
deposits 1% of the issue amount of the securities offered to the public and/or to the holders of the existing securities of the company, as the case may be, with the designated stock exchange. This amount was being released to issuer companies after obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from SEBI in accordance with the SEBI (Disclosure and Investor Protection - DIP) Guidelines, 2000.  However, the same provisions had not been found in the amended SEBI (ICDR) Regulations, 2009 which has replaced DIP.  Hence, this circular is issued.

For the purpose of obtaining the NOC, the issuer company shall submit an application on its letter head addressed to SEBI in the format specified in Annexure – A, after lapse of 4 months from listing on the Exchange which was the last to permit listing. The application shall be filed by the post issue lead merchant banker with the concerned designated office of SEBI under which the registered office of the issuer company falls, as specified in Annexure – B. On the date of application, the bank guarantees, if any, included in 1% deposit must have a residual validity of at least 2 months.

SEBI shall issue the NOC after satisfying itself that the complaints arising from the issue received by SEBI against the Company have been resolved to its satisfaction, the Company has been submitting monthly Action Taken Reports on the complaints forwarded by SEBI to the company as per the proforma specified in Annexure – C, and the fees due to intermediaries associated with the issue process including ASBA Banks have been paid.

SEBI allows Short Selling

Sell it ! even if you don't own it.....this is what our SEBI says....

Now, the broad framework for "Short selling and securities lending and borrowing" has been prescribed by SEBI.

Extract is here,

1. Pursuant to the recommendations of the Secondary Market Advisory Committee (SMAC) of SEBI and the decision of the SEBI Board, it has been decided to permit all classes of investors to short sell subject to the broad framework specified in Annexure-1.
2. In order to provide a mechanism for borrowing of securities to enable settlement of securities sold short, it has also been decided to put in place a full-fledged securities lending and borrowing (SLB) scheme for all market participants in the Indian securities market under the over-all framework of “Securities Lending Scheme, 1997” of SEBI specified by SEBI vide circular No. SMD/POLICY/SL/CIR-09/97 dated May 07, 1997. Such a regulatory framework shall be subject to the broad framework specified in Annexure-2.
3. The Stock Exchanges shall issue the necessary guidelines in this regard and shall put in place systems to operationalise the above mechanisms for short selling and SLB. The stock exchanges shall also ensure that all appropriate trading and settlement practices as well as surveillance and risk containment measures, etc. are made applicable and implemented in this regard.
4. The Stock Exchanges and the Depositories are advised to put necessary systems in place so as to distinguish the lending and borrowing transactions executed in the framework specified in the annexure from the normal market transactions in the demat system.
5. The date of implementation of this circular will be communicated by SEBI subsequently.

6. The Stock Exchanges and the Depositories are also advised to :
6.1. test the necessary software/systems and remove any glitches in its operation well before the commencement date to avoid any problems in the live environment.

6.2. make necessary amendments to the relevant bye-laws, rules and regulations for the implementation of the above decision.

6.3. bring the provisions of this circular to the notice of the member brokers/clearing members, depository participants and also disseminate the same on their website.

6.4. communicate to SEBI, the status of the implementation of the provisions of this circular in the Monthly Development Report.
7. This circular is being issued in exercise of powers conferred under Section 11 (1) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 and Section 19 of the Depositories Act, 1996, to protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote the development of, and to regulate the securities market.

See @ http://www.sebi.gov.in/Index.jsp?contentDisp=WhatsNewScroll&FilePath=/circulars/2007/shortselling.html

as amended SCRA enables, SEBI (Public Offer and Listing of Securitised Debt Instruments) Regulations, 2008 from 26 may 2008

The amendment to Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 (SCRA) enabled SEBI to provide for disclosure based regulation for public issue of or listing of securitized debt instruments on the recognized stock exchanges with  a view to develop market for securitized debt instruments. Accordingly, SEBI has notified SEBI (Public Offer and Listing of Securitised Debt Instruments) Regulations, 2008 on May 26, 2008 taking into account the market needs, cost of the transactions, competition policy, the professional expertise of credit rating agencies, disclosures and obligations of the parties involved in the transaction and the interest of investors in such instruments. Salient features of the regulations are as follows : -



(a)The special purpose distinct entity i.e. issuer shall be in the form of a trust, the trustees thereof will require registration from SEBI. The registration granted to a trustee shall be permanent subject to compliance with the provisions with the SCRR and the regulations and payment of appropriate fees.

(b) If a debenture trustee registered with SEBI or a securitization company or a asset reconstruction company registered with Reserve Bank of India or National Housing Bank or the NABARD is the trustee of the issuer no registration from SEBI to act as such shall be required.

(c)  The securitized debt instruments issued to public or listed on recognized stock exchange shall acknowledge the beneficial interest of the investors in underlying debt or receivables assigned to the issuer. The regulations provide flexibility in terms of pay through / pass through structures and do not restrict any particular mode.

(d) The assignment of assets to the issuer shall be a true sale. The debt or receivables assigned to the issuer should be expected to generate identifiable cash flows for the purpose of servicing the instrument and the originator should have valid enforceable interests in the assets and in cash flow of assets prior to securitization.

(e) The issuer shall be a bankruptcy remote from the originator. Originator shall be an independent entity from the issuer and its trustees and the originator and its associates shall not exercise any control over the issuer. However, the originator may be appointed as a servicer. The issuer may appoint any other person as servicer in respect of any its schemes to co-ordinate with the obligors, manage the said pool and collection therefrom, administer the cash flows of asset pool, distribution to investors and reinvestments. The issuer shall not acquire any debt or receivables from any originator who is part of the same group or which is under the same management as the trustee.  Regulations require strict segregation of assets of each scheme.

(f).  The issuer may offer securitised debt instruments to public for subscription through an offer document containing disclosures of all relevant material facts including financials of the issuer, originator, quality of the asset pool, disclosure of various kinds of risks, credit ratings including unaccepted ratings, arrangements made for credit enhancement, liquidity facilities availed, underwriting of the issue etc. apart from the routine disclosures relating to issue, offer period, application, etc.

(g)Rating from atleast two credit rating agencies is mandatory and all ratings including unaccepted ratings shall be disclosed in the offer documents. The rating rationale should include reference to the quality of the said pool and strengthen of cash flows, originator profile, payment structure, risks and concerns for investors, etc.

(h) The instrument shall be in dematerialized form.

(i)The draft offer document shall be filed with SEBI atleast 15 days before opening of the issue.

(j)   In case of public issuances listing will be mandatory. The instruments issued on private placement basis may also be listed subject to the compliance of simplified provisions of the regulations. The securitised debt instruments issued to the public or listed on a recognized stock exchange in accordance with these regulations shall be freely transferable.

(k). It has been proposed to introduce simplified and relaxed listing agreement. Listing of private placement is also permitted subject to the compliance of simplified provisions of the listing agreement and the regulations. The simplified listing agreement is under preparation.

Please find attached the full text of the SEBI (Public Offer and Listing of Securitised Debt Instruments) Regulations, 2008 <http://www.sebi.gov.in/acts/sdireg.pdf> .

Source: PR No.124/2008 dated 19th June 2008

Thanks & Regards

Alagar
Investment Banking
Karvy Investor Services Limited
Chennai
Moble: 919884731993/ 919790906827
 

SEBI's guide to Understand Prospectus, its concepts, structure, etc... [read offer documents in public issues now]

Guide to understand an Offer Document

This sub‐section attempts to inform the structure of presentation of the content in an offer document. The basic objective is to help the reader to navigate through the content of an offer document.

(a) Cover Page

Under this head full contact details of the Issuer Company, lead managers and registrars, the nature, number, price and amount of instruments offered and issue size, and the particulars regarding listing. Other details such as Credit Rating, IPO Grading, risks in relation to the first issue, etc are also disclosed if applicable.

(b) Risk Factors

Under this head the management of the issuer company gives its view on the Internal and external risks envisaged by the company and the proposals, if any, to address such risks. The company also makes a note on the forward looking statements. This information is disclosed in the initial pages of the document and also in the abridged prospectus. It is generally advised that the investors should go through all the risk factors of the company before making an investment decision.

(c) Introduction

Under this head a summary of the industry in which the issuer company operates, the business of the Issuer Company, offering details in brief, summary of consolidated financial statements and other data relating to general information about the company, the merchant bankers and their responsibilities, the details of brokers/syndicate members to the Issue, credit rating (in case of debt issue), debenture trustees (in case of debt issue), monitoring agency, book building process in brief, IPO Grading in case of First Issue of Equity capital and details of underwriting Agreements are given. Important details of capital structure, objects of the offering, funds requirement, funding plan, schedule of implementation, funds deployed, sources of financing of funds already deployed, sources of financing for the balance fund requirement, interim use of funds, basic terms of issue, basis for issue price, tax benefits are also covered.

(d) About us

Under this head a review of the details of business of the company, business strategy, competitive strengths, insurance, industry‐regulation (if applicable), history and corporate structure, main objects, subsidiary details, management and board of directors, compensation, corporate governance, related party transactions, exchange rates, currency of presentation and dividend policy are given.

(e) Financial Statements

Under this head financial statement and restatement as per the requirement of the Guidelines and differences between any other accounting policies and the Indian Accounting Policies (if the Company has presented its Financial Statements also as per either US GAAP/IFRS) are presented.

(f) Legal and other information

Under this head outstanding litigations and material developments, litigations involving the company, the promoters of the company, its subsidiaries, and group companies are disclosed. Also material developments since the last balance sheet date, government approvals/licensing arrangements, investment approvals (FIPB/RBI etc.), technical approvals, and indebtedness, etc. are disclosed.

(g) Other regulatory and statutory disclosures

Under this head, authority for the Issue, prohibition by SEBI, eligibility of the company to enter the capital market, disclaimer statement by the issuer and the lead manager, disclaimer in respect of jurisdiction, distribution of information to investors, disclaimer clause of the stock exchanges, listing, impersonation, minimum subscription, letters of allotment or refund orders, consents, expert opinion, changes in the auditors in the last 3 years, expenses of the issue, fees payable to the intermediaries involved in the issue process, details of all the previous issues, all outstanding instruments, commission and brokerage on, previous issues, capitalization of reserves or profits, option to subscribe in the issue, purchase of property, revaluation of assets, classes of shares, stock market data for equity shares of the company, promise vis‐à‐vis performance in the past issues and mechanism for redressal of investor grievances is disclosed.

(h) Offering information

Under this head Terms of the Issue, ranking of equity shares, mode of payment of dividend, face value and issue price, rights of the equity shareholder, market lot, nomination facility to investor, issue procedure, book building procedure in details along with the process of making an application, signing of underwriting agreement and filing of prospectus with SEBI/ROC, announcement of statutory advertisement, issuance of confirmation of allocation note("can") and allotment in the issue, designated date, general instructions, instructions for completing the bid form, payment instructions, submission of bid form, other instructions, disposal of application and application moneys, , interest on refund of excess bid amount, basis of allotment or allocation, method of proportionate allotment, dispatch of refund orders, communications, undertaking by the company, utilization of issue proceeds, restrictions on foreign ownership of Indian securities, are disclosed.

(i) Other Information

This covers description of equity shares and terms of the Articles of Association, material contracts and documents for inspection, declaration, definitions and abbreviations, etc.

Investment in public Issues/ rights issues

(a) Where can I get application forms for applying/ bidding for the shares?

Application forms for applying/bidding for shares are available with all syndicate members, collection centers, the brokers to the issue and the bankers to the issue. In case you intend to apply through new process introduced by SEBI i.e. APPLICATIONS SUPPORTED BY BLOCKED AMOOUNT (ASBA), you may get the ASBA application forms form the Self Certified Syndicate Banks. For more details on “ASBA process” please refer to the “FAQs on ASBA”

(b) Whom should I approach if the information disclosed in the offer document appears to be factually incorrect?

The document is prepared by Merchant Banker(s), registered with SEBI. They are required to do the due diligence while preparing an offer document. The draft offer document submitted to SEBI is put on website for public comments. In case, you find any instance of misinformation/ lack of information, you may send your complaint to Lead Manager to the issue and/ or to SEBI, at this address: Securities & Exchange Board of India, C4 A, G Block, Bandra KurlaComplex, Bandra (E), Mumbai‐ 400051.

(c) Is it compulsory for me to have a Demat Account?

As per the requirement, all the public issues of size in excess of Rs.10 crore, are to made compulsorily in demat mode. Thus, if you intend to apply for an issue that is being made in a compulsory demat mode, you are required to have a demat account and also have the responsibility to put the correct DP ID and Client ID details in the bid/application forms. You can also refer to FAQs relating to demat available in the URL http://investor.sebi.gov.in/faq/dematfaq.html in the Investor Education section of the SEBI website.

(d) Is it compulsory to have PAN?

Yes, it is compulsory to have PAN. Any investor who wants to invest in an issue should have a PAN which is required to be mentioned in the application form. It is to be distinctly understood that the photocopy of the PAN is not required to be attached along with the application form at the time of making an application.

(e) For how many days an issue is required to be kept open?

The period for which an issue is required to be kept open is:

For Fixed price public issues: 3‐10 working days

For Book built public issues: 3‐7 working days extendable by 3 days in case of a revision in the price band

For Rights issues: 15‐30 days.

(f) When do I get the allotment/ refund of shares?

For Fixed price public issues: 30 days of the closure of the issue

For Book built public issues: 15 days of the closure of the issue

For Rights issues: 15 days of the closure of the issue

(g) How can I know about the demand for an issue at any point of time?

The status of bidding in a book built issue is available on the website of BSE/NSE on a consolidated basis. The data regarding bids is also available investor category wise. After the price has been determined on the basis of bidding, the public advertisement containing, inter alia, the price as well as a table showing the number of securities and the amount payable by an investor, based on the price determined, is issued. However, in case of a fixed price issue, information is available only after the closure of the issue through a public advertisement, issued within 10 days of dispatch of the certificates of allotment/ refund orders.

(h) How will I get my refund in an issue?

You can get refunds in an issue through various modes viz. registered/ordinary post, Direct Credit, RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement), ECS (Electronic Clearing Service) and NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer). As stated above, if you are residing in one of the 68 centers as specified by Reserve Bank of India, then you will get refunds through ECS only except where you are otherwise disclosed eligible under Direct Credit and RTGS. If you are residing at any other center, then you will continue to get refunds through registered/ordinary post. You are therefore advised to read the instructions given in the prospectus/ abridged prospectus/ application form about centers. For more details, you may read subsection on “Electronic Clearing Scheme for Refunds”.

(i) When will the shares allotted to me get listed?

In book built public issue the listing of shares will be done within 3 weeks after the closure of the issue. In case of fixed price public issue, it will be done within 37 days after closure of the issue.

(j) How will I know which issues are coming to the market?

The information about the forthcoming issues may be obtained from the websites of Stock Exchanges. Further the issuer coming with an issue is required to give issue advertisements in an English national Daily with wide circulation, one Hindi national newspaper and a regional language newspaper with wide circulation at the place where the registered office of the issuer is situated.

(k) Where to I get the copies of the offer document?

The soft copies of the offer documents are put up on the website of Merchant banker and on the website of SEBI under Reports/Documents section [http://www.sebi.gov.in/Index.jsp?contentDisp= Section&sec_id=5 ]. Copies of the offer documents in hard form may be obtained from the merchant banker or office of SEBI, SEBI Bhawan, Plot No. C4‐A “G” Block, BKC, Bandra (E), Mumbai ‐ 400051 on a payment of Rs 100 through Demand Draft.

(l) How do I find the status of offer documents filed by issuers with SEBI?

SEBI updates the processing status of offer documents on its website every week under the section http://www.sebi.gov.in/Index.jsp?contentDisp=PrimaryMarket in SEBI website. The draft offer documents are put up on the website under Reports/Documents section. The final offer documents that are filed with SEBI/ROC are also put up for information under the same section.

(m) Whom do I approach if I have grievances in respect of non receipt of shares, delay in refund etc.?

You can approach the compliance officer of the issue, whose name and contact number is mentioned on the cover page of the Offer Document. You can also address your complaints to SEBI at the following address: Office of Investor Assistance & Education, Securities & Exchange Board of India, C4A, G Block,Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), Mumbai‐ 400051.

Understanding Book Building

(a) What is book Building?

Book building is a process of price discovery. The issuer discloses a price band or floor price before opening of the issue of the securities offered. On the basis of the demands received at various price levels within the price band specified by the issuer, Book Running Lead Manager (BRLM) in close consultation with the issuer arrives at a price at which the security offered by the issuer, can be issued.

(b) What is a price band?

The price band is a band of price within which investors can bid. The spread between the floor and the cap of the price band shall not be more than 20%. The price band can be revised. If revised, the bidding period shall be extended for a further period of three days, subject to the total bidding period not exceeding thirteen days.

(c) How does Book Building work?

Book building is a process of price discovery. A floor price or price band within which the bids can move is disclosed at least two working days before opening of the issue in case of an IPO and atleast one day before opening of the issue in case of an FPO. The applicants bid for the shares quoting the price and the quantity that they would like to bid at. After the bidding process is complete, the ‘cut‐off’ price is arrived at based on the demand of securities. The basis of Allotment is then finalized and allotment/refund is undertaken. The final prospectus with all the details including the final issue price and the issue size is filed with ROC, thus completing the issue process. Only the retail investors have the option of bidding at ‘cut‐off’.

(d) How does “cut‐off” option works for investors?

“Cut‐off” option is available for only retail individual investors i.e investors who are applying for securities worth up to Rs 1,00,000/‐ only. Such investors are required to tick the cut‐off option which indicates their willingness to subscribe to shares at any price discovered within the price band. Unlike price bids (where a specific price is indicated) which can be invalid, if price indicated by applicant is lower than the price discovered, the cut‐off bids always remain valid for the purpose of allotment

(e) Can I change/revise my bid?

Yes, you can change or revise the quantity or price in the bid using the form for changing/revising the bid that is available along with the application form. However, the entire process of changing or revising the bids shall be completed within the date of closure of the issue.

(f) Can I cancel my Bid?

Yes, you can cancel your bid anytime before the finalization of the basis of allotment by approaching/ writing/ making an application to the registrar to the issue.

(g) What proof can I request from a trading member or a syndicate member for entering bids?

The syndicate member returns the counterfoil with the signature, date and stamp of the syndicate member. You can retain this as a sufficient proof that the bids have been accepted by the trading / syndicate member for uploading on the terminal.

Understand Chapter XA of SEBI ICDR Amendment 2010 as to SME Exchange and listing upto 25 crores of capital like Fast track route for small & medium companies

Download the Updated Securities and Exchange Board of India (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2009 as on date. 

In order to lay down the policy for issue, listing and trading of the securities issued by the SMEs, necessary amendments have been made in the SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2009 and consequent amendments were made int he following regulations as given below.

• SEBI (Merchant Bankers) Regulations, 1992,
• SEBI (Foreign Institutional Investors) Regulations, 1995,
• SEBI (Venture Capital Funds) Regulations, 1996,
• SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 1997 and
• SEBI (Stock Brokers and Sub-brokers) Regulations, 1992.

SEBI ICDR Third Amendment Regulations 2010, in addition to the amendments made under various clauses, the following updates were made.

After CHAPTER X, the following Chapter shall be inserted, namely:-
“CHAPTER XA
ISSUE OF SPECIFIED SECURITIES BY SMALL AND MEDIUM
ENTERPRISES (SME) – Regulation 106A to 106J

An issuer whose post-issue face value capital does not exceed ten crore rupees shall issue its specified securities in accordance with provisions of this
Chapter.  Kindly note, there is also Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Development Act which classifies Industries but for such classification, only the investment made in plant & machinery are taken into account whereas under SEBI ICDR the whole capital of the company should be Rs. 10 crores or less. 

In some cases, even upto Rs. 25 crores [ie, 10 crores to 25 crores] may be considered under this chapter where shareholders agree to Migrate by passing a Special Resolution through postal ballot and can be acted upon if and only if the votes cast by shareholders other than promoters in favour of the proposal amount to at least two times the number of votes cast by shareholders other than promoter shareholders against the proposal. [R:106H].  Kindly note even such companies, if already in SME Exchange have the option to migrate to Main board on satisfaction of the above said conditions. [R:106I]

In cases where companies in SME Exchange [upto 25 crores] is likely to exceed the same due to further issue of shares, then prior to such issue the company shall pass Special Resolution (similar way as mentioned above) and to get in-principle approval for listing in the Main board by complying with all the conditions.

The sub-regulations (1), (2) and (3) of regulation 6 (filing of offer document), regulation 7 (in-principle approval), regulation 8 (documents to be submitted before opening the issue), regulation 9 (draft offer document to be made public), regulation 10 (Fast track issue), regulation 25, 26 & 27 (eligibity requirements for IPO & FPO) and sub-regulation (1) of regulation 49 (Minimum application value between Rs.5000 & 7000) of these regulations shall not apply to an issue of specified securities made under this Chapter.  That means, all other regulation will apply as such with such modifications as necessary, what we call legally as “mutatis mutandis”.

Main Board = Stock Exchanges other than SME Exchange

Nominated Investor = QIB/PE fund who undertakes the under-subscription portion or receive/deliver (which requires prior approval of SME exchanges) during Market making (for 3 years) with the market makers inventory of atleast 5%. Market Maker shall not buy from promoter or persons belonging to promoter group.  [R 106J]  Also, a promoter can offer only such shares which are not locked-in for market making with the prior approval of SME Exchange.

Similar to Fast track Issues (FTI), there is no need to file draft offer documents, instead the final offer documents shall be filed simultaneously with SME Exchanges, RoC and SEBI alongwith  due-diligence certificate as per Form A of Schedule VI including additional confirmations as provided in Form H of Schedule VI.

1. 100% of offer through offer document shall be underwritten, out of which,
   • 15% shall be underwritten by Merchantbankers
2. Underwriter shall undertake in case of under-subscritpion and not more than that as mentioned in the agreement.
3. Nominee Investor shall undertake in case of under-subscription.
4. Merchant banker is responsible for underwriting & shall give an Undertaking 1 day before opening of issue.
5. Minimum Application size = atleast Rs. 1 lakh per application.
6. Minimum Allottees = 50 nos.

In Schedule VI, after Form G, the following form shall be inserted, namely:-
“FORM H
[See regulation 106C(2)]

ADDITIONAL CONFIRMATIONS/ CERTIFICATION TO BE GIVEN BY MERCHANT BANKER IN DUE DILIGENCE CERTIFICATE TO BE GIVEN ALONG WITH OFFER DOCUMENT REGARDING SME EXCHANGE.

Internal Audit made mandatory for another intermediary, the Credit Rating Agencies (CRA) by PCS or PCA or PCWA on half yearly basis within 2 months to Board of Directors & ATR to SEBI

SEBI/MIRSD/CRA/Cir-01/2010 dated 6th January 2010

SEBI has decided in consultation with the credit rating agencies (CRAs)  that the audit envisaged under Regulation 22 of the SEBI (Credit Rating Regulations), 1999 shall include an internal audit (similar to that of Stock Brokers & Clearing Members by CA’s) to be undertaken in the following manner:

a. It shall be conducted on a half yearly basis.
b. It shall be conducted by Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries (PCS) or Cost and Management Accountants who are in practice and who do not have any conflict of interest with the CRA.
c. It shall cover all aspects of CRA operations and procedures, including investor grievance redressal mechanism, compliance with the requirements stipulated in the SEBI Act, Rules and Regulations made thereunder, and guidelines issued by SEBI from time to time.
d. The report shall state the methodology adopted, deficiencies observed, and consideration of response of the management on the deficiencies.
e. The report shall include a summary of operations and of the audit, covering the size of operations, number of transactions audited and the
number of instances where violations / deviations were observed while making observations on the compliance of any regulatory requirement.
f. The report shall comment on the adequacy of systems adopted by the CRA for compliance with the requirements of regulations and guidelines issued by SEBI and investor grievance redressal.

The time schedule for the internal audit shall be as under:
a. The CRA shall receive the report of the internal audit within 2 months from the end of the half-year.
b. The Board of Directors of the CRA shall consider the report and take steps to rectify the deficiencies, if any, and the CRA shall send an Action Taken Report (ATR) to SEBI within next 2 months.

It is clarified that for the half-year October 2009 - March 2010, the CRA shall receive the report of the internal audit by May 31, 2010. Its Board of Directors shall consider the report and take appropriate measures to rectify the deficiencies and the CRA shall send the Action Taken Report to SEBI by July 31, 2010.