What exam for distributors, agents or any persons employed or engaged or to be employed or engaged in the sale and/or distribution of mutual fund products by SEBI NISM?

Cir / IMD / DF / 5 / 2010 June 24 , 2010
All Mutual Funds, Asset Management Companies (AMCs)

Sub: Certification Programme for sale and/ or distribution of mutual fund products
In terms of SEBI Circulars dated September 25, 2001, November 28, 2002, April 03, 2003 and February 04, 2004 about, inter alia, the captioned subject, agents/distributors of mutual fund units were required to obtain certification from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) by passing a certification examination, and to obtain registration with AMFI.

In terms of SEBI notification No. LAD-NRO/GN/2010-11/09/6422 dated May 31, 2010, under regulation 3 (1) of the (Certification of Associated Persons in the Securities Markets) Regulations, 2007, (Certification Regulations) it has been decided that from June 01, 2010, the certification examination for distributors, agents or any other persons employed or engaged or to be employed or engaged in the sale and/or distribution of mutual fund products, would be conducted by the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM).  Accordingly, it was notified that with effect from June 01, 2010, the following category of associated persons, i.e., distributors, agents or any persons employed or engaged or to be employed or engaged in the sale and/or distribution of mutual fund products, shall be required to have a valid certification from the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) by passing the certification examination as mentioned in the NISM communiqué NISM/Certification/Series-V-A: MFD/2010/01 dated May 05, 2010.
Provided that if the said associated person possesses a valid certificate by passing before June 01, 2010, the AMFI Mutual Fund (Advisors) Module, he shall be exempted from the requirement of the aforementioned NISM certification examination.

Under the existing instructions, the agent/ distributor was exempted from the AMFI certification examination if he had completed 50 years of age and had at least 5 years of experience in distribution of mutual fund units. As per regulation 4 (3) of the Certification Regulations, persons who have attained the age of fifty years or who have at least ten years experience in the securities markets in the sale and/ or distribution of mutual fund products as on May 31, 2010, will be given the option of obtaining the certification either by passing the NISM certification examination or qualifying for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) by obtaining such classroom credits as may be specified by NISM from time to time.

The Certification Regulations require the persons referred to in para 2 above to comply with the requirements for CPE as specified by NISM within the validity period of the certificate obtained by passing the certification examination.
However, to facilitate the transition process from AMFI to NISM, it has been decided that a person holding a valid AMFI certification whose validity expires between June 01, 2010 and December 31, 2010, would be required to comply with the CPE requirements as laid down by NISM under the relevant clauses of the Certification Regulations, by December 31, 2010.

An associated person holding a valid AMFI/NISM certification whose validity
expires anytime after December 31, 2010, would be required to comply with the CPE requirements as laid down by NISM under the relevant clauses of the Certification Regulations, prior to the expiry of the validity of the certification.

NSE website link of QIP offer documents with shareholding pattern as filed under Clause 35 format

Sub: Disclosure of details of the allottees in the Qualified Institutional Placements (QIP) made by issuer company

SEBI has decided that the details of allottees and the corresponding pre and post QIP issue shareholding in the issuer company may be disclosed on the website of the stock exchanges. Accordingly, this circular is issued in exercise of powers conferred by sub-section (1) of Section 11 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992, to protect the interest of investors in securities and to promote the development of, and to regulate the securities market.   Ensure that the details of those allottes in QIP who have been allotted more than 5% of the securities offered in the QIP, viz names of the allottees and number of securities allotted to each of them, pre and post issue shareholding pattern of the issuer in the format specified in clause 35 of the Equity Listing Agreement shall be made available on the website of stock exchanges along with the final placement document.

Source: SEBI/CFD/DIL/LA/1/2010/05/03 dated 5th March 2010

Hence, the new disclosures can be found at

http://www.nseindia.com/content/equities/jp_qipfinal_new.htm

Issue of Debt Securities now has Non-Convertible Debentures (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2010 in addition to compliance under Companies Act & SEBI regulation

Reporting of Issuance of Non Convertible Debentures

The Reserve Bank of India has issued the ‘Issuance of Non-Convertible Debentures (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2010’ vide IDMD.DOD.9/11.01.01(A)/2009-10 dated June 23, 2010 (which is made effective from 2nd August 2010) regarding regulation of non-convertible debentures of maturity up to one year (NCDs). In terms of paragraph 12.7 of the said Directions read with paragraphs 12.4, 12.5 and 12.6 ibid, the Debenture Trustees are required to report the details of issuance of the NCDs, the outstanding amount of NCDs and default in repayment of NCDs to the Financial Markets Department, Reserve Bank of India, Central Office, Mumbai 400 001.

It is advised to submit the required information as per format enclosed in

1. Annex 1 (details of issuance of NCDs),
2. Annex 2 (outstanding amount of NCDs), and
3. Annex 3 (particulars of default in repayment of NCDs) to the Chief General Manager, Financial Markets Department, Reserve Bank of India, Central Office, Fort Mumbai 400 001 (Fax: 022-22630981/22634824; e-mail).
4. The required information may be submitted in hard as well as soft copies.
5. While the report on issuance of NCDs may be submitted within 3 days from the date of completion of the issue and
6. the report on default in repayment may be submitted immediately,
7. the report on outstanding amount of NCDs may be submitted on quarterly basis within five working days from the completion of the calendar quarter to which the report pertains.

Issuance of Non-Convertible Debentures (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2010 – An Understanding:

The Reserve Bank of India, having considered it necessary in public interest and to regulate the financial system of the country to its advantage, in exercise of its powers conferred under sections 45K, 45L and  45W of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 and of all the powers enabling it in this behalf, hereby gives to the agencies dealing in securities and money market instruments, the following directions for issuance of Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) of original or initial maturity up to one year.

Definition: Non-Convertible Debenture (NCD) means a debt instrument issued by a corporate (including NBFCs) with original or initial maturity up to one year and issued by way of private placement;

“Corporate” means a company as defined in the Companies Act, 1956 (including NBFCs) and a corporation established by an act of any Legislature.

Eligibility to issue NCDs
A corporate shall be eligible to issue NCDs if it fulfills the following criteria, namely,

1. the corporate has a tangible net worth of not less than Rs.4 crore, as per the latest audited balance sheet;
2. the corporate has been sanctioned working capital limit or term loan by bank/s or all-India financial institution/s; and
   
3. the borrowal account of the corporate is classified as a Standard Asset by the financing bank/s or institution/s.

Rating Requirement
An eligible corporate intending to issue NCDs shall obtain credit rating for issuance of the NCDs from one of the rating agencies, viz., the Credit Rating Information Services of India Ltd. (CRISIL) or the Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency of India Ltd. (ICRA) or the Credit Analysis and Research Ltd. (CARE) or the FITCH Ratings India Pvt. Ltd or such other agencies registered with Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) or such other credit rating agencies as may be specified by the Reserve Bank of India from time to time, for the purpose.
The minimum credit rating shall be P-2 of CRISIL or such equivalent rating by other agencies.

The Corporate shall ensure at the time of issuance of NCDs that the rating so obtained is current and has not fallen due for review.

Maturity

• NCDs shall be issued for maturities of 90 days or more from the date of issue.
• The exercise date of option (put/call), if any, attached to the NCDs shall fall after the period of 90 days from the date of issue.
• The tenor of the NCDs shall not exceed the validity period of the credit rating of the instrument.

Denomination
NCDs may be issued in denominations with a minimum of Rs.5 lakh (face value) and in multiples of Rs.1 lakh.

Limits and the Amount of Issue of NCDs

1. The aggregate amount of NCDs issued by a corporate shall be within such limit as may be approved by the Board of Directors of the corporate or the quantum indicated by the Credit Rating Agency for the rating granted, whichever is lower.
2. The total amount of NCDs proposed to be issued shall be completed within a period of 2 weeks from the date on which the corporate opens the issue for subscription.

Procedure for Issuance

1. The corporate shall disclose to the prospective investors, its financial position as per the standard market practice.
2. The auditors of the corporate shall certify to the investors that all the eligibility conditions set forth in these directions for the issue of NCDs are met by the corporate.
3. The requirements of all the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Issue and Listing of Debt Securities) Regulations, 2008, or any other law, that may be applicable, shall be complied with by the corporate and shall also comply with Debt Listing Agreement.
4. The Debenture Certificate shall be issued within the period prescribed in the Companies Act, 1956 or any other law as in force at the time of issuance. 
5. NCDs may be issued at face value carrying a coupon rate or at a discount to face value as zero coupon instruments as determined by the corporate.

Debenture Trustee

• Every corporate issuing NCDs shall appoint a Debenture Trustee (DT) for each issuance of the NCDs.
• Any entity that is registered as a DT with the SEBI under SEBI (Debenture Trustees) Regulations, 1993, shall be eligible to act as DT for issue of the NCDs only subject to compliance with the requirement of these Directions.
• The DT shall submit to the Reserve Bank of India such information as required by it from time to time.

Investment in NCD
NCDs may be issued to and held by individuals, banks, Primary Dealers (PDs), other corporate bodies including insurance companies and mutual funds registered or incorporated in India and unincorporated bodies, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs).

• Investments in NCDs by Banks/PDs shall be subject to the approval of the respective regulators.
• Investments by the FIIs shall be within such limits as may be set forth in this regard from time to time by the SEBI.

Preference for Dematerialisation

While option is available to both issuers and subscribers to issue/hold NCDs in dematerialised or physical form, they are encouraged to issue/ hold NCDs in dematerialised form. However, banks, FIs and PDs are required to make fresh investments in NCDs only in dematerialised form.

Roles and Responsibilities

12.1 The role and responsibilities of corporates, DTs and the credit rating agencies (CRAs) are set out below:

(a) Corporates
12.2 Corporates shall ensure that the guidelines and procedures laid down for issuance of NCD are strictly adhered to.
(b) Debenture Trustees
12.3 The roles, responsibilities, duties and functions of the DTs shall be guided by these regulations, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Debenture Trustees) Regulations,1993, the trust deed and offer document.
12.4 The DTs shall report, within three days from the date of completion of the issue, the issuance details to the Chief General Manager, Financial Markets Department, Reserve Bank of India, Central Office, Fort, Mumbai-400001.
12.5 DTs should submit to the Reserve Bank of India (on a quarterly basis) a report on the outstanding amount of NCDs of maturity up to year.
12.6 In order to monitor defaults in redemption of NCDs, the DTs are advised to report immediately, on occurrence, full particulars of defaults in repayment of NCDs to the Financial Markets Department, Reserve Bank of India, Central Office, Fort, Mumbai-400001, Fax: 022-22630981/22634824.
12.7 The DTs shall report the information called for under para 12.4, 12.5 and 12.6 of these Directions as per the format notified by the Reserve Bank of India, Financial Markets Department, Central Office, Mumbai from time to time.
(c) Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs)
12.8 Code of Conduct prescribed by the SEBI for the CRAs for undertaking rating of capital market instruments shall be applicable to them (CRAs) for rating the NCDs.
12.9 The CRA shall have the discretion to determine the validity period of the rating depending upon its perception about the strength of the issuer. Accordingly, CRA shall, at the time of rating, clearly indicate the date when the rating is due for review.

12.10 While the CRAs may decide the validity period of credit rating, they shall closely monitor the rating assigned to corporates vis-à-vis their track record at regular intervals and make their revision in the ratings public through their publications and website.

Documentary Procedure

1. Issuers of NCDs of maturity up to one year shall follow the Disclosure Document brought out by the Fixed Income Money Market and Derivatives Association of India (FIMMDA), in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India as amended from time to time.
2. Violation of the directions will attract penalties, which would include debarring of the entity from the NCD market.

Overriding Clarification on Classification of Manufacture & Service Industries under Micro Small Medium Enterprises Act issued by MSME Ministry

Categorisation of activities under manufacture or service under the MSMED Act, 2006

This always remained as a moot point, while categorising under MSMED Act, which provides different limits (link) for manufacturing and servicing industries.

Now, the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises has given a CLARIFICATION in supersession of all other circulars that:

A)    Activities considered as manufacturing :

1. (i)                  Medical Equipment and Ayurvedic Product
2. (ii)                Composite unit of Bacon Processing and Piggery Farm (Piggary Farm without bacon processing shall not be classified either as manufacturing or as service enterprise because this is farming activity)
3. (iii)               Tobacco Processing
4. (iv)              Beedi/ Cigarette manufacturing and other tobacco products
5. (v)                Extraction of Agave Spirit from Agave juice (imported medicinal plant) extraction of Agave
6. (vi)              Manufacture of Bio-fertilizer

B)     Activities considered as Service :

1. (i)                  Sanitation Services (Hiring of Septic Tank Cleaner)
2. (ii)                Clinical Pathological Laboratories and scanning, MRI Tests
3. (iii)               Hospitals
4. (iv)              Agri – clinic and Agri – Business
5. (v)                Restaurants with Bar
6. (vi)              Canteens
7. (vii)             Motel industry

The activity “Bee Keeping” is a farming allied activity and therefore, would not be covered in either manufacturing or service activity.

Source: No.5(6)/2/2009-MSME POL dated 21/07/2009

As you know [MSMED]Small Scale Industry definition only under MSMED Act for IDRA too.

To understand all the notifications of industry, read Industries DIPP updates

Violated Foreign Exchange laws: on becoming aware of the contravention, disclose it to RBI to save huge penalty of 2 lakhs or 3 times the amount involved in transaction [Compounding Master Circular]

It has been decided to put in place an updated procedure for compounding of contravention/s under FEMA on the basis of observations made over the last few years on the compounding process on a continuous basis and the experience gained in dealing with compounding applications. The objective is rationalization and streamlining of the process and the procedure for compounding and to enhance transparency and effect smooth implementation of the compounding process. The directions contained in the compounding of contravention/s issued vide A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No.31 dated February 1, 2005 are superseded by this circular vide A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 56 dated 28th June 2010 and as provided in Master Circular on Compounding of Contraventions under FEMA, 1999 read with Foreign Exchange (Compounding Proceedings) Rules, 2000 (the Rules).  Further, Operational checkpoints for submission of a compounding application and the related matters are also given.

 

When an application is made for compounding of a contravention, the RBI would examine the nature of contravention in the following manner:
• whether the contravention is technical and/or minor in nature and needs only an administrative cautionary advice;
• whether the contravention is serious and warrants compounding of the contravention; and
• whether the contravention, prima facie, involves money-laundering, national and security concerns involving serious infringements of the regulatory framework. In such a case, RBI may order necessary investigation.

Investigation by Enforcement Directorate (ED)
If RBI finds that it is necessary for further investigation, it may recommend the matter to the Directorate of Enforcement (DoE) for further investigation. Such action may be initiated under FEMA, 1999 by the Enforcement Directorate or the Anti Money Laundering Authority instituted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 or to any other agencies, as RBI may deem fit.

Time Frame for Disposing of Compounding Application
RBI states that applications for compounding will be disposed of in 180 days. If investigation as aforesaid is necessary, compounding will not take place. The application will be returned to the Applicant.

Factors Considered for determining the compounding fee
• The amount of gain or unfair advantage;
• The amount of loss caused to the exchequer;
• The economic benefits accruing to the contravener due to delayed compliance;
• The repetitive nature of contravention by the contravener;
• The conduct of contravener in disclosure of information; and
• Such other matter in the opinion of RBI will be the factors on the basis of which the application will be examined.

Time Frame for Payment of Compounding Fee
The amount payable by the contravener as per the compounding order should be paid within 15 days from the date of the order. If the contravener fails to pay the said amount then it will be deemed that the contravener has never applied for compounding of offence.

Repeated Offences <= 3years
A similar offence within 3 years of the compounding of the earlier offence shall not be compoundable.  Any second or subsequent contravention committed after the expiry of a period of three years from the date on which the contravention was previously compounded shall be deemed to be a first contravention.

Certificate after Compounding
RBI will issue a certificate to the contravener subject to the conditions of the compounding order after realization of the amount paid as per the compounding order.

Within 12 months of Export of Goods and Software, Realise & Repatriate export Proceeds till 31st March 2011 now with Master Circular

Export of Goods and Software – Realisation and Repatriation of export proceeds – Liberalisation as per A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No.57 dated 29th June 2010

Attention of Authorised Dealer Category-I (AD Category-I) banks is invited to A.P.(DIR Series) Circular No.70 dated June 30, 2009 increasing the period of realisation and repatriation to India of the amount representing the full export value of goods or software exported, from six months to twelve months from the date of export, subject to review after one year.

The issue has since been reviewed and it has been decided, in consultation with the Government of India, to extend the above relaxation up to March 31, 2011.

To understand the updated version in this regard: Master Circular on Export of Goods and Services

Money Laundering Amendment 2010 with insertion of explanation along with updated Master Circular

Prevention of Money-laundering (Maintenance of Records of the Nature and Value of Transactions, the Procedure and Manner of Maintaining and Time for Furnishing Information and Verification and Maintenance of Records of the Identity of the Clients of the Banking Companies, Financial Institutions and Intermediaries) Second Amendment Rules, 2010- Obligation of banks as per DBOD. AML. BC. No. 113 /14 .01.001/2009-10 dated 29th June 2010.

In the Prevention of Money-laundering (Maintenance of Records of the Nature and Value of Transactions, the Procedure and Manner of Maintaining and Time for Furnishing Information and Verification and Maintenance of Records of the Identity of the Clients of the Banking Companies, Financial Institutions and Intermediaries) Rules, 2005:-

An explanation is added to "suspicious transaction" definition: In rule 2 in sub-rule (1), after clause (g), the following Explanation shall be inserted, namely:-
"Explanation:- Transaction involving financing of the activities relating to terrorism includes transaction involving funds suspected to be linked or related to, or to be used for terrorism, terrorist act or by a terrorist.

 

Further, in Rule 9, the existing sub-rules (1A,B,C,D) are replaced and some Explanation in added in Rule 10.

For full details, kindly refer the Updated Master Circular – Know Your Customer (KYC) norms / Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards/Combating of Financing of Terrorism (CFT)/Obligation of banks under PMLA, 2002

No surrender of the proportionate export incentives under FTP Export Schemes even if proceeds are not realised within 6/12 months

Export of Goods and Services - Unrealised export bills –Write-off - Surrender of export incentives
Attention of Authorised Dealer Category – I (AD Category –I) banks is invited to A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 12 dated September 09, 2000, A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 30 dated April 04, 2001, A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 61 dated December 14, 2002, A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 40 dated December 05, 2003 and A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 33 dated February 28, 2007, in terms of which the AD Category –I banks have been permitted to accede to the requests for "write-off" made by the exporters, subject to the conditions, inter alia, that the exporter had to surrender proportionate export incentives, if availed of, in respect of the relative shipments.

 

It has since been announced in the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2009-14 and specified in Para. 2.25.4 of Handbook of Procedures – Vol. I (2009-2014) (extracts annexed), issued by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry that realisation of export proceeds shall not be insisted upon, under any of the Export Promotion Schemes under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), subject to the following conditions:-
i) the write-off on the basis of merits is allowed by the Reserve Bank or by the AD Category – I banks on behalf of the Reserve Bank, as per the extant guidelines;
ii) the exporter produces a certificate from the Foreign Mission of India concerned, about the fact of non-recovery of export proceeds from the buyer; and
iii) this would not be applicable in self-write-off cases.
The above relaxation is applicable for the exports made with effect from August 27, 2009.

It is clarified that since the Drawback scheme is governed by the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 and the Rules made there under, the provisions contained in para. 2.25.4 of the Handbook of Procedure – Vol. I. of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) (2009-2014) would not be applicable to the Duty Drawback scheme. Therefore, the drawback amount has to be recovered even if the claim is settled by the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India Limited (ECGC) or the write –off is allowed by the Reserve Bank.

Accordingly, the AD Category –I banks are advised not to insist on the surrender of the proportionate export incentives, other than under the Duty Drawback scheme, if availed of, by the exporter under any of the Export Promotion Schemes under the FTP 2009-14, subject to the fulfilment of conditions as stated above.

 

Source: A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No.03 dated 22nd July 2010

Takeout Financing: refinancing of domestic Rupee loans with ECB under RBI approval route

As per the extant norms, refinancing of domestic Rupee loans with External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) is not permitted. However, keeping in view the special funding needs of the infrastructure sector, it has been decided to review the ECB policy and put in place a scheme of take-out finance. Accordingly, it has been decided to permit take-out financing arrangement through ECB, under the approval route, for refinancing of Rupee loans availed of from the domestic banks by eligible borrowers in the sea port and airport, roads including bridges and power sectors for the development of new projects, subject to the following conditions:

1. The corporate developing the infrastructure project should have a tripartite agreement with domestic banks and overseas recognized lenders for take-out of the loan within three years of the scheduled Commercial Operation Date (COD). The scheduled date of occurrence of the take-out should be clearly mentioned in the agreement.
2. The loan should have a minimum average maturity period of 7 years.
3. The domestic bank financing the infrastructure project should comply with the extant prudential norms relating to take-out financing.
4. The fee payable to the overseas lender until the take-out shall not exceed 100 bps per annum.
5. On take-out, the residual loan agreed to be taken- out by the overseas lender would be considered as ECB and the loan should be designated in a convertible foreign currency and all extant norms relating to ECB should be complied with, including the reporting arrangements.
6. Domestic banks / Financial Institutions will not be permitted to guarantee the take-out finance and further it will not be allowed to carry any obligation on its balance sheet after the occurrence of the take-out event.

Source: A.P.(DIR Series) Circular No.04 dated 22nd July 2010

Demat Account Suspension for Debit & Credit without PAN - SEBI mandates & enforces strictly now for all electronic shareholdings

Sub: Mandatory requirement of Permanent Account Number (PAN)

1. Please refer to SEBI circular No.MRD/DoP/Cir-05/2007 dated April 27, 2007 making PAN mandatory for all transactions in the securities market.

2. As you are aware, the demat accounts for which PAN details have not been verified are “suspended for debit” until the same is verified with the Depository Participant (DP). However, it has come to our notice that despite follow up, investors are not furnishing the PAN details.

3. In order to ensure better compliance with the Know Your Client (KYC) norms it has been decided that with effect from August 16, 2010 such PAN non-compliant demat accounts shall also be "suspended for credit" other than the credits arising out of automatic corporate actions. It is clarified that other credits including credits from IPO/FPO/Rights issue, off-market transactions or any secondary market transactions shall not be allowed into such accounts.

Source: CIR/MRD/DP/ 22 /2010 dated 29th July 2010

Mutual Fund (MF) ASBA mandatory from 1st October 2010 and not from 1st July

Sub: Additional mode of payment through Applications Supported by Blocked Amount (hereinafter referred to as “ASBA”) in Mutual Funds

ASBA is already available for subscription to public  issue & rights issue of equity and now it is extended to the investors subscribing to New Fund Offers (NFOs) of mutual fund schemes. It shall co-exist with the current process, wherein cheques/ demand drafts are used as a mode of payment. The banks which are in SEBI’s list shall extend the same facility in case of NFOs of mutual fund schemes to all eligible investors in Mutual Fund units. Mutual Funds shall ensure that adequate arrangements are made by Registrar and Transfer Agents (RTA) for the implementation of ASBA. Mutual Funds/AMCs shall make all relevant disclosures in this regard in the SAI. Also read [SEBI-ASBA] Lets Learn the Concept.

Please refer to circular SEBI / IMD / Cir / No 18 / 198647 / 2010 dated March 15, 2010 regarding additional mode of payments through ASBA in Mutual Funds. The circular indicated that the Mutual Funds/AMCs have to compulsorily provide ASBA facility to the investors for all NFOs launched on or after July 01, 2010.

In partial modification of the above circular, it has been decided that Mutual Funds / AMCs shall provide ASBA facility to investors for all NFOs launched on or after October 1, 2010.

 

Source: Cir / IMD / DF / 6 / 2010 dated 28th July 2010

Lawlabz Group 2nd Year Celebrations this July 2010 with Learnlabz & OnlyThisMuch, the video way, hope you will make it

Lawlabz Biennial Day Xperiments 2010
In our 2 year long journey we have serviced more than 350 clients, 200 company secretary students passed out, 2500 copies of books sold but more importantly we enjoyed all of your support, well wishes & faith.

On this special day, commemorating Law Labz's 2nd anniversary we would like to share our joy with everyone who has made this possible.  We are also taking this opportunity to inaugurate lawlabz.com, an online portal offering corporate legal services in real-time with video based solutions. 

We have created a personalized invite for you here.

• What: Lawlabz, Learnlabz & OnlyThisMuch turns two
• When: 7pm onwards, July 28th 2010 (Wednesday)
• Where: RYA Metro (12, Saravana Mudali Street, Off South Boag Road, T.Nagar)
• Guest of Honour: Mr. K. Pandiarajan, Managing Director Mafoi Randstand
  

Agenda

1. Website & Video Release (by guest of honour)
2. Award Distribution
3. Dinner (8.30 PM onwards)
   

Looking forward to meeting you and hoping for your continued support & motivation.
A.N.S. Vijay on behalf of Lawlabz, Learnlabz & OnlyThisMuch Group

Email & Informal agreement is valid, even an Arbitration can be enforced-Supreme Court on Trimex case - Formalty not required under Contract Act

The Indian Contract Act, 1872: ss.4, 7 – Concluded contract containing arbitration clause - Valid

The  Hon’ble Supreme Court (SC) in a recent judgment in the case of “Trimex International FZE Limited, Dubai vs. Vedanta Aluminium Limited, India” in Re (2010) 3 SCC 1”. It was held that in the absence of signed agreement between the parties, it would be possible to infer from   various documents duly approved and signed by the parties in the form of exchange of emails, letter, telex, telegram and other means of communication. The Hon’ble Supreme Court has accepted the unconditional acceptance through emails and held the same to be a valid contract which satisfies the requirements of Section 4 and 7 of the Contract Act 1872 and further it satisfies Section 2(1)(b), 7 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996.  In the absence of a signed agreement inference can be from documents approved and signed by the parties in the form of exchange emails, letters, telegrams which come within Section 10 and 2(e) of the Contract Act 1972.

As per Section 4: The communication of a proposal is complete when it becomes to the knowledge of the person to whom it is made.

As per Section 7: In order to convert a proposal into a promise the acceptance must - be absolute and unqualified; and be expressed in some usual and reasonable manner, unless the proposal prescribes the manner in which it is to be accepted.

If respondent accepts the offer of petitioner following a very strict time schedule, he cannot escape from the obligations that flowed from such an action -

• Arbitration clause can be inferred from various documents duly approved and signed by the parties in the form of exchange of e-mails, letter, telex, telegrams and other means of tele-communication even in the absence of signed agreement -
• If no inference can be drawn from the facts that the parties intended to be bound only when a formal agreement had been executed, the validity of the agreement would not be affected by its lack of formality -
• On facts, the Commercial Offer carried no clause making the conclusion of the contract incumbent upon the Purchase Order -Therefore, the moment commercial offer was accepted by the respondent, the contract came into existence - Since the contract contained arbitration clause, petitioner made out case for appointment of arbitrator - Arbitration.

Petitioner's case was that on 15.10.2007, it submitted a commercial offer through e-mail for supply of Bauxite to the respondent. After exchange of several e-mails, respondent conveyed acceptance of offer through e-mail on 16.10.2007 confirming the supply of 5 shipments of Bauxite. Dispute arose and petitioner served arbitration notice on the respondent. Respondent rejected the arbitration notice stating that there was no concluded contract between them. Petitioner filed arbitration petition for appointment of arbitrator.

Click here to download the Supreme Court Judgment 2010 on Trimex case.

Thus, Once a contract is concluded orally or in writing, the mere fact that a formal contract has to be prepared and initialed by the parties would not affect either the acceptance of the contract so entered into or implementation thereof, even if the formal contract has never been initialed. The Court reiterated its stand that one of the main objectives of the Act is to
minimize the supervisory role of the courts. In holding this, the Court observed that if a number of extra requirements such as seals and originals, stamps etc. are added in considering an arbitration agreement, it would amount to increasing the role of courts and not minimizing it. Relying upon UNCITRAL Model Law, the Court concluded it would be improper and undesirable for the courts to add a number of extra formalities not envisaged
by the legislation. The court’s objective should be to achieve the legislative intent.  Accordingly, the Court held in favor of the Petitioner and appointed a former judge to arbitrate the matter.  Thus, no more stamp papers & its execution of contracts just for the purpose of enforceability!!!

Keep contractin…

Website link thru BSE/NSE to download ASBA forms online with UIN for making public issue applications - SEBI

SEBI is taking steps forward to make a public issue process completely online.

1. It has been decided to make ASBA bid-cum application forms available for download and printing, from websites of the Stock Exchanges which provide electronic interface for ASBA facility i.e. Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE). The ASBA forms so downloaded shall have a unique application number and can be used for making ASBA applications in public issues. A sample of the form is enclosed at Annexure A. 

Understand all about ASBA - in public issues, rights issues, by Mutual Funds, by QIB's - an alternate way of investing, SEBI

2. In order that the Stock Exchanges fill up essential details of an issue, the Merchant Banker to the issue shall ensure that the following details are provided to the Stock Exchanges at least 2 days before opening of the public issue:
a. Company Name
b. Type of issue
c. Issue opening date
d. Issue closing date
e. Price/ price band
f. Bid lot
g. Other relevant details
h. Soft copy of prospectus/abridged prospectus
3. The Stock Exchanges shall ensure the following :
a. The details furnished by the Merchant Banker to the issue are duly filled in the ASBA form for a specific public issue, before making the same available on websites.
b. The ASBA form for a specific public issue is made available on the websites of the Stock Exchanges at least one day before opening of the public issue.
c. A unique application number for an issue is generated for every ASBA form downloaded and printed from the websites.  Therefore application made using photocopy of the downloaded form shall not be accepted.
d. Investors have online access to soft copy of the abridged prospectus/prospectus of the public issue.
e. For revisions of bids, investors can take print of a bid revision form.
4. Merchant Bankers and SCSBs are directed to provide a hyperlink to BSE or NSE websites for this facility on their websites.  Links are expected in http://www.nseindia.com/content/ipo/ipo_asba_procedures.htm & http://www.bseindia.com/bookbuilding/asba.asp
5. All intermediaries are directed to comply with the instructions contained in this circular.
6. This circular shall be applicable to all public issues opening on or after July 19, 2010.

Ministry of labour turns accountable & release First Annual Report of Employment - is it a hint for labour law reforms [also contains recent updates]

Ministry of Labour & Employment presents to the People of India

the First Annual Report on Employment

with the objective of generating a healthy public debate on the issue of creating quality employment with distributive justice. We solicit valuable comments and suggestions from the people on major issues highlighted in this Report specially those relating to the employment of youth, women and the disadvantaged groups.

Though the report contains most of old statistics with few recent statistics, it was good effort by the Ministry to consolidate as Ministry is accountable to labour by all means, and it is expected that there will be regular reports released to people atleast on yearly basis.  Few excerpts from the report are under:

There are three important categories of employed persons:
1. Regular Salaried/Wage Employees are those who work in others’ farm or non-farm enterprises (both household and non household) and in turn receive salary or wage on a regular basis. This category includes not only persons getting time wage but also persons receiving piece wage or salary and paid apprentices, both full time and part-time.
2. Casual Wage Labour: A person who is casually engaged in others’ farm or non-farm enterprises (both household and non-household) and, who in return, receives wages according to the terms of the daily or periodic work contract.
3. Self Employed: Persons who operate their own farm or non-farm enterprises or are engaged independently in a profession or trade on their own account or with one or a few partners are deemed to be self-employed. Self-employed persons are further categorised as follows:
a) Own-account Workers: Those self-employed persons who operate their enterprises on their own account or with one or a few partners and who, during the reference period, by and large, run their enterprise without hiring any labour.
b) Employers: Those self-employed persons who work on their own account or with one or a few partners and, who, by and large, run their enterprise by hiring labour.
c) Helpers in household enterprises: Those self-employed persons (mostly family members) who are engaged in their household enterprises, working full or part time and who do not receive any regular salary or wages in return for the work performed. They do not run the household enterprise on their own but assist the related person living in the same household in running the household enterprise

 

Recent Amendments in Labour Laws: Promoting Equity and Welfare

• The Payment of Wages Act, 1936 amended to enhance the wage ceiling for its applicability. It is presently fixed at Rs. 10,000/- per month.
• The Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 amended to enhance the eligibility limit from Rs. 3,500/- per month to Rs. 10,000/- and calculation ceiling from Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 3,500/- per month while making employees employed through contractors on building operations eligible for payment of bonus under the Act.
• The Apprentices Act, 1961 amended, inter alia, to provide for reservation for other Backward Classes.
• The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 amended to enhance the medical bonus from Rs. 250/- to Rs. 2,500/-and also empowering the Central Government to increase it from time to time before every three years, by way of notification in the Official Gazette, subject to a maximum of Rs. 20,000/-.
• The Employees State Insurance Act, 1948 amended to improve the quality of delivery of benefits under the scheme and also to enable ESI infrastructure to be used to provide health care to workers of the unorganised sector.
• The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 amended for raising the ceiling of Gratuity for employees in the private sector to Rs. 10 lakh from Rs. 3.5 lakh.
• The Plantations Labour Act, 1951 amended to provide safety and occupational health care to plantations workers.

 

VISION FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA

Against the various challenges, a National Skill Development Policy has been formulated in February, 2009 which targets creating 500 million skilled people by 2022 with the following vision: Skill development should harness inclusivity and reduce economic and social divisions among Indian workforce particularly across rural-urban, male-female, organized- unorganized and traditional/ contemporary. Matching the emerging demands for skills across various industries and economic enterprises. Evolving National Vocational Qualification Framework comparable with international standards. Developing standard certification system by recognizing and including quality skills acquired through any informal system of learning. Greater and more active role for workers‟ organizations, industry, civil society, Panchayati Raj Institutions and other professional bodies. Greater reduction of poverty through enhanced earnings of skilled workers.

Download the First Report of Employment (Report to People)

Download FEMA Master Circulars on FDI/ODI, etc...issued by RBI & updated on 1st July of every year 2010 with foreign exchange law of India up to date

 Note: Master Circulars are a one-point reference of instructions issued by the Reserve Bank of India on a particular subject between July-June. These are issued on July 1 every year and automatically expire on June 30 next year. You can access the Master Circulars issued in previous years by using the Archives. For printing of these circulars please use the PDF version.

Foreign Exchange
Jul 01, 2010
	Master Circular on Establishment of Liaison / Branch / Project Offices in India by Foreign Entities	110 kb
	Master Circular on Acquisition and Transfer of Immovable Property in India by NRIs/PIOs/Foreign Nationals of Non-Indian Origin	97 kb
	Master Circular on Import of Goods and Services	298 kb
	Master Circular on Risk Management and Inter-Bank Dealings	346 kb
	Master Circular on Foreign Investment in India	368 kb
	Master Circular on Memorandum of Instructions governing money changing activities	324 kb
	Master Circular on External Commercial Borrowings and Trade Credits	220 kb
	Master Circular on Export of Goods and Services	351 kb
	Master Circular on Memorandum of Instructions for Opening and Maintenance of Rupee/ Foreign Currency Vostro Accounts of Non-resident Exchange Houses	217 kb
	Master Circular on Money Transfer Service Scheme	123 kb
	Master Circular on Compounding of Contraventions under FEMA, 1999	65 kb
	Master Circular on Direct Investment by Residents in Joint Venture (JV) /Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS) Abroad	362 kb
	Master Circular on Non-Resident Ordinary Rupee (NRO) Account	95 kb
	Master Circular on Remittance Facilities for Non-Resident Indians /Persons of Indian Origin / Foreign Nationals	80 kb
	Master Circular on Miscellaneous Remittances from India – Facilities for Residents	266 kb

  

Source: Click here to download updated RBI Master Circular

Life insurance benefits to Provident Fund employees increased to Rs.1lakh under Deposit linked Insurance scheme (EDLI)

EDLI Scheme amended:  In effect, on death during employment, Family member/nominee will get the following:

• if Average balance is more than Rs.50,000/-
• then Insurance Amount = Rs. 50,000/- + 40% (Excess), subject to a maximum of Rs. 1,00,000/-

Paragraph 22 of Employees Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme, 1974

22.       Scales of assurance benefit and the minimum average balance to be maintained by an employee. – (1)  On the death of an employee, who is a member of the Fund or of a provident fund exempted under section 17 of the Act, as the case may be, the persons entitled to receive the provident fund accumulations of the deceased shall, in addition to such accumulations be paid an amount, equal to the average  balance in the account of the deceased in the Fund or of a Provident Fund exempted under Section 17 of the Act, as the case may be, during preceding twelve months or during the period of his membership, whichever is less, except where the average balance exceeds Rs.50,000 (erstwhile limit was Rs.25,000/-), the amount payable shall be Rs.50,000 (erstwhile Rs.25,000/-)plus 40% (earlier limit was 25%) of the amount in excess of Rs.50,000 (erstwhile Rs.25,000/-) subject to a ceiling of Rs. 1 lakh (earlier Rs. 35,000).

Download Notification No. GSR 523(E) dated 18th June 2010.

Revised monthly wage ceiling limit of 50% of Rs.4000 increased to Rs.8000-Employees Compensation Act for maximum compensation calculation

As you are aware, Workmen's Compensation Act, 1923 becomes Employees with enhanced compensation limits, full medical expenses reimbursement, case disposal within 3 months, etc..& also applicable to casual & clericals, the said amendment which has removed the ceiling of monthly wage limit of Rs.4,000 for the purpose of calculation of Maximum Compensation under the Act is now amended again.

 

Now, a new monthly wage ceiling limit of Rs. 8000 is introduced for the purpose of calculation of 50% of it during computation of Maximum compensation under the Act.  Hence, the maximum compensation can go UPTO 50% of 8000 which comes to Rs. 4000/- that shall be multiplied by Age factor. Thus, effectively it was erstwhile 50% of Rs.4000 and now it is 50% of Rs.8000/-. This amendment is notified vide Central Government Notification No. S.O. 1258(E) vide Ministry of Labour & Employment dated 31st May 2010.

New Scheme to close down Company & comply for non-compliances done under Companies Act, 1956 like non-filing of annual returns, accounts, compliance certificate,etc...Lawlabz Website link

Closure of defunct companies by ROC

COMPANY LAW SETTLEMENT/EASY EXIT SCHEME under The Companies Act, 1956:

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs, has announced an EASY EXIT SCHEME to facilitate the defunct company to get rid of it. The scheme has made very simple for the exit of the defunct company without much effort.

In the normal circumstances closing of a company may take several years and may need to spent lakhs of rupees.

Please contact us immediately for filing the application, for closure of your defunct company, if any at the earliest and avail this golden opportunity.

The opportunity may come once in blue moon. So do ACT IMMEDIATELY and get rid of your defunct company once for all without any future litigation for non compliances.

After the closure of the scheme, it is expected that ROC may take actions on those companies who continue to default the compliances.

Take the opportunity immediately … 

• http://settlementscheme.lawlabz.com/
• http://easyexitscheme.lawlabz.com/

OR call us now @ 044-24340416

Reach us @ 7/13, South Boag Road, T.Nagar, Chennai, 600017

Mail us: solutions@lawlabz.com

Keep closing & enjoy complying!!!

Thank You,

LawLabz

360^o

  Personalised Corporate Solutions

Preserve/Lost your Mark sheets as NO more CS Pass Certificates for Foundation & Executive will be issued by ICSI on passing Company Secretary Exams but for Professional Program

Don’t panic after your CS Results this 25th August 2010 onwards! when you don’t receive your Company Secretary Exam pass certificates, ICSI has resolved not to send the same (may be a cost cutting measure or an environment friendly measure) as it serves no purpose. 

 

I have passed CS Executive Program but I have not received my Certificate, where can I approach? Now, you can feel relaxed!!!, ICSI says.

 

The mark statement (mark sheet) hereon will serve as the proof that you have cleared CS.  The first of its kind PASS certificates, you can receive after finishing your CS Final exams. 

 

Have you lost your CS Marksheet???

Again, not to panic.  You have to shell out Rs.50/- + Rs.25/- to ICSI and apply in Application for issue of Duplicate Result-cum-Mark sheet to get a duplicate copy for further reference & usage.

 

ATTENTION STUDENTS !!

DISCONTINUATION OF ISSUE OF PASS CERTIFICATES  TO FOUNDATION/ EXECUTIVE/INTER PROGRAMME PASS STUDENTS

In accordance with the decision taken by the Council of the Institute recently, it is brought to the notice of  the student community that  henceforth (i.e. from June, 2010 Examination Session onwards),   Pass Certificates will  be issued only to such students who pass Final Course/ Professional Programme. However, Mark Sheets  will continue to be issued to students of  all stages viz. Foundation, Executive/Intermediate and Professional/Final Programmes as per existing practice.

Source:http://www.icsi.edu/webmodules/student/ss_j14.htm

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.”

Learnlabz Activity outside Company Secretary exam centres @ Chennai, Free DVDs for CS students on classes & books

Catching up the heat outside Company Secretary Exam centres at Chennai.  Learnlabz stall was crowded with CS students availing their free DVD’s with lots of excitement & sincerity.  Many were out of the exam halls too early winning their first law exam and found it interesting!!!

 

You can also enjoy our Youtube releases from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OO-tKh9Ptrw&feature=player_embedded

Learnlabz wishes All the Best for every exam giving you a fresh 3 hours!!! – its Only This Much.

We make learning an interesting experience!!!

Effective Date for Revision of Gratuity Amendment Act to Rs. 10 lakhs: Notification in Official Gazette as on 24th May 2010

As you are aware Gratuity Amendment Act 2010 is notified in Official Gazette with Rs.10 lakhs as limit replacing Rs.3,50,000

The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Act, 2010 is notified in Official Gazette on 18^th May 2010, amending the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 with revision in maximum ceiling from Rs. 3.5 lac to Rs. 10 lakhs.

The said Act shall come into force with effect from 24th May 2010 as per the Notification S.O. 1217(E) published in the Official Gazette.

Money laundering transaction records & definition of beneficial owner in Amendment Rules 2010 - RBI

Prevention of Money-laundering (Maintenance of Records of the Nature and Value of Transactions, the Procedure and Manner of Maintaining and Time for Furnishing Information and Verification and Maintenance of Records of the Identity of the Clients of the Banking Companies, Financial Institutions and Intermediaries) Amendment Rules, 2010 - Obligation of banks/All India Financial institutions

 

Government of India vide its Notification No. 7/2010-E.S.F.No.6/8/2009-E.S dated February 12, 2010 has amended the Prevention of Money-laundering (Maintenance of Records of the Nature and Value of Transactions, the Procedure and Manner of Maintaining and Time for Furnishing Information and Verification and Maintenance of Records of the Identity of the Clients of the Banking Companies, Financial Institutions and Intermediaries) Rules, 2005. A copy of the Notification is enclosed for ready reference in DBOD. AML.BC. No. 95 /14.01.001/2009-10 dated 23rd April 2010.

The salient features of the amendment inter alia require banks and All India
Financial Institutions:
• to maintain the records of all transactions including the records of transactions detailed in rule 3 sub-rule (1).
• the records referred to in rule 3 should contain all necessary information specified by the Regulator to permit reconstruction of individual transactions including the information detailed in rule 4.

Further, in rule 9 in sub-rule (1A) an explanation of 'beneficial owner' has been inserted in terms of which " ' Beneficial Owner' shall mean the natural person who ultimately owns or controls a client and or the person on whose behalf a transaction is being conducted, and includes a person who exercise ultimate effective control over a juridical person".