The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has granted approval for Not for Profit Organisations (NPOs) to enhance their fundraising capabilities through the social stock exchange. In a significant move, the regulator is introducing flexibility measures to facilitate this process.
Reduced Minimum Issue Size for NPOs
- To support NPOs on the social stock exchange, SEBI has decided to decrease the minimum issue size for public issuance of Zero Coupon Zero Principal Instruments (ZCZP) from Rs 1 crore to Rs 50 lakh.
- This reduction aims to make fundraising more accessible for NPOs, fostering a conducive environment for social impact initiatives.
Regulatory Framework for Index Providers
- Recognizing the importance of transparency and accountability in the governance and administration of financial benchmarks in the securities market, SEBI is set to introduce a regulatory framework for index providers.
- This initiative is expected to enhance the overall integrity and reliability of financial benchmarks.
Regulation of Online Platforms Offering Fractional Ownership of Real Estate
- SEBI has taken a proactive stance by deciding to regulate online platforms that provide fractional ownership of real estate assets.
- These platforms will be brought under the regulatory framework for small and medium Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), ensuring a structured and secure environment for investors participating in this segment.
Dematerialization of Fresh Investments by Alternate Investment Funds
- In a move towards streamlining processes and enhancing transparency, SEBI announced that all fresh investments by alternate investment funds (AIFs) will be held in demat form, effective from September 2024.
- This step aims to align with evolving market practices and improve efficiency in the AIF space.
Warning on Equity Derivatives Trading
- SEBI Chairperson, Madhabi Puri Buch, expressed concerns about investors losing money in equity derivatives trading.
- While acknowledging the individual risk, Buch emphasized that, at a systematic level, there is no overarching concern due to increased activity in equity derivatives trading.
- As a responsible regulator, SEBI sees it as its duty to issue warnings and ensure investor protection.
Questions Related to Exams
Q: What flexibility has SEBI granted to Not for Profit Organisations (NPOs) regarding fundraising?
A: SEBI has approved measures to enhance fundraising for NPOs on the social stock exchange, including a reduction in the minimum issue size for public offerings of Zero Coupon Zero Principal Instruments (ZCZP) from Rs 1 crore to Rs 50 lakh.
Q: What regulatory framework is SEBI introducing for index providers?
A: SEBI is implementing a regulatory framework for index providers to ensure transparency and accountability in the governance and administration of financial benchmarks in the securities market.
Q: What concern did SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch express about equity derivatives trading?
A: Madhabi Puri Buch expressed concern about investors losing money in equity derivatives trading. However, she clarified that, at a systematic level, there is no overarching concern due to increased activity in equity derivatives trading. SEBI sees it as its duty to issue warnings and ensure investor protection.