SEBI simplifies foreign investment rules to boost inflows

07 Oct 2013 Evaluate

With a view of simplifying investment of foreign entities in India, Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved new Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) regulations to put in place easier registration process and operating framework for such entities. With these norms, registration would be granted to such entities within 10 days of application.

Under the norms, all existing FIIs (Foreign Institutional Investors), their sub-accounts and Qualified Foreign Investors (QFIs) would be merged into this new investor class to be known as FPIs, which would be then divided in three categories as per their risk profile. Further, the KYC (Know Your Client) requirements and other registration procedures would also be simplified. Additionally, permanent registration will be allotted to such entities as against the current practice of granting approvals for a period of one year or five years.

The FPIs would be allowed to invest across a host of the capital market segments, including in shares, debentures, warrants, mutual funds, collective investment schemes, derivatives, treasury bills and government securities. However, FPI investments are limited up to maximum of 10% equity stake in a company, subject to the applicable sectoral caps. Besides, these new class of investors can also invest in the commercial papers, security receipts of asset reconstruction companies, perpetual debt instruments, non-convertible debentures, infrastructure debt funds and Indian Depository Receipts.

Meanwhile, SEBI has approved setting up 'Designated Depository Participants (DDPs)', which would register FPIs on behalf of the market regulator subject to compliance with KYC norms.

All these rules are part of a slew of regulatory measures to attract foreign investors, including simplifying the auction system to bid for domestic bonds. These measures come at a time when policy makers scramble to reverse some of the capital outflows from the country since late May that have hit bonds and the rupee.

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