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The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has embarked on a comprehensive review of the SEBI (Stock Brokers) Regulations, 1992, through a recently issued consultation paper aimed at enhancing regulatory clarity, investor protection, and operational ease for market intermediaries. Alongside these regulatory updates, SEBI has taken significant steps to permit investment advisers (IAs) and research analysts (RAs) to use liquid mutual funds and overnight mutual funds as alternatives to traditional bank fixed deposits for meeting their mandatory deposit requirements, signaling a move toward greater flexibility and modernization in compliance frameworks.
Key Highlights of SEBI’s Regulatory Review and Deposit Norms Update:
SEBI’s consultation paper seeks public comment on proposed amendments to the 1992 Stock Brokers Regulations, focusing on improved governance, operational vigilance, client safeguards, and streamlining of registration and compliance processes. These proposals are part of SEBI’s ongoing efforts to adapt regulatory regimes to evolving market realities and technological advancements.
The revised framework underscores the importance of enhancing surveillance and internal control systems to detect and prevent fraud and market abuse, aligning with prior amendments that introduced institutional mechanisms for fraud prevention.
For investment advisers and research analysts, SEBI has eased the deposit maintenance norms by approving the use of units of liquid mutual funds and overnight funds, alongside bank fixed deposits, to satisfy lien-marked deposit requirements. This represents a significant shift from the erstwhile exclusive requirement to hold fixed deposits with scheduled banks.
The move addresses practical difficulties faced by IAs and RAs in opening fixed deposit accounts and in lien marking procedures, which often varied across banks causing operational challenges.
Liquid and overnight mutual funds are recognized by SEBI as relatively low-risk instruments with lower volatility than other asset classes, and they benefit from transparent valuation via net asset value (NAV) calculations. SEBI’s infrastructure supports lien marking on mutual fund units effectively within the securities market ecosystem, enhancing regulatory oversight and ease of administration.
The permissible deposit amount for IAs and RAs scales with their client base, ranging from ₹1 lakh for up to 150 clients to ₹10 lakh for more than 1,000 clients, with the deposits to be maintained continuously and reviewed annually for adequacy.
In cases where mutual fund units’ market value dips below the required deposit level due to NAV fluctuations or increased client numbers, additional units must be lien-marked to bridge the shortfall, ensuring constant compliance.
Context and Strategic Importance:
SEBI’s regulatory updates for stock brokers and market intermediaries form part of its proactive agenda to strengthen market integrity, enhance investor trust, and simplify compliance hurdles. The review of stock broker regulations aims to reflect contemporary market practices and risks while fostering transparent and efficient capital markets.
By permitting liquid and overnight mutual funds as deposit instruments for IAs and RAs, SEBI encourages a more seamless and investor-friendly regulatory environment. This approach supports digitalization by leveraging dematerialized units and online platforms, reduces dependence on bank fixed deposits, and promotes optimal capital utilization by market professionals.
Implications for Market Participants:
Investment advisers and research analysts benefit from enhanced operational flexibility and reduced bottlenecks in meeting regulatory capital safeguards. The adoption of mutual fund units as deposits offers liquidity benefits and potentially better returns compared to traditional fixed deposits, while maintaining the security and regulatory oversight required.
For stock brokers, the consultation paper invites feedback from stakeholders on improving norms related to governance, risk management, and customer grievance redressal. This participative approach aims to fine-tune regulations ensuring they remain robust yet business-friendly.
The broader securities market is expected to gain from strengthened regulatory frameworks and eased procedural requirements, which can lead to improved market participation, compliance transparency, and investor protection.
Looking Ahead:
SEBI’s consultation paper on stock broker regulations will undergo stakeholder consultations before final rule-making, anticipated in forthcoming months. The approvals related to IAs and RAs depositing norms are already operational, reflecting SEBI’s commitment to iterative regulatory enhancements responding to industry needs.
Market entities are encouraged to review these developments, actively participate in consultation feedback, and align operational practices with the evolving compliance landscape.
Source: SEBI official consultation paper dated August 2025; SEBI board approvals and circulars; Moneycontrol, CNBC-TV18, Economic Times, Angel One reports
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