2023-09-26
Added · Updated
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued this Master Circular to consolidate all existing directions for Merchant Bankers into a single document, rescinding previous circulars while preserving the validity of prior actions. The regulations mandate online registration via the SEBI Intermediary Portal, define permissible activities and fund deployment limits, and establish strict conditions for granting registration to group entities. Furthermore, the document outlines general obligations including half-yearly compliance reporting, investor complaint redressal mechanisms, and detailed procedures for obtaining prior approval for changes in control or business transfers.
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MASTER CIRCULAR
SEBI/HO/CFD/PoD-1/P/CIR/2023/157
September 26, 2023
To
Registered Merchant Bankers
Dear Sir / Madam,
Subject: Master Circular for Merchant Bankers Registered with SEBI
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI” or “the Board”) has
been, from time to time, issuing various circulars/directions to Merchant Bankers under the relevant provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Merchant Bankers) Regulations, 1992 (“Merchant Bankers Regulations 1992”) and extant securities laws. In order to enable the stakeholders to have access to all such circulars at one place, this Master Circular in respect of Merchant Bankers has been prepared.
With the issuance of this Master Circular, all directions/instructions contained
in the circulars listed out in the Appendix to this Master Circular shall stand rescinded to the extent they relate to the Merchant Bankers.
Notwithstanding such rescission, -
(a) anything done or any action taken or purported to have been done or taken under the rescinded circulars, prior to such rescission, shall be deemed to have been done or taken under the corresponding provisions of this Master Circular; and (b) any application made to the Board under the rescinded circulars, prior to such rescission, and pending before it shall be deemed to have been made under the corresponding provisions of this Master Circular.
This Master Circular is issued in exercise of the powers conferred under
Section 11(1) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992
(“SEBI Act”).
This Master Circular is available on the website of SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in.
Yours faithfully,
Yogita Jadhav
General Manager
Division of Policy and Development
Corporation Finance Department
Phone + 91-022-26449583
Email: yogitag@sebi.gov.in
Table of Contents
List of Abbreviations ......................................................................................4
CHAPTER I –REGISTRATION RELATED MATTERS ....................................5
List of Abbreviations
ADR American Depository Receipts
AoA Articles of Association
ASBA Application Supported by Blocked Amount
ATR Action Taken Report
BTI Bankers to Issue
CERT-in Indian Computer Emergency Response Team CFD Corporation Finance Department CRA Credit Rating Agency DP Depository Participant DRHP Draft Red Herring Prospectus FPO Further Public Offer GDR Global Depository Receipts GRC Governance, Risk & Compliance ICD Inter Corporate Deposits ICDR Regulations Securities and Exchange Board of India (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018 IFSC International Financial Service Centres IOSCO International Organization of Securities Commissions IPO Initial Public Offer ISIN International Securities Identification Number KYC Know Your Client LODR Regulations Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements ) Regulations 2015 LOF Letter of Offer MBs Merchant Bankers NBFC Non-Banking Financial Company NCLT National Company Law Tribunal NOC No Objection Certificate OFS Offer For Sale PAC Persons Acting in Concert PAN Permanent Account Number QIP Qualified Institutional Placement RBI Reserve Bank of India RII Retail Individual Investor RTA Registrar and Transfer Agents SaaS Software as a Service SAST Regulations Securities and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011 SCSB Self-Certified Syndicate Banks SME Small and Medium sized Enterprises UPI Unified Payments Interface UW Underwriter
CHAPTER I –REGISTRATION RELATED MATTERS
SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD1/CIR/P/2017/38 dated May 02, 2017 2 SEBI RMB CIRCULAR NO. 1(98-99) dated June 05, 1998 and RMB CIRCULAR NO. 2(98-99) dated August 11, 1998 SEBI RMB CIRCULAR NO. 1(98-99) dated June 05, 1998
2.1.2. Underwriting connected with the aforesaid Public Issue Management
Business
2.1.3. Managing/advising on International Offerings of Debt/Equity i.e. GDR,
ADR, bonds and other instruments
2.1.4. Private Placement of Securities
2.1.5. Primary or Satellite dealership of Government Securities
2.1.6. Corporate Advisory Services related to the Securities Market such as
takeovers, acquisitions, disinvestment etc.
2.1.7. Stock-broking
2.1.8. Advisory services for projects
2.1.9. Syndication of rupee term loans
2.1.10.International Financial Advisory Services 2.2.Source of Funds: A merchant banker may raise money by way of issue of Secured Debentures/Secured Bonds/ICDs as a source of fund. 2.3.It is clarified that 4 -
2.3.1. A merchant banker can deploy its surplus funds to the extent of its net
worth in securities.
2.3.2. Subject to the provisions of regulation 3 (2A) of the Merchant Bankers
Regulations 1992, a merchant banker can carry on - 2.3.2.1.underwriting activities and can acquire securities as a part of underwriting commitment in case of devolvement and dispose it off subsequently. However, such a merchant banker is restricted to engage in the purchase and sale of same securities like an investment company. 2.3.2.2.Portfolio Management activities.
4 RMB/CIRCULAR NO.4 (98-99) dated March 30, 1999
2.3.3. A merchant banker is not allowed to borrow funds from the market and
engage in the acquisition and sale of securities.
3. Conditions for granting registration to applicants notwithstanding that a
connected persons has been previously granted registration 5 3.1.With respect to regulation 6(c) of the Merchant Bankers Regulations 1992, it is clarified that SEBI may consider grant of certificate of registration to an applicant, notwithstanding that another entity in the same group has been previously granted registration by the Board, if the following conditions are fulfilled:
3.1.1. The entities are incorporated as separate legal entities.
3.1.2. The entities have independent Board of Directors. Independent Board of
Directors for this purpose means that common directors should not be in majority in both the Boards.
3.1.3. There is absolute arm’s length relationship with reference to their
operations.
3.1.4. The key personnel and infrastructure are independently available for
each entity.
3.1.5. Each entity has independent regulatory controls and supervisory
mechanism
3.2.It is also clarified that when two entities in the same group are granted registration, any action by way of suspension or cancellation of registration taken by SEBI against one entity, may entail action under regulation 35 of the Merchant Bankers Regulations 1992 against other entities of the same group registered in terms of the said Regulations. Explanation: Two entities are considered to be in the same group if:
(i) the same person, by himself or in combination with his relatives, directly or indirectly exercises control over both the entities; or (ii) they are part of the promoter group or group companies; or
5 RMB Circular No. 1 (2002-2003) dated September 17, 2002
(iii) where one entity directly or indirectly exercises control over the other entity. [‘Control’ for this purpose means control as defined in regulation 2(1)(e) of the SAST Regulations]
4. Designated e-mail ID for redressal of investor complaints and regulatory
communication with SEBI 6
4.1.Merchant Bankers shall designate e-mail IDs for (i) registration and redressal of investor complaints and (ii) regulatory communication with SEBI and shall inform to SEBI at mb@sebi.gov.in as per the format prescribed at Annexure I. 4.2.The aforesaid e-mail IDs shall be exclusively used for the above purposes and shall not be a person-centric e-mail ID.
5. Prior approval for change in control 7
5.1.To streamline the process of obtaining approval for the proposed change in control of Merchant Bankers, the following procedure has been specified:
5.1.1. The intermediary shall make an online application to SEBI for prior
approval through the SEBI Intermediary Portal (‘SI Portal’) (https://siportal.sebi.gov.in).
5.1.2. The online application in SI portal shall be accompanied by the following
information / declaration / undertaking about itself, the acquirer(s) / the person(s) who shall have the control and the directors / partners of the acquirer(s) / the person(s) who shall have the control:
5.1.2.1.Current and proposed shareholding pattern of the intermediary. 5.1.2.2.Whether any application was made in the past to SEBI seeking registration in any capacity but was not granted? If yes, details thereof. 5.1.2.3.Whether any action has been initiated/taken under Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 (SCRA) / Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 (SEBI Act) or rules and
6 SEBI Circular No. MIRSD/DPS III/Cir-01/07 dated January 22, 2007 and SEBI Circular No. MIRSD/ DPSIII/ Cir-24/ 08 dated July 25, 2008 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/CFD/PoD-2/P/CIR/2023/141 dated August 10, 2023
regulations made thereunder? If yes, the status thereof along with the corrective action taken to avoid such violations in the future. The acquirer(s) / the person(s) who shall have the control shall also confirm that it shall honour all past liabilities / obligations of the applicant, if any. 5.1.2.4.Whether any investor complaint is pending? If yes, steps taken and confirmation that the acquirer(s) / the person(s) who shall have the control shall resolve the same. 5.1.2.5.Details of litigation(s), if any. 5.1.2.6.Confirmation that all the fees due to SEBI have been paid. 5.1.2.7.Declaration cum undertaking of the intermediary and the acquirer(s) / the person(s) who shall have the control (in a format enclosed at Annexure II), duly stamped and signed by their authorized signatories that:
i. there will not be any change in the Board of Directors of
incumbent, till the time prior approval is granted;
ii. pursuant to grant of prior approval by SEBI, the incumbent
shall inform all the existing investors/ clients of the intermediary about the proposed change prior to effecting the same, in order to enable them to take informed decision regarding their continuance or otherwise with the new management; and
iii. the ‘fit and proper person’ criteria as specified in Schedule
II of SEBI (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008 are complied with.
5.1.2.8.In case the incumbent intermediary is a registered stock broker, clearing member, depository participant, in addition to the above, it shall obtain approval / NOC from all the stock exchanges / clearing corporations / depositories, where the incumbent is a member/depository participant and submit self-attested copy of the same to SEBI.
5.1.3. Subject to other appropriate sectoral regulator’s approval with regard to
change in control, the prior approval granted by SEBI shall be valid for a period of six months from the date of SEBI’s approval within which the applicant shall file application for fresh registration pursuant to change in control. 5.2.To streamline the process of providing approval to the proposed change in control of an intermediary in matters which involve scheme(s) of arrangement which needs sanction of the National Company Law Tribunal (“NCLT”) in terms of the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, the following has been decided:
5.2.1. The application for approval of the proposed change in control of the
intermediary shall be filed with SEBI prior to filing the application with NCLT.
5.2.2. Upon being satisfied with compliance of the applicable
regulatory requirements, an in-principle approval will be granted by SEBI;
5.2.3. The validity of such in-principle approval shall be three months from the
date of issuance, within which the relevant application shall be made to NCLT.
5.2.4. Within 15 days from the date of order of NCLT, the intermediary shall
submit an online application in terms of paragraph 3 of this circular along with the following documents to SEBI for final approval:
5.2.4.1.Copy of the NCLT Order approving the scheme; 5.2.4.2.Copy of the approved scheme; 5.2.4.3.Statement explaining modifications, if any, in the approved scheme vis-à-vis the draft scheme and the reasons for the same; and 5.2.4.4.Details of compliance with the conditions/ observations, if any, mentioned in the in-principle approval provided by SEBI. 5.3.With respect to transfer of shareholdings among immediate relatives and transmission of shareholdings and their effect on change in control, the
following is clarified: 8
5.3.1. Transfer /transmission of shareholding in case of unlisted Merchant
Bankers: In following scenarios, change in shareholding of the Merchant Bankers will not be construed as change in control:
5.3.1.1.Transfer of shareholding among immediate relatives shall not result into change in control. Immediate relative shall be construed as defined under Regulation 2(l) of the SAST Regulations, which inter-alia includes any spouse of that person, or any parent, brother, sister or child of the person or of the spouse. 5.3.1.2.Transfer of shareholding by way of transmission to immediate relative or not, shall not result into change in control. 5.3.1.3.Incoming entities/shareholders becoming part of controlling interest in the Merchant Bankers pursuant to transfer of shares from immediate relative / transmission of shares (immediate relative or not), need to satisfy the fit and proper person criteria stipulated in Schedule II to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008.
6. Transfer of business by SEBI registered intermediaries to other legal entity 9
6.1.In respect of the registration applications pursuant to transfer of business (SEBI regulated business activity) from one legal entity, which is a SEBI registered Intermediary (transferor), to other legal entity (transferee), the following is clarified:
6.1.1. The transferee shall obtain fresh registration from SEBI in the same
capacity before the transfer of business if it is not registered with SEBI in the same capacity. SEBI shall issue new registration number to transferee different from transferor’s registration number in the following scenario: “Business is transferred through regulatory process (pursuant to merger / amalgamation / corporate restructuring by way of order of
8 SEBI/HO/MIRSD/DOR/CIR/P/2021/42 dated March 25, 2021 9 SEBI/HO/MIRSD/DOR/CIR/P/2021/46 dated March 26, 2021
primary regulator /govt. / NCLT, etc.) or non-regulatory process (as per private agreement /MOU pursuant to commercial dealing / private arrangement) irrespective of transferor continues to exist or ceases to exist after the said transfer. 6.2.In case of change in control pursuant to both regulatory process and nonregulatory process, prior approval and fresh registration shall be obtained. While granting fresh registration to the same legal entity pursuant to change in control, same registration number shall be retained. 6.3.If the transferor ceases to exist, its certificate of registration shall be surrendered. 6.4.In case of complete transfer of business by transferor, it shall surrender its certificate of registration. 6.5.In case of partial transfer of business by transferor, it can continue to hold its certificate of registration.
CHAPTER II - GENERAL OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
7. Regulatory Compliance and Periodic Reporting10
7.1.The Merchant Bankers are required to submit half-yearly reports to SEBI in electronic form only by e-mail within three months from the expiry of the half year. The format of the report is specified in Annexure III.
7.2.The Boards of Merchant Bankers shall, review the above half-yearly reports and record its observations on (i) the deficiencies and non-compliances; (ii) corrective measures initiated to avoid such instances in future; (iii) pre-issue and post-issue due diligence process followed and whether they are satisfied; and (iv) track record of past issues managed. 7.3.The compliance officer shall certify the above half-yearly reports and shall submit such reports to SEBI. Such reports shall be submitted in two files– one file in pdf format and the other in excel format. 7.4.The pdf/excel files containing the half-yearly report is required to be sent to email ID mb@sebi.gov.in with the subject/title “Half-yearly report submitted by AAA for the half-year ended XXX YYYY” where AAA represents the name of the Merchant Banker, XXX represents the month at the end of the half-year and YYYY represents the year. Also, the attached pdf/excel file containing the half yearly report shall bear the name of the Merchant Banker, the periodicity of the report as well as the month at the end of the half-year and the corresponding year. For example, if a Merchant Banker ABC Limited submits the report for the half year ended September, 2008, the report submitted to mb@sebi.gov.in shall bear the subject/title - “Half-yearly report submitted by ABC Limited for the halfyear ended September 2008” and the attached pdf/excel file shall bear the name “ABCLimitedhalfyearlySeptember2008”. 7.5.The merchant bankers are also required to report the following change(s) to SEBI through the half-yearly reports: 11
10 SEBI Cir. No. MIRSD/DPS-2/MB/Cir-16/2008 dated May 06, 2008 and SEBI Circular No. CIR/MIRSD/6/2012 dated May 14, 11 SEBI Circular No. CIR/MIRSD/7/2011 dated June 17, 2011
7.5.1. Amalgamation, demerger, consolidation or any other kind of corporate
restructuring falling within the scope of section 230 of the Companies Act, 2013 or the corresponding provision of any other law for the time being in force;
7.5.2. Change in Director, including managing director/ whole-time director;
7.5.3. Change in shareholding not resulting in change in control.
8. Disclosure of Track Record of the public issues managed by Merchant Bankers12
8.1.In order to enable investors to understand the level of due diligence exercised by the merchant bankers in managing public issues, the merchant bankers are required to disclose the track record of the performance of the public issues managed by them. The track record is required to be disclosed for a period of three financial years from the date of listing for each public issue managed by the merchant banker. The format for disclosure of track records is given in the Annexure IV. 8.2.The track record shall be disclosed on the website of the merchant banker and a reference to this effect shall be made in the offer documents of public issues managed in the future. In case more than one merchant banker is associated with a public issue, all merchant bankers who have signed the due diligence certificate, as disclosed in the offer document, shall disclose the track record.
9. Publishing Investor Charter and Disclosure of Complaints by Merchant Bankers
on their Websites13
9.1.With a view to provide investors an idea about the various activities pertaining to primary market issuances as well as exit options like Takeovers, Buybacks or Delistings at one single place, an Investor Charter was developed. 9.2.All the registered merchant bankers shall disclose on their website, Investor Charter for each of the following categories, as provided at Annexure V to this circular –
12 SEBI Circular No. CIR/MIRSD/1/2012 dated January 10, 2012 13 SEBI/HO/CFD/DCR2/P/CIR/2021/0661 dated November 23, 2021
9.2.1. Initial Public Offer (IPO) and Further Public Offer (FPO) including Offer
for Sale (OFS);
9.2.2. Rights Issue;
9.2.3. Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP);
9.2.4. Preferential Issue;
9.2.5. SME IPO and FPO including OFS;
9.2.6. Buyback of Securities;
9.2.7. Delisting of Equity Shares;
9.2.8. Substantial Acquisitions of Shares and Takeovers.
9.3.Additionally, in order to bring about transparency in the Investor Grievance Redressal Mechanism, all the registered Merchant Bankers shall disclose on their respective websites, the data on complaints received against them or against issues dealt by them and redressal thereof, on each of the aforesaid categories separately as well as collectively, latest by 7th of succeeding month, as per the format enclosed at Annexure VI to this circular. 10.Advisory for Financial Sector Organizations regarding Software as a Service (SaaS) based solutions14 10.1.Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Govt. of India (MoE&IT), had informed SEBI that the financial sector institutions avails or may avail Software as a Service (SaaS) based solution for managing their Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) functions so as to improve their cyber Security Posture. As observed by MoE&IT, though SaaS may provide ease of doing business and quick turnaround, but it may bring significant risk to health of financial sector as many a time risk and compliance data of the institution moves beyond the legal and jurisdictional boundary of India due to nature of shared cloud SaaS, thereby posing risk to the data safety and security. 10.2.In this regard, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-in) had issued an advisory for Financial Sector organizations. The advisory had been
14 SEBI/HO/MIRSD2/DOR/CIR/P/2020/221 dated November 03, 2020
forwarded to SEBI for bringing the same to the notice of financial sector organization. The advisory is enclosed at Annexure VII. 10.3.Merchant Bankers are advised to ensure complete protection and seamless control over the critical systems at their organizations by continuous monitoring through direct control and supervision protocol mechanisms while keeping the critical data within the legal boundary of India. 10.4.The compliance of the advisory shall be reported in the half-yearly report to SEBI with an undertaking stating the following: “Compliance of the SEBI circular for Advisory for Financial Sector Organizations regarding Software as a Service (SaaS) based solutions has been made.”
CHAPTER III – OTHER GUIDELINES
11.Processing of Investor Complaints in SEBI Complaints Redress System (SCORES) 15 11.1.SEBI launched a centralized web based complaints redress system ‘SCORES’ in June 2011. 11.2.Merchant Bankers shall comply with the requirements laid down vide Master Circular No. SEBI/HO/OIAE/IGRD/P/CIR/2022/0150 dated November 7, 2022, as applicable and as amended from time to time. 11.3.As an additional measure and for information of all investors who deal/ invest/ transact in the market, the offices of Merchant Bankers shall display information as provided in Annexure VIII. 12.Prevention of circulation of unauthenticated news by SEBI Registered Market Intermediaries through various modes of communication17 12.1.As market rumours can do considerable damage to the normal functioning and behavior of the market and distort price recovery mechanisms, the Merchant Bankers are directed that:
12.1.1.Proper internal code of conduct and controls should be put in place. 12.1.2.Employees/temporary staff/voluntary workers etc. employed/working in the Offices of merchant bankers do not encourage or circulate rumours or unverified information obtained from client, industry, any trade or any other sources without verification. 12.1.3.Access to Blogs/Chat forums/Messenger sites etc. should either be restricted under supervision or access should not be allowed. 12.1.4.Logs for any usage of such Blogs/Chat forums/Messenger sites (called by any nomenclature) shall be treated as records and the same should
15 CIR/MIRSD/17/2011 dated August 24, 2011
16 CIR/MIRSD/3/2014 dated August 28, 2014
17 SEBI Circulars No Cir/ ISD/1/2011 dated March 23, 2011 and Cir/ ISD/2/2011 dated March 24, 2011
be maintained as specified by the respective Regulations which govern the merchant bankers. 12.1.5.Employees should be directed that any market related news received by them either in their official mail/personal mail/blog or in any other manner, should be forwarded only after the same has been seen and approved by the Compliance Officer of the merchant banker. If an employee fails to do so, he/she shall be deemed to have violated the various provisions contained in the SEBI Act/Rules/Regulations etc. and shall be liable for action. The Compliance Officer shall also be held liable for breach of duty in this regard. 13.Guidelines on Outsourcing of Activities by Merchant Bankers18 13.1.SEBI Regulations for various intermediaries require that they shall render at all times high standards of service and exercise due diligence and ensure proper care in their operations. 13.2.It has been observed that often the Merchant Bankers resort to outsourcing with a view to reduce costs, and at times, for strategic reasons. 13.3.Outsourcing may be defined as the use of one or more than one third party – either within or outside the group by a merchant banker to perform the activities associated with services which the merchant banker offers. 13.4.Principles for Outsourcing - The risks associated with outsourcing may be operational risk, reputational risk, legal risk, country risk, strategic risk, exitstrategy risk, counter party risk, concentration and systemic risk. The principles for outsourcing are given at Annexure IX which shall be followed by the merchant bankers. 13.5.Activities that are not to be Outsourced - The merchant bankers desirous of outsourcing their activities shall not, however, outsource their core business activities and compliance functions. In respect of Know Your Client (KYC) requirements, the merchant bankers are required to comply with the provisions of Securities and Exchange Board of India {KYC (Know Your Client)
18 SEBI Circular No. CIR/MIRSD/24/2011 dated December 15, 2011
Registration Agency} Regulations, 2011 and Guidelines issued thereunder from time to time. 13.6.Reporting to Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) – The merchant bankers are responsible for reporting of any suspicious transactions / reports to FIU or any other competent authority in respect of activities carried out by the third parties. 14.General Guidelines for dealing with conflicts of interest of merchant bankers and their associated persons in Securities Market 19 14.1.Merchant Bankers and their associated persons shall abide by the following guidelines for avoidance of conflict of interest:
14.1.1.lay down, with active involvement of senior management, policies and internal procedures to identify and avoid or to deal or manage actual or potential conflict of interest, develop an internal code of conduct governing operations and formulate standards of appropriate conduct in the performance of their activities, and ensure to communicate such policies, procedures and code to all concerned; 14.1.2.at all times maintain high standards of integrity in the conduct of their business; 14.1.3.ensure fair treatment of their clients and not discriminate amongst them; 14.1.4.ensure that their personal interests do not, at any time, conflict with their duty to their clients and client’s interest always takes primacy in their advice, investment decisions and transactions; 14.1.5.make appropriate disclosure to the clients of possible source or potential areas of conflict of interest which would impair their ability to render fair, objective and unbiased services; 14.1.6.endeavor to reduce opportunities for conflict through prescriptive measures such as through information barriers to block or hinder the flow of information from one department/ unit to another, etc.;
19 SEBI Circular No. CIR/MIRSD/5/2013 dated August 27, 2013
14.1.7.place appropriate restrictions on transactions in securities while handling a mandate of issuer or client in respect of such security so as to avoid any conflict; 14.1.8.not deal in securities while in possession of material non published information; 14.1.9.not to communicate the material non published information while dealing in securities on behalf of others;
14.1.10. not in any way contribute to manipulate the demand for or supply of
securities in the market or to influence prices of securities;
14.1.11. not have an incentive structure that encourages sale of products not
suiting the risk profile of their clients;
14.1.12. not share information received from clients or pertaining to them,
obtained as a result of their dealings, for their personal interest. 14.2.For the purpose of above guidelines "associated persons" shall have the same meaning as defined in the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Certification of Associated Persons in the Securities Markets) Regulations, 2007. 14.3.The Boards of merchant bankers shall put in place systems for implementation of the above guidelines and provide necessary guidance enabling identification, elimination or management of conflict of interest situations and shall periodically review the compliance of the aforesaid guidelines.
ANNEXURES
ANNEXURE I
Format for sending the Designated e-mail ID for regulatory communication with SEBI
ANNEXURE II
Declaration-Cum-Undertaking
We, M/s. (Name of the intermediary/the acquirer(s)/person(s) who shall have the control), hereby declare and undertake the following with respect to the application for prior approval for change in control of (name of the intermediary along with the SEBI registration no.):
The intermediary (Name) and its principal officer, the directors or managing partners, the
compliance officer and the key management persons and the promoters or persons holding controlling interest or persons exercising control over the applicant, directly or indirectly (in case of an unlisted applicant or intermediary, any person holding twenty percent or more voting rights, irrespective of whether they hold controlling interest or exercise control, shall be required to fulfill the ‘fit and proper person’ criteria) are fit and proper person in terms of Schedule II of SEBI (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008.
We bear integrity, honesty, ethical behavior, reputation, fairness and character.
We do not incur following disqualifications mentioned in Clause 3(b) of Schedule II of
SEBI (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008 i.e.
i. No criminal complaint or information under section 154 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974) has been filed against us by the Board and which is pending.
ii. No charge sheet has been filed against us by any enforcement agency in matters
concerning economic offences and is pending.
iii. No order of restraint, prohibition or debarment has been passed against us by the
Board or any other regulatory authority or enforcement agency in any matter concerning securities laws or financial markets and such order is in force.
iv. No recovery proceedings have been initiated by the Board against us and are
pending.
v. No order of conviction has been passed against us by a court for any offence
involving moral turpitude.
vi. No winding up proceedings have been initiated or an order for winding up has
been passed against us.
vii. We have not been declared insolvent.
viii. We have not been found to be of unsound mind by a court of competent
jurisdiction and no such finding is in force.
ix. We have not been categorized as a willful defaulter.
x. We have not been declared a fugitive economic offender.
We have not been declared as not ‘fit and proper person’ by an order of the Board.
No notice to show cause has been issued for proceedings under SEBI
(Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008 or under section 11(4) or section 11B of the SEBI Act during last one year against us.
It is hereby declared that we and each of our promoters, directors, principal officer,
compliance officer and key managerial persons are not associated with vanishing companies.
We hereby undertake that there will not be any change in the Board of Directors of
incumbent, till the time prior approval is granted.
We hereby undertake that pursuant to grant of prior approval by SEBI, the incumbent
shall inform all the existing investors/ clients about the proposed change prior to effecting the same, in order to enable them to take informed decision regarding their continuance or otherwise with the new management. The said information is true to our knowledge. (stamped and signed by the Authorized Signatories)
ANNEXURE III
SECTION I (Activity Report)
REPORT OF MERCHANT BANKER FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDED MARCH/SEPTEMBER, 20.. NAME:
REGISTRATION NO:
DATE OF REGISTRATION (in dd/mm/yy):
SECTION I: ACTIVITIES
A. Issue Management
Type of issue
No. of issues managed during the half year ended March / Sep Cumulative no. of issues managed up to the half year ended March / Sep Size (₹in crores ) of issues managed during the half year ended March / Sep Cumulative Size (₹in crores ) of issues managed up to the half year ended March / Sep IPO FPO Rights Issue Takeover Buyback Delisting Others (please specify) Total B. Underwriting Type of issue No. of issues underwritten during the half year ended March / Sep Cumulative no. of issues underwritten up to the half year ended March / Sep Amount underwritten (₹in crores ) during the half year ended March / Sep Cumulative amount underwritten (₹ in crores ) up to the half year ended March / Sep Amount devolved (in ₹ crore) during the half year ended March / Sep Cumulative amount devolved ( in ₹` crores ) up to the half year ended March / Sep Total
C. Other Activities
Nature of service rendered No. of transactions undertaken during the half year ended March / Sep Value ( in `₹ crores ) of transactions undertaken during the half year ended March / Sep Private placement of securities Corporate Advisory Services (Takeover, acquisitions, disinvestment) Managing/ advising on International Offerings of Debt/ Equity International Financial Advisory Services Others (specify the activity type along with brief description) Name of Compliance Officer Email ID
(Name of the Merchant Banker)
SECTION II (Redressal of Investor Grievances)
For the Half-year ended March/September, 20..
A. Status of Investor Grievances
Name of the
Issuer/ Target
Company
Type of issue (IPO/
FPO/ Rights issue/
Takeover/
Buyback/ Delisting, etc)
No. of complaints pending at the end of the last half year No. of complaints received during the half year No. of complaints resolved during the half year No of complaints pending at the end of half year B. Details of the complaints pending for more than 30 days Name of the Issuer/ Target Company Type of issue (IPO/ FPO/ Rights issue/ Takeover/ Buyback/ Delisting, etc) No. of complaints pending for more than 30 days Nature of complaint(s)* Steps Taken for redressal Status of the complaint (if redressed, date of redressal) Name of compliance officer:
Email ID:
*Nature of complaint(s):
a. Delay in receipt/ non-receipt of refund b. Non-allotment/ delay in receipt of shares
c. Non-bidding of application
d. Non-receipt of letter of offer e. Non-receipt/ delay in receipt of consideration f. Non-acceptance of shares g. Others
(Name of the Merchant Banker)
SECTION III – COMPLIANCE
COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDED MARCH/ SEPTEMBER, 20.. A. No conflict of interest with other activities The activities other than merchant banking performed by the merchant banker are not in conflict with merchant banking activities and appropriate systems and policies have been put in place to protect the interests of investors. B. Change in status or constitution Reporting of 'changes in status or constitution' of merchant banker (in terms of SEBI Circular No. CIR/MIRSD/7/2011 dated June 17, 2011)
C. Other Information
i. Details of arrest/ conviction of key officials of merchant banker
ii. Details of prosecution cases or criminal complaints filed by investors against the merchant
banker
iii. Details of any fraudulent activity by the employees associated with merchant banking
activities and action taken by the merchant banker
iv. Details of any disciplinary action taken/ penalty imposed by SEBI/ other regulatory authority.
v. Action taken by the merchant banker on the above issues
D. Compliance with Registration Requirements
Certified that the requirements specified for SEBI registration as merchant banker are fulfilled, the details are as under
i. Net worth (audited) as defined in the Regulations as on FY ended ……… (as per the latest
audited financials)
ii. Any change in infrastructure since the last report/ registration/ renewal
iii. Certified that the merchant banker, or any of its director or principal officer has not at any
time been convicted for any offence involving moral turpitude or has not been found guilty of any economic offence.
iv. Changes in Key personnel during the half year ended……….
Name(s) of the key personnel
Appointment /
Cessation
Date of appointment / cessation
Qualification Experience Functional areas of work E. Due Diligence Certified that we have at all times exercised due diligence, ensured proper care, exercised independent professional judgment and have maintained records and documents pertaining to due diligence exercised in pre-issue and post-issue activities of issue management and in case of takeover, buyback and delisting of securities. F. Track record of public issues Certified that we have updated the disclosure of track record of public issues managed by us, on our website in accordance with SEBI Circular CIR/MIRSD/1/2012 dated January 10, 2012. G. Underwriting obligations Certified that that our total underwriting obligations under all the agreements have not exceeded the limit prescribed in Regulation 15 (2) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Underwriters) Regulations, 1993.
H. Details of deficiencies and non-compliances during the half-year
I. Details of the review of the report by the Board of Directors
Date of Board Review (dd/mm/yyyy)
Observation of the BoD on
i. the deficiencies and non-compliances
ii. corrective measures initiated
iii. Pre-issue and post-issue due diligence process followed, and whether they are satisfied with the
due diligence process followed
iv. Track record of public issues managed (point F above)
Certified that we have complied with all applicable acts, rules, regulations, circulars, guidelines, etc. issued from time to time except the deficiencies and non-compliances specifically reported at Clause H above. Name of Compliance Officer Email ID
ANNEXURE IV
A. For Equity Issues
Name of the issue:
ii. Actual implementation
iii. Reasons for delay in implementation, if any
10. Status of utilization of issue proceeds (as submitted to stock exchanges under Regulation 32 of SEBI (Listing
Obligation and Disclosure Requirements ) Regulations, 2015
i. as disclosed in the offer document
ii. Actual utilization
iii. Reasons for deviation, if any
11. Comments of monitoring agency, if applicable (See Regulation 41 & 137 of ICDR Regulations, 2018 read with Regulation
32 of SEBI (Listing Obligation and Disclosure Requirements ) Regulations, 2015
i. Comments on use of funds
ii. Comments on deviation, if any, in the use of proceeds of the issue from the objects stated in the offer document
iii. Any other reservations expressed by the monitoring agency about the end use of funds
(To be submitted till the time the issue proceeds have been fully utilized)
12. Price- related data
Issue price (Rs):
Price parameters
At close of listing day
At close of
30th calendar day from listing day
At close of
90th calendar day from listing day
As at the end of 1st FY after the listing of the issue As at the end of 2nd FY after the listing of the issue As at the end of 3rd FY after the listing of the issue Closing price High (during the FY) Low (during the FY) Closing price High (during the FY) Low (during the FY) Closing price High (during the FY) Low (during the FY) Market Price Index (of the Designated Stock Exchange):
Sectoral Index
(mention the
index that has been considered and reasons for considering the same)
13. Basis for Issue Price and Comparison with Peer Group & Industry Average (Source of accounting ratios of peer group and
industry average may be indicated; source of the accounting ratios may generally be the same, however in case of different sources, reasons for the same may be indicated) Accounting ratio Name of company As disclosed in the offer document (See (9)(K) Schedule VI of SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018) At the end of 1st FY At the end of 2nd FY At the end of 3rd FY EPS Issuer:
Peer Group:
Industry Avg:
P/E
Issuer:
Peer Group:
Industry Avg:
RoNW
Issuer:
Peer Group:
Industry Avg:
NAV per share based on balance sheet
Issuer:
Peer Group:
Industry Avg:
B. For Debt Issues
Name of the issue:
i. as disclosed in the offer document
ii. Actual utilization
iii. Reasons for deviation, if any
10. Delay or default in payment of interest/ principal amount
i. Disclosures in the offer document on terms of issue
ii. Delay in payment from the due date
iii. Reasons for delay/ non-payment, if any
11. Any other material information
Note:
i. Merchant Banker can give its comments on any of the above sections
ii. Merchant Banker may obtain information/ clarification from the issuer or stock
exchange, wherever felt necessary
iii. In case any of the above reporting dates happens to be a holiday, the
immediately following working day may be taken
ANNEXURE V
INVESTOR CHARTER-IPOs & FPOs (including OFS)
VISION STATEMENT:
MISSION STATEMENT:
11.Publish details of subscription, basis of allotment, date of credit of specified securities and date of filing of listing application, etc. in newspapers within ten days from the date of completion of each activity. TIMELINES Sr. No. Activity Timeline for which activity takes place Information where available Filing of draft offer document by company for public comments 0 Websites of SEBI, Stock Exchanges, Lead Managers Public Announcement Within 2 days of filing DoD with SEBI Newspaper - English, regional, Hindi Details of anchor investors allocation 1 day before issue opening date Stock Exchanges website Issue opening date 3 working days after filing RHP with RoC Stock Exchanges website Availability of application forms Till issue closure date Stock Exchanges website Availability of material documents for inspection by investors Till issue closure date Address given in Offer Document Availability of General Information Document Till issue closure date LM website and stock exchange website Price Band Advertisement 2 working days prior to issue opening date Newspaper advertisement Total demand in the issue Issue closure date Stock exchanges website on hourly basis Commencement of trading within 6 working days Newspaper advertisement Delay in unblocking ASBA Accounts More than 4 working days Compensation to investor @Rs. 100/day by intermediary causing delay Advertisement on subscription and basis of allotment Within 10 days Newspaper advertisement Allotment status and allotment advice Completion of basis of allotment By email / post RIGHTS OF INVESTORS
TIMELINES FOR RESOLUTION OF INVESTOR GRIEVANCES IN IPOs /FPOs) Investor Complaint Issuer (for email ID refer to Offer Documents) SEBI (www.sebi.gov.in) Stock Exchanges (www.nseindia.com; www.bseindia.com) Merchant Banker (for email ID refer to Offer Documents) Scores (https:/scores.gov.in) Scores (https:/scores.gov.in ) Registrar to Issue/Offer (Mainly for bidding/ post issue/ allotment related grievances) (for email ID refer to Offer Document) Sponsor Bank (UPI Bid related grievances) (for email ID refer to Offer Document) SCSBs (Blocking/ Unblocking related grievances)
Sr.
No
Activity No. of calendar days
1 Investor grievance received by the lead manager T 2 Manager to the offer to identify the concerned intermediary and it shall be endeavoured to forward the grievance to the concerned intermediary/ies on T day itself T+1 3 The concerned intermediary/ies to respond to the lead manager with an acceptable reply / proof of resolution X 5 Lead manager, the concerned intermediary/ies and the investor shall exchange between themselves additional information related to the grievance, wherever required Between T and X 4 LM to reply to the investor with the reply / proof of resolution X+3 5 Best efforts will be undertaken by lead manager to resolve the grievance within T+30 Nature of investor grievance for which the aforesaid timeline is applicable
Delay in unblocking of funds
Non allotment / partial allotment of securities
Non receipt of securities in demat account
Amount blocked but application not bid
Application bid but amount not blocked
Any other nature as may be informed from time to time
Mode of receipt of investor grievance
The following modes of receipt will be considered valid for processing the grievances in the timelines discussed above
Letter from the investor addressed to the lead manager at its address mentioned in the offer
document, detailing nature of grievance, details of application, details of bank account, date of application etc
E-mail from the investor addressed to the lead manager at its e-mail ID mentioned in the offer
document, detailing nature of grievance, details of application, details of bank account, date of application etc
On SEBI Complaints Redress System (SCORES) platform.
Nature of enquiries for which the lead manager shall respond to / escalated promptly
Availability of application form
Availability of offer document
Process for participating in the issue / mode of payments
List of SCSBs / syndicate members
Date of issue opening / closing / allotment / listing
Technical setbacks in net-banking services provided by SCSBs / UPI mechanism
Any other query of similar nature
RESPONSIBILITIES OF INVESTORS (EXPECTATIONS FROM THE INVESTORS)
Read and understand the terms of offer documents, application form, and issue related
literature carefully and fully before investing.
Consult own tax consultant with respect to the specific tax implications
Provide full and accurate information in the application form as maybe required while making
an application and keep records of the same.
Ensure active demat/ broking account before investing.
Ensure correctness of all Demographic Details Bidder’s address, name of the Bidder’s father
or husband, investor status, occupation, bank account details, PAN and UPI ID
Provide full and accurate details when making investor grievances to merchant bankers.
After the company is listed Investor to keep abreast of material developments and corporate
actions like mergers, de-mergers, splits, rights issue, bonus, dividend etc.
INVESTOR CHARTER- RIGHTS ISSUE
VISION STATEMENT:
MISSION STATEMENT:
paper cannot renounce their rights. Further, if application is made on plain paper and application form, both are liable to be rejected.
lapse and shall be extinguished after the Issue Closing Date.
7 Availability of LoF Typically uploaded on the same day as filing with the Stock Exchanges Website of Issuer, SEBI, Stock Exchanges and Lead Managers. Existing shareholders can also request for copy of the LoF and the same shall be provided by the issuer/ Lead Manager(s) 8 Rights Entitlement Information
provided by them to the
Issuer/ Registrar
15 Withdrawal/
Cancellation of bids
Issue closing date Disclosure made in LoF
16 Issue closing date Rights Issue kept open for a minimum period of 15 days and maximum period of 30 days Stock Exchange website; Disclosure made in LoF, ALoF, Application Form, Pre-Issue Advertisement 17 Credit of securities, allotment status and allotment advice Within 15 days from issue closing date Credit confirmation by e-mail/ SMS from depository; Allotment advice through electronic/ physical intimations 18 Lapsed REs are extinguished and ISIN for REs is permanently deactivated On completion of allotment, the ISIN for REs is deactivated in the depository system by the depositories REs which are neither renounced nor subscribed by shareholders, shall lapse after closure of the Issue. Issuer shall ensure that lapsed REs are extinguished from depository system once securities are allotted pursuant to the Issue. Once allotment is done, the ISIN for REs shall be permanently deactivated in the depository system by the depositories. 19 Unblocking ASBA Accounts/ refunds Within 15 days from issue closing date In case of any delay in giving the instructions, the Issuer shall undertake to pay interest at the rate of 15% per annum to the shareholders within such time as disclosed in the LoF 20 Commencement of trading Typically the working day after the date of credit of securities to the allottees Notices posted on websites of Stock Exchanges 21 Post issue advertisement on subscription and basis of allotment Within 10 days from the date of completion of the various activities Newspaper - english, hindi, regional (at the place where the registered office of the Issuer is situated) RIGHTS OF INVESTORS
Companies Act, the Memorandum of Association and the Articles of Association. DO’s and DON’Ts FOR INVESTORS DO’s:
the RTA, no later than two working days prior to the Issue Closing Date to enable the credit of their REs by way of transfer from the suspense Demat escrow account to their respective Demat accounts, at least one day before the Issue Closing Date.
TIMELINES FOR RESOLUTION OF INVESTOR GRIEVANCES- RIGHTS ISSUES Investor Complaint Issuer (for email ID refer to Offer Documents) SEBI (www.sebi.gov.in) Stock Exchanges (www.nseindia.com; www.bseindia.com) Merchant Banker (for email ID refer to Offer Documents) Scores (https:/scores.gov.in) Registrar to Issue/Offer (Mainly for REs/ Renunciation / bidding/ post issue/ allotment related grievances) (for email ID refer to Offer Document) SCSBs (Blocking/ Unblocking related grievances)
Sr.
No
Activity No. of calendar days
1 Investor grievance received by the lead manager T 2 Lead Manager to the offer to identify the concerned intermediary and it shall be endeavoured to forward the grievance to the concerned intermediary/ies on T day istelf T+1 3 The concerned intermediary/ies to respond to the lead manager with an acceptable reply X 4 Investor may escalate the pending grievance, if any, to a senior officer of the lead manager of rank of Vice President or above T+21 5 Lead manager, the concerned intermediary/ies and the investor shall exchange between themselves additional information related to the grievance, wherever required Between T and X 6 LM to respond to the investor with the reply Upto X+3 7 Best efforts will be undertaken by lead manager to respond to the grievance within T+30 Nature of investor grievance for which the aforesaid timeline is applicable
Delay in unblocking of funds
Non allotment/ partial allotment of securities
Non receipt of securities in demat account
Amount blocked but application not made
Application made but amount not blocked
Any other grievance as may be informed from time to time
Mode of receipt of investor grievance
The following modes of receipt will be considered valid for processing the grievances in the timelines discussed above
Letter from the investor addressed to the lead manager at its address mentioned in the offer
document, detailing nature of grievance, details of application, details of bank account, date of application etc
E-mail from the investor addressed to the lead manager at its e-mail address mentioned in the
offer document, detailing nature of grievance, details of application, details of bank account, date of application etc
On SEBI Complaints Redress System (SCORES) platform.
Nature of enquiries for which the Lead manager shall endeavour to resolve such enquiries/ queries promptly during the issue period.
Availability of application form, ALoF
Availability of offer document
Credit and trading in Res; Options available to shareholders relating to REs
Process for participating in the issue/ mode of payments
List of SCSBs
Record Date, Rights Issue Price, RE ratio, Issue Period, date of allotment, date of listing
Technical setbacks in services provided by SCSBs/ other payment mechanisms
Any other query of similar nature
RESPONSIBILITIES OF INVESTORS
(1) Select QIBs receive Offer Documents (PPD/ PD): Preliminary Placement Document (“PPD”) and Placement Document (“PD”) contain material information required under applicable laws. The PPD and PD are serially numbered and copies the same are circulated only to select QIBs. PPD and PD placed on websites of the relevant Stock Exchange(s) and of the issuer. (2) Key terms of the QIP included in the PPD which is sent to select QIBs on issue opening date, include the following:
than 5% of the equity shares, their names along with the number of equity shares allotted are disclosed on the websites of the stock exchanges (7) Restrictions on Transferability: QIBs should note that specified securities issued under a QIP are subject to lock-in for 1 year, unless sold on the floor of stock exchange. TIMELINES - QIPs Sr. No. Activity Timeline for which activity takes place Information where available/ Remarks 1 Issue opening date Typically the same day when Issuer's Board/ Committee decides to open the issue Websites of Stock Exchanges; Also disclosed in the PPD, PD 2 Availability of PPD Typically available on the same day as when the Issuer's Board/ Committee decides to open the issue BRLMs circulate serially numbered copies of the PPD to select QIB investors; Copies of PPD also available in the websites of Stock Exchanges and Issuer 3 Availability of details of Lead Managers, Escrow Bank
Part of PPD, PD,
Application Form
Details available in PPD, PD,
Application Form
4 Availability of the
Floor Price, key terms of the issue etc.
Part of PPD, PD Floor Price typically disclosed in
the outcome to the Board/
Committee meeting. Floor Price, key terms etc. disclosed in the PPD, PD 5 Availability of application forms No later than issue closing BRLMs circulate application forms to select investors; Sample application form is sometimes also available in the PPD 6 Submission of filled-in application forms and subscription monies No later than issue closing Application forms submitted by QIB investors to BRLMs; Subscription monies credited to a separate bank account, as per details provided to the QIB investors 7 Outcome of Issuer's Board or Committee meeting to decide final QIP price; Availability of final QIP price Post completion of the Board/ Committee meeting Websites of Stock Exchanges; QIP price also disclosed in the PD and CAN 8 Issue closing date Typically the same date as the Issuer's Board or Committee meeting to decide final QIP price Websites of Stock Exchanges; Also disclosed in the PD
9 Confirmation of
Allocation Note (CAN) and serially numbered
PD sent to successful allottees
Typically on the same day as the issue closing or the next day BRLMs to circulate serially numbered CANs and PDs to successful applicants; CAN includes details of securities allocated to each QIB applicant, issue price and bid amount, probable date of credit of securities to the applicant’s demat account 10 Availability of PD Typically on the same day as the issue closing or the next day BRLMs circulate serially numbered copies of the PD to QIB applicants which have received allocation; Copies of PD also available in the websites of Stock Exchanges and Issuer 11 List of allottees Part of PD Included in PD and Form PAS-3 (ROC form for allotment to be filed by the Issuer) 12 Board/ Committee meeting to approve allotment Typically the same day as circulation of CANs and PD to successful allottees Outcome of meeting uploaded on websites of Stock Exchanges 13 List of allottees allotted more than 5% of the securities offered Typically given together with the outcome of Board/ Committee meeting for allotment Websites of the Stock Exchanges 14 Credit of securities to demat accounts of allottees Corporate action by Issuer on the same day as approval of allotment or next working day Confirmation of credit to allottees through e-mail/ SMS by DP 15 Commencement of trading Typically, application to the Stock Exchanges is made at the same time as the corporate action for credit of securities Notices posted on websites of Stock Exchanges RIGHTS OF INVESTORS
Receive transferable and transmittable equity shares that rank pari passu in all respects
with the existing equity shares of the Issuer Company.
Receive PPD, PD, application form, CAN from the Issuer Company/ Lead Managers.
Response to investor queries.
All such rights as may be available to a shareholder of a listed public company under the
Companies Act, the Memorandum of Association and the Articles of Association. DO’s and DON’Ts FOR INVESTORS DO’s:
Carefully read through and fully understand the PD, PD, application form, CAN and other
issue related documents, and abide by the terms and conditions.
Ensure accurate updation of demographic details with depositories - including the address,
name, investor status, bank account details, PAN, e-mails addresses, contact details etc.
Ensure active demat/ broking account before investing, as securities will be allotted in
dematerialized form.
Ensure valid QIB registration.
Provide full and accurate information in duly filled-in application form.
Review Stock Exchange website for the outcome of the meeting of the board/ committee of
directors of the Issuer, notifying the date of closure of QIP, the final QIP price etc.
Submit duly filled-in application forms to Lead Managers along with credit of the
subscription monies, which is kept in a separate bank account on or prior to the close of QIP.
Provide accurate information and investor details while making any query.
DON’Ts
Investors should not sell securities allotted in a QIP during the lock-in period, except on the
floor of the Stock Exchanges.
Investors should not trade in the securities allotted in a QIP, prior to the receipt of final
listing and trading approvals from Stock Exchanges.
Investors should not participate in the Issue, if the Investor is not an eligible QIB as defined
under Regulation 2(1)(ss) of the ICDR Regulations.
Investors should not forward, circulate or distribute the application form, PPD, PD and CAN
or any accompanying issue related documents sent to them to any third party.
Investors cannot withdraw, modify, cancel or revise their application downwards after the
Issue Closing Date.
Investor Complaint
Issuer (for email ID refer to
Offer Documents)
SEBI (www.sebi.gov.in)
Stock Exchanges
(www.nseindia.com; www.bseindia.com)
Merchant Banker
(for email ID refer to Offer Documents)
Scores (https:/scores.gov.in)
Scores (https:/scores.gov.in)
TIMELINES FOR RESOLUTION OF INVESTOR GRIEVANCES IN QIPs Sr. No Activity No. of calendar days 1 Investor grievance received by the lead manager T 2 Lead manager to identify the concerned person (company/ intermediary) and it shall be endeavoured to forward the grievance to the said person on T day istelf T+1 3 The company/ concerned intermediary to respond to the lead manager with an acceptable reply X 4 Investor may escalate the pending grievance, if any, to a senior officer of the lead manager of rank of Vice President or above T+21 5 Lead manager, the company/ concerned intermediary/ies and the investor shall exchange between themselves additional information related to the grievance, wherever required Between T and X 6 LM to respond to the investor with the reply Upto X+3 7 Best efforts will be undertaken by lead manager to respond to the grievance within T+30 Nature of investor grievance for which the aforesaid timeline is applicable
RESPONSIBILITIES OF INVESTORS
INVESTOR CHARTER – PREFENTIAL ISSUE
VISION STATEMENT:
MISSION STATEMENT:
RIGHTS OF INVESTORS
TIMELINES FOR RESOLUTION OF INVESTOR GRIEVANCES - PREFERENTIAL ISSUE Sr. No Activity No. of calendar days 1 Investor grievance received by the Issuer and/or the RTA T 2 The Issuer and/or the RTA to respond to the investor with an acceptable reply T+10 3 The Issuer and/or the RTA and the investor shall exchange between themselves additional information related to the grievance, wherever required Between T and T+10 4 In case any further coordination / information is required by Issuer / RTA, final response to the investor should be sent Up to T+20 5 Best efforts will be undertaken by Merchant bank to respond to the grievance within T+30 Note:
It is not mandatory for the Issuer to appoint a Merchant Banker or any other entity as Advisor or Arranger for the Preferential Issue and even if appointed, they are NOT involved in the entire process of Issuance. Hence the Investors will have to take up their grievance/s directly with the Company AND /OR RTAs. Investor Complaint Issuer (for email ID refer to Offer Documents) SEBI (www.sebi.gov.in) Stock Exchanges (www.nseindia.com; www.bseindia.com) Registrar & Transfer Agents (for email ID refer to Issuer’s Website) Scores (https:/scores.gov.in)
Nature of investor grievance for which the aforesaid timeline is applicable
INVESTOR CHARTER- SME IPOs & FPOs (including OFS) VISION STATEMENT:
MISSION STATEMENT:
TIMELINES - SME IPOs & FPOs (including OFS)
Sr.
No. Activity Timeline for which activity takes place Information where available Filing of draft offer document by company 0 Websites of SEBI, Stock Exchanges, Lead Managers Details of anchor investors allocation 1 day before issue opening date Stock Exchanges website 3 Issue opening date 3 working days after filing RHP with RoC Stock Exchanges website Availability of application forms Till issue closure date Stock Exchanges website Availability of material documents for inspection by investors Till issue closure date Address given in Offer Document Availability of General Information Document Till issue closure date LM website and stock exchange website Price Band Advertisement 2 working days prior to issue opening date - Delay in unblocking ASBA Accounts More than 4 working days Compensation to investor @ Rs. 100/day by intermediary causing delay Advertisement on subscription and basis of allotment Within 10 days Newspaper advertisement 10 Allotment status and allotment advice Completion of basis of allotment By email / post RIGHTS OF INVESTORS
Investors can request for a copy of the offer document and / or application form and the same
shall be provided by the issuer/ Lead Manager(s).
Retail investors are allowed to cancel their bids before issue closing date. Institutional and
Non-institutional investors are allowed to modify and only upward revise their bids during the period the issue is open.
In case of any delay in unblocking of amounts in the ASBA Accounts (including amounts
blocked through the UPI Mechanism) exceeding four working days from the offer closing date, the Bidder shall be compensated at a uniform rate of ₹ 100 per day for the entire duration of delay exceeding four working days from the offer closing date, by the intermediary responsible for causing such delay in unblocking.
Investors get email and sms messages w.r.t. allotment status and allotment advice is sent in
through email / physical to successful allottees post completion of basis of allotment.
If allotted shares, all Rights as a Shareholder (as per Offer Document)
DOS AND DON’TS FOR THE INVESTORS
Dos
Check Eligibility in the RHP and under applicable law, rules, regulations, guidelines and
approvals.
Submission of Bids – only ASBA (other than Anchor Investors) Read all the instructions
carefully and complete the Bid cum Application Form, as the case may be, in the prescribed form
Ensure that your Bid cum Application Form bearing the stamp of a Designated Intermediary is
submitted to the Designated Intermediary at the Bidding Centre within the prescribed time
Ensure that you have funds equal to the Bid Amount in the ASBA Account maintained with the
SCSB, before submitting the ASBA Form to any of the Designated Intermediaries
Ensure that the name(s) given in the Bid cum Application Form is/are exactly the same as the
name(s) in which the beneficiary account is held with the Depository Participant
Ensure that the Bidder’s depository account is active, the correct DP ID, Client ID, the PAN,
UPI ID, if applicable, are mentioned in their Bid cum Application Form and that the name of the Bidder, the DP ID, Client ID, the PAN and UPI ID, if applicable, entered into the online IPO system of the Stock Exchanges by the relevant Designated Intermediary, as applicable, matches with the name, DP ID, Client ID, PAN and UPI ID, if applicable, available in the Depository database Don’ts
Do not Bid for lower than the minimum Bid size
Do not submit the Bid for an amount more than funds available in your ASBA account
If you are a Retail bidder and are using UPI mechanism, do not submit more than one ASBA
Form for each UPI ID
Do not submit incorrect details of the DP ID, Client ID, PAN and UPI ID
Do not submit a Bid/revise a Bid Amount, with a price less than the Floor Price or higher than
the Cap Price
Do not withdraw your Bid or lower the size of your Bid (in terms of quantity of the Equity Shares
or the Bid Amount) at any stage, if you are a QIB or a Non-Institutional Bidder. Retail Individual Bidders can revise or withdraw their Bids on or before the Bid/ Offer Closing Date.
TIMELINES FOR RESOLUTION OF INVESTOR GRIEVANCES IN IPOs /FPOs) Sr.
No
Activity No. of calendar days
1 Investor grievance received by the lead manager T SCSBs (Blocking/ Unblocking related grievances) Investor Complaint Issuer (for email ID refer to Offer Documents) SEBI (www.sebi.gov.in) Stock Exchanges (www.nseindia.com; www.bseindia.com) Merchant Banker (for email ID refer to Offer Documents) Scores (https:/scores.gov.in) Registrar to Issue/Offer (Mainly for bidding/ post issue/ allotment related grievances) (for email ID refer to Offer Document) Sponsor Bank (UPI Bid related grievances) (for email ID refer to Offer Document)
2 Manager to the offer to identify the concerned intermediary and it shall be endeavoured to forward the grievance to the concerned intermediary/ies on T day itself T+1 3 The concerned intermediary/ies to respond to the lead manager with an acceptable reply / proof of resolution X 5 Lead manager, the concerned intermediary/ies and the investor shall exchange between themselves additional information related to the grievance, wherever required Between T and X 4 LM to reply to the investor with the reply / proof of resolution X+3 5 Best efforts will be undertaken by lead manager to resolve the grievance within T+30 Nature of investor grievance for which the aforesaid timeline is applicable
Delay in unblocking of funds
Non allotment / partial allotment of securities
Non receipt of securities in demat account
Amount blocked but application not bid
Application bid but amount not blocked
Any other nature as may be informed from time to time
Mode of receipt of investor grievance
The following modes of receipt will be considered valid for processing the grievances in the timelines discussed above
Letter from the investor addressed to the lead manager at its address mentioned in the offer
document, detailing nature of grievance, details of application, details of bank account, date of application etc
E-mail from the investor addressed to the lead manager at its e-mail ID mentioned in the offer
document, detailing nature of grievance, details of application, details of bank account, date of application etc
On SEBI Complaints Redress System (SCORES) platform.
Nature of enquiries for which the lead manager shall respond to / escalated promptly
Availability of application form
Availability of offer document
Process for participating in the issue / mode of payments
List of SCSBs / syndicate members
Date of issue opening / closing / allotment / listing
Technical setbacks in net-banking services provided by SCSBs / UPI mechanism
Any other query of similar nature
RESPONSIBILITIES OF INVESTORS (EXPECTATIONS FROM THE INVESTORS)
Read and understand the terms of offer documents, application form, and issue related
literature carefully and fully before investing.
Consult own tax consultant with respect to the specific tax implications
Provide full and accurate information in the application form as maybe required while making
an application and keep records of the same.
Ensure active demat/ broking account before investing.
Ensure correctness of all Demographic Details Bidder’s address, name of the Bidder’s father or
husband, investor status, occupation, bank account details, PAN and UPI ID
Provide full and accurate details when making investor grievances to merchant bankers.
ASBA Bidders must provide either (i) the bank account details and authorisation to block funds
in their respective ASBA Form, or (ii) the UPI ID (in case of retail investors), as applicable, in the relevant space provided in the ASBA Form. The ASBA Forms that do not contain such details will be rejected. Applications made by retail investors using third party bank account or using third party linked bank account UPI ID are liable for rejection.
ASBA Bidders shall ensure that the Bids are made on ASBA Forms bearing the stamp of the
Designated Intermediary, submitted at the Bidding Centres only (except in case of electronic ASBA Forms) and the ASBA Forms not bearing such specified stamp are liable to be rejected. Retail investors using UPI Mechanism, shall submit their ASBA Forms with Syndicate Members, Registered Brokers, RTA or Depository Participants. ASBA Bidders are also required to ensure that the ASBA Account has sufficient credit balance as an amount equivalent to the full Bid Amount which can be blocked by the SCSB.
After the company is listed it has to keep the investors informed of material developments
through its page on the stock exchange website including for corporate actions like mergers, de-mergers, splits, rights issue, bonus, dividend etc. Investors should regularly check for such information on the stock exchange website.
INVESTOR CHARTER- BUYBACK OF SECURITIES
VISION STATEMENT:
MISSION STATEMENT:
6 Verification of acceptances
Within 15 days from payment date NA
7 Extinguishment of security certificates on or before 15th day of the succeeding month but not later than 7 days of expiry of Buyback Period Website of Stock Exchanges and Company 8 Post Offer Advertisement Within two working days from expiry of buyback period Website of SEBI, Stock Exchanges & Company B. TIMELINES BUYBACK (TENDER METHOD) Sr. No. Activity Timeline for which activity takes place Information where available 1 Public Announcement Within 2 WDs from Board or Shareholder's meeting in which buyback proposal is approved Website of SEBI, Stock Exchanges & Company 2 Dispatch of Final Letter of Offer to Shareholders Within 5 WDs from the date of receipt of observation letter from SEBI Website of SEBI, Stock Exchanges & Company 3 Opening of offer Within 5 WDs from the date of dispatch .The offer shall be kept open for 10 WDs Website of Stock Exchanges 4 Availability of Tender form Till the closure of offer Website of SEBI, Stock Exchanges & Company 5 Availability of material documents for inspection by Shareholders Till the closure of offer Address is given in the letter of offer 6 Modification/cancellation of orders and multiple bids from a single Eligible Shareholder Till the closure of offer NA 7 Closure of offer 10th WDs Website of Stock Exchanges 8 Acceptance and Settlement of shares Within 7 WDs NA 9 Extinguishment of security certificates Within 15 days from Acceptance date but not later than 7 days of expiry of Buyback Period Website of Stock Exchanges RIGHTS OF INVESTORS
Equity Shares in the dematerialized form under the Buyback would have to do so through their respective Seller Member by indicating to their Seller Member the details of Equity Shares they intend to tender under the Buyback.
2. Ensure the demat account and the PAN belong to the same eligible shareholder;
3. In case shares are held in physical Form, shareholder should ensure that the correct share
certificates are attached along with the Tender Form
4. Ensure that the signatures registered with the Company and the signature on the Tender
Form are the same.
Don’ts
TIMELINES FOR RESOLUTION OF SHAREHOLDER GRIEVANCES IN BUYBACK Sr.
No
Activity No. of calendar days
1 Shareholder grievance received by the manager to the offer T 2 Manager to the offer to identify the concerned intermediary and it shall be endeavoured to forward the grievance to the concerned intermediary/ies on T day itself T+1 3 The concerned intermediary/ies to respond to the manager to the offer with an acceptable reply X 4 Shareholder may escalate the pending grievance, if any, to the functional head / head of department of manager to the offer T+21 5 Manager to the offer, the concerned intermediary/ies and the Shareholder shall exchange between themselves additional information related to the grievance, wherever required Between T and X 6 Manager to the offer to respond to the Shareholder with the reply X+3 7 Best efforts will be undertaken by manager to the offer to respond to the grievance within T+30 Nature of shareholder grievance for which the aforesaid timeline is applicable
Delay in receipt of consideration upon acceptance of shares
Any other grievance as may be informed from time to time
Mode of receipt of shareholder grievance
The following modes of receipt will be considered valid for processing the grievances in the timelines discussed above
Letter from the shareholder addressed to the manager to the offer at its address mentioned in
the offer document, detailing nature of grievance, details of application, details of bank account, date of application etc
E-mail from the shareholder addressed to the manager to the offer at its e-mail ID mentioned in
the offer document, detailing nature of grievance, details of application, details of bank account, date of application etc
On SEBI Complaints Redress System (SCORES) platform.
Nature of enquiries for which the Manager to the offer shall endeavour to resolve such enquiries/ queries promptly during the offer period.
Availability of Form of acceptance cum acknowledgement
Availability of offer document
Process for tendering of shares in the offer
Date of offer opening/ closing/ acceptance and settlement of shares
Any other query of similar nature
RESPONSIBILITIES OF INVESTORS
Shareholders should keep abreast of corporate announcement made for corporate action like
takeover, buyback, dividend, bonus, splits etc.
For buyback through:
a. open market method, shareholders can refer public announcement to understand the no. of shares, quantum, objective of buyback and maximum buyback price; and b. tender method, shareholders can refer public announcement and letter of offer to understand no. of shares, quantum, objective of buyback, entitlement ratio and buyback price;
Documents related to buyback are made available on the websites of Company, SEBI, Stock
Exchange(s) and Investors should read the details carefully
Shareholders should read letter of offer and public announcement carefully and fully before
tendering their shares including its taxation effects
Shareholders should ensure that their demat account is active.
INVESTOR CHARTER- DELISTING OF EQUITY SHARES
VISION STATEMENT:
MISSION STATEMENT:
Act in investors’ best interests by understanding needs and developing solutions.
Enhance and customise value generating capabilities and services.
Disseminate complete information to investors to enable informed investment decision.
DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES / BUSINESS OF THE ENTITY Act as Managers to the Offer of Delisting of Equity Shares. SERVICES PROVIDED FOR INVESTORS
Public Announcement is given in English, Hindi and Regional Newspapers;
Letter of offer is dispatched through speed post/registered post/courier or email etc.
Background of Acquirer/PAC, object of the delisting, floor price, status of frequently or
infrequently traded, high low prices for the last 3 years and 6 months preceding the month of Public Announcement disclosed to help shareholders make informed decision;
Merchant banker and the Registrar to the resolve any query in relation to non-receipt of
letter of offer, tender form, process of tendering of shares for shares held in demat form vis-a-vis shares held in physical form etc.
Detailed process for tendering of shares and procedure for acceptance and settlement of
shares is disclosed in the letter of offer;
6. Facility to check the status of shares tendered on real time basis during the tendering
period on the website of stock exchange;
7. Facility for Physical Shareholders to participate in the delisting process by submitting
documents disclosed in the letter of offer;
8. All eligible shareholders may place orders in the Acquisition Window provided by stock
exchange, through their respective stock brokers;
9. Post closure of delisting, offer closing advertisement given in the same newspapers
wherein facts of the offer whether success or failure, discovered price, date of acceptance and settlement are disclosed. TIMELINES - DELISTING Sr. No. Activity Timeline for which activity takes place Information where available 1 Shareholder’s Approval Within 45 days from obtaining approval of Board of Directors Website of Stock Exchanges & Company 2 Detailed Public Announcement Within 1 WD of receipt of In-Principle Approval Website of Stock Exchanges & Company 3 Dispatch of Letter of Offer Within 2 WDs of Public Announcement Website of Stock Exchanges & Company 4 Offer Opening Within 7 WDs from detailed public announcement NA 5 Availability of letter of offer and Form of Acceptance Till issue closure date Website of Stock Exchanges & Company 6 Availability of material documents for inspection by Shareholders Till issue closure date Address given in Letter of Offer 7 Closing of the Delisting offer On 5th WDs Stock Exchanges website 8 Acceptance and Settlement of Shares Within 5 WDs from post offer public announcement or through secondary market settlement mechanism as the case may be Stock Exchanges website 9 Date of post offer advertisement Within 2 WDs of closure of bidding period Website of Stock Exchanges & Company 10 Dispatch of Exit letter to residual shareholders After delisting order of stock exchange and remains valid for 1 year Website of Company
RIGHTS OF INVESTORS
TIMELINES FOR RESOLUTION OF SHAREHOLDER GRIEVANCES IN DELISTING Sr. No Activity No. of calendar days 1 Shareholder grievance received by the manager to the offer T 2 Manager to the offer to identify the concerned intermediary and it shall be endeavoured to forward the grievance to the concerned intermediary/ies on T day itself T+1 3 The concerned intermediary/ies to respond to the manager to the offer with an acceptable reply X 4 Shareholder may escalate the pending grievance, if any, to the functional head / head of department of manager to the offer T+21 5 Manager to the offer, the concerned intermediary/ies and the Shareholder shall exchange between themselves additional information related to the grievance, wherever required Between T and X Investor Complaint Issuer (for email ID refer to Offer Documents) SEBI (www.sebi.gov.in) Stock Exchanges (www.nseindia.com; www.bseindia.com) Merchant Banker (for email ID refer to Offer Documents) Scores (https:/scores.gov.in) Registrar to Issue/Offer (for email ID refer to Offer Document)
6 Manager to the offer to respond to the Shareholder with the reply Upto X+3 7 Best efforts will be undertaken by manager to the offer to respond to the grievance within T+30 Nature of shareholder grievance for which the aforesaid timeline is applicable
INVESTOR CHARTER- SUBSTANTIAL ACQUISITION OF SHARES AND TAKEOVERS VISION STATEMENT:
MISSION STATEMENT:
4 Publication of
Independent Director's recommendation
2 WDs prior to commencement of tendering period Website of SEBI, Stock Exchanges 5 Offer Opening Ad 1 WDs prior to commencement of tendering period Website of SEBI, Stock Exchanges 6 Offer Opens not later than 12 WDs from the date of receipt of observation letter from SEBI Website of Stock Exchanges 7 Availability of letter of offer and Form of Acceptance Till offer closure date Website of SEBI, Stock Exchanges 8 Availability of material documents for inspection by Shareholders Till offer closure date Address given in Letter of Offer 9 Closure of offer Within 10 WDs of opening Stock Exchanges website 10 Acceptance and Settlement of shares Within 10 WDs of closure Stock Exchanges website 12 Date of post offer advertisement Within 5 WDs of payment to shareholders Website of SEBI, Stock Exchanges RIGHTS OF INVESTORS
All the Public Shareholders, who own fully paid equity shares of the Target Company any time
before the closure of the Open Offer are eligible to participate in the Open Offer.
Shareholders have rights to inspect the material documents as listed out in the letter of offer
during the tendering period.
Shareholders can obtain letter of offer along with tender forms from the Registrar to the offer
or Manager to the offer and can also download from the website of the Stock Exchanges. DO’s and DON’Ts FOR INVESTORS Dos
Ensure to submit tender forms on time;
Ensure the demat account and the PAN belong to the same eligible shareholder;
Physical shareholder should ensure that the correct share certificates are attached along with
the Tender Form
Ensure that the signatures registered with the Company and the signature on the Tender
Form are the same.
In case any person has submitted Equity Shares in physical form for dematerialisation, such
Eligible Shareholders should ensure that the process of getting the Equity Shares dematerialised is completed well in time so that they can participate in the Offer before Offer Closing Date. Don’ts
Offer from shareholders will be rejected if the terms or the process mentioned in the Letter Of
Offer is not followed
Shareholders who are holding Physical Shares as on the Record Date should not submit
incomplete Tender Form and other documents for placing their bid in demat form;
There should be no name mismatch in the demat account of the Eligible Shareholder and
PAN; or
There should not be any restraint order of a Court/any other competent authority for
transfer/disposal/ sale
The title to the Equity Shares should not be under dispute and there should not be any
restraint.
TIMELINES FOR RESOLUTION OF SHAREHOLDER GRIEVANCES IN TAKEOVER Sr.
No
Activity No. of calendar days
1 Shareholder grievance received by the manager to the offer T 2 Manager to the offer to identify the concerned intermediary and it shall be endeavored to forward the grievance to the concerned intermediary/ies on T day itself. T+1 Investor Complaint Issuer (for email ID refer to Offer Documents) SEBI (www.sebi.gov.in) Stock Exchanges (www.nseindia.com; www.bseindia.com) Merchant Banker (for email ID refer to Offer Documents) Scores (https:/scores.gov.in) Registrar to Issue/Offer (for email ID refer to Offer Document)
3 The concerned intermediary/ies to respond to the manager to the offer with an acceptable reply X 4 Shareholder may escalate the pending grievance, if any, to the functional head / head of department of manager to the offer T+21 5 Manager to the offer, the concerned intermediary/ies and the Shareholder shall exchange between themselves additional information related to the grievance, wherever required Between T and X 6 Manager to the offer to respond to the Shareholder with the reply Upto X+3 7 Best efforts will be undertaken by manager to the offer to respond to the grievance within T+30 Nature of shareholder grievance for which the aforesaid timeline is applicable
the shares in the hassle-free manner.
5. Shareholders should ensure that the bank account registered with their Depository Participant
is active for receiving the payment against tendered shares on time.
ANNEXURE VI
Format for Investors Complaints Data to be displayed by Registered Merchant Bankers on their respective websites (For each category, separately as well as collectively) Data for every month ending - S N Received from Pendi ng as at the end of last month Receiv ed during the particul ar month Resolve d during the particul ar month* Total Pendin g during the particul ar month # Pending complain ts > 1 month Average Resoluti on time^\ (in days) 1 Directly from Investors 2 SEBI (SCORES) 3 Stock Exchanges (if relevant) 4 Other Sources (if any) 5 Grand Total Trend of monthly disposal of complaints (For 5 months on rolling basis)- SN Month Carried forward from previous month Received during the particular month Resolved during the particular month * Pending at the end of the particular month # 1 January, 2022 2 February, 3 March, 2022 4 April, 2022 5 May, 2022 Grand Total
^ Average Resolution time is the sum total of time taken to resolve each complaint in days, in the current month divided by total number of complaints resolved in the current month.
ANNEXURE VII
CERT-Fin Advisory – 201155100308
Advisory for financial Sector Organisations- RBI and SEBI Overview It has been learnt that some of the financial sector institutions are availing or thinking of availing software as a Service (SaaS) based solution for managing their Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) functions so as to improve their cyber security posture. Many a time the risk & compliance data of the institution moves cross border beyond the legal and jurisdictional boundary of India due to the nature of shared cloud SaaS. While SaaS may provide ease of doing business and quick turnaround, it also brings significant risk to the overall health of India’s financial sector with respect to data safety and security. Description If the following data sets fall in the hands of an advisory/cyber attackers, it may lead to unprecedented increase in the attack surface area and weakening of Indian financial sector infrastructure’s overall resilience. Credit Risk Data Liquidity Risk Data Market Risk Data System & Sub-System Information Internal & Partner IP Schema Audit/Internal Audit Data System Configuration Data System Vulnerability Information Risk Exception Information Supplier Information & It’s Dependencies Related Data Solution The Financial sector organizations may be advised to protect such critical data using layered defence approach and seamless protection against external or insider threat. The organisations may also be advised to ensure complete protection & seamless control over their critical system by continuous monitoring through direct control and supervision protocol mechanisms while keeping such critical data within legal boundary of India. The organisations may also be requested to report back to their respective regulatory authority regarding compliance to this advisory. It is requested that you may kindly keep CERT-in informed of the actions taken and periodically provide the updated compliance to this advisory. (It may be noted that TLP amber means: Limited disclosure, restricted to participants’ organizations.
When should it be used: Sources may be use TLP:AMBER when information requires support to be effectively acted upon, yet carries risks to privacy, reputation, or operations if shared outside organizations involved. How may it be shared: Recipients may only share TLP: AMBER information with members of their own organization, and with clients or customers who need to know the information to protect themselves or prevent further harm. Sources are at liability to specify additional intended limits of the sharing: these must be adhered to.)
ANNEXURE VIII
For Merchant Bankers
Dear Investor,
In case of any grievance/complaint against the Merchant Banker:
Please contact Compliance Officer of the Merchant Banker (Name and Address)/ email-id (xxx.@email.com) and Phone No. -91-XXXXXXXXXX. You may also approach CEO / email-id(xxx.email.com) and Phone No.- 91- XXXXXXXXXX If not satisfied with the response of the Merchant Banker you can lodge your grievances with SEBI at http://scores.gov.in or you may also write to any of the offices of SEBI. For any queries, feedback or assistance, please contact SEBI Office on Toll Free Helpline at 1800227575/ 18002667575.
ANNEXURE IX
PRINCIPLES FOR OUTSOURCING FOR INTERMEDIARIES
2.1.2. Ability of the merchant banker to cope up with the work, in case of nonperformance or failure by a third party by having suitable back-up arrangements;
2.1.3. Regulatory status of the third party, including its fitness and probity status;
2.1.4. Situations involving conflict of interest between the merchant banker and the
third party and the measures put in place by the merchant banker to address such potential conflicts, etc.
2.2. While there shall not be any prohibition on a group entity / associate of the merchant
banker to act as the third party, systems shall be put in place to have an arm’s length distance between the merchant banker and the third party in terms of infrastructure, manpower, decision-making, record keeping, etc. for avoidance of potential conflict of interests. Necessary disclosures in this regard shall be made as
part of the contractual agreement. It shall be kept in mind that the risk management
practices expected to be adopted by a merchant banker while outsourcing to a related party or an associate would be identical to those followed while outsourcing to an unrelated party.
2.3. The records relating to all activities outsourced shall be preserved centrally so that the
same is readily accessible for review by the Board of the merchant banker and / or its senior management, as and when needed. Such records shall be regularly updated and may also form part of the corporate governance review by the management of the merchant banker.
2.4. Regular reviews by internal or external auditors of the outsourcing policies,
risk management system and requirements of the regulator shall be mandated by the Board wherever felt necessary. Merchant banker shall review the financial and operational capabilities of the third party in order to assess its ability to continue to meet its outsourcing obligations.
3. The merchant banker shall ensure that outsourcing arrangements neither
diminish its ability to fulfill its obligations to customers and regulators, nor impede effective supervision by the regulators.
3.1. The merchant banker shall be fully liable and accountable for the activities that are
being outsourced to the same extent as if the service were provided in-house.
3.2. Outsourcing arrangements shall not affect the rights of an investor or client against the
merchant banker in any manner. The merchant banker shall be liable to the investors for the loss incurred by them due to the failure of the third party and also be
responsible for redressal of the grievances received from investors arising out of activities rendered by the third party.
3.3. The facilities / premises / data that are involved in carrying out the outsourced
activity by the service provider shall be deemed to be those of the merchant banker. The merchant banker itself and regulator or the persons authorized by it shall have the right to access the same at any point of time.
3.4. Outsourcing arrangements shall not impair the ability of SEBI/SRO or auditors
to exercise its regulatory responsibilities such as supervision/inspection of the merchant banker.
4. The merchant banker shall conduct appropriate due diligence in selecting the
third party and in monitoring of its performance.
4.1. It is important that the merchant banker exercise due care, skill, and diligence in the
selection of the third party to ensure that the third party has the ability and capacity to undertake the provision of the service effectively.
4.2. The due diligence undertaken by a merchant banker shall include assessment of:
4.2.1. third party’s resources and capabilities, including financial soundness, to
perform the outsourcing work within the timelines fixed;
4.2.2. compatibility of the practices and systems of the third party with the
intermediary’s requirements and objectives;
4.2.3. market feedback of the prospective third party’s business reputation and
track record of their services rendered in the past;
4.2.4. level of concentration of the outsourced arrangements with a single third
party; and
4.2.5.the environment of the foreign country where the third party is located.
5. Outsourcing relationships shall be governed by written contracts / agreements
/ terms and conditions (as deemed appropriate) {hereinafter referred to as “contract”} that clearly describe all material aspects of the outsourcing arrangement, including the rights, responsibilities and expectations of the parties to the contract, client confidentiality issues, termination procedures, etc.
5.1. Outsourcing arrangements shall be governed by a clearly defined and legally
binding written contract between the intermediary and each of the third parties, the nature and detail of which shall be appropriate to the materiality of the outsourced activity in relation to the ongoing business of the intermediary.
5.2. Care shall be taken to ensure that the outsourcing contract:
5.2.1. clearly defines what activities are going to be outsourced, including appropriate
service and performance levels;
5.2.2. provides for mutual rights, obligations and responsibilities of the intermediary
and the third party, including indemnity by the parties;
5.2.3. provides for the liability of the third party to the intermediary for unsatisfactory
performance/other breach of the contract
5.2.4. provides for the continuous monitoring and assessment by the intermediary of
the third party so that any necessary corrective measures can be taken up immediately, i.e., the contract shall enable the intermediary to retain an appropriate level of control over the outsourcing and the right to intervene with appropriate measures to meet legal and regulatory obligations;
5.2.5. includes, where necessary, conditions of sub-contracting by the third-party, i.e.
the contract shall enable intermediary to maintain a similar control over the risks when a third party outsources to further third parties as in the original direct outsourcing;
5.2.6. has unambiguous confidentiality clauses to ensure protection of proprietary and
customer data during the tenure of the contract and also after the expiry of the contract;
5.2.7. specifies the responsibilities of the third party with respect to the IT security and
contingency plans, insurance cover, business continuity and disaster recovery plans, force majeure clause, etc.;
5.2.8. provides for preservation of the documents and data by third party;
5.2.9. provides for the mechanisms to resolve disputes arising from implementation
of the outsourcing contract;
5.2.10. provides for termination of the contract, termination rights, transfer of
information and exit strategies;
5.2.11. addresses additional issues arising from country risks and potential obstacles
in exercising oversight and management of the arrangements when intermediary outsources its activities to foreign third party. For example, the contract shall include choice-of-law provisions and agreement covenants and jurisdictional covenants that provide for adjudication of disputes between the parties under the laws of a specific jurisdiction;
5.2.12. neither prevents nor impedes the intermediary from meeting its
respective regulatory obligations, nor the regulator from exercising its regulatory powers; and
5.2.13. provides for the intermediary and /or the regulator or the persons authorized by
it to have the ability to inspect, access all books, records and information relevant to the outsourced activity with the third party.
6. The merchant banker and its third parties shall establish and maintain
contingency plans, including a plan for disaster recovery and periodic testing of backup facilities.
6.1. Specific contingency plans shall be separately developed for each outsourcing
arrangement, as is done in individual business lines.
6.2. A merchant banker shall take appropriate steps to assess and address the potential
consequence of a business disruption or other problems at the third party level. Notably, it shall consider contingency plans at the third party; co-ordination of contingency plans at both the merchant banker and the third party; and contingency plans of the merchant banker in the event of non-performance by the third party.
6.3. To ensure business continuity, robust information technology security is a necessity. A
breakdown in the IT capacity may impair the ability of the merchant banker to fulfill its obligations to other market participants/clients/regulators and could undermine the privacy interests of its customers, harm the merchant banker’s reputation, and may ultimately impact on its overall operational risk profile. Merchant banker shall, therefore, seek to ensure that third party maintains appropriate IT security and robust disaster recovery capabilities.
6.4. Periodic tests of the critical security procedures and systems and review of the backup
facilities shall be undertaken by the merchant banker to confirm the adequacy of the third party’s systems.
7. The merchant banker shall take appropriate steps to require that third parties protect
confidential information of both the merchant banker and its customers from intentional or inadvertent disclosure to unauthorized persons.
7.1. A merchant banker that engages in outsourcing is expected to take appropriate steps
to protect its proprietary and confidential customer information and ensure that it is not misused or misappropriated.
7.2. The merchant banker shall prevail upon the third party to ensure that the employees of
the third party have limited access to the data handled and only on a “need to know” basis and the third party shall have adequate checks and balances to ensure the same.
7.3. In cases where the third party is providing similar services to multiple entities, the
merchant banker shall ensure that adequate care is taken by the third party to build safeguards for data security and confidentiality.
8. Potential risks posed where the outsourced activities of multiple merchant
bankers are concentrated with a limited number of third parties.
In instances, where the third party acts as an outsourcing agent for multiple merchant bankers, it is the duty of the third party and the merchant banker to ensure that strong safeguards are put in place so that there is no co-mingling of information /documents, records and assets.
APPENDIX
LIST OF RESCINDED CIRCULARS
S.
No.
Circular No. and Date Subject / Title
LIST OF RESCINDED CIRCULARS
S.
No.
Circular No. and Date Subject / Title
15. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/DOR/CIR/P/2021/46 dated
March 26, 2021
Transfer of business by SEBI registered intermediaries to other legal entity
16. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/DOR/CIR/P/2021/42 dated
March 25 2021
Prior Approval for Change in control:
Transfer of shareholdings among immediate relatives and transmission of shareholdings and their effect on change in control
17. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/DOR/CIR/P/2021/42 dated
November 03 2020
Advisory for Financial Sector
Organizations regarding Software as a
Service (SaaS) based solutions
18. CIR/MIRSD/17/2011 dated August 24, 2011 Processing of Investor Complaints in
SEBI Complaints Redress System
(SCORES)
19. CIR/MIRSD/3/2014 dated August 28, 2014 Information regarding Grievance
Redressal Mechanism
20. SEBI Circulars No. MRD/DoP/Cir- 05/2007
dated April 27, 2007
Permanent Account Number (PAN) to be the sole identification number for all transactions in the securities market
21. SEBI Circulars No Cir/ ISD/1/2011 dated
March 23, 2011
Prevention of circulation of unauthenticated news by SEBI Registered Market Intermediaries through various modes of communication
22. Cir/ ISD/2/2011 dated March 24, 2011 Prevention of circulation of
unauthenticated news by SEBI
Registered Market Intermediaries through various modes of communication
23. SEBI Circular No. CIR/MIRSD/24/2011 dated
December 15, 2011
Guidelines on Outsourcing of Activities by Intermediaries
24. SEBI Circular No. CIR/MIRSD/5/2013 dated
August 27, 2013
General Guidelines for dealing with
Conflicts of Interest of
Intermediaries, Recognised Stock
Exchanges, Recognised Clearing
Corporations, Depositories and their
Associated Persons in Securities
Market
25. SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/CFD/PoD2/P/CIR/2023/141 dated August 10, 2023
Procedure for seeking prior approval for change in control with respect to Merchant Bankers and Bankers to an issue.
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This document supersedes: Guidelines on Outsourcing of Activities by Intermediaries
Source: Securities and Exchange Board of India — original document · Summary generated with machine assistance and reviewed before publication; the authoritative text is the regulator's original document. How RegAlert works
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