The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued a circular mandating the use of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) by individual investors for applying in public issues of debt securities, non-convertible redeemable preference shares, municipal debt securities, and securitized debt instruments. This applies to applications made through intermediaries like syndicate members, stock brokers, registrars, and depository participants where the application amount is up to ₹5 lakh. Investors must provide a UPI ID linked to their bank accounts in the bid-cum-application form. The move aims to streamline and align the application process for these securities with that of equity shares and convertibles. However, other modes of application, such as using Self Certified Syndicate Banks (SCSBs) or stock exchange platforms, will continue to be available. This regulation is effective for public issues opening on or after November 1, 2024. The circular is issued under SEBI’s regulatory authority to safeguard investor interests and promote market regulation.
Securities and Exchange Board of India
Circular No. SEBI/HO/DDHS/DDHS-PoD-1/P/CIR/2024/128 Dated: September 24, 2024
To,
Issuers who propose to list debt securities, non-convertible redeemable
preference shares, municipal debt securities or securitised debt instruments;
Recognised Stock Exchanges;
Registered Merchant Bankers;
Registered Stock Brokers;
Depositories and Registered Depository Participants;
Registered Bankers to an Issue;
Registered Registrars to an Issue and Share Transfer Agents; and
Self Certified Syndicate Banks (SCSBs)
Madam/ Sir,
Subject: Usage of UPI by individual investors for making an application in public issue of securities through intermediaries
1. Chapter I (Application process in case of public issues of securities and timelines for listing) of the Master Circular no. SEBI/HO/DDHS/PoD1/P/CIR/2024/54 dated May 22, 2024, (hereinafter referred as ‘Master Circular’) issued by SEBI, prescribes provisions pertaining to application process in case of public issue of securities under SEBI (Issue and Listing of Non-Convertible Securities) Regulations, 2021, SEBI (Issue and Listing of Municipal Debt Securities) Regulations, 2015 and SEBI (Issue and Listing of Securitised Debt Instruments and Security Receipts) Regulations, 2008.
2. In order to streamline and align the process of applying in the public issue of debt securities, non-convertible redeemable preference shares, municipal debt securities and securitised debt instruments with that of public issue of equity shares and convertibles, it has been decided that all individual investors applying in public issues of such securities through intermediaries (viz. syndicate members, registered stock brokers, registrar to an issue and transfer agent and depository participants), where the application amount is upto Rs. 5 Lakh, shall only use UPI for the purpose of blocking of funds and provide his/ her bank account linked UPI ID in the bid-cum-application form submitted with intermediaries.
3. Further, individual investors shall continue to have the choice of availing other modes (viz. through SCSBs and Stock Exchange Platform) for making an application in the public issue.
4. The provisions of this circular shall be applicable to public issues of debt securities, non-convertible redeemable preference shares, municipal debt securities and securitised debt instruments opening on or after November 01, 2024.
5. The Circular is issued in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 11(1) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 read with Regulation 55 (1) of the SEBI (Issue and Listing of Non-Convertible Securities) Regulations, 2021, Regulation 29 of SEBI (Issue and Listing of Municipal Debt Securities) Regulations, 2015 and Regulation 48 of SEBI (Issue and Listing of Securitised Debt Instruments and Security Receipts) Regulations, 2008 to protect the interest of investors in securities and to promote the development of, and to regulate the securities market.
6. This Circular is available at sebi.gov.in under the link “Legal → Circulars”.
Yours faithfully,
Rishi Barua
Deputy General Manager
Department of Debt and Hybrid Securities
+91-022 2644 9673
[email protected]
