Electronic Trading Platforms (ETPs)

10.04.2024

Electronic Trading Platforms (ETPs)

Why in the news?                                                                                                                                     

        Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor raised concerns over unauthorized forex trading platforms and asked banks to maintain vigil against such illegal activities.

About Electronic Trading Platforms:

• These are electronic systems, other than a recognised stock exchange, on which transactions in eligible instruments like securities, money market instruments, foreign exchange instruments, derivatives, etc. are contracted.
• In India no entity shall operate an ETP without obtaining prior authorisation of RBI under ‘The Electronic Trading Platforms (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2018’.
• Resident persons operating ETPs without authorisation from RBI, collecting and effecting/remitting payments directly/indirectly outside India shall render themselves liable for penal action, including the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.
• ETPs authorized by the Reserve Bank shall host transactions only in instruments approved by the Reserve Bank.

Criteria for authorization of ETPs

○The entity shall be a company incorporated in India.

○An entity seeking authorisation as an ETP operator shall maintain a minimum net-worth of Rs.5 crore (Rupees five crore only) and shall continue to maintain the minimum net-worth prescribed herein at all times.

○The existing entities operating ETPs with a net-worth lower than the prescribed net-worth requirement shall achieve the minimum net-worth of Rs.5 crores within one year from the date of authorisation by the Reserve Bank.

○Banks seeking authorisation to operate ETP shall earmark a minimum capital of Rs.5 crore for the purpose.

                                                         Source: Indian Express