SEBI streamlines framework on centralized database for corporate bonds

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has streamlined the framework on the centralized database for corporate bonds, in order to improve access to information for investors. The guidelines provide information on the manner of filing, an updated list of data fields to be maintained, and the responsibilities of the parties involved. All past data available in the database will continue to be hosted by the depositories. Upon receipt of information from an issuer, depositories will have to, within three working days from the date of receipt of the information, host that information as well as share it with other depositories for hosting.

Secure login credentials will be provided to issuers, stock exchanges, credit rating agencies and debenture trustees for updating and verifying information in the corporate bond database within the given timelines. Depositories will be required to provide information regarding redeemable preference shares and securitised debt instruments in a separate section within the database. Information provided by issuers will be verified by depositories at the time of activation of the International Securities Identification Number (ISIN). The new provisions of the framework will come into effect on 1st August, 2021.