RBI Eases Investment Norms for FPIs in Corporate Debt Market
RBI Eases Investment Norms for FPIs in Corporate Debt Market
Investments by Foreign Portfolio Investors in Corporate Debt Securities through the General Route – Relaxations
Attention of Authorised Dealer Category-I (AD Category-I) banks is invited to the Foreign Exchange Management (Debt Instruments) Regulations, 2019 notified vide Notification No. FEMA. 396/2019-RB dated October 17, 2019, as amended from time to time; and the Master Direction – Reserve Bank of India (Non-resident Investment in Debt Instruments) Directions, 2025 dated January 07, 2025 [hereinafter, ‘Master Direction’].
2. At present, investments by Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) in corporate debt securities through the General Route are subject to the short-term investment limit and the concentration limit as prescribed in paragraphs 4.4(iii) and 4.4(v) of the Master Direction, respectively. On a review, and with a view to providing greater ease of investment to FPIs, it has been decided to withdraw the requirement for investments by FPIs in corporate debt securities to comply with the short-term investment limit and the concentration limit.
3. The directions in this circular are issued with immediate effect.
4. The updated Master Direction is enclosed herewith.
5. AD Category-I banks may bring the contents of these directions to the notice of their constituents.
6. The directions contained in this circular have been issued under sections 10(4) and 11(1) of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (42 of 1999) without prejudice to permissions/approval, if any, required under any other law.
Summary: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has relaxed rules for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) investing in corporate debt through the General Route. Effective immediately, FPIs are no longer required to adhere to the short-term investment limit and concentration limit as per the existing regulations. This change aims to simplify investment procedures and encourage greater FPI participation in India’s debt market. Updated directions have been issued under the FEMA Act, 1999, and AD Category-I banks are instructed to inform their clients.
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