Mumbai – The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has amended lending norms, restricting banks from using depositor funds for proprietary trading and imposing stricter collateral rules for capital market intermediaries (CMIs), effective April 1. This, coupled with upcoming STT hikes, is expected to tighten liquidity, especially for derivative traders.
Key Facts:
* Banks must hold 100% tangible collateral for CMI credit, ending partially-secured credits.
* Listed shares as collateral face a minimum 40% haircut.
* Bank guarantees require at least 50% collateral, half in cash.
Experts predict a potential 15-20% contraction in derivative volumes as brokers, prop desks, and exchanges face increased funding costs. The commercial paper market may offer an alternative, though at potentially higher borrowing costs.
Leave a Reply