Sebi tweaks norms for independent directors

New Delhi: MARKETS regulator Sebi has approved a slew of measures, including amendments to norms related to independent directors and the introduction of a framework for accredited investors. Among other proposals, the watchdog has decided to allow resident Indian fund managers to be constituents of foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) and also amend mutual fund (MF) rules to provide for the investment of a minimum amount as skin in the game in the schemes by asset management companies (AMCs) based on the risk associated with such schemes.

At present, the requirement is an investment of one per cent of the amount raised in a New Fund Offer (NFO) or an amount of Rs 50 lakh, whichever is less. These decisions were taken by the Sebi board at its meeting on Tuesday. Accredited investors could be individuals, HUFs, family trusts, sole proprietorships, partnership firms, trusts and body corporates based on financial parameters, Sebi said in a statement.

The regulator's board has also cleared amendments to the prohibition of insider trading regulations wherein the maximum reward for informants will be hiked to Rs 10 crore from Rs 1 crore at present. Besides, changes have been approved to regulations governing Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InVITs) and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). To provide easy access to investors to participate in public/rights issues by using various payment avenues, Sebi has decided to permit banks, other than scheduled banks, to register as a banker to an issue. The entities, other than banks, will be specified by the regulator from time to time.