AMC Repo Clearing in talks with Sebi to cut costs
AMC Repo Clearing is in talks with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to find ways to bring down operational costs related to taxation rules and the role of intermediaries on the tri-party repo platform, which the government is banking on to deepen the corporate bond market.
The clearing house, promoted by asset management companies and inaugurated by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in July, is discussing matters related to recent taxation changes for corporate bonds as well as regulatory guidelines related to entering tri-party repos and the costs associated with it, two market sources aware of the development told ET.
«They (AMC Repo) are trying to bring down that cost to attract more participants following feedback from the market. One of the discussion points with Sebi is to do with the step announced in the budget regarding TDS (tax deductible at source) on corporate bonds,» one of the sources said.
«Given the nature of a tri-party repo, there are complications arising from the move — if the TDS is deducted in the name of the AMC Repo, how is that transferred back? Moreover, there are issues surrounding the eligibility of the securities at the time of coupon payments,» the source said.
A tri-party repo is a type of contract that includes a third party which acts as an intermediary between two entities — one lending against a security and the other borrowing with a commitment to repurchase (repo) the security at a later date.
The third party takes care of payment and settlement, selection of collateral and custody during the length of the transaction.
An email sent to Sebi did not receive a response until press time. AMC Repo officials too did not comment.
In the 2023 Union budget, the
