The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has released a draft advertisement code for online bond platforms (OBPPs) through its Department of Debt and Hybrid Securities (DDHS). According to reports from The Hindu, this regulatory framework comes months after a similar proposal for market intermediaries including the Association of Mutual Funds of India (AMFI). The draft code represents SEBI's continued effort to establish comprehensive regulatory guidelines for digital financial platforms.
The Indian online bond platform market currently comprises about 38 SEBI registered OBPPs that operate through both major stock exchanges. As reported by The Hindu, these platforms are distributed equally between the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). The registered platforms include popular brokerage applications such as Groww and AngelOne, alongside specialized bond-only platforms like GRIP Invest.
SEBI has identified deepening bond markets as an important task to achieve multiple strategic objectives. According to The Hindu, this regulatory initiative aims to enable companies to access sources other than just stock markets for capital raising and provide retail participants with expanded investment opportunities. The framework is designed to facilitate the growth and formalization of India's online bond trading ecosystem.
The proposed advertisement code will establish standardized guidelines for online bond platform operators to ensure transparent and compliant marketing practices. As reported by The Hindu, this regulatory framework is part of SEBI's broader strategy to enable retail participants to invest in bond markets through digital platforms. The code is expected to provide clarity on marketing standards and investor protection measures for the growing online bond trading sector.
