India’s markets regulator asked brokers and mutual funds to stop using the services of unregulated financial influencers for marketing and advertising campaigns.
A booming Indian stock market has increased the popularity of so-called financial influencers who advise on stocks and other related investments through their channels on YouTube and Instagram and often have a large number of followers.
‘The decision was taken to address concerns related to certain persons, including unregulated entities, inducing investors to deal in securities based on inappropriate claims,’ the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) said
It, however, added financial influencers engaged in investor education will be exempt from the new restrictions.
India had 154 million trading accounts as of April, as per SEBI data, a more than four times jump from the 36 million trading accounts in April 2019.
It will be the responsibility of the regulated entity to ensure individuals with whom it is associated do not breach the rules of conduct set by SEBI, including avoiding the promise of assured returns.
SEBI also introduced new criteria to decide on stocks that can be linked to derivative products, such as futures and options
The total number of stocks eligible for derivative trading will rise marginally
The SEBI board also approved changes to delisting rules that would make it easier for companies to exit from stock exchanges.
Companies can now offer shareholders fixed prices for shares as an alternative mechanism to delist from stock exchanges.
Currently, delisting is carried out via reverse book-building.
COMMENTS