Rupee Derivatives

RBI circular dated 21st January, 2020 allowing rupee derivatives (with settlement in foreign currency) by the IFSC Banking Units.

https://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=11794&Mode=0

Please refer to RBI circular DBR.IBD.BC.14570/23.13.004/2014-15 dated April 01, 2015, as modified from time to time, setting out RBI directions relating to IFSC Banking Units (IBUs).

2. The Task Force (TF) on Offshore Rupee Markets chaired by Smt. Usha Thorat had recommended introduction of non-deliverable Rupee Derivatives in IFSCs in a phased manner, starting with exchange traded currency derivatives (ETCD) to be followed by Over the Counter (OTC) derivatives at a later stage.

3. RBI’s decision to accept the above recommendation and permit Rupee derivatives (with settlement in foreign currency) to be traded in IFSC was announced in para 2 of the Statement on Developmental and Regulatory policies issued on October 04, 2019. Accordingly, a new paragraph No.2.6 (xiv), has been added to Annex I and II of the aforesaid circular dated April 1, 2015, which reads as under:

“IBUs are allowed to participate in exchange traded currency derivatives on Rupee (with settlement in foreign currency) listed on stock exchanges set up at IFSCs. Banks shall ensure that their IBUs have necessary expertise to price, value and compute the capital charge and manage the risks associated with the products / transactions intended to be offered and should also obtain their Board’s approval for undertaking such transactions. IBUs shall follow all other risk mitigation and prudential measures as applicable and detailed in this circular while participating in these products. Further, IBUs may also be guided by A.P (DIR Series) Circular No. 17 on “Introduction of Rupee derivatives at International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs)” dated January 20, 2020.”

4. Further, the existing paragraph 2.6(vii) of Annex I and II of the aforesaid circular dated April 01, 2015, is amended by adding the following at the end thereof:

“This is subject to the provisions of paragraph 2.6(xiv).”

5. All other terms and conditions contained in the aforementioned circular remain unchanged.

6. An updated copy of the RBI circular on IBU dated April 01, 2015 incorporating the amendments made hitherto is available on RBI’s website.

Rupee Derivatives

RBI circular dated 20th January, 2020 regarding introduction of rupee derivatives in international financial services centre

https://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=11791&Mode=0

Attention of Authorised Dealers is invited to the Foreign Exchange Management (International Financial Services Centre) Regulations, 2015 (Notification No. FEMA. 339/2015-RB dated 2nd March, 2015).

2. As announced in the statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies dated October 4, 2019, it has now been decided to allow Rupee derivatives (with settlement in foreign currency) to be traded in International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs), starting with Exchange Traded Currency Derivatives(ETCD).

3. Currency futures contracts may be listed on recognised stock exchanges at IFSCs subject to the Currency Futures in International Financial Services Centre (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2020 (Notification No.FMRD.FMD.01/ED(TRS)-2020 dated January 20, 2020), issued by the Reserve Bank of India, a copy of which is annexed (Annex I).

4. Currency options contracts may be listed on recognised stock exchanges at IFSCs subject to the Currency Options in International Financial Services Centre (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2020 (Notification No.FMRD.FMD.02/ED(TRS)-2020 dated January 20, 2020), issued by the Reserve Bank of India, a copy of which is annexed (Annex II).

5. Necessary amendments to the Foreign Exchange Management (International Financial Services Centre) Regulations, 2015 (Notification No. FEMA. 339/2015-RB dated 2nd March, 2015) have been notified in the Official Gazette vide Gazette Id no.CG-DL-E-17012020-215530 dated January 16, 2020 a copy of which is annexed (Annex-III).

6. Amendments to Currency Futures (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2008 (Notification No.FED.1/DG(SG) - 2008 dated August 6, 2008), as amended from time to time, and Exchange Traded Currency Options (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2010 (Notification No. FED.01/ED(HRK) - 2010 dated July 30, 2010), as amended from time to time, is annexed as Annex IV & V respectively.

7. The above Directions have been issued under Section 45W of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 and the above Regulation have been issued under Section 47 of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (42 of 1999).

8. The directions contained in this circular have been issued under Sections 10(4) and 11(1) of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (42 of 1999) and are without prejudice to permissions /approvals, if any, required under any other law.