Capital, debt market service providers to remain operational during lockdown: SEBI

Regulator-notified entities that would continue to be exempted from the nationwide closure are stock exchanges, clearing corporations, depositories, custodians, mutual funds, asset management companies, stock brokers, trading members, clearing members, participants of depositories, registrar and share transfer agents.

New Delhi: Market regulator SEBI has said that entities providing capital and debt market services will continue to remain operational during the nationwide lockdown which has been extended for another two weeks contain the spread of COVID-19.

The government on Friday announced that a "limited" lockdown, including suspension of inter-state travel, air and train services, will continue to remain in force for another two weeks throughout the country from May 4, but some activities would be allowed after classifying areas into red, orange and green zones.

The Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines permit continuation of certain services including Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) operations, capital and debt market services (as notified by the regulator), it said.

Accordingly, regulator-notified entities that would continue to be exempted from the nationwide closure are stock exchanges, clearing corporations, depositories, custodians, mutual funds, asset management companies, stock brokers, trading members, clearing members, participants of depositories, registrar and share transfer agents.

Besides, credit rating agencies, debenture trustees, foreign portfolio investors, portfolio managers, alternative investment funds and investment advisers would continue to be exempted.

This order will continue to remain in force for two weeks starting May 4, the regulator said.

SAT to remain closed till May 15 amid coronavirus lockdown

The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) will remain closed till May 15 in view of the nationwide lockdown announced by the government to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Earlier, the tribunal had said it will remain closed till May 1.

"The tribunal will further remain closed from May 4, 2020, to May 15, 2020, in view of the extension of nationwide lockdown declared by the government on May 1 to contain the spread of COVID-19," SAT said in a notification.

Besides, the tribunal will function from May 18 between 11.30 am and 4.30 pm, until further orders.

Also, the office of the registry shall function from May 18 between 11 am and 4.30 pm, it added.

(PTI Report)