Sebi allows mutual funds' entry into commodity derivatives market

Clears role of custodians which paves the way for individual investors entry through AIF route

Markets regulator the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has allowed mutual funds’ entry into commodity derivatives markets on Wednesday.

The Sebi board met here on Wednesday to discuss various issues including the impediments faced by the alternate investment funds (AIFs) for underlying commodities for trading in commodity derivatives.

“The board discussed the proposal for allowing custodial services in goods underlying commodity derivative contracts in order to enable participation of institutional investors in commodity derivatives market. In this regard, the board approved the proposed amendments to the Sebi (Custodian of Securities) Regulations, 1996,” the Sebi chairman Ajay Tyagi said