Govt to hike FDI limit in stock exchanges to 15%

 New Delhi: The government on Monday said foreign entities would be allowed to own up to 15 percent stake in domestic stock exchanges, a move that would help boost their global competitiveness.

The decision announced in the 2016-17 Budget speech by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also comes against the backdrop of demand from various stakeholders who have been seeking higher foreign direct investment (FDI) in stock bourses.

"Investment limit for foreign entities in Indian stock exchanges will be enhanced from 5 percent to 15 percent on par with domestic institutions," Jaitley said.

"This will enhance global competitiveness of Indian stock exchanges and accelerate adoption of best-in-class technology and global market practices."

The finance minister announced FDI policy reforms in insurance, pension, asset reconstruction companies and stock exchanges.

Meanwhile, in November last year, capital markets regulator Sebi approved a new set of revised regulations for listing of domestic stock exchanges.

Those norms were aimed to put in place necessary safeguards and procedures with respect to shareholding norms, fit-and-proper criteria and other issues of conflict of interest.

According to the Sebi norms, the exchanges would need to take steps for maintaining of 51 percent of shareholding of the public category and ensuring holding of trading members, associates or agents does not exceed 49 percent.