Sebi allows liquidity enhancement schemes in equity cash mkt

Moreover, in case a bourse introduces the scheme on securities, "other stock exchanges may also introduce the scheme in the same securities "even if those are not eligible" on their platform. Such LES of other stock exchanges shall not be continued beyond the period of LES at the initiating stock exchange", Sebi said.

The guidelines also state that a stock exchange would have to seek the prior approval of its board regarding LES and any modifications or discontinuation of the scheme. The Board has to monitor the schemes at quarterly intervals.

The stock exchanges have been asked to monitor such schemes as per the norms, ensure that they are operated in a transparent manner and do not compromise market integrity.

According to Sebi guidelines, in order to ensure transparency, the incentives could be provided in the form of discount in fees, adjustment in fees in other segments or cash payment.

Such incentives can't exceed 25 per cent of net profits or 25 per cent of the free reserves of the stock exchange, whichever is higher, as per financial statements of the preceding fiscal year, Sebi said.

Besides the incentives may also be provided through shares, including options and warrants, of the stock exchange.

These shares can't exceed 25 per cent of the issued and outstanding shares of the stock exchange as on the last day of the preceding financial year, as per the regulator.

Bourses are required to submit half-yearly reports on the working of its LES for review

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