Programmes sponsored by the Exchanges through media channels - SEBI - SEBI/HO/CDMRD/DMP/CIR/P/2016/72

CIRCULAR SEBI/HO/CDMRD/DMP/CIR/P/2016/72 August 19, 2016 To, The Managing Directors / Chief Executive Officers of All Commodity Derivatives Exchanges Dear Sir / Madam, Sub: Programmes sponsored by the Exchanges through media channels 1. As per Section 131(4) of Finance Act, 2015 all rules, directions, guidelines, instructions, circulars, or any like instruments, made by the erstwhile FMC or the Central Government applicable to recognized associations under the FCRA would continue to remain in force for a period of one year from the date on which FCRA was repealed (September 29, 2015), or till such time as notified by SEBI, whichever is earlier. 2. Erstwhile FMC, from time to time, had prescribed various norms related to Programmes sponsored by the Exchanges . This circular is being issued to consolidate and update such norms prescribed by erstwhile FMC. 3. The Exchanges being neutral platforms, either as an institution or through their functionaries, shall not sponsor or associate themselves in any manner with programmes/seminars/workshops/activities etc. at various fora including but not limited to TV/Radio/Social Networks/Websites or any other media in which the discussions/suggestions are related to the price behaviour, price outlook, trading strategy, buy/sell recommendations, or similar subjects related to commodity derivatives. 4. Exchanges shall also ensure that the staff members of the Exchanges are not associated with such activities as mentioned above. The Exchanges shall lay down a suitable code of conduct for their executives and other staff members in this regard. 5. The provisions of this circular shall come into force from the date of the circular in supersession of all earlier directives issued by erstwhile FMC with regard to matters related to Programmes sponsored by the Exchanges . 6. This circular is issued in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 11(1) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act 1992, to protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote the development of, and to regulate the securities market. 7. The Exchanges are advised to: i. to make necessary amendments to the relevant bye-laws, rules and regulations. ii. bring the provisions of this circular to the notice of the stock brokers of the Exchange and also to disseminate the same on their website. iii. communicate to SEBI, the status of the implementation of the provisions of this circular. 8. This circular is available on SEBI website at www.sebi.gov.in under the category Circulars and Info for Commodity Derivatives . Yours faithfully, Vikas Sukhwal Deputy General Manager Division of Market Policy Commodity Derivatives Market Regulation Department [email protected]