Sebi allows hedge funds in commodity derivatives

Regulator Sebi allowed hedge funds to invest in commodity derivatives on Wednesday, in a move to deepen the market and boost liquidity.

However, this is subject to certain conditions, including that Category-III alternative investment funds (AIFs) or hedge funds should not invest more than 10 percent of the investible funds in one underlying commodity.

Besides, they should make disclosure in private placement memorandum issued to investors about investment in commodity derivatives and should take consent of the existing investors if such AIFs intend to invest in such derivatives.

These AIFs can participate in all commodity derivatives products being traded in exchanges as 'clients'. They should have position limits as applicable to clients.

At present, institutional participants are not allowed to participate in the commodity derivatives market in India.

Consequently, the commodity derivatives markets lack the desired liquidity and depth for efficient price discovery and price risk management, Sebi said in a circular.

"Taking cognisance of the fact that participation by institutional investors would be conducive for the overall development of the commodity derivatives market... it is now decided to allow the Category-III AIF to participate in the commodity derivatives market," the regulator said.

Category-III AIFs are those that employ diverse or complex trading strategies and may employ leverage, including through investment in listed or unlisted derivatives.

In the past, various committees including those constituted by the government have recommended participation of institutional investors in the commodity derivatives markets for improving the quality of price discovery, thereby leading to better price risk management.

Earlier in April, Sebi had floated a discussion paper in this regard and had sought comments from the public till May 20. The final norms have been put in place after taking into consideration views of all the stakeholders.