In a major step toward simplifying the investment process for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has rolled out a welcome regulatory update that eliminates the need for NRIs to notify clearing members and obtain a Custodial Participant (CP) code before trading in exchange-traded derivatives.
What Has Changed?
Until now, NRIs were required to notify the names of their Clearing Members and obtain a CP code through the exchange. The CP code served as an identification mechanism for monitoring position limits in derivative contracts. This process, while effective in compliance tracking, added a layer of operational complexity for NRIs looking to invest in Indian derivatives.
As per the new guideline, NRIs can now trade in exchange-traded derivatives without having to obtain a CP code. This eliminates one of the major procedural hurdles for international investors and aligns with global best practices.
Why This Matters
The change is a result of recommendations from the Brokers’ Industry Standards Forum, a collective working to streamline and modernize India’s capital markets infrastructure. Their inputs, aimed at improving investor experience, have been instrumental in shaping this reform.
For NRIs, this change translates to:
Faster onboarding and trading access
Reduced documentation and administrative steps
Greater ease in accessing India’s vibrant derivatives market
This reform supports India’s broader goal of attracting foreign investment and strengthening the global appeal of its financial markets.
Monitoring Still in Place: Risk Management Is Not Compromised
While the CP code requirement is being removed, compliance and oversight are not being relaxed. SEBI has clarified that the Exchange and Clearing Corporations will now monitor NRI positions in the same way they monitor client-level position limits for domestic traders.
In other words, the position limits for NRIs will remain identical to those applicable to individual clients under SEBI’s existing framework. This ensures that market stability and systemic risk controls remain intact, even as the process becomes simpler.
Impact on the Market
This decision is expected to:
Encourage greater participation from NRIs in India’s derivatives markets
Boost liquidity and depth in exchange-traded contracts
Streamline broker operations by removing the need for CP code-related processing
Bring India’s regulatory framework in closer alignment with global investment norms
A Win-Win for NRIs and the Indian Market
By doing away with the CP code requirement, SEBI has removed a key bottleneck in NRI participation in derivatives trading. This reform balances ease of doing business with strong regulatory oversight and is likely to open the door for many more NRIs to engage in India’s financial markets.
With this forward-looking move, India continues to demonstrate its commitment to reforming and modernizing its financial ecosystem, making it more inclusive, efficient, and investor-friendly — both for residents and the global Indian diaspora