techpeople
Education • Gaming • Science & Tech
SEBI’s Regulatory Shift: More Debt Investment Flexibility for AIFs
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed reforms allowing Category II AIFs to invest fully in listed debt, enhancing liquidity and flexibility.
March 20, 2025
post photo preview

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed reforms allowing Category II AIFs to invest fully in listed debt, enhancing liquidity and flexibility. SEBI lawyer insights highlight that this shift could improve capital allocation and create new opportunities for investors.

SEBI expert lawyer Vaneesa Agrawal, founder of Thinking Legal, analyzes these changes, emphasizing their impact on liquidity and investment efficiency. SEBI’s broader efforts to strengthen AIF regulations are explored in a Thinking Legal analysis. Additionally, SEBI’s push for greater transparency in AIFs supports these reforms by reinforcing investor confidence. By addressing regulatory bottlenecks, SEBI is paving the way for a more dynamic and efficient investment landscape.

Existing SEBI Regulations and Restrictions Explained by SEBI Lawyer

Under the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012, Category II AIFs must invest most of their funds in unlisted securities. Regulation 17(a) requires them to “primarily” allocate capital to unlisted securities, interpreted as at least 50% of investments. SEBI lawyer insights highlight that this limits their participation in the listed debt market, restricting diversification and liquidity.

Additionally, SEBI’s Master Circular, issued on July 31, 2023, reinforced this interpretation, clarifying that Category II AIFs should have limited exposure to listed securities. As a result, these funds have traditionally played a limited role in the listed debt market, restricting their ability to tap into liquid debt instruments that could provide better risk-adjusted returns. SEBI expert lawyer insights indicate that this restriction has historically limited investment opportunities, making the proposed amendments a crucial step toward enhancing market participation and investment flexibility for AIFs.

According to SEBI lawyer Vaneesa Agrawal, this regulatory structure has led to investment inefficiencies, preventing AIFs from participating in structured credit opportunities.

The founder of Thinking LegalVaneesa Agrawal emphasizes:

“The restrictions on Category II AIFs have historically constrained their ability to invest in diverse debt instruments, limiting their capacity to engage in India’s growing credit markets. SEBI’s proposed amendments address these inefficiencies while maintaining regulatory oversight.”

SEBI (LODR) Regulations and Their Impact on AIFs — Thinking Legal Insights

Another significant regulatory development that has impacted AIF investments is Regulation 62A of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (LODR Regulations). This rule mandates that listed companies list their unlisted debt securities, creating unintended consequences for Category II AIFs. Since unlisted debt securities must be listed under LODR Regulations, Category II AIFs — which primarily invest in unlisted instruments — have faced regulatory hurdles in deploying capital. SEBI lawyer insights suggest that these restrictions have limited investment flexibility, making it essential to revisit the regulatory framework. Thinking Legal has analyzed these regulatory challenges, emphasizing the need for a more adaptable approach that aligns with the evolving investment landscape and supports market growth.

As stated by SEBI expert lawyer Vaneesa Agrawal, this regulation has significantly impacted private credit markets, making it harder for AIFs to structure investments in corporate bonds and other debt instruments.

SEBI lawyer Vaneesa Agrawal Explains:

“SEBI’s intent behind the LODR Regulations was to enhance transparency in the debt market. However, the requirement for mandatory listing of unlisted debt instruments created an unintended restriction on Category II AIFs, limiting their ability to invest in the private credit space.”

SEBI’s Proposed Amendments: SEBI Expert Lawyer Vaneesa Agrawal’s Perspective

SEBI’s proposed amendments aim to allow Category II AIFs to invest up to 100% of their funds in listed debt securities. This regulatory shift would grant AIFs the flexibility to explore diverse debt instruments, which were previously out of their investment scope. SEBI lawyer insights suggest that the proposed changes will help fund managers structure their investment portfolios more effectively, ensuring that capital allocation decisions are based on market conditions rather than regulatory constraints, ultimately fostering a more dynamic and efficient investment landscape.

SEBI expert lawyer Vaneesa Agrawalemphasizes that this reform represents a significant regulatory shift that aligns India’s investment framework with global market trends.

“By removing artificial barriers on investment allocation, SEBI is enabling AIFs to operate more competitively and efficiently. This move could bring more institutional capital into India’s bond markets, strengthening liquidity and investment opportunities.”

Strengthening Private Credit Markets — Insights from Thinking Legal

One of the key benefits of SEBI’s proposal is the positive impact on private credit markets. By allowing AIFs to fully participate in listed debt instruments, SEBI is removing regulatory bottlenecks that previously hindered credit financing for mid-sized enterprises and infrastructure projects. SEBI lawyer insights highlight that this shift will enable private credit funds, which have emerged as a significant source of alternative financing, to leverage listed debt securities for more structured lending solutions, ultimately fostering a more robust and dynamic credit ecosystem.

As highlighted by SEBI expert lawyer Vaneesa Agrawal, this change will open new avenues for credit investments.

“Private credit markets in India have been growing, but the regulatory restrictions on AIFs have slowed their expansion. By permitting full investment in listed debt securities, SEBI is effectively unlocking new funding channels for businesses that rely on structured credit.”

Improving Liquidity in the Debt Market — SEBI Lawyer’s Perspective

A major consequence of these amendments will be enhanced liquidity in India’s bond and credit markets. Currently, corporate bonds and other listed debt instruments often face low trading volumes, making it difficult for investors to exit positions efficiently. With AIFs now participating in the listed debt market, there will be greater trading activity, reducing illiquidity risks. SEBI lawyer insights suggest that increased institutional participation could strengthen market depth, improve price discovery, and create a more efficient debt investment ecosystem.

As noted by SEBI expert lawyer Vaneesa Agrawal, this move aligns with SEBI’s broader capital market development goals:

“By allowing Category II AIFs to fully invest in listed debt, SEBI is fostering a more liquid, transparent, and institutionalized debt market. This could attract more investors, further strengthening India’s credit market infrastructure.”

Enhancing Investor Protection — SEBI Expert Lawyer Weighs In

While SEBI is increasing investment flexibility, it is expected to introduce stronger investor protection measures to ensure market stability. Anticipated safeguards include:

  • Mandatory risk disclosures for AIFs in listed debt to enhance investor awareness, as emphasized by SEBI lawyer insights.
  • Periodic reporting and compliance obligations, strengthening transparency and governance in fund management.
  • Stronger valuation norms to ensure accurate assessments and prevent market distortions, noted by SEBI lawyer perspectives.

As per SEBI lawyer Vaneesa Agrawal, these investor-centric measures will be critical for maintaining confidence in the alternative investment space:

“Regulatory oversight will remain essential even as SEBI expands investment flexibility. SEBI will likely introduce compliance measures to ensure protection remains a top priority in the AIF ecosystem.”

Conclusion

SEBI’s proposal to expand Category II AIFs’ access to listed debt markets is a transformative step that aligns with India’s evolving financial landscape. By allowing greater investment flexibility, increasing liquidity in the debt market, and ensuring robust investor protections, SEBI is setting the foundation for a more competitive and well-regulated alternative investment ecosystem. SEBI expert lawyer insights suggest that these reforms will not only enhance market efficiency but also create new opportunities for institutional investors seeking stable and scalable debt investment avenues.

Legal experts, including SEBI lawyer Vaneesa Agrawal ofThinking Legal, emphasize that these regulatory reforms will unlock new investment opportunities, helping fund managers and investors navigate India’s evolving credit markets more effectively.

community logo
Join the techpeople Community
To read more articles like this, sign up and join my community today
0
What else you may like…
Articles
post photo preview
How the Benefits of Procurement Software Translate into Cost Savings for Your Business?
How the Benefits of Procurement Software Drive Cost Savings

You don’t need a finance degree to know this: unmanaged procurement burns money.

Over-ordering, duplicate payments, missed discounts, invoice errors — these aren’t just one-off issues. They chip away at margins day after day. If your procurement team still relies on spreadsheets, email threads, or isolated approval workflows, you’re likely bleeding cash in ways you don’t even see.

Let’s break it down. Below are real, measurable ways the benefits of procurement software translate into cost savings for your business — not in theory, but in everyday operations.

So how do you tighten control without turning the entire process into a bottleneck? The answer lies in procurement software — a smart tool that does more than just process POs and invoices.

Let’s break it down. Here’s exactly how the benefits of procurement software lead to real, measurable cost savings for your business.

Benefits of Procurement Software

1. Automation Cuts Down on Manual Labor and Mistakes

How much time does your team spend on chasing down purchase orders, matching invoices, and correcting errors?

One of the top benefits of Procurement software is that it automates those repetitive steps. From request to approval, everything flows faster, and without human bottlenecks. And fewer manual touchpoints mean fewer mistakes — no more duplicate orders or missed approvals.

Cost win: Lower labor costs, fewer errors, and more time for strategic tasks.

2. Spend Visibility = Budget Control

If you can’t see where the money is going, how can you stop overspending?

Procurement software gives you real-time dashboards and reports. You can monitor budgets, identify unusual purchases, and spot duplicate requests. This level of visibility brings discipline to spending — every transaction is tracked, and nothing slips through the cracks.

Cost win: Tighter budget control, fewer rogue purchases, and no more surprise expenses.

3. Better Supplier Deals, Backed by Data

Imagine negotiating with suppliers when you already know their past performance, pricing trends, and order history. That’s the kind of leverage procurement software provides.

It helps you manage supplier data, rate vendor performance, and consolidate spend. So you’re not just choosing the cheapest vendor — you’re choosing the smartest one. That also puts you in a better place to ask for bulk discounts or better terms.

Cost win: Lower acquisition costs and stronger supplier relationships.

4. Fraud? Not on Your Watch

Maverick spending and unauthorized purchases can quietly eat into your profits. But the benefits of procurement software ensures nothing moves without approval.

You can set up multi-level workflows, role-based access, and real-time alerts. Suspicious activity is flagged immediately. That means less money slipping through loopholes.

Cost win: Reduced fraud, fewer off-contract purchases, and complete audit trails.

5. Say Goodbye to Overstocking and Stockouts

Too much inventory? You’re paying for storage. Too little? You’re losing sales.

An integrated e procurement system helps you track inventory in real time. It gives you alerts when stock runs low and avoids unnecessary purchases when supplies are already available. This real-time visibility helps maintain healthy inventory levels without going overboard.

Cost win: Reduced inventory holding costs and fewer disruptions in operations.

6. Leaner Operations, Lower Overheads

Paper trails and scattered emails slow everything down. Worse, they cost money.

Among the most widely known benefits of Procurement software is that it centralizes everything — vendor catalogs, approvals, order status, and invoices — in one place. It cuts down on paperwork, reduces time spent on repetitive tasks, and standardizes your entire procurement cycle.

Cost win: Lower admin overheads and faster turnaround times.

7. Data That Pays Off Long-Term

This isn’t just about today’s savings. Over time, the benefits of procurement software gives you the insights to make smarter choices. It shows spending patterns, supplier performance, and areas where you can negotiate better or reduce waste.

You’re no longer reacting. You’re planning — with data backing every decision.

Cost win: Smarter buying decisions, better demand forecasting, and maximized ROI.

What About the Cost of the Procurement Software Itself?

Yes, there’s an upfront investment. But let’s be clear — the long-term cost savings more than make up for it.

You’re not just buying software. You’re buying efficiency. You’re investing in accuracy. You’re gaining visibility, speed, and control.

Even better — the right solution grows with you. A scalable, customizable procurement system fits your business as it evolves, without having to reinvent your processes every year.

Wrap Up

The benefits of procurement software aren’t fluffy tech promises. They’re practical, business-critical wins — every feature aims to reduce waste, cut effort, and save money.

Whether you’re a mid-sized business or scaling fast, procurement isn’t a back-office function anymore. It’s a strategic lever. And the right software turns that lever into a serious cost-cutting machine.

At Choice TechLab, we offer robust procurement solutions tailored to streamline your sourcing and purchasing processes. Our smart eProcurement software enhances visibility, ensures compliance, and optimizes supplier management — helping your business reduce costs and operate with greater efficiency, control, and agility across every stage of the procurement cycle.

Read full Article
post photo preview
11 Ways E-Governance Solutions Are Revolutionizing Admin
E-Governance Solutions in Public Administration

Governments worldwide are undergoing a digital transformation—and at the heart of this change lies e-governance solutions. These innovative tools are streamlining public services, enhancing transparency, and improving communication between authorities and citizens. Whether it's applying for a license, accessing government benefits, or filing taxes, digital platforms are making the entire process simpler and faster.

One such player in the field is CSC e-Governance Solutions, which has made significant strides in bringing essential services to rural India. But this revolution is much bigger than one name.

Let’s explore how e-governance solutions are reshaping the public sector.

 

1. Enhancing Service Delivery to Citizens

E-governance solutions eliminate traditional bottlenecks like long queues and excessive paperwork. Through digital portals and mobile apps, governments can now offer services such as bill payments, documentation, and grievance redressal with just a few clicks. This ensures faster turnaround times and better accessibility—especially for citizens in remote areas.

Initiatives like CSC e-Governance Solutions have played a pivotal role in this regard, offering over 300 digital services through Common Service Centres across India. Such platforms bring public services closer to citizens and minimize the need for physical visits to government offices.

2. Increasing Transparency and Accountability

Digital records leave little room for manipulation or corruption. Every transaction or request can be tracked, creating an audit trail that enhances accountability. By moving services online, e-governance solutions reduce the opportunities for under-the-table dealings and ensure public officials are held to higher standards.

This has significantly improved trust in public administration and allowed watchdogs to monitor government performance more effectively.

3. Reducing Bureaucratic Red Tape

One of the biggest pain points for citizens is navigating a maze of approvals, stamps, and signatures. E-governance solutions streamline workflows and automate document verification, helping people bypass unnecessary layers of bureaucracy.

For instance, automated verification systems now allow for faster passport approvals and Aadhaar-linked identity confirmations, saving both time and money.

4. Enabling Real-Time Decision Making

Data is the new oil, especially in governance. E-governance solutions enable real-time data collection and analysis, which helps policymakers make informed decisions quickly. Whether it’s disaster response, healthcare provisioning, or resource allocation, up-to-date data allows for swift and targeted action.

Departments can now coordinate better using centralized dashboards and analytics tools—something traditional administration couldn’t manage efficiently.

5. Promoting Financial Inclusion

Digital platforms make financial services accessible to the underserved. CSC e-Governance Solutions, for instance, empowers citizens in rural and remote areas with banking, insurance, and pension services through village-level entrepreneurs (VLEs).

This type of inclusion boosts economic development at the grassroots level and reduces the wealth gap across regions.

6. Supporting Remote Governance

From e-panchayats to online courts, e-governance solutions have enabled governance to continue remotely—even during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital signatures, video conferencing, and cloud storage have made it possible for administrative functions to run uninterrupted.

This shift not only ensures service continuity but also makes governance more adaptable and resilient.

7. Empowering Rural Populations

Traditionally, rural communities faced barriers to accessing government schemes. E-governance platforms like CSC e-Governance Solutions have bridged this gap by setting up service centers even in remote villages.

These centers offer services like land record digitization, income certificates, and employment applications—all of which empower citizens and increase participation in democratic processes.

8. Strengthening Law Enforcement and Public Safety

Modern e-governance platforms assist law enforcement with crime mapping, citizen reporting, and traffic management. Real-time data sharing between departments improves responsiveness and reduces the crime rate.

Moreover, online FIRs and mobile safety apps make it easier for citizens to report crimes and seek help without delay.

9. Reducing Operational Costs

Automation and digitization significantly reduce the cost of service delivery. By cutting down on paper usage, travel, and manual labor, governments can reallocate budgets to critical sectors like health and education.

Long-term, e-governance solutions contribute to a more sustainable and cost-effective model of public administration.

10. Encouraging Citizen Participation

Digital platforms offer avenues for citizens to engage with policymakers through surveys, e-petitions, and feedback forms. This inclusive approach leads to more democratic decision-making and greater public satisfaction.

By involving citizens directly, e-governance fosters a sense of ownership and trust in government initiatives.

11. Enabling Smart Governance in Urban Planning

Urban areas are adopting e-governance solutions to manage traffic, waste, and utilities more effectively. Smart city dashboards provide authorities with insights into energy usage, transportation efficiency, and pollution control.

With the integration of IoT and AI, urban governance is evolving into a data-driven ecosystem—making cities more livable and future-ready.

Why E-Governance Solutions Are the Future of Governance

Whether it's increasing transparency, improving efficiency, or enabling citizen participation, e-governance solutions are the cornerstone of modern public administration. The widespread impact of initiatives like CSC e-Governance Solutions proves that digital transformation is not just a buzzword—it’s a necessity.

Governments that invest in these solutions today are building the foundations for a more accountable, efficient, and citizen-centric future.

Conclusion

From eliminating red tape to empowering rural citizens and promoting real-time decision-making, e-governance solutions are revolutionizing how governments interact with people. As digital-first expectations grow, public administrations that embrace these technologies stand to gain in both efficiency and citizen trust. The momentum is clear: e-governance is not just a tool—it’s the foundation of a more inclusive, responsive, and transparent government.

Behind the scenes of many of these transformative initiatives are reliable technology partners helping turn policy into progress. One such enabler is Instalogic, whose expertise in custom-built e-governance solutions is quietly powering smarter governance across sectors.

Read full Article
post photo preview
Best English Dubbed Movies to Watch in 2025 - Watch on DOD

If you love high-octane action, spine-chilling horror, or epic adventures, Dimension on Demand (DOD) is your go-to platform for the best English dubbed movies. DOD brings you an incredible selection of international films, fully dubbed for an immersive experience in your preferred language. Whether you crave adrenaline-pumping fights, bloodcurdling monster attacks, or thrilling war sequences, there's something for every movie buff.

This year, three must-watch titles stand out—Tiger Plague, Bugs, and Storm Warriors. These films deliver intense action, gripping storylines, and stunning visuals, making them top choices in English dubbed movies. Let’s dive into what makes each film a must-watch!

Tiger Plague – When Nature Strikes Back!

In Tiger Plague, a renowned Feng Shui Master decides to construct a tiger arena in the heart of the capital. However, things take a horrifying turn when a mysterious virus infects the animals, transforming them into bloodthirsty mutant tigers. As the city descends into chaos, the survivors must battle against all odds to stay alive. With its gripping storyline and intense action, this film is a must-watch for fans of English dubbed movies that deliver both thrills and suspense..

Jianing Hong delivers a gripping performance as a determined scientist trying to find a cure, while Ning Jia plays a fearless journalist uncovering the dark secrets behind the outbreak. Qingling Jin brings intensity to the role of a government official racing against time to contain the disaster before the city is entirely consumed. Their performances elevate the tension, making every moment electrifying.

ThisEnglish-dubbed movie stands out for its stunning visual effects, nerve-wracking action sequences, and engaging storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you love apocalyptic thrillers with a unique twist, Tiger Plague is a must-watch!

Why This Movie Stands Out:

  • A gripping mix of action and drama, packed with jaw-dropping visuals.
  • Intense survival sequences that keep you on the edge of your seat.
  • A fresh take on monster mayhem with a unique cultural twist.

Bugs – When Science Goes Wrong!

Set in a near-future world, Bugs follows James, a brilliant geneticist played by Yunjin Cao, who develops superbugs to provide a cheap protein source for the masses. However, his groundbreaking research takes a dark turn when the bugs begin reproducing uncontrollably, evolving into terrifying creatures that crave human flesh. With its mix of horror and dark comedy, this film is a standout choice for fans of English dubbed movies that blend sci-fi thrills with spine-chilling suspense.

Sphinx Ting plays an investigative journalist who discovers the horrifying truth behind the failed experiment, while Chuan-jun Wang takes on the role of a desperate scientist trying to stop the outbreak before it’s too late. Their performances add depth to this sci-fi horror comedy, blending tension with moments of dark humor.

A mix of satire and nail-biting terror, Bugs is one of the most unique English dubbed movies of the year. With its eerie visuals, sharp storytelling, and unexpected twists, this film is entertaining and thought-provoking.

Why You Can't-Miss This Movie:

  • A perfect blend of science fiction and horror, with dark comedic moments.
  • Terrifyingly realistic CGI bringing the mutant bugs to life.
  • A terrifyingly entertaining English-dubbed horror film blending thrills and laughs.

The Storm Warriors – The Battle for Survival!

Epic battles, stunning visuals, and legendary warriors come together in The Storm Warriors, an action-packed adventure film that takes martial arts fantasy to the next level. The story follows Wind, played by Ekin Cheng, and Cloud, played by Aaron Kwok, as they unite against a ruthless Japanese warlord attempting to conquer China. With its breathtaking fight sequences and gripping storyline, this film is a must-watch for fans of English dubbed movies who love high-energy action and epic heroism.

Nicholas Tse plays an enigmatic swordsman with his own motives, while Kenny Ho takes on the role of a wise master guiding the heroes in their quest. Their performances add depth to this visually striking film, blending intense sword fights with rich storytelling.

A must-watch for fans of martial arts epics, Storm Warriors delivers breathtaking battle sequences and a powerful narrative. If you love larger-than-life heroes and high-stakes action, this English-dubbed movie will keep you hooked from start to finish!

Why You’ll Love This Movie:

  • Spectacular fight sequences choreographed by top martial arts experts.
  • A legendary cast bringing beloved characters to life.
  • A visually stunning, English-dubbed adventure film with breathtaking fight sequences.

Watch These English Dubbed Movies on DOD!

Dimension on Demand (DOD) is your go-to platform for premiumEnglish dubbed action movies, bringing global hits straight to your screen. Whether you love sci-fi horrors, action-packed thrillers, or martial arts epics, DOD ensures top-quality dubbing for an immersive experience.

Stream Tiger Plague, Bugs, and Storm Warriors with seamless access and high-quality audio. Don’t miss out on the best English dubbed movies available in 2025!

Conclusion – Get Ready for an Action-Packed 2025!

The world of English-dubbed film is more exciting than ever, offering audiences a chance to experience international films without language barriers. Whether it’s mutant tiger mayhem, horrifying sci-fi bugs, or legendary martial arts battles, these films bring non-stop entertainment.

With DOD, watching these movies is easier than ever. If you’re looking for top-quality dubbing, diverse content, and epic storytelling, English dubbed movies provide an immersive experience like never before. Don’t miss out on these must-watch films in 2025!

Read full Article
Available on mobile and TV devices
google store google store app store app store
google store google store app tv store app tv store amazon store amazon store roku store roku store
Powered by Locals