Markets regulator Sebi on Thursday asked mutual fund valuation agencies not to consider restructuring of debt and non-receipt of dues solely due to COVID-19 related stress as a default.
The valuation agencies appointed by the Association of Mutual Funds in India (Amfi) provide valuation of money market and debt securities and recognise default of securities.
Any proposal of restructuring received by debenture trustees will be communicated to investors immediately, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) said in a circular.
Further, any proposal received by mutual funds from lenders/issuer/debenture trustees will be reported immediately to the valuation agencies (along with the other material information required for the purpose of valuation), credit rating agencies and Amfi.
On receipt of such information, Amfi will immediately disseminate it to its members.
"If the valuation agency, based on its assessment of the proposal, is of the view that the proposed restructuring is solely due to fallout of COVID-19 pandemic then the valuation agency may not consider the restructuring/non receipt of dues as a default for the purpose of valuation of money market or debt securities held by mutual funds," Sebi said in a circular.
Further, valuation agencies will ensure that change in terms of investment, financial stress of the issuer and the capability of issuer to repay the dues or borrowings on the extended dates are reflected in the valuation of the securities.
In case there is any difference in the valuation of securities provided by two valuation agencies, the conservative valuation will be accepted, Sebi said.
The direction will be in force till December 31, 2020, the regulator said.
Earlier, Sebi had provided relaxation to credit rating agencies in recognition of default for restructuring by lender or investors arising solely due to COVID-19 related stress.
(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Dear Reader,
Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.
We, however, have a request.
As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.
Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.
Digital Editor
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU