1. Commodity Derivatives
Shri S K Mohanty (Executive Director)
SEBI
August 12, 2017

2. Historical background
Historical background dates back 1875
Setting up of Forward Markets Commission (FMC) erstwhile regulator in 1953
The New National Agricultural Policy of 2000 recognized the role of derivatives markets in price discovery and price risk management
Recognition to the Electronic National Commodity Derivatives Exchanges in 2003
Power to regulate Commodity Derivatives and its Exchanges transferred to SEBI in 2015

3. Transition to new regulatory regime
In order to provide continuity to regulatory framework of commodity derivatives markets all prevailing rules, directions and circulars applicable to commodity derivatives exchanges were revisited.
Circulars/Guidelines of erstwhile FMC were analyzed, updated and fresh Circulars issued covering all aspects of the Commodity Derivatives.
Alignment of norms, wherever possible, in the commodity derivatives market with norms applicable in other segments of securities market.
Approval of Byelaws of exchange
Inspections of exchanges and warehouses
Exit of Non-Functional Exchanges

4. Strengthening of Risk Management
Membership deposits - Base Minimum Capital & Net worth requirements
Robust Margining system
Upfront margin collection from members on online, real time basis
Margin has to be collected by members from end-clients.
Mark-to-Market (MTM) settlement on daily basis
Initial margin of 2 days and concentration margins
Provision for Settlement Guarantee Fund (SGF) whose quantum is determined by periodic stress tests, Stress testing for Default/Liquidity Risk
Applicability of IOSCO Principles on Commodity derivatives exchanges

5. Strengthening of delivery infrastructure
Should be in business of public warehousing for at least 3 years.
Fit and proper criteria
Minimum net worth requirement of Rs. 25 crores for multi commodity and Rs. 10 crores for single commodity WSP
Security Deposit: Linked to storage value ranging between 3% to 5% of the total value of goods stored in warehouses.
Comprehensive insurance policy to cover full value of goods stored in warehouses.
Storage value of goods in warehouse not to exceed 33 times of the net worth of WSP.
Management of WSPs and associated entities not allowed to trade in futures on the commodity for which it is accredited by Exchange.
Regular monitoring by exchanges

6. Developments in commodity derivatives
Notification of new Commodities
Diamond
Brass
Pig Iron
Eggs
Cocoa
Tea
Criteria for Eligibility, Retention and re-introduction of derivative contracts on Commodities
Approval of contracts on commodities like Diamond etc.

7. New Products
In -principle permission to launch of 'options' in commodity derivatives market in September 2016
Consultation was conducted with various stakeholders with regards to Option Contract Design
Details regarding the Product Design and Risk Management Framework for options issued
Eligibility criteria for selection of underlying commodities as-
shall be amongst the top five futures contracts in terms of total trading
Average daily turnover of at least Rs 200 cr for agricultural and agri-processed commodities and Rs 1000 cr for other commodities

8. New participants
Participation of Category III AIFs in Commodity Derivatives Market
Category III AIFs will participate as ‘Clients’
Shall not invest more than ten percent of the investable funds in one commodity
May engage in leverage or borrow subject to a maximum limit, as specified by Board from time to time.

9. Review of Position limits for Agri Commodities
Reviewed position limits for the agri commodities in consultations with the stakeholders
Categorization of commodities as broad, narrow and sensitive
Concept of Deliverable Supply
Cient level open position limits linked to deliverable supply

10. Gold Derivatives at Commodity Exchanges
As on date i.e. August 03, 2017, the total stock position of gold eligible for delivery is 211 kg

11. Steps taken for development of Gold Derivatives
Introduction of Options for Commodity Derivatives vide circular dated September 28, 2016 and June 13, 2017
MCX has applied for Options in Gold Contracts
Increasing institutional participation
Category III AIFs have been allowed to participate in Gold Derivatives
SEBI is in process of consultation with Mutual Funds and PMS for their participation in Gold Derivatives
SEBI is in process of examining inclusion of Commodity Derivatives with Gold as underlying as an eligible Gold related instrument for Gold exchange traded fund
SEBI is in process of framing warehousing norms for Bullion

12. Future Roadmap Establishment of Clearing Corporation
Guidelines for Warehousing / Storage Service Providers (SSP) norms for non-agri commodities.
Steps for introduction of further new products such as indices
Steps for permitting new participants such as portfolio managers, mutual funds, foreign entities having commodity exposure with India
Convergence of equity and commodity derivatives markets at both broker and exchange level
Review of position limits for Non-agri Contracts