SEBI Exempts Eligible Listed Issuers from Merchant Banker Requirement for Private Debt Placements

SEBI has relaxed the mandatory merchant banker requirement for eligible listed issuers privately placing debt securities with a face value of Rs 10,000. Issuers must be regulated by a financial sector regulator, listed for at least a year, have no pending penalties, no defaults in three years, and debt rated at least AA-. The move aims to ease fundraising and expand retail access to high-rated securities.