GST on assignment of receivables: Wrong path to the right destination

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Team Vinod Kothari Consultants P. Ltd

 

There has been a lot of uncertainty on the issue of exigibility of direct assignments and securitisation transactions to goods and services tax (GST). While on one hand, there have been opinions that assignments of secured debts may be taxable being covered by the circuitous definition of “actionable claims”, there are other views holding such assignments of debts (secured or unsecured) to be non-taxable since an obligation to pay money is nothing but money, and hence, not  “goods” under the GST law[1]. The uncertainty was costing the market heavily[2].

In order to put diverging views to rest, the GST Council came out with a set of Frequently Asked Questions on Financial Services Sector[3], trying to clarify the position of some arguable issues pertaining to transactions undertaken in the financial sector. These FAQs include three separate (and interestingly, mutually unclear) questions on – (a) assignment or sale of secured or secured debts [Q.40], (b) whether assignment of secured debts constitutes a transaction in money [Q.41], and (c) securitisation transactions undertaken by banks [Q.65].

The end-result arising out of these questions is that there will be no GST on securitisation transactions. However, the GST Council has relied on some very intriguing arguments to come to this conclusion – seemingly lost between the meaning of “derivatives”, “securities”, and “actionable claims”. If one does not care about why we reached here, the conclusion is most welcome. However, the FAQs also reflect the serious lack of understanding of financial instruments with the Council, which may potentially create issues in the long run.

In this note[4] we intend to discuss the outcome of the FAQs, but before that let us first understand what the situation of the issue was before this clarification.

Situation before the clarification

  1. GST is chargeable on supply of goods or services or both. Goods have been defined in section 2(52) of the CGST Act in the following manner:

“(52) “goods” means every kind of movable property other than money and securities but includes actionable claim, growing crops, grass and things attached to or forming part of the land which are agreed to be severed before supply or under a contract of supply;”

Services have been defined in section 2(102) of the CGST Act oin in the following manner:

““services” means anything other than goods, money and securities but includes activities relating to the use of money or its conversion by cash or by any other mode, from one form, currency or denomination, to another form, currency or denomination for which a separate consideration is charged;”

Money, is therefore, excludible from the scope of “goods” as well as “services”.

Section 7 details the scope of the expression “supply”. According to the section, “supply” includes “all forms of supply of goods or services or both such as sale, transfer, barter, exchange, licence, rental, lease or disposal made or agreed to be made for a consideration by a person in the course or furtherance of business.” However, activities as specified in Schedule III of the said Act shall not be considered as “supply”.

It may be noted here that “Actionable claims, other than lottery, betting and gambling” are enlisted in entry 6 of Schedule III of the said Act; therefore are not exigible to GST.

  1. There is no doubt that a “receivable” is a movable property. “Receivable” denotes something which one is entitled to receive. Receivable is therefore, a mirror image for “debt”. If a sum of money is receivable for A, the same sum of money must be a debt for B. A debt is an obligation to pay, a receivable is the corresponding right to receive.

Coming to the definition of “money”, it has been defined under section 2(75) as follows –

““money” means the Indian legal tender or any foreign currency, cheque, promissory note, bill of exchange, letter of credit, draft, pay order, traveller cheque, money order, postal or electronic remittance or any other instrument recognised by the Reserve Bank of India when used as a consideration to settle an obligation or exchange with Indian legal tender of another denomination but shall not include any currency that is held for its numismatic value.”

The definition above enlists all such instruments which have a “value-in-exchange”, so as to represent money. A debt also represents a sum of money and the form in which it can be paid can be any of these forms as enlisted above.

So, in effect, a receivable is also a sum of “money”. As such, receivables shall not be considered as “goods” or “services” for the purpose of GST law.

  1. As mentioned earlier, “actionable claims” have been included in the definition of “goods” under the CGST Act, however, any transfer (i.e. supply) of actionable claim is explicitly excluded from being treated as a supply of either goods or services for the purpose of levy of GST.

Section 2(1) of the CGST Act defines “actionable claim” so as to assign it the same meaning as in section 3 of the Transfer of Property Act, 1882, which in turn, defines “actionable claim” as –

“actionable claim” means a claim to any debt, other than a debt secured by mortgage of immovable property or by hypothecation or pledge of movable property, or to any beneficial interest in movable property not in the possession, either actual or constructive, of the claimant, which the civil courts recognise as affording grounds for relief, whether such debt or beneficial interest be existent, accruing, conditional or contingent;”

It may be noted that the inclusion of “actionable claim” is still subject to the exclusion of “money” from the definition of “goods”. The definition of actionable claim travels beyond “claim to a debt” and covers “claim to any beneficial interest in movable property”. Therefore, an actionable claim is definitely more than a “receivable”. Hence, if the actionable claim represents property that is money, it can be held that such form of the actionable claim shall be excluded from the ambit of “goods”.

There were views in the industry which, on the basis of the definition above, distinguish between — (a) a debt secured by mortgage of immovable property, and a debt secured by hypothecation/pledge of movable property on one hand (which are excluded from the definition of actionable claim); and (b) an unsecured debt on the other hand. However, others opined that a debt, whether secured or unsecured, is after all a “debt”, i.e. a property in money; and thus can never be classified as “goods”. Therefore, the entire exercise of making a distinction between secured and unsecured debt may not be relevant at all.

In case it is argued that a receivable which is secured (i.e. a secured debt) shall come within the definition of “goods”, it must be noted that a security granted against a debt is merely a back-up, a collateral against default in repayment of debt.

  1. In one of the background materials on GST published by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India[5], it has been emphasised that a transaction where a person merely slips into the shoes of another person, the same cannot be termed as supply. As such, unrestricted expansion of the expression “supply” should not be encouraged:

“. . . supply is not a boundless word of uncertain meaning. The inclusive part of the opening words in this clause may be understood to include everything that supply is generally understood to be PLUS the ones that are enlisted. It must be admitted that the general understanding of the world supply is but an amalgam of these 8 forms of supply. Any attempt at expanding this list of 8 forms of supply must be attempted with great caution. Attempting to find other forms of supply has not yielded results however, transactions that do not want to supply have been discovered. Transactions of assignment where one person steps into the shoes of another appears to slip away from the scope of supply as well as transactions where goods are destroyed without a transfer of any kind taking place.”

Also, as already stated, where the object is neither goods nor services, there is no question of being a supply thereof.

  1. Therefore, there was one school of thought which treated as assignment of secured receivables as a supply under the GST regime and another school of thought promoted a view which was contrary to the other one. To clarify the position, representations were made by some of the leading bankers and the Indian Securitisation Foundation.

Situation after the clarification

  1. The GST Council has discussed the issue of assignment and securitisation of receivables through different question, extracts have been reproduced below:

 

  1. Whether assignment or sale of secured or unsecured debts is liable to GST?

Section 2(52) of the CGST Act, 2017 defines ‘goods’ to mean every kind of movable property other than money and securities but includes actionable claim. Schedule III of the CGST Act, 2017 lists activities or transactions which shall be treated neither as a supply of goods nor a supply of services and actionable claims other than lottery, betting and gambling are included in the said Schedule. Thus, only actionable claims in respect of lottery, betting and gambling would be taxable under GST. Further, where sale, transfer or assignment of debts falls within the purview of actionable claims, the same would not be subject to GST.

Further, any charges collected in the course of transfer or assignment of a debt would be chargeable to GST, being in the nature of consideration for supply of services.

  1. Would sale, purchase, acquisition or assignment of a secured debt constitute a transaction in money?

Sale, purchase, acquisition or assignment of a secured debt does not constitute a transaction in money; it is in the nature of a derivative and hence a security.

  1. What is the leviability of GST on securitization transactions undertaken by banks?

Securitized assets are in the nature of securities and hence not liable to GST. However, if some service charges or service fees or documentation fees or broking charges or such like fees or charges are charged, the same would be a consideration for provision of services related to securitization and chargeable to GST.

 

  1. The fallacy starts with two sequential and separate questions: one dealing with securitisation and the other on assignment transactions. There was absolutely no need for incorporating separate questions for the two, since all securitisation transactions involve an assignment of debt.

 

  1. Next, the department in Question 40 has clarified that the assignment of actionable claims, other than lottery, betting and gambling forms a part of the list of exclusion under Schedule III of the CGST Act, therefore, are not subject to GST. This was apparent from the reading of law, therefore, there is nothing new in this.

 

However, the second part of the answer needs further discussion. The second part of the answer states that – any charges collected in the course of transfer or assignment of a debt would be chargeable to GST, being in the nature of consideration for supply of services.

There are multiple charges or fees associated in an assignment or securitisation transaction – such as  servicing fees or excess spread. While it is very clear that the GST will be chargeable on servicing fees charged by the servicer, there is still a confusion on whether GST will be charged on the excess spread or not. Typically, transactions are devised to give residuary sweep to the originator after servicing the PTCs. Therefore, there could be a challenge that sweep right is also a component of servicing fees or consideration for acting as a servicing agent. The meaning of consideration[6] under the CGST Act is consideration in any form and the nomenclature supports the intent of the transaction.

Since, the originator gets the excess spread, question may arise, if excess spread is in the nature of interest.  This indicates the need for proper structuring of transactions, to ensure that either the sweep right is structured as a security, or the same is structured as a right to interest. One commonly followed international structure is credit-enhancing IO strip. The IO strip has not been tried in Indian transactions, and recommendably this structure may alleviate concerns about GST being applied on the excess spread.

  1. Till now, whatever has been discussed was more or less settled before the clarification, question 41 settles the dispute on the contentious question of whether GST will be charged on assigned of secured debt. The answer to question 41 has compared sale, purchase, acquisition or assignment of secured debt with a derivative. The answer has rejected the view, held by the authors, that any right to a payment in money is money itself. The GST Council holds the view that the receivables are in the nature of derivatives, the transaction qualifies to be a security and therefore, exempt from the purview of supply of goods or supply of services.

While the intent of the GST Council is coming out very clear, but this view is lacking supporting logic. Neither the question discusses why assignments of secured receivables are not transactions in money, nor does it state why it is being treated as derivative.

Our humble submission in this regard is that assignment of secured receivables may not be treated as derivatives. The meaning of the term “derivatives” have been drawn from section 2(ac) of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, which includes the following –

(A) a security derived from a debt instrument, share, loan, whether secured or unsecured, risk instrument or contract for differences or any other form of security;

(B) a contract which derives its value from the prices, or index of prices, of underlying securities.

In the present case, assignment of receivables do not represent any security nor does it derive its value from anything else. The receivables themselves have an inherent value, which get assigned, the fact that it is backed a collateral security does not make any difference as the value of the receivables also factor the value of the underlying.

Even though the logic is not coming out clear, the intent of the Council is coming out clearly and the efforts made by the Council to clear out the ambiguities is really commendable.

 

[1] Refer: GST on Securitisation Transactions, by Nidhi Bothra, and Sikha Bansal, at  http://vinodkothari.com/blog/gst-on-securitisation-transactions-2/; pg. last visited on 06.06.2018

[2] At the recently concluded Seventh Securitisation Summit on 25th May, 2018, one leading originator confirmed that his company had kept transactions on hold in view of the GST uncertainty. It was widely believed that the dip in volumes in FY 2017-18 was primarily due to GST uncertainty.

[3] http://www.cbic.gov.in/resources//htdocs-cbec/gst/FAQs_on_Financial_Services_Sector.pdf

[4] Portions of this note have been adopted from the article – GST on Securitisation Transactions, by Nidhi Bothra and Sikha Bansal.

[5] http://idtc-icai.s3.amazonaws.com/download/pdf18/Volume-I(BGM-idtc).pdf; pg. last visited on 19.05.2018

[6] (31) “consideration” in relation to the supply of goods or services or both includes––

(a) any payment made or to be made, whether in money or otherwise, in respect of, in response to, or for the inducement of, the supply of goods or services or both, whether by the recipient or by any other person but shall not include any subsidy given by the Central Government or a State Government;

(b) the monetary value of any act or forbearance, in respect of, in response to, or for the inducement of, the supply of goods or services or both, whether by the recipient or by any other person but shall not include any subsidy given by the Central Government or a State Government:

Provided that a deposit given in respect of the supply of goods or services or both shall not be considered as payment made for such supply unless the supplier applies such deposit as consideration for the said supply;

Fair Market Value – as per Company Law perspective

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By Nikita Snehil | nikita@vinodkothari.com

The term ‘Fair market value’ has been used hundreds of times in the Income Tax Act, 1961, however, the same has also been given due weightage under the Companies Act, 2013. The present Article intends to explain the meaning of the term ‘Fair Market Value’, its significance and its relevance as per Companies Act, 2013.

Meaning of Fair Market Value

In general parlance, Fair market value is the price agreed between a buyer and a seller for a specific asset. Both parties should be aware of the asset’s condition and willing to participate in the transaction with no force or conditions.

However, the term has been defined in para 9 the Ind AS 113[1], which states the following:

“Ind AS defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.”

Therefore, the definition can be illustrated in the following way:

The concept of Fair Market Value has become all pervasive particularly after the introduction of International Financial Reporting Standards because there is greater stress on fair value today than in the past.

Provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 referring to fair valuation

The provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 (‘Act’) talks about the requirement of valuation in many cases, the following table shows the sections of the Act requiring valuations:

 

Section no. Valuation purpose  

Requirements in brief

 
54 Issuance of Sweat Equity Shares The sweat equity shares to be issued shall be valued at a price determined by a registered valuer as the fair price giving justification for such valuation.

 
62(1) (c) Preferential Offer When a company proposes to issue new shares, the price of such shares should be determined by the valuation report of a Registered Valuer.

 
192(2) Non-cash transaction involving directors Where there is a sale or purchase of any asset involving a company and its directors (or its

holding, subsidiary or associate company) or a person connected with the director for consideration other than cash, the value of the assets has to be calculated by a Registered Valuer.

 
230 & 232 Compromises, Arrangements and Amalgamations In case of compromise or arrangement between members or with creditors or any class of them, a valuation report in respect of shares, property or assets, tangible and intangible, movable and immovable of the company is required by a Registered Valuer.

 
236 Purchase of minority share holding Where an acquirer or person acting in concert with the acquirer acquires 90% or more of the equity capital in a company, then they can offer to the minority shareholder or the minority shareholder can offer to the acquirer, to acquire the minority shareholding at a valuation determined by the Registered Valuer.

 
281 & 305 Winding up of a company In case of winding up, the valuation of assets of the company prepared by the Registered Valuer is required.

 

Who can be valuer?

Though the Act does not specify anything regarding the eligibility of the registered valuers, the Companies (Share Capital and Debenture) Rules, 2014 provides the following:

For the purposes of these rules, it is hereby clarified that, till a registered valuer is appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Act, the valuation report shall be made by an independent merchant banker who is registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India or an independent Chartered Accountant in practice having a minimum experience of ten years.

Thereafter, MCA had notified the provisions governing valuation by registered valuers [section 247 of the Act and the Companies (Registered Valuers and Valuation) Rules, 2017 (‘Rules’), both to come into effect from 18 October, 2017.

Valuation by Registered Valuers

As per the notified section 247(1), where a valuation is required to be made in respect of any property, stocks, shares, debentures, securities or goodwill or any other assets or net worth of a company or its liabilities under the provision of this Act, it shall be valued by a person having such qualifications and experience and registered as a valuer in such manner, on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed and appointed by the audit committee or in its absence by the Board of Directors of that company.

Proposal of MCA to have registered valuers

The definition of ‘Valuer’ in the said Rules, provides the following:

“valuer” means a person registered with the authority in accordance with these rules and the term “registered valuer” shall be construed accordingly.

Therefore, the valuer will have to obtain the Certificate of Registration after complying the qualification and eligibility criteria as specified in the Rules, in order to do the valuation.

Eligibility of Registered Valuers

As per Rule 3 of the said Rules, the following person shall be eligible to be a registered valuer if he-

  • Is a valuer member of a registered valuers organisation;

Explanation.- For the purposes of this clause, “a valuer member” is a member of a registered valuers organisation who possesses the requisite educational qualifications and experience for being registered as a valuer;

  • Is recommended by the registered valuers organisation of which he is a valuer member for registration as a valuer;
  • Has passed the valuation examination under rule 5 within three years preceding the date of making an application for registration under rule 6
  • Possesses the qualifications and experience as specified in rule 4;
  • Is not a minor;
  • Has not been declared to be of unsound mind;
  • Is not an undischarged bankrupt, or has not applied to be adjudicated as a bankrupt;
  • Is a person resident in India; .

Explanation.- For the purposes of these rules ‘person resident in India’ shall have the same meaning as defined in clause (v) of section 2 of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (42 of 1999) as far as it is applicable to an individual;

  • Has not been convicted by any competent court for an offence punishable with imprisonment for a term exceeding six months or for an offence involving moral turpitude, and a period of five years has not elapsed from the date of expiry of the sentence:

Provided that if a person has been convicted of any offence and sentenced in respect thereof to imprisonment for a period of seven years or more, he shall not be eligible to be registered;

  • Has not been levied a penalty under section 271J of Income-tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961) and time limit for filing appeal before Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) or Income-tax Appellate Tribunal, as the case may be has expired, or such penalty has been confirmed by Income-tax Appellate Tribunal, and five years have not elapsed after levy of such penalty; and
  • Is a fit and proper person:

Further, with respect to a partnership entity or company, the following shall not be eligible to be a registered valuer if-

  • It has been set up for objects other than for rendering professional or financial services, including valuation services and that in the case of a company, it is not a subsidiary, joint venture or associate of another company or body corporate;
  • It is undergoing an insolvency resolution or is an undischarged bankrupt;
  • All the partners or directors, as the case may be, are not ineligible under clauses (c), (d), (e), (g), (h), (i), (j) and (k) as mentioned above;
  • Three or all the partners or directors, whichever is lower, of the partnership entity or company, as the case may be, are not registered valuers; or
  • None of its partners or directors, as the case may be, is a registered valuer for the asset class, for the valuation of which it seeks to be a registered valuer.

Applicability of the Rules

As per the transitional provisions specified in the Rules read with the MCA’s Notification[1] on extending the transitional period:

“Any person who may be rendering valuation services under the Act, on the date of commencement of these rules, may continue to render valuation services without a certificate of registration under these rules upto 30th September, 2018:

Provided that if a company has appointed any valuer before such date and the valuation or any part of it has not been completed before 30th September, 2018, the valuer shall complete such valuation or such part within three months thereafter.”

Therefore, the persons intending to act as the registered valuers must obtain the Certificate of Registration within September 30, 2018, as per the requirements of the Rules.

Issuance of Valuation Standards by ICAI

Recognising the need to have the consistent, uniform and transparent valuation policies and harmonise the diverse practices in use in India, the Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India at its 375th meeting has issued the Valuation Standards vide the Press Release[2] dated May 25, 2018, mandating the compliance with the Standards for the Chartered Accountants providing valuation reports under various provisions of the Companies Act.

The Standards include the framework for the preparation of valuation report, valuation bases, approaches and methods, scope of work, analyses and evaluations, documentation and reporting, intangible assets and financial instruments, among several other aspects.

Therefore, recognizing the importance of valuation, the Rules introduced by MCA and the standards introduced by ICAI will provide a benchmark to the professionals to ensure uniformity in approach and quality of valuation output.

[1] http://mca.gov.in/Ministry/pdf/INDAS113.pdf

[2] http://www.mca.gov.in/Ministry/pdf/CompaniesRules2018_12022018.pdf

[3] https://www.icai.org/new_post.html?post_id=14799&c_id=238

SEBI proposes to streamline the ICDR Regulations

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By Pammy Jaiswal, (pammy@vinodkothari.com) & Nikita Snehil (nikita@vinodkothari.com)

The SEBI had constituted the Issue of Capital & Disclosure Requirements Committee (‘ICDR Committee) under the Chairmanship of Mr. Prithvi Haldea in June, 2017, to review the ICDR Regulations. The ICDR Committee suggested certain policy changes which were taken to the Primary Market Advisory Committee (‘PMAC’) of SEBI which comprises of eminent representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Industry, Market Participants, academicians, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and the Institute of Company Secretaries of India. Thereafter, pursuant to the recommendations made by the PMAC, SEBI vide its Press Release dated May 4, 2018[1], has come out with its Consultation Paper on Review of the SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2009, on its website for public comments.

Approach adopted by the ICDR Committee

The Consultation Paper provides that the ICDR Committee while reviewing the Regulations and Schedules, adopted the following approach:

  1. Simplify language and structure of the regulations to enhance its readability;
  2. Separate the chapters on the basis of the type of offering so that all relevant information pertaining to the regulations relating to a particular type of offering are available at one place;
  3. Align the regulations in line with the various informal guidance/ interpretative letters/ frequently   asked   questions   regarding   interpretation   of   various provisions of the regulations, issued by SEBI from time to time;
  4. Update the regulations with the changes that have taken place in the last few years, including in the Companies Act, 2013, adoption of Indian Accounting Standards, various ICDR related circulars, SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefit) Regulations, 2014, SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeover) Regulations, 2011, ASBA, abolition of MRTP, etc.;
  5. To identify policy changes in line with the present market practices and the prevailing regulatory environment.

In this regard, the present article, through the following table, portrays the major changes proposed by SEBI for issuance through rights issue, bonus, preferential allotment and QIPs, the rationale behind such changes and the impact of such proposed changes.


Chapter Existing Provision Proposed changes Rationale Remarks
Rights Issue
Rights Issue – Roll over of non-convertible portion of partly convertible of debt instruments

 

 21. (1) The non-convertible portion of partly convertible debt instruments issued by a listed issuer, the value of which exceeds fifty lakh rupees, may be rolled over, without change in the interest rate subject to compliance with the provisions of section 121 of the Companies Act, 1956 and the following conditions: 64. {21. (1)} The non-convertible portion of partly convertible debt instruments issued by a listed issuer, the value of which exceeds ten crore rupees, may be rolled over, subject to compliance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the following conditions: It is proposed to increase the low threshold of Rs. 50 Lacs to Rs. 10 Crore. Proposed change will make debt securities with non-convertible portion lesser than Rs. 10 crores to become ineligible for roll-over.

Further, the reference to section 121 of the Companies Act, 1956 has been removed considering that the same is not present under the Act, 2013 and accordingly, the reference to the Act, 2013 has been made.
Rights Issue – Issue of warrants 4. (3) An issuer shall be eligible to issue warrants subject to the following: … (b) not more than one warrant shall be attached to one specified security (c) the price or conversion formula of the warrants shall be determined upfront and at least 25 of the consideration amount shall also be received upfront 67. {4. (3)} An issuer shall be eligible to issue warrants subject to the following: a) the tenure of such warrants shall not exceed eighteen months from their date of allotment in the rights issue; b) A specified security may have one or more warrants attached to it; c) the price or formula for determination of exercise price of the warrants shall be determined upfront and disclosed in the letter of offer and at least twenty-five per cent. of the consideration amount based on the exercise price shall also be received upfront; Provided that in case the exercise price of warrants is based on a formula, twenty-five per cent. consideration amount calculated as per the formula with reference date being the record date shall also be received upfront. d) in case the warrant holder does not exercise the option to take equity shares against any of the warrants held by the warrant holder, the consideration paid in respect of such warrant shall be forfeited by the issuer. It is proposed to introduce flexibility of having more than one warrant attached to a specified security and to clarify that the price or formula for determination of exercise price of the warrants shall be determined upfront and that if the warrant is not exercised, 25% of consideration will be forfeited The proposed change will allow more than one warrant to be attached to a specified security and the same shall enable more flexibility to the warrant holder in terms of conversion decision.

Further, 25% of the consideration based on warrant exercise price as paid shall be forfeited in case of non-exercise of option.
Rights Issue – Record Date 52. (1) A listed issuer making a rights issue shall announce a record date for the purpose of determining the shareholders eligible to apply for specified securities in the proposed rights issue. 68.(1) {52. (1)} The issuer shall announce a record date for the purpose of determining the shareholders eligible to apply for specified securities in the proposed rights issue at least seven working days prior to the record date or such period as may be specified in the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. It is proposed to make the provision of record date consistent with the SEBI LODR Regulations. Proposed change is made to align ICDR with Listing Regulations.
Rights Issue – Filing of the draft letter of offer and letter of offer 6. (1) No issuer shall make, (a) a public issue; or (b) a rights issue, where the aggregate value of the specified securities offered is fifty lakh rupees or more, unless a draft offer document, , along with fees as specified in Schedule IV, has been filed with the Board through the lead merchant banker, at least thirty days prior to registering the prospectus, red herring prospectus or shelf prospectus with the Registrar of Companies or filing the letter of offer with the designated stock exchange, as the case may be 71. (1) {6. (1)} Prior to making a rights issue, the issuer shall, except in case of a fast track issue, file a draft letter of offer, with the concerned regional office of the Board under the jurisdiction of which the registered office of the issuer company is located, in accordance with Schedule IV, along with fees as specified in Schedule III, with the Board and with the stock exchange(s), through the lead manager(s). It is proposed to clarify that filing of letter of offer with the Board is not required in case of a fast track issue, although the fee will be paid. The proposed change shall do away with filing of the offer letter with the exchange which seems to a welcome change considering the timeline under fast track issue.
Rights Issue – ASBA

 

 58. (5)} The issuer shall provide the ASBA facility in the manner specified by the Board where not more than one payment option is provided. Provided that in case of qualified institutional buyers and non-institutional investors the issuer shall accept submit their bids applications using the ASBA facility only. Retail individual investors may either apply through ASBA facility or make payment through cheque or demand draft. 76. {58. (5)} The issuer shall provide the ASBA facility in the manner specified by the Board where not more than one payment option is provided. Provided that the applicants in a rights issue shall be eligible to make applications through ASBA facility only if such applicant: (i) is holding equity shares in dematerialised mode; (ii) has not renounced entitlement in part or in full; and (iii) is not a renouncee It is proposed to clarify that applicants in a Rights Issue shall make applications only through ASBA facility and will have the provision to make a physical application in in certain specified scenarios. Proposed change will not allow applicants in a rights issue to participate in the following cases:

·     Applicant is holding equity shares in physical mode;

·     Applicant has renounced entitlement in part or in full; and

·     Applicant is not a renouncee.
Rights Issue – Underwriting 13. (1) Where the issuer making a public issue (other than through the book building process) or rights issue, desires to have the issue underwritten, it shall appoint the underwriters in accordance with Securities and Exchange Board of India (Underwriters) Regulations, 1993. 81. (1) {13. (1)} If the issuer desires to have the issue underwritten, it shall appoint the underwriters in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Underwriters) Regulations, 1993.

Provided that the issue can be underwritten only to the extent of entitlement of shareholders other than the promoters and promoter group.

 It is proposed to clarify that issue can be underwritten only to the extent of entitlement of public shareholders (and not for the entitlement of the promoters and promoter group). Proposed change prohibits underwriting the offer made to the promoters in a rights issue. The same is logical considering that if promoters portion is also required to be underwritten , then one obviously cannot be sure of the subscription to the non-promoters’ portion.
Rights issue – Fast Track Rights Issue – Eligibility Conditions 10. (1)(c the annualised trading turnover of the equity shares of the issuer during six calendar months immediately preceding the month of the reference date has been at least two per cent. of the weighted average number of equity shares listed during such six months‘ period Provided that for issuers, whose public shareholding is less than fifteen per cent. of its issued equity capital, the annualised trading turnover of its equity shares has been at least two per cent. of the weighted average number of equity shares available as free float during such six months‘ period 10. (1)(k) annualized delivery-based trading turnover of the equity shares during six calendar months immediately preceding the month of the reference date has been at least ten per cent. of the weighted average number of equity shares listed during such six months‘ period;

 

 99.(1) (d) ({10(1)(c)}- annualised trading turnover of the equity shares of the issuer during six calendar months immediately preceding the month of the reference date has been at least two per cent. of the weighted average number of equity shares listed during such six months‘ period: Provided that for issuers, whose public shareholding is less than fifteen per cent. of its issued equity capital, the annualised trading turnover of its equity shares has been at least two per cent. of the weighted average number of equity shares available as free float during such six months‘ period; 10(1)(k)} annualized delivery-based trading turnover of the equity shares during six calendar months immediately preceding the month of the reference date has been at least ten per cent. of the annualized trading turnover of equity shares during such six months‘ period; It is proposed to clarify the delivery turnover should be as a percentage of the trading turnover. The same is a clarificatory change.
Rights issue – Fast Track Rights Issue – Eligibility Conditions 10.(1)(f)(f) the impact of auditors‘ qualifications, if any, on the audited accounts of the issuer in respect of those financial years for which such accounts are disclosed in the offer document does not exceed five per cent. of the net profit or loss after tax of the issuer for the respective years.

 

 99.(2)(m) {10(1)(f)} there are no auditors‘ qualifications on the audited accounts of the issuer in respect of those financial years for which such accounts are disclosed in the letter of offer. To improve the requirements for fast track issues, it is proposed that for a company to be eligible to make a fast track rights issue, it should not have any audit qualifications.

 

 Proposed change will not allow companies having audit qualification to come up with fast track rights issue. Such change will have due implications on the compliance status of the listed company.
Bonus Issue
Bonus Issue No issuer shall make a bonus issue of equity shares unless it has made reservation of equity shares of the same class in favour of the holders of outstanding [compulsorily] convertible debt instruments[ if any,] in proportion to the convertible part thereof The equity shares so reserved for the holders of fully or partly compulsorily convertible debt instruments shall be issued at the time of conversion of such convertible debt instruments on the same terms or same proportion at which the bonus shares were issued An issuer shall make a bonus issue of equity shares only if it has made reservation of equity shares of the same class in favour of the holders of outstanding compulsorily convertible debt instruments, optionally convertible instruments, warrants, or lenders who loans are convertible into equity, if any, in proportion to the convertible part thereof. The equity shares so reserved for the holders of fully or partly compulsorily convertible debt instruments, optionally convertible instruments, warrants, or lenders who loans are convertible into equity, shall be issued at the time of conversion of such convertible debt instruments, optionally convertible instruments, warrants, or loans, as the case may be, on the same terms or same proportion at which the bonus shares were issued.

 

 All cases of convertible instruments, warrants and loans convertible into equity should be covered. There could be lenders (especially in cases of CDR, whereby lenders have the option to convert their loans to equity. In such cases, there should be a reservation for them.

 

 Proposed change may not be flexible considering that every convertible instrument may or may not be opted for conversion. In such cases where the option of conversion is not exercised, bonus issue reserved with respect to such instruments will turn futile.
Preferential Issue
Conditions for Preferential Issue 72. (2) The issuer shall not make preferential issue of specified securities to any person who has sold any equity shares of the issuer during the six months preceding the relevant date: … Provided that the above restriction shall not apply to any sale of equity shares by any person belonging to promoter(s) of the promoter group which qualifies for inter-se transfer amongst qualifying persons under Regulation 10 (1) (a) of Securities and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeover Regulations), 2011

 

 159. (1) Preferential issue of specified securities shall not be made to any person who has sold any equity shares of the issuer during the six months preceding the relevant date:

Provided that the above restriction shall not apply to any sale of equity shares by any person belonging to promoter(s) of the promoter group which qualifies for inter-se transfer amongst qualifying persons under regulation 10 (1) (a) of Securities and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeover Regulations), 2011 or in case of transfer of shares held by the promoters or promoter group on account of invocation of pledge by a lender.

 This proviso was inserted to restrict any person from taking benefit of short swing profits which is not applicable in this case. It is now proposed that for transfer pursuant to invocation pledge by the lender may be excluded as this is an involuntary sale by the lender and the promoter is not a party to the sale decision. The proposed change seems to provide genuine relaxation in case of transfer pursuant to invocation pledge by the lender, as the promoter is not involved in the said transaction.
Disclosures for Preferential Issue 73. (1) The issuer shall, in addition to the disclosures required under section 173 of the Companies Act, 1956 or any other applicable law, disclose the following in the explanatory statement to the notice for the general meeting proposed for passing special resolution:

 

(e) the identity of the natural persons who are the ultimate beneficial owners of the shares proposed to be allotted and/or who ultimately control] the proposed allottees, the percentage of post preferential issue capital that may be held by them and change in control, if any, in the issuer consequent to the preferential issue.

 

Provided that if there is any listed company, mutual fund, bank or insurance company in the chain of ownership of the proposed allottee, no further disclosure will be necessary.

 163. (1) The issuer shall, in addition to the disclosures required under the Companies Act, 2013 or any other applicable law, disclose the following in the explanatory statement to the notice for the general meeting proposed for passing the special resolution:

 

identity of the natural persons who are the ultimate beneficial owners of the shares proposed to be allotted and/or who ultimately control the proposed allottees, the percentage of post preferential issue capital that may be held by them and change in control, if any, in the issuer consequent to the preferential issue:

 

Provided that if there is any listed company, mutual fund, scheduled commercial bank, insurance company registered with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, foreign portfolio investor other than Category III foreign portfolio investor, foreign venture capital investor or alternative investment funds in the chain of ownership of the proposed allottee, no further disclosure will be necessary.

 

 There is a need to consider inclusion of Category I foreign portfolio investors, Category II foreign portfolio investor, foreign venture capital investors and alternative investment funds in the exclusions in this proviso. These categories are registered with SEBI and hence their KYC is already done at the time of their registration. The proposed changes seeks to do away with the double disclosure requirements or the Category I foreign portfolio investors, Category II foreign portfolio investor, foreign venture capital investors and alternative investment funds.
Adjustments in pricing – Frequently or Infrequently traded shares 76B. The price determined for preferential issue in accordance with regulation 76 or regulation 76A, shall be subject to appropriate adjustments, if the issuer:

(a) makes an issue of equity shares by way of capitalization of profits or reserves, other than by way of a dividend on shares;

(b) makes a rights issue of equity shares;

(c) consolidates its outstanding equity shares into a smaller number of shares;

e) divides its outstanding equity shares including by way of stock split;

f) re-classifies any of its equity shares into other securities of the issuer;

g) is involved in such other similar events or circumstances, which in the opinion of the concerned stock exchange, require adjustments.

 

 166. The price determined for a preferential issue in accordance with regulation 164 or regulation 164A, shall be subject to appropriate adjustments, if the issuer:

a) makes an issue of equity shares by way of capitalization of profits or reserves, other than by way of a dividend on shares;

b) makes an issue of equity shares after completion of a demerger wherein the securities of the resultant demerged entity are listed on a stock exchange;

c) makes a rights issue of equity shares; d) consolidates its outstanding equity shares into a smaller number of shares; e) divides its outstanding equity shares including by way of stock split;

f) re-classifies any of its equity shares into other securities of the issuer;

g) is involved in such other similar events or circumstances, which in the opinion of the concerned stock exchange, require adjustments.

 

 It is proposed to include demerger where the equity shares of the resulting entity are listed post demerger. Through a demerger, an undertaking of the company is demerged into a separate company and such resulting company’s shares are listed. Post the listing of the resulting company, the value of the demerged company goes down and it trades accordingly. Hence, adjustment for pre-demerger market price needs to be made. The proposed amendment broadens the scope of these regulation to demerger as well, where the said adjustment is required post the demerger.
Payment of consideration 77. (1) Full consideration of specified securities other than warrants issued under this Chapter shall be paid by the allottees at the time of allotment of such specified securities:

 

Provided that in case of a preferential issue of specified securities pursuant to a scheme of corporate debt restructuring as per the corporate debt restructuring framework specified by the Reserve Bank of India, the allottee may pay the consideration in terms of such scheme.

 

{77.(2) and (3)}An amount equivalent to at least twenty five per cent. of the consideration determined in terms of regulation 76 shall be paid against each warrant on the date of allotment of warrants.

 169.(1) Full consideration of specified securities other than warrants, shall be paid by the allottees at the time of allotment of such specified securities except in case of shares issued for consideration other than cash.

 

Provided that in case of a preferential issue of specified securities pursuant to a scheme under the corporate debt restructuring framework specified by the Reserve Bank of India, the allottee may pay the consideration in terms of such scheme.

 

(2) In the case of warrants, an amount equivalent to at least twenty five per cent. of the consideration determined in terms of regulation 76 shall be paid against each warrant on the date of allotment of warrants and the balance seventy five per cent. of the consideration shall be paid at the time of allotment of the equity shares pursuant to exercise of options against each such warrant by the warrant holder. Alternately, twenty five per cent. of the consideration can be computed on the basis of the current market price and the balance can be paid based on the price at the time of exercise.

 

 It is proposed to remove the limit of attaching one warrant to a specified security and the issuer will have the flexibility to decide number of warrants to be attached to a specified security.

 

It is also proposed to clarify that the 25 per cent. consideration can be based on the pricing formula computed using the current market price, and the balance consideration can be paid at the time of exercise which can be subsequently determined at the time of final pricing.

 The proposed changes provide two things:

 

(a) relaxation- the flexibility to decide number of warrants to be attached to a specified security shall now vest with the issuer.

 

(b) Clarificatory – the same will remove any ambiguity regarding the pricing.
Qualified Institutions Placement
Restrictions on amount raised – QIP 89. The aggregate of the proposed qualified institutions placement and all previous qualified institutions placements made by the issuer in the same financial year shall not exceed five times the net worth of the issuer as per the audited balance sheet of the previous financial year. Deleted Companies suffer losses for a variety of reasons including slowdown in their sectors, which leads to erosion of their net worth.

 

These companies, while in the process of turning around are unable to raise funds through QIP as their pre-QIP net worth will be small or negative. As such, these companies have to look for other avenues for fund raising which may be time consuming and expensive options. QIB investors are in a better position to evaluate such opportunities and QIBs also are not required to be given any protection. Hence, it is proposed to delete this requirement.

 The proposed change will provide the companies an ease in raising the amount through QIPs.
Appointment of merchant banker – QIP 83. (2) The merchant banker shall, while seeking in-principle approval for listing of the eligible securities issued under qualified institutions placement, furnish to each stock exchange on which the same class of equity shares of the issuer are listed, a due diligence certificate stating that the eligible securities are being issued under qualified institutions placement and that the issuer complies with requirements of this Chapter. 174.(3) The lead manager(s) shall, while seeking in-principle listing approval for the eligible securities, furnish to each stock exchange on which the same class of equity shares of the issuer are listed, a due diligence certificate stating that the eligible securities are being issued under qualified institutions placement and that the issuer complies with requirements of this Chapter, and also furnish a copy of the preliminary placement document along with any other document required by the stock exchange. The issuer should have the choice of listing (and trading) eligible securities such as CCDs (other than equity shares) issued through the QIP process either at the time of allotment or at the time of conversion. If these remain unlisted, a clarification is needed that the in-principle listing approval has to be sought at the time of issuance but the same can be listed and traded on conversion of such securities. New clause has been added with a proviso to bring out that difference. As per the proposed changes, furnishing the preliminary document will provide detailed information. Further, the proposed changes provides the option to the issuer an option not to list the securities as well.
Minimum no. of allottees 87. (2) The qualified institutional buyers belonging to the same group or who are under same control shall be deemed to be a single allottee. Explanation: For the purpose of subregulation (2), the expression “qualified institutional buyers belonging to the same group” shall have the same meaning as derived from sub-section (11) of section 372 of the Companies Act, 1956; 180. (2) Qualified institutional buyers belonging to the same group or who are under same control shall be deemed to be a single allottee.

 

For the purpose of sub-regulation (2), the expression “qualified institutional buyers belonging to the same group” shall mean entities where

(i) any of them controls directly or indirectly, through its subsidiary or holding company, not less than fifteen per cent. of the voting rights in the other; or

(ii) any of them directly or indirectly, by itself, or in combination with other persons exercise control over the others;

(iii) there is a common director, excluding nominee director amongst the investor, its subsidiary or holding company and other investor.

 Given that the Companies Act, 2013 does not have corresponding provision for Section 372 of the Companies Act, 1956, it is proposed to define ‘same group’ to bring more clarity. The proposed changes seeks to align the Regulation with Companies Act, 2013 and to provide clarification in the absence of the corresponding provision in the Companies Act, 2013.

 

Conclusion

Owing to the various regulatory changes brought in for the listed entities, updating and aligning the SEBI ICDR Regulations is much required.   Therefore, the proposed amendments will help in merging all the previous SEBI Circulars related to these Regulations and updating the same with the requirements of the Companies Act, 2013 and the various SEBI Regulations, to maintain uniformity.

[1] https://www.sebi.gov.in/reports/reports/may-2018/consultation-paper-on-review-of-sebi-issue-of-capital-and-disclosure-requirements-regulations-2009_38859.html

Borrowing Cost from Company Law’s perspective

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By Abhirup Ghosh, abhirup@vinodkothari.com

& Nikita Snehil, nikita@vinodkothari.com

Proper flow of funds within an organisation can be termed as the lifeline of the organization. In the course of the operation, each and every organization stands in need of money over and above their capital. Therefore, in order to meet the financial needs, they are bound to depend on external sources for funding. The source of funds would typically depend on the purpose and duration for which the fund is required.

Say for instance, if the Company requires funds for making a capital expenditure it would go for long term finance like term loans or external commercial borrowings. However, if the company requires funding to meet its working capital needs, it would go for short term financing sources like working capital loans or overdraft facility from banks.

Apart from the tenure or purpose of fund raising there is one more factor which also affects the choice of funding source and that is the borrowing cost. Eventually, over the years, this factor has become the most important of all.

Companies try various kind of fund raising techniques to achieve the lowest borrowing cost and in this regard it is very important to take note of the regulatory aspects of raising funds. In this article we intend we will discuss the various legal and regulatory issues relating to the issuance of the securities or fund raising and borrowing costs.

Meaning of borrowing cost

Before we delve into further details, let us first understand what constitutes to be borrowing cost. In general, Borrowing Cost means the interest and other costs incurred by an organization in relation to the borrowing of funds. However, the same has also been defined in Accounting Standard 16 in the following manner:

‘3.1 Borrowing costs are interest and other costs incurred by an enterprise in connection with the borrowing of funds.’

xxx

4. Borrowing costs may include:

(a) interest and commitment charges on bank borrowings and other short-term and long-term borrowings;
(b) amortisation of discounts or premiums relating to borrowings;
(c) amortisation of ancillary costs incurred in connection with the arrangement of borrowings;
(d) finance charges in respect of assets acquired under finance leases or under other similar arrangements; and
(e) exchange differences arising from foreign currency borrowings to the extent that they are regarded as an adjustment to interest costs’.

To sum up, Borrowing Costs are the expenses incurred by the organization in borrowing the funds.

Modes of Borrowings

Next, with respect to modes of borrowing, the modes of funding can be distinguished majorly between long term borrowing and short term borrowing.

 

A. Modes of Short Term Borrowings and the cost involved in raising the same:

1. Temporary loans like loans repayable on demand, cash credit facilities and overdraft arrangements

A loan is repayable on demand when:

(a) there is no time for repayment specified (and hence, the obligation to repay on demand is implied by law); or
(b) the parties actually express the obligation to repay on demand or request (i.e., the same is an express term).

Therefore, a loan with no repayment terms, or loan agreement with no repayment date, is a loan repayable on demand. The borrowing company is required to pay the loan along with the interest amount determined by the lender. Example of a demand loan can be the overdraft facilities provided by the Banks.

An overdraft is an arrangement by which a company is allowed to draw more than what is to the credit of its account at the bank. The charges for overdraft facility has to be paid by the company to the Bank, when such facility is utilised.

Cash credit is an arrangement by which a company borrows from its bankers up to a certain limit against a bond of credit by one or more securities or some other security. The company is charged interest on the amount actually utilized and not on the limit sanctioned.

2. Commercial Papers (CPs)

Commercial Papers are unsecured money market instrument which can be issued either in the form of a promissory note or in a dematerialised form through any of the depositories approved by and registered with SEBI. Further, commercial papers are instruments issued by the company, so as to fulfil the short-term fund requirement and have easy liquidity in the market with less compliance burden.

However, before issuing commercial paper, the eligible issuers must obtain the credit rating for the issuance of commercial paper from any one of the SEBI registered Credit Rating Agencies.

Raising finance through issuance of these would not qualify to be deposits for the purpose of Companies Act as the term deposits exclude any money received by issuing money market instruments.

3. Working capital loans

A working capital loan is a loan that has the purpose of financing the everyday operations of a company. Working capital loans are not used to buy long-term assets or investments and are instead used to finance the day to day expenses such as to buy inventory, cover payroll, wages, etc. The lender charges interest for lending the working capital loans.

4. Issuance of NCDs with less than one year maturity

Companies having a tangible net worth as per the latest audited balance sheet, of not less than Rs.4 crore can issue Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) of maturity less than one year. The eligible corporate intending to issue NCDs is required to obtain credit rating for issuance of the NCDs from one of the rating agencies specified by RBI and the companies are even required to ensure at the time of issuance of NCDs that the rating so obtained is current and has not fallen due for review. Therefore, raising such funds shall require fulfilment of eligibility criteria and expenses for credit rating.

Like commercial papers, these are also money market instruments. Therefore, raising of finance through issuance of NCDs would not be treated as money market instrument for the purpose of Companies Act.

5. Letter of Credit

A Letter of Credit (L/C) is a letter from a bank guaranteeing that a buyer’s payment to a seller will be received on time and for the correct amount. Here the banks act as disinterested third parties and they release funds only after certain conditions are met. Banks issue letters of credit when a company applies for the same and has the assets or credit to get approved.

6. Trade Credit

A trade credit is an agreement or understanding between agents engaged in business with each other, it allows the exchange of goods and services without any immediate exchange of money. When the seller of goods or service allows the buyer to pay for the goods or service at a later date, the seller is said to extend credit to the buyer. This is a type of instrument where no cost is involved. Sometime, the payment terms may also offer discount as an incentive for early payment.

B. Modes of Long Term Borrowings and the cost involved in raising the same:

1. Loan from Bankers

Long-term loans are a type of business financing in which the maturity date of the loan extends past a year and can even last for as long as 20 years (e.g. commercial property loans). This is used mainly to finance long-term projects such as business expansion, franchising, purchase of property, plant, and equipment and other fixed assets. Companies may also avail loan from Bankers on the basis of their credibility. The company has to pay interest on the full amount of the loan sanctioned by the bank, irrespective of the amount utilised by the company. The longer the tenure extends, the more amount of interest money has to be paid in total.

2. Issuance of Debentures

A debenture is a securitised loan and is backed by a certificate. It is the most important method of obtaining loan for a longer period by the companies. On the basis of coupon, the debentures can be classified into two categories – coupon bearing [These debentures are issued at face value and the specified rate of interest is earned by the holders of these securities] and zero coupon [These debentures are issued at a discounted price and redeemed at par; and these do not carry any coupon rate.]. Generally, the following types of debentures are issued by the companies:

(a) Compulsorily Convertible debentures (CCDs): These debentures are mandatorily converted into equity shares of the company, as per the terms specified at the time of issue or on the expiry of specified period.

(b) Non-convertible Debentures (NCDs): These debentures do not carry the option of conversion into equity shares and are therefore, redeemed on the expiry of certain specified period. Most commonly, entities issued NCDs for meeting their long term capex requirements.

NCDs issued to corporates or listed or fully secured do not qualify to be deposits for the purpose of Companies Act.

(c) Optionally convertible debentures (OCDs): The investor has an option to convert into shares at the pre-determined price and time.

3. Inter-Corporate Deposits

An Inter-Corporate Deposit (ICD) is an unsecured borrowing by corporates from other corporate entities registered under the Companies Act, 2013 (or the erstwhile Companies Act, 1956). Corporates having surplus funds lend to another corporate in need of funds.

Inter-corporate deposits are exempt from the definition of deposits under Companies Act. Therefore, this is a very widely used mode of finance.

However, the companies shall also consider applicability of the restrictions under section 185 (dealing with loan to directors etc.) and section 186 (dealing with loans and investments by companies) of the Act, 2013 on the lending as well as the borrowing companies.

4. External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs)

ECB is basically debt availed by Indian companies in foreign currency, from a non-resident lender, in accordance with the ECB Framework, issued by the Ministry of Finance. There are no restrictions on the use of such loans, except the items mentioned in the negative list in relation to the end use mentioned by BRI in the ECB framework. Once the RBI and Ministry of Finance approves a loan and its terms, no limitations are placed on interest and principal payments. However, entities are required to report to the RBI through its designated banker every time an interest payment is made.

RBI vide RBI/2017-18/169 A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No.25[1] dated April 27, 2018 has further liberalised certain norms of the framework. The erstwhile provision had prescribed separate all-in-cost ceilings for different tracks in ECBs which were linked to the maturity period. Now, a uniform all-in-cost ceiling of 450 basis points over the benchmark rate is stipulated irrespective of the maturity period of ECB. Further, the ECB Liability to Equity Ratio for ECB raised from direct foreign equity holder under automatic route has been enhanced to 7:1 (as against 4:1 earlier). Therefore, by liberalising the framework, the Government has broaden the scope of fund raising for the companies.

Further, earlier, proceeds of ECBS could be used only for the purpose of meeting capital expenditures, but vide the aforesaid change, the end use restriction has been liberalised and the ECBs can now be used for the purpose of working capital requirements as well.

Compliance for borrowings by a company under the Companies Act, 2013

The borrowing powers of a company is mentioned in section 179(3) and 180(1)(c) of the Companies Act 2013.

Section 179 (3) (d): The powers to borrow money can only be exercised by the Directors at a duly convened meeting of the board, to borrow moneys. However, the power to borrow money may be delegated by the Board by passing a resolution for such delegation at a duly convened Board Meeting, to any committee of directors, the managing director, the manager or any other principal officer of the company or in the case of a branch office of the company, the principal officer of the branch office.

Section 180 (1) (c): The provisions of this section prohibits the Board of Directors of a company from borrowing a sum which together with the moneys already borrowed by the company, exceeds the aggregate of its paid-up share capital and free reserves, apart from the temporary loans obtained by the company’s bankers in the ordinary course of business unless the company has received the prior approval of the shareholders of the company, through a special resolution in general meeting.

Therefore, the Board may continue borrowing within the limits approved by the shareholders, however, in order to borrow beyond the above-mentioned limit, the Board of Directors will have to obtain prior approval of the shareholders.

Meaning of the term ‘Temporary Loans’ in section 180(1)(C)
As per the explanation provided in section 180(1)(C), the expression “temporary loans”
means loans repayable on demand or within six months from the date of the loan such as short-term, cash credit arrangements, the discounting of bills and the issue of other short-term loans of a seasonal character, but does not include loans raised for the purpose of financial expenditure of a capital nature.

Borrowings by private companies

Private companies are exempted from the entire provisions of section 180 of Act, 2013 vide MCA Notification[2] dated June 5, 2015.

Borrowings by banking companies:
As per the proviso provided in section 180(1)(C), the acceptance of deposits of money from the public, repayable on demand or otherwise, and withdrawable by cheque, draft, order or otherwise, in the ordinary course of its business by a banking company, shall not be deemed to be borrowing of monies by the banking company.

Ultra Vires Borrowings
As per the provision of section 180 (5), where a company borrows in excess of its borrowing limits as approved by the shareholders, then such borrowing in excess of the limit shall not be valid or effectual unless the lender proves that he advances the loan in good faith without knowledge that the limit imposed by the law has been exceeded.

Conclusion

The above mentioned various modes of borrowings provide the various option of fund raising by the companies. The various options of borrowing further depends on the need of the companies and the nature of borrowings. The most relevant part is the basic idea is to identify and explore the avenues to reduce the borrowing costs for companies. Identifying low cost avenues is a joint responsibility of the treasury department and the compliance team, while the treasury team should opt to explore new avenues, the compliance team should see if the same fits into the existing regulatory framework.

[1] https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=11267&Mode=0

[2] http://www.mca.gov.in/Ministry/pdf/Exemptions_to_private_companies_05062015.pdf

System-driven Disclosures in Securities Market- Now extended to Non-Promoters

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By Smriti Wadehra (corplaw@vinodkothari.com)

Introduction

SEBI vide its circular dated December 01, 2015[1] had introduced system driven disclosure in securities market. Under this initiative, a system was developed involving the Stock Exchanges, Depositories and Registrars and Share Transfer Agents (RTAs) for generating system based disclosures under Takeover Regulations and Insider Trading Regulations based on acquisition /disposal of shares by promoters / promoter group and pledge of equity shares by them. The basic intention behind this circular was to create a centralised database system to ascertain details holding and trading of promoter and promoter group.

Though, SEBI initiated the system of dissemination of detailed information of promoter’s shareholding on the website of stock exchange, however, in the absence of  advanced systems and technologies in place for executing such proposal, the said initiative was decided to be executed in a phased manner. Read more →

Governmment NBFCs to stand on equal footing

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Anita Baid, Senior Manager (anita@vinodkothari.com)
Rajeev Jhawar, Executive (finserv@vinodkothari.com)

 

Section 2(45) of the Companies Act, 2013 defines a Government Company as –

“any company in which not less than fifty-one per cent of the paid-up share capital is held by the Central Government, or by any State Government or Governments, or partly by the Central Government and partly by one or more State Governments, and includes a company which is a subsidiary company of such a Government company.”

A Government Company registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) is referred to as Government-owned NBFC or Government NBFC. As on March 2017, the count of Government NBFCs-NDSI was around 15 with an asset size of Rs.6280 billions and there were 2 deposit accepting NBFCs with an asset size of Rs.273 billion[1]. These Government NBFCs were earlier exempted from various regulatory and statutory provisions issued by the RBI for NBFCs.

In view of a regulatory regime for the financial sector, it has been a long drawn proposal of RBI to bring all deposit taking and systemically important government owned companies under the provisions of the same guidelines. Considering the same the RBI has eliminated regulatory exemptions for government-owned NBFCs vide its notification no. DNBR (PD) CC.No.092/03.10.001/2017-18 dated May 31, 2018[2]. The RBI has specified a roadmap, extending till 2021-22, for the Government NBFCs to meet the norms on capital adequacy, provisioning and corporate governance at par with the other NBFCs. The NBFC regulations shall be applicable to Government NBFCs as per the timeline indicated in the notification.

Previously, Government NBFCs were advised vide DNBS.PD/CC.No. 86/03.02.089/2006-07 dated December 12, 2006 to submit to the Reserve Bank [Department of Non-Banking Supervision – (DNBS)] a road map for compliance with the various elements of the NBFC regulations, in consultation with the Government. Hence, the current notification provides that Government NBFCs that are already complying with the prudential regulation as per the road map submitted by them shall continue to follow the same.

We have tried to list down the major provisions and the applicability on Government NBFCs post the withdrawal of exemption:

Relevant provision With exemption Without exemption
Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934
Sections 45-IB

Maintenance of percentage of assets – 15% of the outstanding deposits

 Not required Government NBFCs will be required to maintain a percentage of asset as investment in unencumbered approved securities as per the following timeline:

 

March 31, 2019 – 5% of outstanding deposits

March 31, 2020 – 10% of outstanding deposits

March 31, 2021 – 12% of outstanding deposits

March 31, 2022 – 15% of outstanding deposits

 
Section 45-IC

Every non-banking financial company shall create a reserve fund and transfer therein a sum not less than twenty per cent of its net profit every year as disclosed in the profit and loss account and before any dividend is declared.

 Not required By March 31, 2019, the Government NBFCs shall be required to transfer at least 20% of its net profit to the statutory reserve fund
Master Direction – Non-Banking Financial Company – Systemically Important Non-Deposit taking Company and Deposit taking Company (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2016
Income Recognition

The income recognition shall be based on recognized accounting principles. The income recognition shall be based on recognized accounting principles. Income including interest/ discount/ hire charges/ lease rentals or any other charges on NPA shall be recognized only when it is actually realized. Any such income recognized before the asset became non-performing and remaining unrealized shall be reversed.

 Not Required Government NBFC-SI and deposit taking, will be required to recognize income in accordance with accounting principles for FY ending March 31, 2019.
Asset Classification

An asset, in respect of which, interest has remained overdue for a period of 90 days or more shall be classified as NPA.

 Not Required Government NBFC-SI and deposit taking shall classify an asset as a NPA if the interest has remained overdue for a period of

1.       120 days or more for the financial year ending March 31, 2019

2.       90 days or more for the financial year ending March 31, 2020 and thereafter.

 
Provisioning Requirement

Every applicable NBFC shall make provisions for

·         standard assets at 0.40 per cent by the end of March 2018 and thereafter of the outstanding, which shall not be reckoned for arriving at net NPAs.

·         loss asset: the entire asset shall be written off.

·         sub-standard assets: A general provision of 10 percent of total outstanding shall be made.

·         doubtful asset: 100% provision to the extent to which the advance is not covered by the realizable value of the security to which the applicable NBFC has a valid recourse shall be made. The realizable value is to be estimated on a realistic basis and also

Period for which the asset has been considered as doubtful
Up to one year 20%
One to three years 30%
More than three years 50%

 

 

 Not Required Government NBFC-SI and deposit taking, will be required to comply with the prescribed requirement in totality for the financial year ending March 31, 2019 and thereafter.
Capital Adequacy

The NBFC shall maintain CRAR of 15 percent (with a minimum Tier I capital of 10 percent)

 Not Required Government NBFC-SI and deposit taking will have to comply with capital adequacy ratio as mentioned in the table below:

CRAR of 10% (min Tier I – 7%;  March 31, 2019
CRAR of 12% (min Tier I – 8%) March 31, 2020
CRAR of 13% (min Tier I – 9%) March 31, 2021
CRAR of 15% (min Tier I – 10%) March 31, 2022

 

 
Concentration of Credit Investment

No applicable NBFC shall,

(i) lend to

(a) any single borrower exceeding fifteen per cent of its owned fund; and

(b) any single group of borrowers exceeding twenty-five per cent of its owned fund;

(ii) invest in

(a) the shares of another company exceeding fifteen per cent of its owned fund; and

(b) the shares of a single group of companies exceeding twenty-five per cent of its owned fund; (iii) lend and invest

(loans/investments taken together) exceeding (a) twenty five per cent of its owned fund to a single party; and (b) forty per cent of its owned fund to a single group of parties.

  Not Required Government NBFCs, set up to serve specific sectors may approach the RBI for exemptions, if any.

 

For other NBFC-SI and deposit taking, the timeline for ensuring the compliance is FY March 31, 2022
Corporate Governance

All applicable NBFCs shall adhere to following requirements in order to ensure good corporate governance

·         Formation of various committees

·         Fit and proper criteria for directors

·         Disclosure and Transparency

·         Rotation of partners of the Statutory Auditors Audit Firm

·         Framing of Internal Guidelines

 Not required Government NBFC-SI and deposit taking, are required to adhere to corporate governance guidelines for the financial year March 31, 2019 and thereafter.
Conduct of Business Regulations (Fair Practices Code) Not required Government NBFC-SI and deposit taking, are required to adhere to fair practices code for the financial year March 31, 2019 and thereafter.
Master Direction – Non-Banking Financial Company – Non-Systemically Important Non-Deposit taking Company (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2016
Income Recognition

The income recognition shall be based on recognized accounting principles. Income including interest/ discount/ hire charges/ lease rentals or any other charges on NPA shall be recognized only when it is actually realized. Any such income recognized before the asset became non-performing and remaining unrealized shall be reversed.

 Not Required Government NBFC-NSI will be required to recognize income in accordance with accounting principles dated March 31,2019
Asset Classification

An asset, in respect of which, interest has remained overdue for a period of 180 days or more shall be classified as NPA.

 Not Required Government NBFC-NSI shall classify an asset as a NPA if the interest has remained overdue for a period of

1.       180 days or more for the financial year ending March 31, 2019 and thereafter.

 
Leverage Ratio

The leverage ratio of an applicable NBFC shall not be more than 7 at any point of time, with effect from March 31, 2015.

 Not Required A roadmap for adherence by March 31, 2022 to be prepared by the Government NBFC-NSI.
Master Direction – Non-Banking Financial Companies Acceptance of Public Deposits (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2016
Minimum Credit Rating

To get rated by approved Credit Rating Agencies

 Not Required Government NBFC-D shall obtain Investment Grade Credit rating for acceptance of public deposits- March 31, 2019.

 

A Government NBFC-D having investment grade credit rating can accept deposits only up to 1.5 times of its NOF. Government NBFCs holding deposits in excess of the limit shall not access fresh deposits or renew existing ones till they conform to the limit, the existing deposits will be allowed to run off till maturity.
Other Deposit Directions Not required All other directions shall apply from Balance Sheet dated March 31, 2019.

 

The removal of exemption benefits for Government NBFCs shall ensure that both types of NBFCs stand at par in terms of compliance with specific RBI regulations. This would also result in intensifying the competition between the two types of ownership structures.

[1] RBI Annual Publication- Trend and Progress of Banking in India

[2] https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=11283&Mode=0