Sebi: Research entities need to register by May 2015

Entities, which provide research reports on securities, will have to compulsorily apply for registration with markets watchdog Sebi by end of May 2015 under new norms that came into effect from this month. “Transition period of six months from the date of commencement of Research Analysts Regulations has been provided to the existing persons acting as research analyst or research entity before commencement of the RA Regulations to comply with certification, qualification, segregation of research activity from other activities, etc,” Sebi said. Entities which fail to file an application for grant of registration within the time period of six months would have to “stop acting as research analyst”. Interestingly, Sebi regulations also cover individuals including journalists who make public appearance or make comments through the public media for giving opinion or recommendations concerning securities or on public offers.