Primary dealer in the bond market

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

A bond is a nancial security that promises to pay a xed (known)

income stream in the future Issued by governments, state agencies (municipal
bonds), and corporations
Bonds are characterized by Maturity date Face, par or principal value (i.e., the
notional amount typically 1000) Coupon rate number of coupon payments/ year
(typically 2) Bjorn Eraker Introduction to Bond Markets Repayment types Pure
discount or zero coupon bonds: Bonds that pay no interest (coupon). They sell
at a discount (price below par) to provide investor with positive return.
Coupon bonds pays xed coupon at known times. For example, A November
2021 maturity, 8% government bond will pay its owner 40 = 8% 1000=2 every
April 15th and November 15th in addition to 1000 at expiration on November
15th, 2021.
Floating rate pays variable rate coupons linked to some benchmark rate.
Example: Ination indexed bonds (I-bonds) coupon rate is determined by the
level of ination (as measured by the relative change in the CPI)

1|Page

Primary dealer in the bond market

Introduction to Bond Markets Government Bonds

US government bonds are interesting because
The default risk is thought of as zero (although it may not be)
They are highly liquid
They provide a basic benchmark for other xed income securities
including other sovereign bonds, corporate, munis, etc.
Despite the complexity associated with the bond market, a bond is simple and it
might be consider a bit boring when compared with a stock. After all, a stock
represents a piece of a company's wealth. An evaluation of a stock requires an
evaluation of the entire company's worth. An ordinary bond is an agreement that
merely entitles one party to make and another to receive a series of cash flows.
While differences among forms of equity are small, there is a wide range of
bonds; innovative financial engineers are creating new fixed-income securities
almost continuously.

2|Page

Primary dealer in the bond market

CHAPTER:-2
FEATURES OF BONDS
The most important features of a bond are:
Nominal, Principal or Face Amount the amount on which the issuer
pays interest, and which, most commonly, has to be repaid at the end of
the term. Some structured bonds can have a redemption amount which is
different from the face amount and can be linked to performance of
particular assets such as a stock or commodity index, foreign exchange
rate or a fund. This can result in an investor receiving less or more than
his original investment at maturity.
Issue Price the price at which investors buy the bonds when they are
first issued, which will typically be approximately equal to the nominal
amount. The net proceeds that the issuer receives are thus the issue price,
less issuance fees.
Maturity Date the date on which the issuer has to repay the nominal
amount. As long as all payments have been made, the issuer has no more
obligations to the bond holders after the maturity date. The length of time
until the maturity date is often referred to as the term or tenor or maturity
of a bond. The maturity can be any length of time, although debt
securities with a term of less than one year are generally designated
money market instruments rather than bonds. Most bonds have a term of
up to thirty years. Some bonds have been issued with maturities of up to
one hundred years, and some do not mature at all. In the market for U.S.
Treasury securities, there are three groups of bond maturities:

3|Page

Primary dealer in the bond market

Short term (bills): maturities between one to five year; (instruments

with maturities less than one year are called Money Market
Instruments)
Medium term (notes): maturities between six to twelve years;
Long term (bonds): maturities greater than twelve years.
Coupon the interest rate that the issuer pays to the bond holders.
Usually this rate is fixed throughout the life of the bond. It can also vary
with a money market index, such asLIBOR, or it can be even more
exotic. The name coupon originates from the fact that in the past, physical
bonds were issued which coupons had attached to them. On coupon dates
the bond holder would give the coupon to a bank in exchange for the
interest payment.

4|Page

Primary dealer in the bond market

CHAPTER:-3
TYPES OF BOND

Fixed rate bonds have a coupon that remains constant throughout the life of
the bond.

Floating rate notes (FRNs) have a variable coupon that is linked to

a reference rate of interest, such as LIBOR or Euribor. For example the
coupon may be defined as three month USD LIBOR + 0.20%. The coupon
rate is recalculated periodically, typically every one or three months.

Zero-coupon bonds pay no regular interest. They are issued at a substantial

discount to par value, so that the interest is effectively rolled up to maturity
(and usually taxed as such). The bondholder receives the full principal
amount on the redemption date. An example of zero coupon bonds is Series
E savings bonds issued by the U.S. government. Zero-coupon bonds may be
created from fixed rate bonds by a financial institution separating ("stripping
off") the coupons from the principal. In other words, the separated coupons
and the final principal payment of the bond may be traded separately. See IO
(Interest Only) and PO (Principal Only).

Inflation linked bonds, in which the principal amount and the interest
payments are indexed to inflation. The interest rate is normally lower than
for fixed rate bonds with a comparable maturity (this position briefly
reversed itself for short-term UK bonds in December 2008). However, as the
principal amount grows, the payments increase with inflation. The United
Kingdom was the first sovereign issuer to issue inflation linked Gilts in the
1980s. Treasury

Inflation-Protected

Securities (TIPS)

and I-bonds are

examples of inflation linked bonds issued by the U.S. government.

5|Page

Primary dealer in the bond market

Other indexed bonds, for example equity-linked notes and bonds indexed
on a business indicator (income, added value) or on a country's GDP.

Asset-backed securities are bonds whose interest and principal payments

are backed by underlying cash flows from other assets. Examples of assetbacked securities are mortgage-backed securities (MBS's), collateralized
mortgage obligations (CMOs) and collateralized (CDOs).

Subordinated bonds are those that have a lower priority than other bonds of
the issuer in case of liquidation. In case of bankruptcy, there is a hierarchy of
creditors. First the liquidator is paid, then government taxes, etc. The first
bond holders in line to be paid are those holding what is called senior bonds.
After they have been paid, the subordinated bond holders are paid. As a
result, the risk is higher. Therefore, subordinated bonds usually have a lower
credit rating than senior bonds. The main examples of subordinated bonds
can be found in bonds issued by banks, and asset-backed securities. The
latter are often issued in tranches. The senior tranches get paid back first, the
subordinated tranches later.

Perpetual bonds are also often called perpetuities or 'Perps'. They have no
maturity date. The most famous of these are the UK Consoles, which are
also known as Treasury Annuities or Undated Treasuries. Some of these
were issued back in 1888 and still trade today, although the amounts are now
insignificant. Some ultra-long-term bonds (sometimes a bond can last
centuries: West Shore Railroad issued a bond which matures in 2361 (i.e.
24th century) are virtually perpetuities from a financial point of view, with
the current value of principal near zero.

Bearer bond is an official certificate issued without a named holder. In

other words, the person who has the paper certificate can claim the value of

6|Page

Primary dealer in the bond market

the bond. Often they are registered by a number to prevent counterfeiting,

but may be traded like cash. Bearer bonds are very risky because they can be
lost or stolen. Especially after federal income tax began in the United States,
bearer bonds were seen as an opportunity to conceal income or assets. U.S.
corporations stopped issuing bearer bonds in the 1960s, the U.S. Treasury
stopped in 1982, and state and local tax-exempt bearer bonds were
prohibited in 1983.

Registered bond is a bond whose ownership (and any subsequent

purchaser) is recorded by the issuer, or by a transfer agent. It is the
alternative to a Bearer bond. Interest payments, and the principal upon
maturity, are sent to the registered owner.

Treasury bond, also called government bond, is issued by the Federal

government and is not exposed to default risk. It is characterized as the
safest bond, with the lowest interest rate. A treasury bond is backed by the
full faith and credit of the federal government. For that reason, this type of
bond is often referred to as risk-free.

Municipal bond is a bond issued by a state, U.S. Territory, city, local

government, or their agencies. Interest income received by holders of
municipal bonds is often exempt from the federal income tax and from the
income tax of the state in which they are issued, although municipal bonds
issued for certain purposes may not be tax exempt.

Build America Bonds (BABs) is a new form of municipal bond authorized

by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Unlike traditional
municipal bonds, which are usually tax exempt, interest received on BABs is

7|Page

Primary dealer in the bond market

subject to federal taxation. However, as with municipal bonds, the bond is

tax-exempt within the state it is issued. Generally, BABs offer significantly
higher yields (over 7 percent) than standard municipal bonds.[6]

Book-entry bond is a bond that does not have a paper certificate. As

physically processing paper bonds and interest coupons became more
expensive, issuers (and banks that used to collect coupon interest for
depositors) have tried to discourage their use. Some book-entry bond issues
do not offer the option of a paper certificate, even to investors who prefer
them.[7]

Lottery bond is a bond issued by a state, usually a European state. Interest

is paid like a traditional fixed rate bond, but the issuer will redeem randomly
selected individual bonds within the issue according to a schedule. Some of
these redemptions will be for a higher value than the face value of the bond.

Serial bond is a bond that matures in installments over a period of time. In

effect, a $100,000, 5-year serial bond would mature in a $20,000 annuity
over a 5-year interval.

Revenue bond is a special type of municipal bond distinguished by its

guarantee of repayment solely from revenues generated by a specified
revenue-generating entity associated with the purpose of the bonds. Revenue
bonds are typically "non-recourse," meaning that in the event of default, the
bond holder has no recourse to other governmental assets or revenues.

Climate bond is a bond issued by a government or corporate entity in order

to raise finance for climate change mitigation or adaptation related projects
or programs.

8|Page

Primary dealer in the bond market

CHAPTER 4
INTERNATIONAL BOND
An international bond is a type of long-term debt security that is generally
issued to an investor in a country by a non-domestic entity. An international
bond essentially works like a loan, with the investor being the lender and the
issuing entity being the borrower. International bonds can provide bondholders
with the ability to earn fixed interest payments for a set period of time. Most
international bonds have a face value, interest rate, and maturity date. Entities
that issue these types of bonds often do so in order to help finance property and
equipment purchases or to help fund current operations.
In general, the process of purchasing an international bond works like a regular
bond purchase. Typically, an investor purchases the international bond from an
issuing company, bank, or government for a set face value. The investor then
earns interest payments at periodic intervals until the bond reaches its maturity
date. Once the bond matures, the initial principal is paid back to the investor in
full.
The international bond market includes global bonds, foreign bonds, Eurobonds,
and Brady bonds. Global bonds are offered in several countries simultaneously
and can be issued in the same currency as the country of issuance. Global bonds
are typically issued by international companies that possess high credit ratings.
Foreign bonds are issued by foreign entities and are denominated in the
currency of the domestic market. Examples of foreign bonds include Samurai
bonds in Japan, Yankee bonds in the United States, and Bulldog bonds in the
United Kingdom.
A Eurobond is a type of international bond that is issued using currency that
differs from the domestic market countrys currency. Eurobonds are named

9|Page

Primary dealer in the bond market

according to the currency in which they are denominated in. For example, a
Euro yen bond is denominated in Japanese yen.
Brady bonds are designed to help emerging market countries manage their
international debt. Brady bonds are issued by an emerging market country and
denominated in U.S. dollars. Brady bonds are generally backed by U.S.
Treasury zero-coupon bonds.
International bond funds can provide investors with a way to diversify their
investment portfolios. An international bond fund is a type of fund that invests a
percentage of its assets, often 40% or greater, in international bonds. These
funds generally hold investment-grade bonds from countries that are politically
stable and considered developed countries. Investors that choose to place their
money in an international fund can realize income from the bond interest as well
as from currency fluctuations.

10 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

Introduction to International Bond Markets

Debt certificates have been traded internationally for several centuries. Kings
and emperors borrowed heavily to finance their wars. In the 14th century, for
example, Edward I financed his wars through bond issues launched in Italy by
the then big banking families. Centuries later, the great coalition against Louis
XIV led by William of Orange was financed by a group of Dutch families
operating from The Hague.
Later, the Rothschilds became famous for supporting the British war effort
against Napoleon I through their European family network.
Although debt financing has always been international in nature, there is still no
unified international bond market. The international bond market is divided into
three bond market groups:
I.

Domestic bonds. They are issued locally by a domestic borrower and are
usually denominated in the local currency.

II.

Foreign bonds. They are issued on a local market by a foreign borrower

and are usually denominated in the local currency. Foreign bond issues
and trading are under the supervision of local market authorities.

III.

Eurobonds. They are underwritten by a multinational syndicate of banks

and placed mainly in countries other than the one in whose currency the
bond is denominated. These bonds are not traded on a specific national
bond market.

(A) Domestic bonds.

Amoco Canada issues a bond in Canada for placement in the Canadian domestic
market, i.e., with investors resident in Canada. The issue is underwritten by a
syndicate of Canadian securities houses. The issue is denominated in the
currency of the intended investors, i.e., CAD.
11 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

(B) Foreign bonds.XII.2

Amoco Canada, a foreign corporation, issues bonds in the U.S. for placement in
the U.S. market alone. The issue is underwritten by a syndicate of U.S.
securities houses. The issue is denominated in the currency of the intended
investors, i.e., USD.

12 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

CHAPTER 5
PRIMARY DEALER
Primary dealer is a dealer in government debt with whom the Central
Bank transacts business. A primary dealer is a bank or securities broker-dealer
that may trade directly with the Central Bank. Such firms are required to make
bids or offers when the Central Bank conducts open market operations, provide
information to the Central Banks open market trading desk and to participate
actively in governments securities transactions. Primary dealer is a formal
designation of a firm as a market maker of government securities. Primary
Dealers can also be referred to as Merchant Bankers to Government of India as
only they are allowed to underwrite
Primary issues of government securities other than RBI who have since
shed this role. Primary dealer systems are present in many countries including
Canada, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, United States and India. The
system of Primary Dealers (PDs) in the Indian Government Securities Market
was introduced by Reserve Bank of India in 1995 to put in place an improved,
efficient secondary market trading system. This was to encourage holding of
Government Securities on large scale and make the market more vibrant and
liquid. In 2006-07, RBI gave Banks the option to undertake Primary Dealership
business departmentally. The primary dealers have been playing a very
significant role in strengthening the market infrastructure of Government
Securities and helping the RBI in its monetary policy decisions.
Primary dealer is a firm that buys government securities directly from a
government, with the intention of reselling them to others, thus acting as
a market maker of government securities. The government may regulate the
behavior and numbers of its primary dealers and impose conditions of entry.

13 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

Some governments sell their securities only to primary dealers; some sell them
to others as well. Governments that use primary dealers include Belgium,
Canada, China, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Spain, the United
Kingdom, and the United States.
Primary dealer system can make substantial contributions to the development of
the market when its establishment is appropriate for prevailing market
conditions. While by no means a precondition for a well functioning
government securities market, primary dealers know the market best and are the
counterpart of the investors who are the debt management offices ultimate
target. The purpose of this background note is to provide some guidance on how
to design a primary dealer system so as to best meet the development needs of
the market as well as the legitimate expectations of the parties involved.
It is hard to over-estimate the importance of PDs contribution when the
appointment of PDs is appropriate for the conditions of the market. PD systems
are by no means a precondition for a well functioning government securities
market. Generally, however, PDs know the market best. They are the
counterpart of the investors who are the debt management offices (DMOs)
ultimate target.
Yet, PD systems can be a recurrent source of frustrations and complaints. These
affect both the DMO and the PDs themselves. The former say: PDs are not
committed. The latter respond: DMOs are too demanding. As an illustration,
some DMOs legitimately complain that their PDs cannot be depended upon to
be consistent and/or fair bidders at auctions of government securities and/or that
PDs do not live up to their commitment to enhance the liquidity of the
secondary market by continuously quoting firm bid and offer prices. PDs
respond that bidding at auctions and quoting firm prices on the secondary

14 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

market are an expensive and risky business for which they are not adequately
compensated. It can happen that both parties are making a legitimate point.
Some issues encountered by DMOs in the implementation of a PD system can
be resolved by taking relatively straightforward steps. For example, in the
aforementioned cases, PDs can be motivated to submit successful bids at
auctions by offering them a more generous allocation of non- competitive
subscriptions (NCS) after the auction. This can technically be done in a manner
that is costless to the DMO. Likewise, DMOs can support the market-making
activity of their PDs by putting in place a securities lending facility that will
help them cover the short positions they have incurred in the process. The
extension of such a facility can actually be beneficial to both parties. A number
of similar steps and/or provisions are mentioned in the Handbook.
Designing a well-performing PD system remains nonetheless a complex
process. It raises a large number of issues of various kinds, firstly, are PDs
necessary? By whom should they be appointed? What should their duties and
privileges be? How should their performance be appraised? And so on. PD
systems that are not efficiently designed are often a big opportunity loss.
The Handbook builds largely on the practical experience gained from the Gem
loc Peer Group Dialogue Forum 3 in addressing the aforementioned challenges.
The plan is to keep this Handbook updated as new designs evolve and
additional experience is gathered. Some trends and new issues are already being
perceived. Currently, this refers particularly to the shifting emphasis on some
PDs incentives and obligations, and to the changing role of PDs on electronic
trading platforms.
The country illustrations mentioned in the footnotes of the Handbook are
examples only. They are by no means meant to be an exhaustive list. Markets
also change fast. As a result, some footnotes may not be up to date any longer
15 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

by the time this handbook is consulted. The development of government bond

markets involves a broader set of policies than just establishing a PD system.
Whilst a PD system is not a necessary precondition for creating a wellfunctioning government securities market, a PD system can be instrumental in
supporting market development. The design of the mix of obligations and
privileges is an integral part of the market development strategy.
There are some preconditions for a PD system to work. Once these prerequisites
are met, however, PD systems can be organized, and PDs can support DMOs, in
many different ways. There is no one- size-fits-all PD system. Without PDs
being appointed. Second, it must be verified that the prerequisites for a wellfunctioning PD system are present in the local market.
The next step is to select and appoint the best qualified candidates. This requires
determining the PDs selection criteria and the procedure for their appointment.
A number of issues are raised in the process. Some are of a technical nature,
such as certain eligibility conditions for the status of PD, the appropriate
number of PDs, who should appoint PDs, and for what period. Other issues
have a strategic dimension. This refers to issues such as deciding whether PDs
should serve the needs only of the Ministry of Finance (MoF) or also the needs
of the central bank (CB) and/or whether foreign institutions are eligible to be
appointed as PDs and, if so, whether a local establishment will be required .
PDs systems can be organized in many different ways. The status of PD always
carries both obligations and rights. In both cases, however, different options
may apply.
PDs usually assume six different types of duties. Some duties are fairly
straightforward, such as, undertaking to be the DMOs advisor on debt strategy
and market organization, to be the DMOs counterpart for its debt management
operations, and to report on their activity, both inter-dealer and with customers.
16 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

By contrast, the commitment of PDs to bid at auctions and to enhance the

liquidity of the secondary market can be expressed in very different ways. The
phrasing that matches best with the stage of development of the market and with
the capabilities of the PD applicant must thus be determined first.
Some strategic decisions will again need to be made in the process. This applies
in particular to the homogeneity of the PDs status. Should all PDs have the
same duties or should some market specialists be appointed?
PDs are also entitled to some rights and privileges. These are intended to
provide PDs with the tools and/or the motivation to perform. This part of the PD
system design process is probably the most complex to complete. There are a
wide number of options. Some privileges can be granted by the MoF and some
by the CB. Amongst the privileges that can be granted by the MoF, some are of
a general nature whilst some are specifically linked to the primary market or to
the secondary market. Some privileges have a cost for the DMO and others do
not.
The PDs rights and privileges are a particularly strategic issue. They will in
many cases have a direct impact, both on the choice by PDs of the market
segment on which they will focus their effort and on the quality of their overall
performance.
The optimal combination of duties and privileges is a country-specific issue.
Yet, there are some general guidelines that are apt to enhance the efficiency of
the market making function.
The DMO must manage its relationship with its PDs. This includes
communication to PDs, the monitoring and appraisal of their activity, and the
allocation of incentives to the best performers. This part of the PD system
design process is also key to support the overall quality and motivation of the

17 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

PDs. The supervision of PDs must pursue the objective of enhancing

transparency in the market, protecting investors, and reducing systemic risk.
Finally, the dynamic nature of the market merits a review of current and
emerging trends in PDs obligations, rewards and means of interacting with the
market through electronic trading platforms History The PD system was first
implemented in the USA in 1960. With a few exceptions4, the PD system
spread first to Europe from the mid eighties and thereafter to emerging markets
(Ems) from the mid- nineties.
Many, but by no means all, industrial countries have a PD system. For example,
Australia, Germany, New Zealand and Switzerland have no PDs.6 These
markets do not see the need for PDs as they function well without them,
including an active secondary market. A common feature of the government
securities markets concerned is that foreign investors have a large market share.
Similarly, whilst a number of EMs and developing countries have adopted a PD
system, many others have elected not to do so.7 Two often-mentioned reasons
are that the market is not large enough to support a sufficient number of PDs to
ensure competitive behavior and/or that the investor base is not diversified
enough for financial intermediaries to be willing to commit to having a marketmaking activity.
2.3. Benefits Expected from a PD System
An analysis of the benefits expected from a PD system actually raises the issue
of design of, and coordination in, the PD system. A PD system can be designed
to meet the needs of only the MoF or of both the MoF and the CB. From a
functional point of view, PDs for government securities should be distinguished
from PDs for CB operations. Operationally, however, the same institutions can
be awarded both roles, depending on the institutional arrangement. The
authority responsible for appointing PDs has to be determined accordingly .
18 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

DMOs expect a many different contributions from their PDs. DMOs depend on
their PDs (i) to build a stable and dependable demand for government securities
by submitting bids at the auctions and by broadening the DMOs customer base,
thereby decreasing market and refinancing risks; (ii) to lower the DMOs cost of
funding by enhancing price discovery, thereby contributing to the liquidity of
the secondary market, and (iii) to help in establishing the debt management
strategy and to facilitate the development of the market by providing advisory
support to the DMO. In practice, PDs also improve the DMOs knowledge of
the market, strengthen product innovation, facilitate access to end investors and
limit the number of counterparts that the DMO deals with.
It is hard to over-estimate the importance of the contribution that PDs can
deliver when the appointment of PDs is appropriate for the conditions present in
the market. PDs know the marketRisks Created by a PD System The principal
risks are the limitations to competition and the corresponding potential incentive
to collusive behavior. These risks can be addressed in two complementary
ways. First, a group of PDs sufficiently large to ensure competition must be
appointed. Second, an incentive system to reward good performance must be
devised that makes it more profitable for PDs to compete than to collude.
Moral hazard is another risk. PDs have been selected and appointed by the
government. Therefore, some market participantsPDs as well as investors
might believe that the government will not let a PD go under. As a result, some
PDs might be inclined to take on more risks than they should. This is an issue to
be addressed by the authorities in charge of the supervision of financial
intermediaries.
2.5. Prerequisites for a PD System

19 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

to Work The common feature of the prerequisites for a PD system to work is

that it must be possible to foster a securities market. A PD is a dealer. Thus, it
needs a market to function.
The corresponding requirements are numerous. A few of these requirements are:
(i) stable macro- economic conditions, (ii) existence of legal and supervisory
systems, (iii) adequate payment system, (iv) liberalized interest ratesthe
government must be committed to a market-based mechanism, (v) stable,
predictable and transparent issuance policythe government must be
committed to transparent debt management practices, (vi) diversified investor
base, (vii) large enough market to support a sufficient number of PDs to ensure
competitive behavior, (viii) sufficiently large outstanding debt to create liquid
issues, (ix) DMOs commitment to developing the market, etc.
Yet another prerequisite is to make a primary dealership a commercially viable
proposition for the financial intermediaries concerned.
Government authorities should carefully check whether their domestic market
enables them to meet the aforementioned prerequisites prior to considering
establishing a PD system.

20 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

CHAPTER 6
APPOINTMENT OF PRIMARY DEALER
Appointing Authority PDs can be appointed by different authorities: the DMO
or the MoF, the CB, or the MoF and the CB jointly. When PDs are appointed by
the MoF and CB jointly, 8 the application must be approved by both
institutions.In practice, the most frequently implemented procedure is to have
PDs appointed by the DMO9 or by the MoF.10 In effect, this is essentially the
same thing since the management of public debt is the political responsibility of
the Minister of Finance in any case.
Appointment by the MoF is advantageous in that it creates opportunities for
synergy with other branches of the government to motivate PDs to perform.
The appointment of PDs by the CB11 has the advantage of providing a link to
open market operations. It may also facilitate the granting of some privileges to
PDs.
It is possible for a PD system to be designed to meet the needs of both the MoF
and the CB. Both authorities should then be involved in the appointment.
However, in many cases, the MoF seems best placed, both to appoint PDs and
to manage the relationship. A DMO can best motivate PDs to perform. It is also
best placed to support market-making activity by adapting its issuance policy to
create liquid markets and by offering PDs a securities lending facility that they
can use to cover their short positions12.
Selection Criteria Applying for the status of PD can be subject to a number of
eligibility conditions. Some strategic issues are raised in the process.
Main Eligibility Conditions (i) Financial strength:

21 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

Financial strength is evidenced by adequate capitalization. It generally translates

into a minimum net worth requirement.13 Being a PD is a risky business. In the
primary market, a PD may end up holding a large securities portfolio which is
either too expensive or not saleable. Market conditions may have changed after
the auction or the PD may have misjudged market pricing or investors demand.
Similarly, in the secondary market, a PD may have bought securities at a high
price or sold too cheap. As a result, losses may be suffered, with the
corresponding need for a capital cushion to absorb them.
The financial strength requirement has some additional advantages. It restricts
the function of PDs to the soundest institutions and limits the risk of future
financial problems of PDs.
A minimum credit rating from reputed rating agencies is usually14 required
only to allow a PD to be the DMOs counterpart in transactions involving
derivative products .(ii) Current active involvement in government securities
market:
Current active participation in the market is the best evidence of a PDs ability
to fulfil the duties assigned to it. Some countries impose certain minimum
market shares during a certain period.
(iii) Management capacity and suitable technological infrastructure:
The applicant must have the expertise to sustain an active and efficient market
for government securities. This includes the technology needed to submit bids at
primary auctions, to trade on the secondary market and to report on its activity.
(iv) Long-term commitment to market development:

22 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

There is no point for either the DMO or the PD to initiate a short-term

relationship. In particular, for the financial intermediary concerned, the PD
status has a start-up cost that can only be amortized over a certain period.
(v) Submission of a business plan:
An increasing number of DMOs17 require PDs to submit a business plan
outlining their strategy and goals with respect to the government securities
market. This requirement is not restricted to applicant PDs. Sitting PDs are also
required to update their business plan regularly, usually on an annual basis.
(vi) The applicant must be an organization of good reputation and standing.
Issues for Resolution in Setting Eligibility Requirements
(i). Choice between banks only, and banks, brokers, and institutional investors
In emerging markets, brokers may have access to a specific customer base. In
addition, the status of PD is sometimes used to entice institutional investors to
participate in auctions. However, these are usually only temporary regimes.
Their impact can be negative if they deter banks from applying for PD status.
In mature markets, PDs are almost always banks only. Banks are the only
organizations that have both the capacity and the vocation to develop a
customer base and to trade actively on the secondary market. Banks are also the
only organizations for which the PD status can be used as a marketing tool to
reinforce a customer relationship that is profitable in other fields. As a result,
banks can afford to have a break-even or even a loss-making operation in
government securities. Thus, banks have a competitive edge over other financial
intermediaries.
(ii) Choice between foreign and domestic institutions

23 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

Allowing foreign institutions to become active in local markets offers several

advantages to emerging markets. Foreign institutions provide greater expertise,
increased competition and increased market credibility. They may also expand
the scope of financial intermediation with their foreign customer base and
increase the availability of capital.
On the other hand, foreign institutions are often less loyal to the local market.
They do not have the same vested interest in the well-being of the domestic
market place as local PDs. Better judgment should thus be exercised in
following their recommendations.
(iii) Requiring foreign institutions to have a local establishment
In government securities markets at an early stage of development, a systematic
local presence seems to be necessary. This was the case in European markets up
to the mid-nineties. This requirement was then given up in anticipation of the
European Monetary Union that became a reality in 1999. Such requirements
still exist in a number of other countries.
The requirement for a local presence usually rests on one or more of the
following two views: the local presence is an evidence of commitment and/or it
is the only way for the government to ensure that their business is conducted in
the proper way. Neither view is necessarily true.
A local presence is an expensive proposition, which may actually not be
required for a bank to develop its business in the domestic market. In addition,
the local government can enter into an agreement with the supervisory authority
in a country where the applicant PD has a presence of some importance so as to
ensure that it is subject to adequate control. This principle has been
implemented in the EU. Since the early 2000s, banks registered in at least one
EU country can apply for the status of PD in any member state.

24 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

(iv) Requiring all PDs to have a locally incorporated separately capitalized

subsidiary19
This requirement can facilitate the channeling of professional expertise to the
new firm by allowing the creation of new career paths and incentive schemes. It
is particularly relevant in emerging markets. The objective is to ensure that the
business is professionally managed and that risks are covered. In some cases, it
can also facilitate supervision from a regulatory perspective. Yet, this
requirement involves significant costs for PDs, some of which could be deterred
as a result. This drawback needs to be weighed against the expected benefits.
3DUTIES OF PDs Defining PDs duties involves making several strategic
decisions. One of these must be made upfront. Should the status of PD be
homogeneous or can PDs be specialized?
. Homogeneous vs. Specialized Status PDs can be committed to deal in the full
range of public debt instruments. Alternately, they can be allowed to specialize
in certain instruments and/or market segments. Both regimes are widely
prevalent.
DMOs that subject all PDs to the same obligations take the view that the status
of PD is then more transparent to the market and that the PD group is easier to
manage. Certain financial instruments are also more attractive for PDs to trade
than others. As a result, some DMOs are concerned that they may not have
enough PDs for certain debt instruments if the status of PD were split.
Other DMOs deem it more efficient to split PDs obligations by establishing
different tiers of dealers, each tier having separate requirements and objectives.
This approach is particularly useful when there is a relatively limited supply of
institutions with an expertise covering all debt instruments or when the state of
the market is such that the accumulation of obligations significantly increases
PDs costs and/or market risks.

25 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

A large number of DMOs are thus differentiating between their PDs, either for a
specific instrument (single market PDs) or for a specific activity (market
specialists). Some DMOs also have repo and or retail specialists. PDs are
generally allowed to overlap different market segments, with some exceptions.
4.2. Inventory of Duties Most PD obligations are relatively standard. PDs are
generally assigned six duties: (i) to bid on the primary market, (ii) to place
government securities with final investors, (iii) to enhance the liquidity of the
secondary market, (iv) to be the counterpart of the DMO for certain debt
management operations, (v) to advise the DMO on its debt management
strategy, and (vi) to report on their activity in the secondary market.
The common feature of these six duties is that they are all related to the funding
of the government. They are connected to its amount, its stability, its cost and
its management.
The obligations of PDs tend to be materialized in a similar manner by most
DMOs. However, two duties in particular tend to have some country specific
features: the obligation to bid at auctions and the commitment to quote prices on
the secondary market. To Bid at Auctions By bidding at the auctions, PDs
function as a channel between the DMO and final investors. They build a
portfolio of securities that they will sell in the secondary market. The obligation
of PDs to participate in auctions decreases the execution risk of the issuer.41 the
introduction of fixed auction calendars has further increased the usefulness of
PDs. The issuer is in the market less often and for larger amounts.
The obligation to bid at auctions generally includes the obligation for PDs to
submit a certain minimum amount of bids and/or successful bids. In both cases,
the minimum amount is generally expressed as a certain percentage of the total
amount auctioned.

26 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

The PDs obligation to bid at the auctions can be structured in different ways,
with respect to both the submission of bids and the submission of successful
bids.
As regards the submission of bids, PDs may be obliged either to participate
regularly at auctions or to submit bids at every auction for a certain minimum
amount or threshold.
The two ways of articulating the PDs obligation pursue the same objective. In
both cases, a PD is actually expected to participate in every auction. In the first
wording, however, a PD is not formally breaking a commitment if it has
exceptionally missed participating in an auction.
The minimum threshold level, if any, should be set with care. A threshold too
low entails the risk of a shortfall in underwriting. A threshold too high might
strain the PDs financial capacity.
As regards the submission of successful bids, the minimum amount to be
accepted is always expressed as a certain percentage of the total amount issued
on a competitive basis. However, it can either be a minimum amount at every
auction or a minimum amount over a certain period, usually one calendar year
or the length of the appointment period.
In both cases, the minimum bidding commitment can be quantified, either as a
percentage discretionarily set by the relevant DMO or as a function of a certain
reference, such as the number of appointed PDs, the relative size of the PDs
balance sheet, or the amount of the PDs trading activity in the secondary
market. To Place Securities with Final Investors PDs can be an efficient
securities distribution mechanism to their customer base. In the process of
carrying out this duty, PDs effectively act as a government securities subdepositary. The duty of placing securities with final customers includes doing

27 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

marketing, research and development, i.e., to actively develop and promote

products related to government securities.
To Enhance Liquidity in the Secondary Market In most mature markets, as well
as in some emerging markets, PDs are committed to provide firm two-way
quotes continuously. A detailed description of some frequent market practices is
outlined in appendix 1, which also includes some recommendations specifically
for EMs. In many emerging markets, PDs are committed to quote indicative
prices only.
Prices must usually be quoted for some minimum amounts, with some
maximum spreads and for a certain minimum number of hours. The size of the
maximum spread can be expressed either as a number49 or as an order of
magnitude.
This price quoting obligation generally applies both to prices quoted to
customers and to prices quoted to other dealers. The objective of obliging
dealers to quote to other dealers is to enhance price transparency by ensuring
that the market is well arbitraged.
Generally, the market making program covers all maturities issued. However,
securities are allocated amongst PDs so that every dealer is committed to quote
only a certain number of maturities and every security is quoted by at least a
certain number of market makers. PDs increasingly perform their market
making obligation on electronic trading platforms.
PDs that are committed to quote firm prices are often also obliged to make a
certain minimum turnover in the secondary market. The latter obligation tends
to be adapted as the market develops. The minimum amount is expressed first as
a percentage of the total turnover in the market, then as a percentage of the
aggregate turnover done by all PDs, and finally, the minimum amount

28 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

requirement tends to disappears. The second stage is a normal consequence of

the development of the market as a result of which more participants become
active in it. The third stage emerges with the realization that the main benefit of
a market making commitment is not liquidity but price transparency. Thus the
quality of the prices quoted matters more than the volume done, the quality of
which is hard to assess in any case.
In some countries, PDs must achieve both a minimum turnover and a minimum
success ratio.
Standard market making rules can apply only in normal market conditions. This
raises the issue of how market making rules can be adapted in the case of
disorderly markets.In Europe, most DMOs have taken all or some of the
following five steps in exceptional market conditions:
(i) To relax the quoting obligation: DMOs have either widened the allowed
maximum bid and offer spread or no longer imposed a maximum spread. DMOs
that no longer impose a maximum spread assess the quality of their PDs
performance by comparing the width of the spread quoted by the relevant PD
with the average width of the spreads quoted by all PDs.
(ii) To decrease the number of securities to be quoted by each PD: In normal
market conditions, securities are allocated to PDs so that each security is quoted
by a minimum number of market makers. This number has been reduced to 2 or
3 in exceptional market conditions.
(iii) To strengthen the issuers support: DMOs that extend a securities lending
facility to their PDs to support their market making activity have tended to
increase the amount of the securities that they are willing to lend and/or to
increase the length of the period during which PDs are allowed to borrow
securities.

29 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

(iv) To change the reference for assessing the quality of a PDs price quoting
performance: Initially, the reference most often used by DMOs was the amount
traded by the relevant PD on the secondary market. The amount traded was
considered to be both the easiest and the best index of the quality and of the
timing of the quoted prices. Since the beginning of 2007, however, the
prevailing view amongst DMOs in the EU is that the most important
contribution of their PDs in unsettled markets is to enhance price transparency
(i.e., the permanent availability of firm prices being displayed on screens),
irrespective of the amount actually traded. The assessment by DMOs of the
quality of the performance of their PDs has therefore shifted from volume to
pricing.
(v) To increase the rewards offered to PDs: This has most often taken the form
of more generous post-auction non-competitive subscriptions, either by
increasing the maximum amount of the authorized allocation or by lengthening
the period during which non-competitive subscriptions can be submitted.
To Advise the DMO DMOs expect PDs to advise them on their debt
management strategy and on the organization of the market. This duty includes
keeping the DMO informed of market developments.
To be the DMOs Counterpart in Debt Management Operations Being the
DMOs counterpart in its debt management operations is both a duty and a
privilege. It is a duty in the case of operations that offer PDs no profit
opportunity, such as being counterpart in the trades done by a DMO in the
money market to manage its daily liquidity position. It is a privilege in the case
of profitable debt management operations that are sought after by PDs . To
Report on their Activity Reporting to the DMO on its activity in the secondary
market is typically part of a PDs agreement. These reports help DMOs in
evaluating developments in the market and in individual institutions

30 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

A DMO also needs to receive qualitative reports from its PDs in order to be
informed of their business strategy and implementation, and about the research
and marketing efforts they have made to that effect.
Other Obligations PDs can assume a number of other commitments in addition
to the above mentioned main duties. As an example, PDs can be required (i) to
contribute to an automatic securities lending facility in the clearing house by
allowing the clearing house to lend on their behalf some of their securities held
in inventory, (ii) to quote prices for government securities at the closing of the
market for publication purposes, and (iii) to facilitate an effective retail
distribution. The latter commitment applies when authorities perceive that there
could be significant demand for government securities from individuals.
The direct sale of government securities in the retail market is a complex issue,
particularly when PDs are involved. Operating in the retail market significantly
increases costs for PDs. It also creates competition between the banks products
and government instruments within the sales network of the banks.
In any case, PDs commit to conduct their business in a correct and ethical
manner. This includes avoiding disrupting their auction participation by bidding
too aggressively.

31 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

CHAPTER 7
COMPANIES WORKING AS A PRIMARY DEALER IN INDIA
TYPES OF PRIMARY DEALERS
Primary dealers can be classified as:
i) Bank Primary Dealers and
ii) Stand Alone Primary Dealers
Bank PDs are those which take up primary dealer business departmentally as
part of the bank itself. On the other hand, Stand Alone Primary Dealers are
NBFCs that exclusively take up primary dealer business At present there are 20
primary dealers doing business of primary dealership as listed below:
Stand Alone Primary Dealers Bank Primary Dealers
1. ICICI Securities Primary Dealership
Limited
2. Morgan Stanley India Primary Dealer
Pvt. Ltd.
3. Nomura Fixed Income Securities Pvt.
4. PNB Gilts Ltd.
5. SBI DFHI Ltd
6. STCI Primary Dealer Limited
7. Goldman Sachs (India) Capital Markets
Pvt. Ltd.

32 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

1. Bank of Baroda
2. Canara Bank
3. Citibank N.A
4. Corporation Bank
5. HDFC Bank Ltd
6. Hongkong and Shanghai Banking
Corporation Ltd.(HSBC)
7. J P Morgan Chase Bank N.A, Mumbai
Branch
8. Kodak Mahindra Bank Ltd.
9. Standard Chartered Bank
10. Axis Bank Ltd.

33 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

CHAPTER 8
OBJECTIVES OF PRIMARY DEALERS
Primary dealers are expected to play an active role in the government securities
market, both in its primary and secondary market segments. The system of
Primary Dealers in government securities market was introduced with the
objectives to:
I. strengthen the infrastructure in the government securities market in order to
make it
ii. Vibrant, liquid and broad based
iii. Commit participation as Principals in Government of India issues through
bidding in auctions.
iv. Provide underwriting services
v. offer firm buy - sell / bid ask quotes for T-Bills & dated securities
vi. Improve Secondary Market trading system
vii. Make PDs an effective conduit for conducting open market operations.

34 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

CHAPTER 9
SEBI GUIDELINE
SEBI said the debt segment would provide separate trading, reporting,
membership,

clearing

and

settlement

rules

Mumbai: Continuing with its efforts to develop the country's corporate debt
market, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued elaborate
guidelines for setting up a separate debt segment on stock exchanges where
entities like banks and pension funds can execute trades, reports PTI.

The decision to have separate debt segment on the bourses was taken at market
regulator SEBI's board meeting last week.

SEBI said the debt segment would provide separate trading, reporting,
membership, clearing and settlement rules.

Debt securities may be called debentures, bonds, deposits, notes or commercial

paper depending on various factors including maturity periods.

In the proposed debt segment, trading would be from 0900 hours to 1700 hours.

"Institutions such as scheduled commercial banks, primary dealers, pension

funds, provident funds, insurance companies, mutual funds... can trade on the
debt segment either as clients of registered trading members or directly as
trading member on proprietary basis only.

35 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

"Such institutions desirous of trading on own account only shall be given

trading membership under SEBI (Stock Broker and Sub-Broker) Regulations,
1992 as proprietary trading member," SEBI said in a circular.

According to the regulator, the market for debt securities differs from equity
markets in several ways such as risk, returns, liquidity, and type of participants
and method of trading.

"While publicly issued debt securities are listed, traded and settled in a manner
similar to equity, privately placed debt is usually traded between institutional
investors on 'over the counter' (OTC) basis. Such OTC transactions are
mandatorily reported on reporting platforms at FIMMDA, BSE and NSE," SEBI
said.

The regulator said an existing stock exchange or new bourse willing to set up
debt segment is required to make an application with SEBI providing
operational, regulatory and any other necessary details.

SEBI said minimum capital deposit required to be maintained by a stock broker

for trading in the debt segment would up to Rs50 lakh.

"With the view to infuse liquidity in the market, market makers shall be
permitted in the debt segment. Market making may be provided by merchant
bankers, issuers through brokers or any other entity as may be specified," it said.
The debt segment has to list all the securities and debt instruments and has
offer electronic, screen-based trading system.

36 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

As per SEBI, the trading facility for the bond market can make use of access
methods such as internet and mobile trading. Further, the segment should have
separate trading platforms for retail as well as institutional players.

37 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

CHAPTER:-10
.ROLE OF PRIMARY DEALER

PDs are expected to play an active role in primary the government securities
market, both in its primary and secondary segments. A Primary Dealer will be
required to have a standing arrangement with RBI based on the execution of an
undertaking and the authorization letter issued by RBI covering inter-alia the
following aspects:
(i) A Primary Dealer will have to commit to aggregative bid for Government of
India dated securities on an annual basis of not less than a specified amount and
auction Treasury Bills for specified percentage for each auction. The agreed
minimum amount/ percentage of bids would be separately indicated for dated
securities and Treasury Bills.

(ii) A Primary Dealer would be required to achieve a minimum success ratio of

40 per cent for dated securities and 40 per cent for Treasury Bills.
(iii) Underwriting of Dated Government Securities: Primary Dealers will be
collectively offered to underwrite up to 100% of the notified amount in respect
of all issues where the amounts are notified.
A Primary Dealer can offer to underwrite an amount not exceeding five times of
its net owned funds. The amount so arrived at should not exceed 30% of the
notified amount of the issue. If two or more issues are floated at the same time,
the limit of 30% is applied by taking the notified amounts of both the issues
together.

38 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

In the case of devolvement, allotment of securities will be at the competitive

cut-off price/yield decided at the auction or at par in the case of pre-determined
coupon floatation. Obligations under items (i) to (iii) above would be confined
for the present only to Central Government dated securities and obligations
under items (i) to (ii) to Treasury Bills.
(iv) Treasury bill issues are not underwritten. Instead, Primary Dealers are
required to commit to submit minimum bids at each auction. The commitment
of Primary Dealers participation in treasury bills subscription works out as
follows:
(a) Each Primary Dealer individually commits, at the beginning of the year, to
submit minimum bids as a fixed percentage of the notified amount of treasury
bills, in each auction.
(b) The minimum percentage of the bids for each Primary Dealer is determined
by the Reserve Bank through negotiation with the Primary Dealer so that the
entire issue of treasury bills is collectively apportioned among all Primary
Dealers.
(c) The percentage of minimum bidding commitment determined by the
Reserve Bank remains unchanged for the entire financial year or till furnishing
of undertaking on bidding commitments for the next financial year, whichever
is later. In determining the minimum bidding commitment, the Reserve Bank
takes into account the offer made by the Primary Dealer, its net owned funds
and its track record.
(v) A Primary Dealer shall offer firm two-way quotes either through the
Negotiated Dealing System or over the counter telephone market or through a

39 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

recognized Stock Exchange of India and deal in the secondary market for
Government securities and take principal positions.
(vi) A Primary Dealer shall maintain the minimum capital standards at all
points of time.
(vii) A Primary Dealer shall achieve a sizeable portfolio in government
securities before the end of the first year of operations after authorization.
(viii) The annual turnover of a Primary Dealer in a financial year shall not be
less than 5 times of average month end stocks in government dated securities
and 10 times of average month end stocks in Treasury Bills.
Of the total, turnover in respect of outright transactions shall not be less than 3
times in respect of government dated securities and 6 times in respect of
Treasury Bills. The target should be achieved by the end of the first year of
operations after authorization by RBI.
(ix) A Primary Dealer shall maintain physical infrastructure in terms of office,
computing equipment, communication facilities like Telex/Fax, Telephone, etc.
and skilled manpower for efficient participation in primary issues, trading in the
secondary market, and to advise and educate the investors.
(x) A Primary Dealer shall have an efficient internal control system for fair
conduct of business and settlement of trades and maintenance of accounts.
(xi) A Primary Dealer will provide access to RBI to all records, books,
information and documents as may be required,
(xii) A Primary Dealer shall subject itself to all prudential and regulatory
guidelines issued by RBI.

40 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

(xiii) A Primary Dealer shall submit periodic returns as prescribed by RBI.

(xiii) A Primary Dealers investment in G-Sacs and Treasury Bills on a daily
basis should be at least equal to its net call borrowing plus net RBI borrowing
plus net owned funds of Rs 50 crore.
The Reserve Bank would extend the following facilities to PDs to enable them
to effectively fulfill their obligations: (i) Access to Current Account facility
with Reserve Bank Of India, (ii) Access to Subsidiary General Ledger (SGL)
Account facility (for Government securities), (iii) Permission to borrow and
lend in the money market including call money market and to trade in all money
market instruments, (iv) Access to liquidity support through Repo operations
with RBI in Central Government dated securities and Auction Treasury Bills up
to the limit fixed by RBI. The Scheme is separately notified every year, (v)
Access to Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) of Reserve Bank of India, (v)
Favored access to open market operations by Reserve Bank of India.
RBI will have access to records and accounts of an authorized Primary Dealer
and the right to inspect its books. A Primary Dealer will be required to submit
prescribed returns to RBI, IDM Cell a daily report on transactions and market
information, monthly report of transactions in securities, risk position and
performance with regard to participation in auctions, quarterly return on capital
adequacy, an annual report on its performance together with annual audited
accounts and such other statements and returns as are prescribed either
specifically or generally by Reserve Bank of India vide any of its
institutions/circulars/ directives.
Further, PDs are required to meet such registration and other requirements as
stipulated by Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) including
operations on the Stock Exchanges. Authorized PDs are expected to join self-

41 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

regulatory organizations (SROs) like Primary Dealers Association of India

(PDAI) and Fixed Income Money Market and Derivatives Association
(FIMMDA) and abide by the code of conduct framed by them and such other
actions initiated by them in the interests of the securities markets.
In respect of transactions in government securities, a Primary Dealer should
have a separate desk and should maintain separate accounts and have an
external audit of annual accounts. The Primary Dealer should maintain separate
accounts in respect of its own position and customer transactions.
A Primary Dealer should bring to the RBIs attention any major complaint
against it or action initiated/taken against it by authorities such as the Stock
Exchanges, SEBI, CBI, Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax, etc.
Reserve Bank of India reserves the right to cancel the Primary Dealership if, in
its view, the concerned institution has not fulfilled any of the prescribed
performance criteria contained in the authorization letter. Reserve Bank of India
reserves its right to amend or modify these guidelines from time to time, as may
be considered necessary.

42 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

CHAPTER: - 11
RECOMMANDATION
I have highlighted the criticality of corporate bond market in the economy as it
allocates resources efficiently and enables long-term resource raising to sectors,
such as, infrastructure. A vibrant corporate bond market provides an alternative
to conventional bank finances and also mitigates the vulnerability of foreign
currency sources of funds. From the perspective of financial stability, there is a
need to strengthen the corporate bond market. Limited investor base, limited
number of issuers and preference for bank finance over bond finance are some
of the other obstacles faced in development of a deep and liquid corporate bond
market. I have also briefly discussed the growth and structure of Indian
corporate bond market and outlined measures taken by the regulators, in
particular the Reserve Bank of India to develop the market. I have flagged some
of the issues and challenges faced by this market and the approach to be adopted
to address them in order to enable the market to reach its potential.
The task before us is to improve liquidity, enhance transparency, provide safe
and sound market infrastructure, enable appropriate institutional structure, such
as, robust bankruptcy framework, etc. The regulators have taken proactive steps
and provided the market with tools of risk management. Efforts are on to enable
wider participation the market and create scope for market making. The
regulators, like Reserve Bank, have always followed a consultative approach
and welcomed suggestions from the stakeholders. It is also expected that the
market participants need to be more active and participate in corporate bond
market and make use of risk management tools/financial products. This would
enable growth of the corporate bond market and cater to the needs of the real
economy and the financial sector. I am sure that the panellists of the next

43 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

session would deliberate on some of the issues raised above and other related
issues and provide useful and implementable suggestions to meet the challenges
of developing a more vibrant corporate bond market in India

44 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

CHAPTER:-12
CONCLUSION
The Federal Reserve introduced the primary dealer credit facility in March 2008
to protect the repo market and other u.s.funding markets from disruption
following the near-bankruptcy of bear Stearns. Six months later, in the wake of
new strains in the repo market, the fed enhanced the facility by broadening the
types of collateral acceptable for pdcf loans. The facility provedto be a critical
recourse for primary dealers at the time of thelehman brothers bankruptcy. As a
source of emergency credit, the pdcf is parallel to the Federal Reserves
discount window for banks, but it specifically addresses the needs of the
institutions most at risk in modern financial crises. The Federal Reserve
introduced the primary dealer credit facility in March 2008 to protect the repo
market and other us. Funding markets from disruption following the nearbankruptcy of bear Stearns. Six months later, in the wake of new strains in the
repo market, the fed enhanced the facility by broadening the types of collateral
acceptable for pdcf loans. The facility provedto be a critical recourse for
primary dealers at the time of the Lehman brothers bankruptcy. As a source of
emergency credit, the pdcf is parallel to the Federal Reserves discount window
for banks, but it specifically addresses the needs of the institutions most at risk
in modern financial crises.

45 | P a g e

Primary dealer in the bond market

CHAPTER:-13
WEBLOGRAPHY
WWW.RBI.ORG.IN
WWW.MONEYCONTROL.COM
WWW.WIKIPEDIA.ORG.IN
WWW.SEBI.GOV.IN

46 | P a g e