Introduction to the Merchant Banking – Concept | Evolution | Regulatory Framework

Merchant Banking refers to a specialized branch of banking that offers various financial, advisory, and consultancy services to large corporations and high-net-worth individuals. Unlike retail or commercial banking, which primarily deals with the general public and business accounts, merchant banking focuses on serving the unique needs of companies and institutional clients.

Table of Contents

1. Concept and Evolution of Merchant Banking
2. Merchant Banking in India
3. Regulatory Framework for Merchant Bankers in India

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This chapter delves into the evolution of merchant banking, the role of merchant bankers, concept and the regulations governing the activities of merchant banking in Indian context. The merchant banking activities with respect to international markets such as United States and United Kingdom have also been dealt with briefly.

1. Concept and Evolution of Merchant Banking

1.1 Concept of Merchant Banking

The primary activity of Merchant Banks is to provide fee-based advice to corporates and governments on the issue of securities. Merchant banks differ from commercial banks in the sense that they do not take deposits from individuals or businesses. Merchant banks these days perform a variety of other activities such as financing foreign trade, underwriting of equity issues, portfolio management and undertaking foreign security business as well as foreign loan business, project appraisal, etc. However, not all merchant banks offer all these services. Since the functions are very similar to those of Investment Bankers, they are often thought to be the same. However, an investment banker will also provide investment advice and deal with securities in secondary market, unlike a pure Merchant Banker. The difference between merchant banking and investment banking has been highlighted in the following section.

Difference between Merchant Banking and Investment Banking

There is a fine line of distinction between Merchant Banking and Investment Banking, which we try to highlight in this section. ‘Merchant Banking’ as the term suggests, is the function of intermediation in the capital market. It helps issuers to raise capital by placement of securities issued by the issuers with investors. The merchant banker has an onerous responsibility towards the investors who invest in such securities. The regulatory authorities require the merchant banking firms to promote quality issues, maintain integrity and ensure compliance with the law on own account and on behalf of the issuers as well. Therefore, merchant banking is a fee based service for management of public offers, popularly known as ‘issue management’ and for private placement of securities in the capital market. In India, the merchant banker leading a public offer is popularly known as the ‘Lead Manager’.

On the other hand, the term ‘Investment Banking’ has a much wider connotation and is gradually becoming more of an inclusive term to refer to all types of capital market activity, both fund-based and non-fund based. This development has been driven more by the way the American investment banks have evolved themselves over the past century. Investment banking encompasses not merely merchant banking but other related capital market activities such as stock trading, market making and underwriting, stock broking and asset management as well. Besides the above, investment banks also provide a host of specialized corporate advisory services in the areas of project advisory, business and financial advisory and mergers and acquisitions¹.

1.2 Evolution of International Merchant Banking

Merchant banking originated in Italy then came to France in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. In France, a merchant banker was a merchant who added the banking business to his various activities and utilized his accumulated profits better.

Merchant bankers’ activities differed from those of any other ‘money changer’ and involved dealing in bills of exchange with correspondents abroad and speculated on the rate of exchange. Merchant banks flourished in the United Kingdom in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries as England became a rich trading nation. Profits from colonial trade were diverted into merchant banking activities and the chief activity was accepting commercial bills for domestic and international trade.

Investment banks as are called in the United States are one of the most important participants in the US capital market. They help businesses and governments sell their new security issues in the debt or equity markets to raise capital, through primary market transactions. Once the securities are sold, they also create the secondary markets for these securities as brokers and dealers. The Glass-Steagall Act of 1933 differentiated the activities between the commercial banks and investment banks and prevented depositories from underwriting.

The Securities Exchange Act (1934) in the United States sought to correct practices in securities trading with the formation of the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). However, the relaxation of the rules set out in Glass Steagall Act in 1997, led to a wider consolidation in the investment and commercial banking space. Owing to the growing requirements of globalisation and growth of financial markets, the Glass Steagall Act was repealed in 1999 and replaced with a liberal Financial Modernisation Act, 1999. After the exponential growth of investment banks in the US during the period 1990- 2007 and the subsequent global financial crisis in 2008, investment banks were brought under tight regulation again with the passage of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act in 2010. The Act sought to regulate investment advisers, derivative markets, functioning of credit rating agencies, etc. Specific to investment banking, the Act sought to regulate them by segregating banking from proprietary trading and asset management (through the Volcker’s Rule’) as well as to provide for regulatory supervision for capital adequacy, quantitative limits and other restrictions.

1.3 Merchant Banking in the International Scenario

In this section we would be discussing the merchant banking activity as it is practiced in the different countries such as United Kingdom and the United States.

Merchant Banking in UK

The primary role of the merchant bankers was to discount bills and to provide safety in transactions for merchants going from country to country. Later on, merchant banks diversified into capital issue, advisory as well as management of funds. They also continued the business of financing foreign trade as well as managing funds for themselves and other wealthy merchants. They all showed characteristics such as a short chain of command, sophistication in services and high liquidity. Merchant banks are expected to be more focused on fee income rather than profits from investing funds.

Merchant Banking in USA

In the United States, merchant banks have evolved in to investment banks. Along with all the functions of a merchant bank, investment banks also risk their own capital and aim to earn profits from their proprietary trading activities. In the United States, commercial banks and investment banks have been separated in terms of the sources of capital as well as allowed activities.

2. Merchant Banking in India

The forerunners of merchant banking in India were the foreign banks and they have been created in India in a variety of forms. Nationalized banks have created new subsidiaries to carry out merchant banking activities, other domestic financial institutions have created separate divisions and share brokers and consultancies have registered themselves as public limited companies or partnerships or proprietary firms.

Grindlays Bank began merchant banking operations in 1967 with a license obtained from the RBI followed by Citibank in 1970. These two banks were providing services for syndication of loans and raising of equity apart from other advisory services. In 1972, the Banking Commission Report asserted the need for merchant banking services in India to be provided by public sector banks. Based on the Glass Steagall Act of 1933 passed by the US, the commission recommended a separate structure for merchant banks so as to separate them from commercial banks and financial institutions. Following the recommendation of the Banking Commission Report², SBI set up its merchant banking division in 1972.

Other banks such as Bank of India, Syndicate Bank, Punjab National Bank, and Canara Bank also followed suit to set up their merchant banking outfits. ICICI was the first financial institution to set up its merchant banking division in 1973. The later entrants were IFCI and IDBI with the latter setting up its merchant banking division in 1992. The post liberalization era (1991 onwards) brought about a marked transformation in the banking arena. The merchant banking industry during those days was mainly driven by the issue management activity which fluctuated with the trends in the primary markets. In order to stabilise their businesses, several of the banks engaged in merchant banking activity diversified to offer a broader spectrum of capital market services.

The bigger investment banks now have several group entities in which the core and non-core business segments are distributed. Some of them such as SBI, IDBI, ICICI, IL&FS, Kotak Mahindra, etc. offer almost the entire gamut of investment banking services permitted in India. SBI set up SBI Capital markets in 1986 and ICICI spin off ICICI Securities as a subsidiary in 1995.

From simply providing issue management and capital raising advisory services, merchant banks have expanded into providing for many other services. The growth of Indian industry has given rise to further opportunities in mergers and acquisitions and takeovers. Merchant banks are also working on asset valuation, investment management and promotion of investment trusts.

2.1 Role of Association of Investment Bankers of India (AIBI) in Indian Context

The industry body for merchant bankers in India that acts as a self-regulatory organisation is known as the Association of Investment Bankers of India (AIBI). It was founded in 1993 as the Association of Merchant Bankers of India. It was granted recognition by SEBI to set up professional standards, for providing efficient services and to establish standard practices in merchant banking and financial services. AIBI’s primary objective is to ensure that its members render services to all constituents within an agreed framework of ethical principles and practices. AIBI also works towards promoting the interests of the industry and of its members.

AIBI is the thought leader and a nodal point for assimilation and dissemination of information relating to the investment banking industry in India. It is also the industry’s sole representative to all statutory authorities, and in particular, to SEBI.

3. Regulatory Framework for Merchant Bankers in India

There are various acts, regulations and guidelines which govern the different activities of Merchant Banking in India. These have been discussed below in brief in two categories –

1. Core Regulation and
2. Support Regulation

3.1 SEBI Act, 1992

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) was established on April 12, 1992 in accordance with the provisions of the SEBI Act, 1992. The preamble of the SEBI describes the basic functions of the SEBI as

“…to protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote the development of and to regulate the securities market and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto…”

As per Section 11(2) of SEBI Act, SEBI is empowered under the various regulations of the SEBI Act to perform functions, some of which are specified below:

• Regulate the business in stock exchanges and any other securities markets.
• Register and regulate the working of stockbrokers, share transfer agents, bankers to an issue, debenture trustee, registrars to an issue, merchant bankers, underwriters, portfolio managers, investment advisers and others associated with the securities market. SEBI’s powers also extend to registering and regulating the working of depositories and depository participants, custodians of securities, foreign portfolio investors, credit rating agencies, and others as may be specified by SEBI.
• Register and regulate the working of venture capital funds and collective investment schemes including mutual funds.
• Promote and regulate SROs.
• Prohibit fraudulent and unfair trade practices relating to the securities market.
• Promote investors’ education and training of intermediaries in the securities market.
• Prohibit insider trading in securities.
• Regulate substantial acquisition of shares and takeover of companies.
• Require disclosure of information, to undertake inspection, to conduct inquiries and audits of stock exchanges, mutual funds, other persons associated with the securities market, intermediaries and SROs in the securities market. The requirement of disclosure of information can apply to any bank or any other authority or board or corporation.
• Perform such functions and to exercise such powers under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 as may be delegated to it by the Central Government.
• Levy fees or other charges pursuant to implementation of this regulation.
• Conduct research for the above purposes.
• Calling from or furnishing to any such agencies, as may be specified by the Board, such information as may be considered necessary by it for the efficient discharge of its functions.
• Performing such other functions as may be prescribed.

According to sub-section (3) of Section 11 of the SEBI Act, notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force while exercising the powers, SEBI shall have the same powers as are vested in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, while trying a suit in respect of the following matters:

1. The discovery and production of books of account and other documents, at such place and such time as may be specified by the SEBI;
2. Summoning and enforcing the attendance of persons and examining them on oath;
3. Inspection of any books, registers and other documents of any person;
4. Inspection of any book, or register, or other document or record of the company;
5. Issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents.

SEBI Act also empowers SEBI to impose penalties and initiate adjudication proceedings against intermediaries who default on the following grounds such as failure to furnish information, return, etc. or failure by any person to enter into agreement with clients, etc. Some of them have been discussed below:

15A – Penalty for failure to furnish information, return, etc.-

SEBI Act provides for maximum penalty amount for each of the non-compliance of provisions as mentioned in the below mentioned sections.

Section 15A prescribes penalty payable by an intermediary for failing to-

1. Furnish any document, return or report to the SEBI.
2. File any return or furnish any information, books or other documents within the time specified as in the regulations.
3. Maintain books of account or records.

15B – Penalty for failure by any person to enter into agreement with clients-

Section 15B prescribes the penalty payable by an intermediary for failing to enter into an agreement with his/her client in violation of such a requirement under the SEBI Act, 1992.

15C – Penalty for failure to redress investors’ grievances-

Section 15C prescribes the penalty applicable to a listed company or any person who is registered as an intermediary, for failing to redress investors’ grievances after having been directed in writing by SEBI to do so within a specified time period.

15G – Penalty for insider trading –

Section 15G prescribes penalties for the following:

1. When an insider acting on his/her own behalf or on behalf of another deals in securities of a body corporate listed on any stock exchange on the basis of any unpublished price-sensitive information.
2. When an insider communicates any unpublished price-sensitive information to any person, with or without his request for such information except as required in the ordinary course of business or under any law.
3. When an insider counsels, or procures for any other person to deal in any securities of anybody corporate listed on any stock exchange on the basis of unpublished price-sensitive information.

Insider shall be liable to a penalty which shall not be less than ten lakh rupees but which may extend to twenty five crore rupees or three times the amount of profits made out of insider trading, whichever is higher.

15H – Penalty for non-disclosure of acquisition of shares and take-overs-

Section 15H prescribes penalty for people who fails to:

1. Disclose the aggregate of his shareholding in the body corporate before he acquires any shares of that body corporate; or
2. Make a public announcement to acquire shares at a minimum price, or
3. Make a public offer by sending letter of offer to the shareholders of the concerned company; or
4. Make payment of consideration to the shareholders who sold their shares pursuant to letter of offer.

Any person indulging in the above mentioned activities shall be liable to a penalty which shall not be less than ten lakh rupees but which may extend to twenty-five crore rupees or three times the amount of profits made out of such failure, whichever is higher.

15HA – Penalty for fraudulent and unfair trade practices-

Section 15HA prescribes a penalty for people indulging in fraudulent and unfair trade practices relating to securities. Any person indulging in such activities would be liable to a penalty which shall not be less than five lakh rupees but which may extend to twenty-five crore rupees or three times the amount of profits made out of such practices, whichever is higher.

15HB – Penalty for contravention where no separate penalty has been provided-

Section 15HB states that whoever fails to comply with any provision of the SEBI Act, the rules or the regulations made or directions issued by SEBI there under, for which no separate penalty has been provided, shall be liable to a penalty which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to one crore rupees.

Role of Appellate Authority – Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT)

The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) has been set up under the SEBI Act, which looks into the appeal of any person who has been aggrieved by any order of SEBI. This section elaborates on the different regulations under the SEBI which discusses the establishment and the role of SAT. Section 15K(1) of the SEBI Act, 1992, empowers the Central Government to establish Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) to exercise jurisdiction, powers and authority under the said act or any other law in force. A SAT shall consist of a presiding officer and two other members, to be appointed by the Central Government. The qualification for appointment is that the person should be a sitting or retired judge of the Supreme Court or a retired Chief Justice of a High Court.

Any person aggrieved by the following may appeal to the SAT, provided the aggrieved person had not granted his consent to the order against which the appeal is being made. The appeal must be filed within a period of 45 days from the date on which a copy of the order is received:

• An order of SEBI made on or after the commencement of the Securities Laws (Second Amendment) Act, 1999, under the SEBI Act, 1992, or related rules and regulations.

OR

• By an order made by an adjudicating officer under the Act.

As per Section 15U(1) of the SEBI Act, 1992, the SAT shall not be bound by the procedure laid down by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but shall be guided by the principles of natural justice. Further, subject to other provisions of the SEBI Act, 1992, and other rules, the SAT shall have powers to regulate its own procedure.

As per Section 15U(2)of the SEBI Act, 1992, the SAT shall have, for discharging its functions, the same powers as are vested in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, while trying a suit, in respect of the following matters:

• Summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath
• Requiring the discovery and production of documents
• Receiving evidence on affidavits
• Issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents
• Reviewing its decisions
• Dismissing an application for default or deciding it ex parte
• Setting aside any order of dismissal of any application for default or any order passed by it ex parte
• Any other matter which may be prescribed

According to Section 15U(3) of the SEBI Act, 1992, every proceeding before the SAT shall be deemed to be a judicial proceeding and SAT shall be deemed to be a civil court. Section 15V states that the appellant may either appear in person or authorize one or more chartered accountants or company secretaries or cost accountants or legal practitioners or any of its officers to present his or its case before the SAT.

Section 15W of the SEBI Act, 1992 states that the provisions of the Limitation Act, 1963 shall apply to an appeal made to a SAT. Section 15Y of the SEBI Act, 1992 specifies that no civil court shall have jurisdiction to entertain any suit or proceeding in respect of any matter which SAT constituted under the SEBI Act is empowered to decide upon. Further, no injunction shall be granted by any court or an authority in respect of any action taken or to be taken in pursuance of any power conferred by or under the SEBI Act.

Section 15Z of the SEBI Act, 1992 states that any person aggrieved by any decision or order of the SAT may file an appeal to the Supreme Court within 60 days from the date of communication of the decision or order of the SAT to him, on any question of law arising out of the order.

3.2 Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956

The Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 provides for the definition of “securities” which includes the following:

1. Shares, scrips, stocks, bonds, debentures, debenture stock or other marketable securities of a like nature in or of any incorporated company or other body corporate;
2. Derivatives³;
3. Units or any other instrument issued by any collective investment scheme to the investors in such schemes;
4. Security receipt as defined in clause (zg) of section 2 of the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002;
5. Units or any other such instrument issued to the investors under any mutual fund scheme;

1. Reference: Investment Banking – An Odyssey in High Finance by Pratap Subramanyam.
2. The Banking Commission Report of 1972 has indicated the necessity of merchant banking service in view of the wide industrial base of the Indian economy. The commission was in favour of a separate institution to render merchant banking services. The commission suggested that they should offer investment management and advisory services particularly to the medium and small savers (Reference: Merchant Banking, Principles and Practice – H R Machiraju, 3rd ed.).
3. As per SCRA, derivatives include a security derived from a debt instrument, share, loan, whether secured or unsecured, risk instrument or contract or differences or any other form of security; a contract which derives its value from the prices, or index prices, of underlying securities; commodity derivatives; and such other instruments as may be declared by the Central Government to be derivatives. [Amended by the Finance Act, 2021].