T+2 System by SEBI - Explanations on SEBI circular regarding Margin calculation applicable on or aft

As per a SEBI circular, the new margin rule was implemented from September 1 and is applicable to all, whoever is dealing in the equity market, be it brokers or be it traders/investors. This rule is applicable to trading in the cash segment of the market.

1. Prior to September 1, the upfront margin was not needed to buy shares in the cash segment. Buyers had to honour the obligation on T+2 while taking the delivery of shares. But now the upfront margin is needed to buy shares. Buyers have to maintain the required margin, i.e., VaR + ELM (extreme loss margin).

For example: If a customer wants to buy Rs 10 lakhs worth of Reliance shares, the minimum upfront margin required is VaR + ELM (20% + 5%) is Rs. 2,50,000. Further, VaR and ELM both are dynamic, not static. So, the margin percentage differs from stock to stock. Generally, front-line blue-chip stocks require lower VaR and ELM compared to other stocks. And every company might have different margins depending on the grouping. So, there may be a high rate of VaR and ELM applicable to mid and small-cap stocks.

Traders/investors can give either new money to create margin or they can pledge shares to create margin. One good thing in the new margin system is traders are not required to sign POA in favour of brokers for pledging/unpledging for margin creation. Now investors/traders can pledge/unpledge shares directly with the clearing corporation.

2. The implication of the new rule within T+2 trading days.
Prior to September 1, the trading of shares within T+2 was simple and no margin was required at the time of sale within T+2. But now after September 1, selling of a stock that is not in the Demat account is not allowed. That means one cannot sell shares in BTST. Traders can sell those shares only after getting delivery in their Demat account. However, if someone wants to sell shares a day after buying it, fresh upfront margin, i.e., VaR+ELM (extreme loss margin), will be required.

For example: Suppose a trader wants to sell the above-mentioned share of Reliance on the next day in BTST or within T+2 days, then in such a case, traders must have to provide margin against the sale value, which equals to VaR + ELM. As shares are not available in the Demat account, traders need to provide margin either via fresh money or shares pledge.

In short, new regulations demand that investors need to bring upfront margin for both buying and selling of stocks within T+2 trades.

3. Utilization of shares sale proceeds.
Now under the new rule, traders/investors cannot utilize sale proceeds of shares on the same day or the next day. One can use this sale proceeds only after T+2.

Suppose an investor wanted to sell Stock A and buy Stock B. Earlier, it was possible to sell a particular stock and use the proceeds to buy another stock. But now onwards from September 1, sale proceeds can be utilized only after T+2, once the seller honours the delivery. If someone wants to buy another stock in such a case, traders/ investors are liable to provide fresh margin either in the form of bringing cash or pledging of shares in the same account.

With the recent changes announced by SEBI regarding the pledge/unpledge of securities and new rules related to margins for buying/selling of securities, there seem to be instances where certain brokers have challenges in lieu of the said implementation. In consideration of the same, it shall be our earnest efforts to recommend trades from a T+2 perspective in the interim period till the systems stabilize and where issues from a BTST (Buy Today, Sell Tomorrow) perspective can be avoided in case delivery of securities does not happen leading to auction* issues, etc.

Albeit, we would request our patrons to check and confirm with their executing brokers on the trades expected to be undertaken by them as their brokers shall be in a better position to let them know the operational capabilities at the broker’s end before undertaking such trades.

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Disclaimer: Information contained herein is not and should not be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to buy or sell securities. It is for educational purposes only.