Registrars to an Issue and Share Transfer Agents – Corporate is an all-encompassing guide that thoroughly analyses the vital role of Registrars and Transfer Agents (RTAs) in managing corporate securities and ensuring regulatory compliance for listed companies. This book is designed to establish a standardised knowledge benchmark for professionals working within RTAs, enabling them to handle a wide array of functions, including investor relations, corporate actions, and compliance management, all within the framework of SEBI (Registrars to an Issue and Share Transfer Agents) Regulations, 1993.

The book provides a detailed examination of key operational processes such as handling applications for securities, managing redemptions, repurchasing shares, processing transfers and transmissions, and ensuring timely resolution of investor grievances. It also covers internal controls and risk management that RTAs must adhere to while operating in a highly regulated environment.

Tailored for professionals in RTA organisations, compliance officers, corporate secretaries, and legal practitioners, this book also serves as a valuable resource for students, academicians, and anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of RTA operations and the regulatory landscape in India.

The Present Publication is the February 2024 workbook version, developed in collaboration with the Certification Team of NISM and industry expert Mr Haresh Hinduja, and published exclusively by Taxmann, with the following noteworthy features:

• [Comprehensive Knowledge Benchmark] Establishes a solid knowledge base for professionals working in RTAs, focusing on core responsibilities such as investor servicing, corporate actions, and managing complex compliance requirements
• [Regulatory Insights] Provides a deep understanding of the legal framework governing RTAs, including SEBI regulations and investor protection measures. This ensures that professionals stay compliant while also proactively managing risks
• [Practical Application] Includes practical examples and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for essential tasks like share transfers, issuing duplicate certificates, and resolving investor grievances. The book serves as a day-to-day reference for RTA operations, making it highly relevant for real-world applications
• [Client Servicing] Offers guidance on best practices for client servicing, with a focus on maintaining service etiquette, achieving First Time Right (FTR) standards, and implementing effective complaint resolution strategies
• [Step-by-Step Guidance on Securities Issuance] Walks readers through the entire lifecycle of securities issuance, covering IPOs, buybacks, and rights issues, ensuring clarity on both pre-issue and post-issue responsibilities of RTAs
• [Insights into Depository Services] Explains the critical role RTAs play in managing dematerialisation, rematerialisation, and corporate actions through depository systems, facilitating efficient and compliant operations

The coverage of the book is as follows:

• Introduction to Securities Markets
  • This chapter introduces the basics of equity and debt markets, explaining the characteristics of various securities and hybrid structures, such as convertible bonds and preference shares. It provides a solid foundation for understanding the broader securities landscape
• Equity Shares and Corporate Actions
  • This chapter delves into the mechanics of corporate actions, including rights issues, preferential allotments, and reductions in share capital. It also covers shareholder rights, risks involved in equity investing, and the critical role RTAs play in facilitating these transactions
• Debt Securities and Fixed-Income Instruments
  • This chapter details debt securities, detailing their features, market valuation, and yield calculations. It also discusses the broader debt market and money market instruments, providing comprehensive insights into fixed-income securities
• SEBI Regulations and Investor Protection
  • This chapter thoroughly explores SEBI regulations related to RTAs, with special attention to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) and SEBI’s investor protection initiatives
• Public Offer of Securities
  • This chapter covers the entire process of issuing equity capital, from IPOs and further public offers to buyback mechanisms. It also explains the critical pre-issue and post-issue processes managed by RTAs to ensure compliance and smooth operations
• Depository Services and Corporate Actions
  • This chapter explains the functions of depository services, including dematerialisation, rematerialisation, and how RTAs manage various corporate actions like dividends and share buybacks
• Investor Services and Grievance Redressal
  • This chapter provides a step-by-step guide to managing investor services, including the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for share transfers, issuing duplicate certificates, and handling investor grievances. It emphasises the importance of maintaining timelines and regulatory compliance
• Client Servicing and Compliance Management
  • This chapter highlights best practices in client servicing, focusing on service etiquette, digital processing of investor requests, and timely complaint resolution. It underscores the importance of maintaining First Time Right (FTR) standards in RTA operations.