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SEBI Revises Eligibility Rules for BANKNIFTY Derivatives

Synopsis:


SEBI has issued a circular detailing how exchanges must rebalance the BANKNIFTY index to meet new eligibility norms for derivatives. The changes set stock-weight caps, minimum constituents, and a phased adjustment schedule through March 2026.


Source:
SEBI Circular No. HO/47/15/11(1)2025-MRD-TPD1/I/63/2025 | Published on Oct 30, 2025

SEBI News Today

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced new norms for how stock exchanges manage derivatives on non-benchmark indices such as BANKNIFTY, BANKEX and FINNIFTY.

1. Background

SEBI had first issued broad guidelines for derivatives on non-benchmark indices in May 2025. Stock exchanges were directed to share their implementation plans within a month.

Since changes in index composition can affect funds that track them and the derivatives built on them, SEBI also invited public feedback in August 2025.

Based on responses and the recommendations of its Secondary Market Advisory Committee (SMAC), SEBI has now set out the final plan for compliance.

2. Key Eligibility Criteria

For any index to be eligible for derivative trading, stock exchanges must ensure that:

  • The index has at least 14 constituent stocks

  • The largest stock in the index does not exceed 20% weight.

  • The top three stocks together do not exceed 45% weight.

  • The weights must follow a descending order so that no smaller stock carries a higher weight than a larger one.

These rules are designed to reduce concentration and ensure that derivatives reflect a balanced basket of stocks.

3. Implementation Approach

SEBI has outlined different approaches for the three main indices that currently have derivatives based on them.

For BANKEX and FINNIFTY:

  • The new norms will be applied in a single adjustment.

  • Exchanges will directly rebalance the weights of the existing constituents to meet the prescribed limits.

For BANKNIFTY:

  • Because it is widely tracked by funds and investors, changes will happen gradually in four monthly tranches.

  • Each month, the top constituent’s weight will be reduced in steps until it meets the 20% limit.

  • The rebalancing will continue until all top stocks fall within the prescribed range.

4. Example of Phased Adjustment

To explain the method, SEBI offered an example:

If the top stock in an index currently holds 28% weight and must be reduced to 20%, the exchange will lower it gradually each month rather than in one step.

  • In the first month, weight drops slightly.

  • After each review, the reduction continues until the target is reached.

  • This prevents sudden shocks to index funds or traders holding open positions.

The weights of minor constituents will rise slightly as a result, maintaining the index's balance.

5. Redistribution Rules

Any reduction in the top constituents’ weights will be redistributed among the other stocks in the index.
The redistribution will happen only if those stocks continue to stay within the prudential limits set by SEBI.

This ensures that the index remains diversified and does not violate other weight constraints.

6. Revised Timelines for Implementation

SEBI has provided extended timelines for full compliance:

  • BANKNIFTY: By March 31, 2026

  • BANKEX: By December 31, 2025

  • FINNIFTY: By December 31, 2025

Stock exchanges must complete the rebalancing process for each index before these deadlines.

7. Responsibilities of Exchanges and Clearing Corporations

All stock exchanges and clearing corporations must:

  • Set up systems and processes to handle the rebalancing

  • Give advance notice to market participants about any changes

  • Make any amendments needed to their by-laws, rules or regulations

These measures are designed to ensure an orderly transition and prevent disruptions to the derivatives market.

8. Regulatory Basis

The circular has been issued under SEBI’s powers granted by the SEBI Act, 1992 and the Securities Contracts (Regulation) (Stock Exchanges and Clearing Corporations) Regulations, 2018.

The objective is to protect investor interests and maintain fair, transparent and well-regulated markets.

9. Impact on Investors and Traders

For investors:

  • The restructured indices will be more diversified, reducing risk from over-exposure to a few stocks.

  • Index-based funds and ETFs will gradually adjust their holdings, which may cause minor tracking changes but improve long-term balance.

For traders:

  • Futures and options on these indices will reflect a broader mix of banking and financial stocks.

  • Volatility linked to one or two large stocks is likely to reduce once new weights are in place.

Overall, the circular strengthens the structure of India’s index derivative market by aligning it with global best practices.

10. Conclusion

SEBI’s updated framework marks an important step toward improving the quality and stability of index derivatives in India.

By ensuring that no index becomes overly dependent on a few heavy-weight constituents, SEBI aims to create a fairer environment for both institutional and retail market participants.

The gradual approach for BANKNIFTY gives markets time to adjust, while the single-phase plan for BANKEX and FINNIFTY allows quicker compliance.

Once implemented, these reforms are expected to make the derivatives ecosystem more transparent and better aligned with the underlying equity markets.

Disclaimer:

This content has been published for informational purposes only. Bajaj Broking is not affiliated with, nor does it endorse or assume any responsibility for, the source material. Readers are advised to consult the original publication for complete and accurate context.

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