SEBI circular HO/(201)2026-DDHS-POD1/I/24467/2026 · 27 Oct 2026
Official title
Extension of timeline for compliance with terms and conditions by Debenture Trustees (DTs) for carrying out activities outside the purview of SEBI
Summary
Check the official recordSEBI extends the deadline for Debenture Trustees to comply with requirements for activities outside the purview of SEBI. Debenture Trustees now have until April 27, 2027, to ensure compliance with the separate business unit framework. This extension follows the constitution of an Expert Working Group to review the regulatory framework for Debenture Trustees. All other provisions of the SEBI circular dated November 25, 2025, remain unchanged. This decision addresses operational challenges reported by industry associations during the implementation of the separate business unit guidelines.
What you must do
Key dates
Who is affected
[Image omitted. See the official document.]
CIRCULAR
HO/(201)2026-DDHS-POD1/I/24467/2026 October 27, 2026
To,
All Registered Debenture Trustees,
Recognized Stock Exchanges
Dear Sir/ Madam,
Sub: Extension of timeline for compliance with terms and conditions by Debenture Trustees (DTs) for carrying out activities outside the purview of SEBI
On October 27, 2025, amendments to the SEBI (Debenture Trustees) Regulations, 1993 (“DT Regulations”) were notified, inter alia, introducing Regulation 9C to provide clarity on the scope of permitted activities for debenture trustees. The provision, inter-alia, stipulates that a debenture trustee holding a valid certificate of registration may transfer its activities that are not regulated by SEBI to separate business unit(s) within a period of six months from the date of notification of the SEBI (Debenture Trustees) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 in the Official Gazette, or within such extended period as may be specified by the Board.
The operational framework, including the terms and conditions governing activities undertaken by debenture trustees, was specified vide SEBI circular HO/17/11/12(3)2025-DDHS-POD1/ I/146/2025 dated November 25, 2025. Based on representations received from the industry highlighting operational challenges in establishing the necessary systems and processes for effective implementation, vide SEBI Circular dated April 28, 2026, DTs were granted an additional six months (i.e. up to October 27, 2026) for compliance with the aforesaid provisions.
Subsequently, during June 2026, SEBI has constituted an Expert Working group (“EWG”) to review the extant regulatory framework applicable for debenture trusteeship activities and examine other incidental matters.
Considering that the EWG is undertaking a comprehensive review of the regulatory framework for DTs, including aspects related to the Separate Business Unit (SBU) framework, and further representations received from DT Associations highlighting the challenges in the implementation of SBU-related guidelines, it has been decided to grant an additional period of six months (i.e. upto April 27, 2027) to DTs for ensuring compliance with the said requirements.
All other provisions of the SEBI Circular dated November 25, 2025 shall remain unchanged.
This circular is issued in exercise of powers conferred under Section 11(1) of Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 and Regulation 2A of SEBI (Debenture Trustees) Regulations, 1993, to protect the interest of investors in securities and to promote the development of, and to regulate, the securities market.
This circular is available on the website of the Securities and Exchange Board of India at www.sebi.gov.in under the category “Legal” and under the drop down “Circulars”.
This circular is issued with the approval of the competent authority.
Yours faithfully,
Rohit Dubey
General Manager
Department of Debt and Hybrid Securities
Tel No.022-2644-9510
Email ID - rohid@sebi.gov.in
