Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Sundararaman Ramamurthy has highlighted India’s growing stature in global derivatives trading, describing the country as a major centre for stock index options activity.
Speaking to a delegation of international journalists during a visit to the exchange in Mumbai, Ramamurthy said BSE has become one of the world’s important derivatives exchanges as trading volumes and participation continue to expand.
He noted that while derivatives markets gained prominence internationally in the 1970s, India has developed into a leading market for stock index options trading.
Ramamurthy also outlined measures adopted by Indian markets to enhance investor protection, including electronic share ownership through dematerialised, or Demat, accounts and settlement guarantee mechanisms designed to reduce transaction risks.
He said securities purchased by investors are credited electronically to their Demat accounts, while proceeds from transactions are transferred directly to linked bank accounts.
According to the BSE chief, India’s capital market infrastructure is supported by advanced technology, a T+1 settlement cycle and comprehensive audit trails that strengthen transparency and efficiency.
“There are lots of products, lots of members, lots of foreigners participating, with technology as a backbone,” he said.
Ramamurthy also pointed to expanding international investment links involving India. He cited exchange-traded funds, mutual fund investments with overseas exposure and the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), which allows eligible Indian residents to invest abroad within prescribed limits.
He further highlighted Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) as an important gateway connecting international investors with Indian and global financial products through a special financial services ecosystem.
Expressing optimism about future cross-border investment activity, Ramamurthy said finance would play a vital role in strengthening economic links between India and other countries.
The visit concluded with a ceremonial market-closing bell ringing, led by the BSE chief and attended by members of the visiting media delegation.
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