SEBI has introduced a centralised database portal called Bond Central to enhance transparency in the corporate bond market in India. Developed by the Online Bond Platform Providers Association (OBPP Association) in collaboration with Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs), the portal aims to be a single, reliable source of information on corporate bonds issued in the country. It is a free repository accessible to the public and is expected to facilitate informed decision-making among investors and market participants.
Bond Central offers features such as a unified view of corporate bonds across exchanges and issuers, allowing for transparency and comparison. Investors can also compare corporate bond prices with Government Securities (G-Secs) and other fixed-income indices to make better decisions. Additionally, the portal provides access to detailed risk assessments, corporate bond documents, and disclosures, enabling effective evaluation of opportunities.
Operated by the OBPP Association, a not-for-profit entity supported by MIIs, Bond Central standardises corporate bond-related data, reducing information asymmetry and enhancing market trust. The platform’s first phase went live on Thursday, with additional features to be added based on stakeholder feedback in the future.
Overall, the introduction of Bond Central is a significant step towards improving transparency in India’s corporate bond market and empowering investors with valuable information for decision-making.
