Capacity Planning Framework for the Depositories

CIRCULAR

SEBI/HO/MRD/DP/CIR/P/2017/29

April 03, 2017

To,

The Depositories,

Dear Sir / Madam,

Subject: Capacity Planning Framework for the Depositories

1. The capacity planning framework of the Stock Exchanges and Clearing Corporations was reviewed by Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of SEBI. Based on recommendations of the committee, circular no. CIR/MRD/DP/17/2015 dated October 08, 2015 was issued to the Stock Exchanges and Clearing Corporations with regard to their capacity planning.

2. Depositories have been identified as financial Market Infrastructure Institutions which facilitate and perform systemically critical functions in the securities market. In view of their importance in the smooth functioning of the securities market, the framework for capacity planning of the Depositories was also discussed in TAC. Based on recommendations of the committee, it has been decided to put in place following requirements for Depositories while planning capacities for their operations:

2.1.The installed capacity shall be at least 1.5 times (1.5x) of the projected peak load.

2.2.The projected peak load shall be calculated for the next 60 days based on the per hour peak load trend of the past 180 days.

2.3.The Depositories shall ensure that the utilisation of resources in such a manner so as to achieve work completion in 70% of the allocated time.

2.4.All systems pertaining to Depository operations shall be considered in this process including all technical components such as network, hardware, software, etc., and shall be adequately sized to meet the capacity requirements.

2.5.In case the actual capacity utilisation exceeds 75% of the installed capacity for a period of 15 days on a rolling basis, immediate action shall be taken to enhance the capacity.

2.6.The actual capacity utilisation shall be monitored especially during the period of the day in which pay-in and pay-out of securities takes place for meeting settlement obligations.

3. Depositories shall implement suitable mechanisms, including generation of appropriate alerts, to monitor capacity utilisation on a real-time basis and shall proactively address issues pertaining to their capacity needs.

4. Depositories are directed to:

4.1.take necessary steps and put in place necessary systems for implementation of the circular, including necessary amendments to the relevant bye-laws, rules and regulations, within three months from the date of this circular.

4.2.bring the provisions of this circular to the notice of the depository participants and also disseminate the same on its website; and

4.3.communicate to SEBI the status of implementation of the provisions of this circular.

5. This circular is being issued in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 11 (1) of Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 and Section 19 of the Depositories Act, 1996 to protect the interest of investors in securities and to promote the development of, and to regulate the securities market.

Yours faithfully

Manoj Kumar

Chief General Manager