RBI Retail Direct Scheme : Empowering Every Investor, Directly with RBI Retail Direct

Introduction of RBI Retail Direct Scheme

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Retail Direct Scheme heralds a transformative era in the landscape of investment opportunities for individual investors. Designed with the aim of democratizing access to government securities, this innovative platform empowers retail investors by offering direct access to a diverse array of investment options previously accessible mainly to institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals.

In a world where financial inclusion and empowerment are increasingly vital, the RBI Retail Direct Scheme emerges as a beacon of opportunity, allowing individuals to participate directly in the government securities market. Gone are the days of intermediaries; with this scheme, investors can navigate the intricacies of the market with ease, directly engaging with government bonds and securities through a user-friendly online platform.

With its promise of simplicity, transparency, and accessibility, RBI Retail Direct opens doors for investors of all backgrounds to build diversified portfolios, earn fixed incomes, and contribute to their financial growth. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just beginning your journey towards financial prosperity, this platform offers the tools and resources needed to navigate the complexities of the government securities market with confidence.

Join us as we embark on a journey towards financial empowerment. With RBI Retail Direct, the power to invest is in your hands.

Features of the RBI Retail Direct Scheme

1. One-stop Shop: The RBI Retail Direct program serves as a centralized platform for private investors to invest in government securities, offering convenience and accessibility.
2. Participation in Primary Auctions: Investors can participate in primary auctions of government securities through the platform, allowing them to directly purchase securities issued by the government.
3. Trading on NDS-OM Platform: The scheme enables investors to trade government securities on the Negotiated Dealing System-Order Matching (NDS-OM) platform, facilitating secondary market transactions.
4. Mobile Accessibility: A mobile version of the Retail Direct portal is under development, enhancing accessibility for investors. This mobile app will provide flexibility for investors to buy and sell securities anytime and anywhere.
5. Convenience of Mobile App: The mobile app will offer users the convenience of purchasing and selling government securities directly from their smartphones or tablets, streamlining the investment process.
6. Range of Securities: Investors will have access to a variety of government securities, including Treasury bills, state and central government bonds, providing them with diverse investment options.
7. Current Access via Website: While the mobile app is in development, retail investors can currently access the Retail Direct website to invest in government securities, ensuring continuity of service.

Benefits of RBI Retail Direct Scheme

1. Accessibility for Retail Investors: The RBI Retail Direct Scheme enables individual retail investors to open and maintain a “Retail Direct Gilt Account” (RDG Account) directly with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), providing them with an avenue to invest in government securities.
2. Convenient Online Portal: The scheme offers an online portal specifically designed for opening and managing RDG accounts, enhancing accessibility and convenience for investors.
3. Access to Key Government Securities: Registered users of the online portal gain access to key government securities issuances, allowing them to participate directly in primary auctions and purchase securities issued by the government.
4. NDS-OM Accessibility: Investors also have access to the Negotiated Dealing System-Order Matching (NDS-OM) platform through the online portal, enabling them to trade government securities in the secondary market.

Retail Direct Scheme Scope

1. Establishment and maintenance of a “Retail Direct Gilt Account” for investors.
2. Access to the Negotiated Dealing System-Order Matching (NDS-OM) platform, facilitating trading activities in government securities.
3. Participation in primary issuances of government securities, allowing investors to directly purchase securities issued by the government.

Eligibility criteria for the RBI Retail Direct Scheme:

1. Hold a savings bank account denominated in Indian Rupees within India.
2. Possess a valid Permanent Account Number (PAN) issued by the Income Tax Department of India.
3. Provide any officially recognized document for Know Your Customer (KYC) purposes, such as Aadhaar card, Passport, Voter ID, etc.
4. Maintain a valid email address for communication and correspondence.
5. Maintain an active mobile number for receiving notifications and alerts related to the scheme.

the RBI Retail Direct Gilt Account can be opened either in single or joint holding mode, accommodating various preferences. Moreover, even non-resident retail investors are eligible to participate in the scheme, broadening the scope of participation in government securities investments.

How to apply for the RBI Retail Direct Scheme 2024

1. Begin by accessing the website and completing the online registration form. Authenticate your details using the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your registered email address and mobile number, then submit the form.
2. The registration process adheres to the guidelines outlined in the RBI-Know Your Customer (KYC) Direction of 2016, which may be updated periodically. Upon successful registration, a “Retail Direct Gilt Account” will be established for you.
3. You will receive an email or SMS containing instructions on how to access the online portal. This portal provides access to your Retail Direct Gilt Account.
4. Your Retail Direct Gilt Account grants you access to both secondary market transactions and primary market participation on the Negotiated Dealing System-Order Matching (NDS-OM) platform.

the procedures for primary market participation, secondary market transactions, and non-trade transactions in the RBI Retail Direct Scheme

Primary Market Participation:

• Investors can participate in primary auctions of government securities through the non-competitive method.
• Only one bid per security is allowed, with the entire price payable displayed upon bid submission.
• Payment for successful bids can be made using the linked bank account’s net banking or UPI feature.
• Refunds for unsuccessful bids will be credited to the investor’s bank account within the specified timeframe.
• Allotted securities will be credited to the investor’s RDG Account on the settlement day.

Secondary Market Transactions (NDS-OM):

• Registered investors can engage in secondary market transactions through the online portal’s link to NDS-OM.
• For buying securities, investors can transfer funds via net banking or UPI to CCIL’s specified account before or during trading hours.
• Purchased securities will be credited to the investor’s RDG Account on the settlement day.
• Selling securities involves blocking them from the time of order placement until settlement, with proceeds credited to the associated bank account on the settlement day.

Non-Trade Transactions (Value Free Transactions):

• The scheme facilitates transactions allowed under the Value Free Transactions (VFT) guidelines specified by the RBI.
• Investors can apply for such transactions through the web portal.

Frequently Asked Questions