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Key Points

SEBI conducted a two-day workshop in Thiruvananthapuram to educate urban local bodies on municipal bonds. The event featured the launch of VMC's Green Book, showcasing Asia’s first certified Green Municipal Bond. SEBI also introduced e-KYC Setu to streamline investor verification. The initiative aims to boost sustainable urban infrastructure financing.

Key Points: SEBI Hosts Municipal Bond Workshop in Thiruvananthapuram for Urban Financing

  • SEBI trains ULBs on bond issuances and regulatory compliance
  • Vadodara Municipal Corporation launches Green Book on climate finance
  • Workshop highlights case studies for capital market access
  • SEBI introduces e-KYC Setu for easier investor verification
2 min read

SEBI hosts municipal bond outreach programme in Thiruvananthapuram to boost urban financing

SEBI's outreach programme in Kerala aims to equip ULBs with bond issuance insights, featuring VMC's Green Book launch on sustainable financing.

"The publication documents Asia's first globally certified Green Municipal Bond – SEBI"

New Delhi, July 1

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) conducted a two-day Municipal Bond Outreach Programme from June 30 to July 1 in Thiruvananthapuram, with a focus equip Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and stakeholders with insights into municipal debt securities, pool financing, and innovative market-based financing mechanisms.

The programme included session on the topics such as municipal bond issuances, regulatory compliance, credit rating, and continuous disclosures. Additionally, case studies and interactions with intermediaries provided participants with practical knowledge to access capital markets

According to SEBI this initiative is a part of boards continued efforts to promote transparency, market readiness, and sustainable urban infrastructure financing through the municipal bond ecosystem.

A central feature of the workshop was the launch of "The Green Book - On Climate Finance & Green Municipal Bonds" by the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC). Furthermore, the launch was led by senior members of VMC, including the Mayor, Municipal Commissioner, and Deputy Commissioner.

"The publication documents Asia's first globally certified Green Municipal Bond, issued by VMC, and presents it as a Global Case Study (2025) to guide other ULBs in adopting sustainable financing practices," SEBI said.

Recently, SEBI allowed registered intermediaries to use 'e-KYC Setu System' of National Payments Corporation of India to perform Aadhaar-based e-KYC authentication for ease of doing business, the markets regulator said in a statement.

Under the present framework, registered intermediaries use e-KYC services of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) in the securities market. This service has been accepted as a valid process for digital Know Your Client (KYC) verification using KYC User Agency (KUA /Sub-KUA) mechanism and /or the Digilocker.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the concept is good, I worry about transparency in municipal bodies. Will the funds actually reach development projects? We've seen too many scams in local governance. SEBI needs strong monitoring mechanisms.
V
Vikram M
Vadodara's Green Bond success story is inspiring! More cities should adopt eco-friendly financing models. Climate change is real and we need sustainable urban planning. Kudos to SEBI for promoting this!
R
Rohit P
e-KYC integration is a game changer! Finally some digital transformation in our financial systems. This will make investing in municipal bonds much easier for common people like us. #DigitalIndia
S
Sarah B
As someone working in urban development, I appreciate SEBI's efforts. But municipal bonds need better awareness campaigns. Most Indians still don't understand how they work or their benefits. More public outreach needed!
K
Karthik V
The Green Book launch is timely! With rising temperatures and urban heat islands, we need climate-smart financing. Hope other corporations take note. When will Chennai and Bengaluru launch their green bonds?
M
Meera T
Good initiative but SEBI should ensure small investors get fair returns. Municipal bonds shouldn't become another complex instrument that only HNIs understand. Simplify it for middle-class investors please!

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