Sebi tightens norms for SME IPOs

Tighter norms include higher profitability threshold, lower cap on OFS proceeds for listing

- ENS ECONOMIC BUREAU @ Mumbai

AS expected, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has tightened the regulations governing Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). In its Board meeting on Wednesday, the capital market regulator approved tighter norms, including a higher profitability threshold, a lower cap on OFS proceeds, among others, for MSMEs looking to list shares in the SME platforms of exchanges.

SMEs will now be required to have an operating profit of at least ₹1 crore for two of the last three financial years before filing their DRHP. This stricter criterion is intended to ensure that only financially sound companies can access public markets.