Review of factors constraining the development of Indian corporate bond markets

Abstract

Purpose – The paper aims to understand the factors that have limited the development of this market in India. With a conservative bank-based economy in the backdrop and with the Central Bank pulling the strings, the sovereign debt market occupies the most space in the bonds universe of India. The latter and almost minuscule portion of this market is occupied by the corporate and industrial houses that have forayed into the market to raise finances. This has led to a cycle where lack of participation leads to lack of liquidity and underdeveloped rating mechanisms which further pressurizes the development of this market in India. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is designed as a literature review which has attempted to identify the commonly agreed upon factors that have constrained the development of Corporate Bond markets in India especially and some other emerging economies who are successful or unsuccessful in their attempt to establish a corporate bond markets. These factors have then been categorized into broader heads and commented upon as a part of the analysis. Findings – Corporate bond markets in India, although steadily progressing, is still impeded by the nature of the market itself. While the necessary steps have been taken to implement some of the recommendations by the Expert Committee, the response solicited has not quite been as expected. The poor liquidity, weak rating-mechanisms, absence of standardization and disclosure nomenclatures and illiquidity in the government bond market itself need to be addressed objectively. Research limitations/implications – The research adopted attempts to validate prior research and the attempts by regulators to implement an action plan. However, further progress on the changing scenarios is encouraged to be tested through a quantitative analysis. Originality/value – The government and the Central Bank have constantly emphasized the importance of developing the Corporate debt market. Several studies have attempted to analyze the factors that have crippled the growth and steps taken by the Central Bank and Securities and Exchange Board of India by appointing an Expert Committee. This paper has attempted to visit all these factors and analyze the attempts to overcome by the Expert Committee including the backdrop of other nations who have a vibrant corporate debt market today. It sets the tone for further quantitative or statistical analysis.