RETAIL INVESTORS PARTICIPATION IN INDIAN CORPORATE BOND MARKET: A CRITICAL STUDY

A developed and vibrant corporate bond market provides an important means of financial resources to corporate, in addition to bank financing. It brings transparency and prudence into financial system and helps in minimizing risks in financial system through diversification. The main objective of this study is to find out the various issues and hurdles faced by retail investors and come out with appropriate suggestions in this regard. A modest attempt has also been made to understand the present status of the Indian corporate bond market in reference to retail investors participation. The study reveals that, in spite of sincere efforts of policymakers, the participation of retail investors in Indian corporate bond market are negligible. It has also been observed that the important issues of retail investors are related to safety of principal, returns, liquidity and tax benefits. It is expected that the suggestions made in this paper, if implemented, will definitely helpful in attracting retail investors to Indian corporate bond market.