RBI permits PSBs to trade in GIFT-IFSC on international bullion exchange

According to the Circular issued, Indian Banks are authorized to import gold or silver while acting as Special Category Clients [SCC] of the International Bullion Exchange. The SCC will appoint one of the IFSC Banking Units[ IBUs] to act as a clearing member on their behalf. The circular stated that the Trading Member/ Trading and Clearing Member of IIBX shall execute trades only on behalf of clients [without proprietary trading].

As per RBI, the approval for annual import authorization to banks is under the Foreign Trade Policy for the import of gold and silver. With this, the consignment model in the domestic tariff area of the respective banks is allowed to operate as an SCC on IIBX for the import of gold or silver.

The total client trades placed on the exchange shall be against 110 percent advance pay-in of funds of the expected value of bullion intended to be purchased and securities in the account of the bank, as applicable.