Fintech startup Wint Wealth said it has received the online bond platform provider (OBPP) licence from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The licence will enable the Bengaluru-based startup to continue facilitating investments in corporate bonds for retail investors.

Online debt investment aggregator platforms need to get the licence as per SEBI’s mandate. In November last year, the markets regulator directed online bond platforms selling listed debt securities to acquire a certificate of registration as a stockbroker in the wholesale debt segment under the SEBI (Stockbrokers) Regulations to function as an OBPP.

Wint Wealth claims to have facilitated cumulative investments worth over INR 1, 000 Cr in corporate bonds till now for close to 50,000 investors . “We have always advocated the need to regulate the rapidly growing market for bonds amongst retail investors. The regulation will protect retail investors and provide authenticity to online bonds platforms that are serious about investor protection. Going forward, we will actively introduce a range of fixed-income products to our portfolio, unlocking more opportunities for retail investor,” said Ajinkya Kulkarni, cofounder and CEO of WintWealth.