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Interim Order in the matter of Allied Financial Services Pvt. Ltd.
Concise Analytical Summary of the Ex-parte Ad-interim Order — Allied Financial Services Private Limited & Others (dated February 27, 2019)
Factual and Procedural Background
This order arises from SEBI's examination of irregularities in the affairs of Allied Financial Services Private Limited (AFSPL), following a referral and preliminary inspection report submitted by the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE). NSE's inspection period covered from May 1, 2017 to the date of inspection, and NSE also appointed a forensic auditor in the matter. SEBI considered the inspection observations, related workings and complaints received from third parties (including Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited, OCL India Limited and Novjoy Emporium Pvt. Ltd.) alleging unauthorised or fraudulent transfers of mutual fund units and other irregularities.
The noticees named in the order include the broker AFSPL (registered as a stock broker in the equity and equity-derivative segments of NSE and as a Depository Participant of NSDL) and a set of associated natural persons and entities (directors, partners and associated firms) identified in the order. The order records NSE's preliminary observations indicating significant shortfalls in client funds and various instances of alleged misuse/misreporting of client funds and securities.
Legal Issues Presented
- Whether prima facie violations of SEBI regulations and applicable circulars and codes of conduct (including misappropriation of client securities, non-maintenance of continuous net worth, incorrect reporting, non-segregation of client funds, dealing with unregistered entities, offering assured returns and related violations) are made out against AFSPL and the other named noticees, based on NSE's inspection findings and related evidence.
- Whether SEBI should exercise its powers under the SEBI Act (sections 11(1), 11(4), 11B and 11D) and Regulation 35 of the SEBI (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008 to pass ex-parte ad-interim directions restraining the noticees from participating in the securities market and to impose related protective measures pending completion of further forensic audit and proceedings.
Arguments of the Parties
The opinion does not contain a detailed account of the parties' legal arguments.
Table of Precedents Cited
No precedents were cited in the provided opinion.
Court's Reasoning and Analysis
The order sets out a stepwise, prima facie analysis based on NSE's inspection report and associated material:
- Presentation of factual findings by NSE and associated workings: NSE reported material discrepancies and irregularities including a large shortage of client funds (client payables of Rs. 138.78 crores vs. available funds of Rs. 44.36 crores — a shortfall of Rs. 94.42 crores), non-availability and misstatement of client securities (shortage of securities of Rs. 0.34 crores and other record mismatches), non-settlement of inactive clients' funds/securities, and repeated failures in segregation/reconciliation of client and proprietary accounts.
- Identification of specific transactions and practices: NSE's report alleged transfers from client to proprietary accounts (net transfers of about Rs. 19.68 crores), use of client funds for non-client purposes (including investment in property of approx. Rs. 13.61 crores and donation of Rs. 0.50 crores), payments to clients exceeding ledger balances (approx. Rs. 26.42 crores for five clients), and use of client funds to meet proprietary obligations (sampled as approx. Rs. 88.29 crores).
- Complex movements of mutual fund units and securities: The inspection noted large-scale transfers of mutual fund units among clients and third parties (including transfers from unregistered/third-party entities), use of transferred mutual funds as collateral for F&O margins with the clearing member, and allegations from external complainants about unauthorised transfers (e.g., complaints for mutual fund units worth substantial amounts — sums like Rs. 344.07 crores are recorded in the file).
- Financial health and exposure concerns: NSE's analysis indicated that AFSPL did not maintain requisite net worth (resulting in an adjusted negative net worth of roughly Rs. 41.71 crores), had incorrect margin reporting in F&O (instances totalling around Rs. 328.34 crores), and had very large open F&O positions and margin obligations (open interest and gross obligations summarized in the report, with total gross open interest of approx. Rs. 990.25 crores and total margin/liquidation obligation around Rs. 354.95 crores as on 18 Feb 2019).
- Regulatory contraventions identified prima facie: Based on the inspection findings, SEBI enumerated several prima facie violations of statutes, regulations and circulars — including misappropriation of client securities (violations of circulars and codes of conduct), failure to maintain continuous net worth (Regulation 9(g) and related circulars), wrong reporting to exchanges, non-segregation of client funds, failure to settle client funds/securities, disproportionate exposures to clients, dealing with unregistered entities, alleged contraventions of PFUTP Regulations (regulations 3 and 4), and offering assured returns inconsistent with the code of conduct.
- Exercise of statutory powers: In light of the prima facie findings and pending completion of the forensic audit by NSE, SEBI invoked powers under section 19 read with sections 11(1), 11(4), 11B and 11D of the SEBI Act, 1992 and Regulation 35 of the SEBI (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008 to issue ex-parte ad-interim directions designed to protect client interests and preserve assets pending further proceedings.
- Procedural safeguards and next steps: The order records that the findings are prima facie and provides the noticees an opportunity to file objections and supporting documents within 21 days of receipt, and offers a date for personal hearing (March 25, 2019), while also warning that failure to respond/appear would render the preliminary findings and directions automatically confirmed.
Holding and Implications
INTERIM EX-PARTE RESTRAINING ORDER ISSUED
Holding (core ruling)
Acting on prima facie findings, SEBI issued an ex-parte ad-interim order (effective immediately) imposing the following principal directions against AFSPL and the named associated entities/individuals:
- Restraint from accessing the securities market and prohibition from buying, selling or otherwise dealing in securities, directly or indirectly, or being associated with the securities market in any manner till further directions.
- Cease and desist from undertaking any activity in the securities market, directly or indirectly, till further directions.
- Prohibition against disposing of or alienating any assets (movable or immovable) or creating/releasing any interest/charge in such assets except with prior permission of SEBI/NSE.
- Direction to provide a full inventory of all assets (including bank accounts, demat accounts and mutual fund investments) within 5 working days of receipt of the order.
- Assets identified in the order are to be used only for payment of money and/or delivery of securities to clients/investors under NSE supervision until further directions.
- Depositories to block debits in the demat accounts of the noticees except for the purpose of client payments under NSE confirmation.
- Banks to ensure no debits in bank accounts of the noticees except for payment of money to clients/investors under written confirmation of NSE.
- Directions without prejudice to SEBI’s right to take any other action against the entities/persons.
- NSDL directed to closely monitor AFSPL’s activities in its capacity as a Depository Participant (DP).
Immediate procedural implications for the parties
- The noticees may file objections and submit supporting documents within twenty-one (21) days from the date of receipt of the order.
- A personal hearing was made available (scheduled for March 25, 2019 at 2:30 PM) if the noticees sought it.
- If the noticees fail to file replies within 21 days or fail to appear at the scheduled hearing, the preliminary findings (paras 4 of the order) and the directions (para 8 (a) to (i)) would be deemed confirmed automatically.
- The order was directed to be communicated to stock exchanges, relevant banks, depositories and registrar and transfer agents of mutual funds for strict compliance.
Broader implications and precedent
The order is expressly based on prima facie examination and is an interim protective exercise of SEBI’s statutory powers. The text of the order does not claim to set a binding judicial precedent or to reach final determinations on the merits; it imposes protective measures pending further forensic audit and adjudication. The order also reserves SEBI's right to initiate any other action as appropriate.
Administrative details: The order is signed by Ananta Barua, Whole Time Member, Securities and Exchange Board of India, dated February 27, 2019. The order came into force with immediate effect.
UNDER SECTIONS 11(4), 11B AND 11D OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE BOARD OF INDIA ACT, 1992 READ WITH REGULATION 35 OF SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE BOARD OF INDIA (INTERMEDIARIES) REGULATIONS, 2008. IN RESPECT OF Noticee Entity Name PAN No.
1 Allied Financial Services Private Limited AAACA2020K
2 Mr Rajeev Kumar Asopa AASPA3260C
3 Mr Lalit Agarwal AFKPA9024P
4 Mr Rajendra Prasad Basia AAEPB2709B
5 Mr Awanish Kumar Mishra AGOPM7538H
6 Mr Jitendra Kumar Tiwari ALBPT6629A
7 Money Mishra Financial Services AAZFM1357R
8 Money Mishra Overseas Pvt. Ltd AAJCM8612N
9 M/s Digi locker ABJFM9337L
10 Mr Pankaj Garg, Partner, M/s Digi locker AERPG5388J
11 Mr Jitender Malhotra, Partner, M/s Digi locker ALRPM2119G (The aforesaid entities are hereinafter referred to by their respective names / serial numbers or collectively as the Noticees)
1. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (hereinafter referred to as SEBI) has examined irregularities in the affairs of Allied Financial Services Private Limited (hereinafter referred as AFSPL/ Allied/ Stock Broker/ Broker/ Trading Member) as a Stock Broker, pursuant to the finding in this regard by National Stock Exchange ((hereinafter referred as NSE). AFSPL is having its registered office at 304 305 Third Floor Vikas Deep, District Centre Laxmi Nagar, National Capital Territory of Delhi, New Delhi, 110092. AFSPL is registered with SEBI in following categories: Ex-parte ad interim order in respect of Allied Financial Services Private Limited and others
a) As a stock broker in equity derivative segment of NSE (Registration number: INZ000164832)
b) As a stock broker in equity segment of NSE (Registration number: INZ000164832)
c) As a Depository Participant of National Securities Depository Ltd. (NSDL) (Registration number: IN-DP-387-2018).
2. The details of present directors of AFSPL along with the date of appointment as obtained from the MCA website is as under: Noticee No. Entity Name Tenure of the Directors
2 Mr. Rajeev Kumar Asopal 06/03/2002-till date
3 Mr. Lalit Agarwal 07/06/2002-till date
4 Mr. Rajendra Prashad Basia 24/01/1995-till date
5 Mr. Awanish Kumar Mishra 19/07/2016-till date
6 Mr. Jitendra Kumar Tiwari 15/12/2017-till date
3. The list of shareholders and shareholding pattern of AFSPL is as follows: Name of the Shareholder Number of Shares % of Shares
1. Bipin Agarwal* 40,000 1.78
2. Nimbus (India) Ltd.# 11,20,000 49.78
3. Rajendra Prasad Basia 3,06,100 13.60
4. Suresh Kumar Gupta 2,59,900 11.55
5. Anamica Portfolio Pvt. Ltd. 1,33,900 5.95
6. Anamica Financial Services Pvt. Ltd 95,000 4.22
7. Saffron Holdings Pvt. Ltd. 2,95,100 13.12 Total 22,50,000 100 *Dominant Promoter #Strategic Investor
4. SEBI received a reference/ email dated February 23, 2019 from National Stock Exchange of India Limited (hereinafter referred to as, NSE), whereby NSE forwarded an interim report of its preliminary observation of the inspection of AFSPL along with summary of availability of funds and securities along with detailed workings. NSE has also appointed forensic auditor in the matter. The period of inspection was from May 01, 2017 till date of inspection. In its reference dated February 23, 2019, NSE inter alia pointed out following as preliminary observations: Ex-parte ad interim order in respect of Allied Financial Services Private Limited and others
a) Non availability of Client funds On verification of the trail balance as on January 31, 2019 it was observed that there are client payables amounting to Rs. 138.78 crores against which funds of only Rs. 44.42 crores are available in the bank / Clearing Member / Clearing corporation and Exchange. Thus the member has shortage of Rs. 94.42 crores payable to the clients. Details are as under:
b) Non-availability of client securities: On verification of the back office Register of Securities (ROS) as on January 31, 2019 vis- a- vis together with holding statement of the Beneficiary Account of AFSPL and the securities lying with the Clearing Member, it is observed that the securities amounting to Rs. 0.34 crores were not available either in DP account or with Clearing Member. Further it is also observed that securities amounting to Rs 0.35 crore which were reflected in the DP account of the member were not found to have been recorded in the ROS. Details are as under: Particulars Amount (Rs. in Crores) Value of Securities as per ROS as on 31 January 2019 387.09 Value of Securities in Beneficiary accounts 0.75 Value of Security with Clearing Member- IL&FS Securities Services Ltd (ISSL) 386.36 Total Value of Securities Available 387.11 Non-availability of Securities 0.34 Excess securities available in DP 0.35 0.34 S. No Particular Amount(in Rs. Crore)
1 Creditors Payable-A 138.78
2 Deposits available with IL&FS Securities Services Ltd (ISSL) (Clearing member) 42.42
3 Amount available with Exchange 1.1
4 Bank balance 0.84
5 Total Funds available-B 44.36 Non-Availability of funds(A-B) 94.42 Ex-parte ad interim order in respect of Allied Financial Services Private Limited and others
c) Non Settlement of Inactive Clients: On verification of trial balance and register of securities as on November 30, 2018, it is observed that funds and securities worth Rs. 37.48 crores, of 102 inactive clients, who have not traded in preceding 3 months, have not been settled. Amongst the said inactive clients, there are 27 clients who have never traded on the Exchange platform. The value of funds and securities of these inactive clients amounts to Rs. 4.60 crores.
d) Non-segregation of transaction between own and client bank account: On verification of the own / client bank account, it is observed that trading member has not segregated transactions between own and client bank account in 44 instances. An amount of Rs. 19.72 crores has been transferred from Client to Own Bank Account and Rs. 3.89 lacs has been transferred from Own to Client Bank account resulting in net transfer of Rs. 19.68 crores from Client to Own Bank Account Further, trading member has not maintained a daily reconciliation statement recording the reason for transfer of funds between own and client bank/beneficiary accounts.
e) Misuse of clients' funds: On examination of the Client and Own Bank Accounts and client ledgers, it has been observed that:
i. Clients Funds used for purpose other than specified - It is observed that member has transferred funds from client bank account to own bank account. Further, the said funds were used for investment in property through own bank account amounting to Rs. 13,61,75,640/- and a donation has been made amounting to Rs 50,00,000/-.
ii. Use of client funds to meet the Proprietary (PRO) obligation - On verification of PRO MTM of the member, it has been observed that on all 5 sample dates client funds were used to meet the PRO obligation amounting to Rs. 88.29 crores. The details are as stated below: Ex-parte ad interim order in respect of Allied Financial Services Private Limited and others
iii. Payment made to clients without having sufficient balance in their ledger: It is observed that the payments to the below mentioned 5 clients amounting to Rs. 26.42 crores were made in excess of their balances as available in their ledgers. Details are as under:-
f) Dealing with unregistered entities:
i. On verification of Demat accounts for the period of April 2017 to November 30, 2018 of top 10 clients having highest amount of securities, it is observed that out of the top 10 Date Pro Loss Client Loss Net(C=A- Pro ledger balance(D) Funds of clients used for pro obligation(E=D-A) if D is Positive or value of 28-12- 2017 -75434384 -142594879 -218029263 -146315552.6 75434384 31-01- 2018 -515173563 515192238 18,674.75 122464385.4 392709178 8/2/2018 -334749368 364614943 29865575.25 -98028619.47 334749368 16-10- 2017 -91941240 87247715 -4693525.5 54856871.55 37084368 24-11- 2017 -79889035 43000491 -36888544 -79372846.04 43000491 Total 88,29,77,788.85 Client Code Client Name Payment made (Rs.) C4546 Cointribe Technologies Pvt.Ltd. 25,31,93,713 C4559 J J Tradelinks Pvt.Ltd. 1,00,00,000 C4560 Orchha Vikas Pvt.Ltd. 10,23,000 C4622 Rkz Financial Consultancy LLP 9,100 C4590 Citizen Medicare Pvt.Ltd. 24,000 26,42,49,813 Ex-parte ad interim order in respect of Allied Financial Services Private Limited and others clients, 5 Clients of the member as per the table below are into the practice of receiving and returning securities/Mutual funds from other clients into their DP accounts. Name of the clients No. of clients from whom mutual funds / securities have been received/ transferred Value of MF/Securities Received (Rs.) Value of MF/Securities Paid (Rs.) Net Value (Rs.) Money Mishra Financial Services
31 308,76,19,236.00 321,77,59,157 -13,01,39,921 Awanish Kumar Mishra
4 152,33,04,543.00 164,71,78,459 -12,38,73,916 Money Mishra Overseas Pvt. Ltd.
6 15,99,05,054.00 11,20,40,277 4,78,64,777 Ennar Portfolio LLP 33 41,26,57,333.00 34,86,23,578 6,40,33,755 Awal Portfolio LLP 60 16,26,64,050.00 9,26,37,292 7,00,26,758
ii. It is further observed that the transfer of Mutual Funds have been effected from (a) unregistered entities and (b) other clients, the details of which are as under: (a) Unregistered / Third Party Entities: The member has transferred the Mutual Funds Units belonging to unregistered entities / client to its client beneficiary account through its three associated concerns viz. Money Mishra Financial Services, Awanish Kumar Mishra and Money Mishra Overseas Pvt. Ltd. It is further observed that these transferred Mutual fund Units have been used as collateral for F&O margin with its clearing member IL&FS Securities Services Ltd. (ISSL) towards trade obligations of these three associated concerns. Entity Name Name of the client Value of MF Received (Rs.) Value of MF Paid (Rs.) Net Amount (Rs.) OCL Money Mishra 2263,06,89,606.92 2099,49,04,165.26 163,57,85,441.66 Ex-parte ad interim order in respect of Allied Financial Services Private Limited and others (b) Client: It is further observed that the Clients of the member viz. Money Mishra Financial Services and Awanish Kumar Mishra have received the Mutual Funds Units from another client of the member viz. Novjoy Emporium Private Limited through one non related entity viz. a partnership firm of Mr. Pankaj Garg and Mr. Jitender Malhotra. This transfer of Mutual Fund Units is being claimed to be unauthorized by the said Client (Novjoy Emporium Private Limited). It is also observed that though Novjoy Emporium Private Limited has been registered as client of AFSPL on November 22, 2018, he has not traded on Exchange. Entity from whom MF have been transferred Entity to to whom MF have been transferred Name of the client (to whom MF were ultimately transferred) Value of MF Received (RS.) Valu e of Paid (Rs.) Net Amount (Rs.) Novjoy Emporium Private Pankaj Garg (Jt holder Jitender Money Mishra Financial 12,01,50,428.30 - 12,01,50,428.30 India Limited Financial Services Awanish Kumar Mishra 204,42,27,365.81 145,36,16,230.28 59,06,11,135.54 Money Mishra Overseas Pvt. Ltd. 112,03,82,323.40 64,37,04,921.73 47,66,77,401.67 Total 2579,52,99,296.13 2309,22,25,317.27 270,30,73,978.86 Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Money Mishra Financial Services 89,94,37,877.69 89,94,37,877.69 - Dalmia Cement East Limited Awanish Kumar Mishra 253,63,09,191.87 188,38,55,908.08 65,24,53,283.79 Money Mishra Financial Services 2516,41,98,449.99 2516,41,98,449.99 Total 2859,99,45,519.56 2794,74,92,235.77 65,24,53,283.79 Ex-parte ad interim order in respect of Allied Financial Services Private Limited and others Limited Malhotra) pertains to partnership firm Services Awanish Kumar Mishra 9,68,54,309.00 9,68,54,309.00 Total 21,70,04,737.30 - 21,70,04,737.30
iii. The analysis of the relationship of the clients through whom Mutual Funds Units have been transferred vis-a vis that of the member indicates that the Directors / Partners of the clients are in fact the Directors of member. These three clients collectively hold 89 % of holdings reflected in ROS which allegedly includes mutual funds, which has been transferred in an unauthorised manner from third party and clients. The details of the same as per Table below: Client code Client name Details of Partners/Directors % of holding in ROS Association with Noticee C4536 Money Mishra Financial Services (partnership firm) Jitender Kumar Tiwari Awanish Kumar Mishra 42.87% Both of them are directors in AFSPL C4639 Awanish Kumar Mishra 30.21% Promoter and Director in AFSPL C4709 Money Mishra Overseas Pvt. Ltd. Jitender Kumar Tiwari Awanish Kumar Mishra 15.94% Both of them are directors in AFSPL Total 89.02% Out of 386 crores worth of securities lying with ISSL, as per ROS securities received are shown to be in the name of Awanish Kumar Mishra, Money Mishra Financial Services and Money Mishra Overseas Pvt. Ltd. Rs. 345.54 crores worth of securities are alleged to be transferred to demat account of OCL India Ltd. and Dalmia Cement East Limited.
g) Non maintenance of sufficient Net worth On analysis, it is observed that the trading member has not maintained the requisite net-worth as per the formula prescribed by Dr. L.C. Gupta for computation of net-worth for brokers. Ex-parte ad interim order in respect of Allied Financial Services Private Limited and others Further, trading member has also failed to recover all debts overdue for more than 3 months and has not adjusted proprietary losses amounting to Rs. 42.08 crores from their net worth. This would result in negative net-worth of Rs. 41.71 crores. The details of the same are as per table below: Particulars Amount in Rs. Amount in Rs. Share Capital & Free Reserves (A) 5,55,093,98 Reserve (B) Less: Losses for the period 01 April, 2017 till 30 July, 2018 42,08,91,277 Adjusted Free Reserves -42,08,91,277 Share Capital + Free reserve (C=A+B) -36,53,81,879 Less:- Non allowable assets Fixed Assets 76,93,682.39 Non-allowable securities (unlisted securities) 0 Prepaid expenses, losses 0 30% of marketable securities 0 Doubtful debts & advances 4,41,09,348 Total Non-allowable assets (D) 5,18,03,030 Total Net worth (E=C-D) -41,71,84,909
h) Incorrect margin reporting collection to the Exchange in FO segment On verification margin reporting to the Exchange, it is observed that member has done incorrect margin reporting in 7 instances pertaining to 7 clients amounting to Rs. 328.34 crores in F&O segment. While calculating the margin reported to the exchange, value of mutual funds received from unregistered entities/other clients have not been considered as Collateral. Details are as under:- Amount (Rs. Crores) Client name & Client Code Total Marg Collect Margi Min Ledge balan Margi Revers Securit balance Tota Incorre Reporti Ex-parte ad interim order in respect of Allied Financial Services Private Limited and others Ennar Portfolio LLP (C4516) 19.47 19.47 19.47 -17.39 19.44 0.00 2.05 17.42 Money Mishra Financial Services (C4 536) 166.46 166.46 166.4 137.74 165.36 0.64 28.2 138.21 Awal Portfolio LLP (C4624) 7.81 7.81 7.81 -7.12 7.55 1.18 1.61 6.19 Pushp Steels And Mining Ltd (C4629) 4.86 4.86 4.86 -5.93 4.70 4.01 2.78 2.08 Awanish Kumar Mishra (C46 139.1 139.14 139. -91.88 139.14 0.00 47.2 91.88 Money Mishra Overseas Pvt Ltd (C4709) 84.04 84.04 84.0 -50.83 84.04 0.00 33.2 50.83 Primarc Projects Pvt. Ltd. (C4716) 41.87 41.87 41.8 -21.72 41.85 0.00 20.1 21.73 Total 328.34
i) Assured returns offered to clients On verification of Bank books and client ledgers maintained by member, it is observed that member has made payments amounting to Rs. 1.45 crores to 27 clients. It is observed that these payments have been made from client bank account to these registered 27 clients at regular intervals. It appears that these payments are in co-relation to their credit balances of securities/funds that are available in the books of the member. Thus the payouts to these clients are not in accordance with funds payout arising out of a transaction executed in Securities. Ex-parte ad interim order in respect of Allied Financial Services Private Limited and others
j) Wrong reporting under monthly enhanced supervision report to the Exchange The member has further failed to comply with the requirement of reporting under the monthly enhanced supervision, the details of which are as under:
i. Wrong reporting of client's securities under monthly enhanced supervision report As on Jul 27, 2018, it is observed that member has wrongly reported details of client's securities under monthly enhanced supervision report in case of 32 instances pertaining to
31 clients involving an amount of Rs. 65.59 lacs. Further, it has also not reported securities details of 7 clients amounting to Rs. 102.96 lacs.
ii. Wrong reporting of pledging client securities under monthly enhanced supervision report The member has misreported of having pledged client securities in case of 2 clients as on Jul 27, 2018.
iii. Wrong reported details of financial balance of all clients As on July 27, 2018, it is observed that member has reported NIL balance of all clients for the month ending July 27, 2018. However, it has 251 clients as debtors amounting to Rs. 281.45 crores and creditors amounting to Rs. 45.11 crores as on Jul 27, 2018.
k) Funds of credit balance clients used for settlement obligation of debit clients
i. On verification of weekly data, as on Nov 30, 2018, submitted by the member in pursuance to the SEBI Circular on enhanced supervision dated September 26, 2016 , it has been alleged that the member has wrongfully reported that the clients funds are available . It is observed that t there is shortage in clients funds with the trading member to the extent of Rs 93.46 cr.
ii. Member has wrongfully reported the details of Collateral which is stated to have been deposited with Clearing Member/ Clearing Corporation in form of cash and cash equivalents. It is observed that the member has inappropriately and incorrectly included mutual funds amounting to Rs. 342 cr which are third party Mutual Funds. Ex-parte ad interim order in respect of Allied Financial Services Private Limited and others In view of the above, it is alleged that the funds of credit balance clients have been used for settlement obligation of debit clients.
l) Income details not declared in client registration document of the clients
i. On verification of the 10 sample client registration documents, it is observed that in 3 instances as detailed below, the income details are not provided by the member in the client registration document. Client Code Client Name Income level C4709 Money Mishra Overseas Pvt Ltd Income not declared in KYC C4516 Ennar Portfolio LLP Income not declared in KYC C4624 Awal Portfolio LLP Income not declared in KYC
ii. Thus, the member has failed to obtain the necessary evidences in support of the financial information with respect to the said 3 clients among whom C4709 is a related entity of member and the key Directors of member are also the Directors of the said Client.
m) Disproportionate exposure provided to clients On verification of books and records pertaining to the income vs. exposure given to clients, it is observed that in 9 cases out of 11 clients verified as sample, there has been instances of disproportionate exposure to the said clients. The instances are mentioned as under: Client Code Client Name Income level FO Margin FO Margin Dates C4536 Money Mishra Financial Services 1-5 Lacs 2,11,93,96,420 6-Dec-2017 C4639 Awanish Kumar Mishra 5-10 Lacs 1,67,64,43,845 17-Jul-2018 C4615 Jaisri Properties And Exports Pvt.Ltd. 1-5 Lacs 14,52,10,711 13-Dec-2017 C4716 Primarc Projects Private Limited 10-25 lacs 34,99,95,756 31-Jul-2018 C4629 Pushp Steels And Mining Pvt Ltd 1-5 lacs 5,63,29,086 23-Mar-2018 C4595 Tejswi Impex Pvt.Ltd. 5-10 Lacs 8,38,47,963 6-Dec-2017 Ex-parte ad interim order in respect of Allied Financial Services Private Limited and others Client Code Client Name Income level FO Margin FO Margin Dates C4709 Money Mishra Overseas Pvt Ltd Income not declared in KYC 25,74,42,257 17-Jul-2018 C4516 Ennar Portfolio LLP Income not declared in KYC 9,72,05,714 6-Dec-2017 C4624 Awal Portfolio LLP Income not declared in KYC 4,29,22,740 7-Mar-2018
n) Incorrect reporting under weekly enhanced supervision report to the Exchange On verification of weekly data submitted towards monitoring of client funds, as on Nov 30, 2018, it is alleged that the trading member has wrongfully reported that the clients funds / collaterals are available.
o) Funds Analysis
i. Details of the utilization of funds pay-in received till 01-Feb-2019:
ii. The list of top parties to whom payment has been made by AFSPL are as under: Client code Client name Funds received Payment made Net Payment given to clients C4536 Money Mishra Financial Services 6,37,00,000 40,49,00,000 34,12,00,000 C4559 J J Tradelinks Pvt.Ltd. - 14,30,54,472 14,30,54,472 C4624 Awal Portfolio LLP 33,00,000 5,08,15,121 4,75,15,121 C4516 Ennar Portfolio LLP 13,34,58,226 15,51,67,346 2,17,09,120 Particulars Amount in crores Total pay-out till 1/2/2019 156 .00 Payments made in various accounts 84.94 Investment in property 14.00 Amount lying with IL&FS 44.00 Total 142.94 Ex-parte ad interim order in respect of Allied Financial Services Private Limited and others Client code Client name Funds received Payment made Net Payment given to clients C4546 Cointribe Technologies Pvt.Ltd. 26,75,00,000 49,44,94,870 22,69,94,870 C4716 Primarc Projects Private Limited 1,00,00,000 7,00,00,000 6,00,00,000 C4549 Vinimay Developers Pvt.Ltd. 4,00,00,000 4,90,00,000 90,00,000 Total 84,94,73,583
iii. AFSPL has following open positions as on Feb18,2019 in F&O segment of NSE where ISSL is the clearing member: Client Code Client Name Sum of Gross_OI C4536 Money Mishra Financial Services 3,50,53,26,352.50 C4639 Awanish Kumar Mishra 3,26,35,79,707.50 C4709 Money Mishra Overseas PVT. LTD. 1,72,59,60,926.25 C4716 Primarc Projects Private Limited 90,72,91,080.00 C4562 Glow Homes Technologies PVT.LTD. 27,50,48,478.75 C4516 Ennar Portfolio LLP 11,26,72,091.25 C4549 Vinimay Developers PVT.LTD. 4,58,21,058.75 C4624 Awal Portfolio LLP 2,96,01,630.00 C4643 Dal Chandra Rastogi 2,55,31,623.75 C4595 Tejswi Impex PVT.LTD. 1,16,68,710.00 Total 9,90,25,01,658.75
iv. Further, AFSPL has a total margin obligation of around of Rs. 354.95 crores as on 18th Feb 2019 in case these open interest is liquidated. Client Code Client Name Total Obligation C4536 Money Mishra Financial Services -1,22,48,77,132.50 Ex-parte ad interim order in respect of Allied Financial Services Private Limited and others C4639 Awanish Kumar Mishra -1,14,04,02,847.50 C4709 Money Mishra Overseas Pvt. Ltd. -62,80,71,030.00 C4716 Primarc Projects Private Limited -34,85,69,910.00 C4562 Glow Homes Technologies Pvt.Ltd. -9,61,11,048.75 C4516 Ennar Portfolio LLP -6,43,34,475.00 C4549 Vinimay Developers Pvt.Ltd. -2,17,04,737.50 C4624 Awal Portfolio LLP -1,03,43,790.00 C4643 Dal Chandra Rastogi -1,50,52,886.25 C4595 Tejswi Impex Pvt.Ltd. -84,965.00 Total -3,54,95,52,822.50 If the above open positions are liquidated, the collateral available with clearing member ISSL which is securities worth Rs. 386 crores and funds worth Rs. 42.42 crores would be utilized to the extent of Rs. 354.95 crores and balance left would only be Rs. 73.42 crores. The member has used client securities and which needs to be returned, in that case there would be a short fall of Rs. 312.53 crores. The net-worth of the member as on 31/01/2019 has turned negative to the extent of Rs. 41.72 crores.
p) It has been reported by NSE that AFSPL has made investment in properties at Lodha Excelus, Apollo Mills Compound, N M Joshi Marg, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai and New Delhi as per details given below: S. No. Address of property Cost (Amount in crores) S. No. Flat no. Cost of Flat (Amount in crores) Name of Building/Tower Mumbai
1 B-6801 10.32 Trump Tower
2 A-3701, A-2804 and A- 2504 (Three flats) 13.55 Park Side A
3. B-3804, B-4204 and B-4104 (Three Flats) 13.75 Park Side B Total 37.62 Ex-parte ad interim order in respect of Allied Financial Services Private Limited and others
1 Flat no. 1206, 12th Floor, Vijaya Building 17, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi 1.90
2 Entire Second Floor of Property no. 344, Greater Kailash II, New Delhi-110048 1.50
5. In view of the above findings, NSE has already issued a Show Cause Notice (SCN) dated February 07, 2019 to AFSPL for violation of its bye-laws by AFSPL.
6. In the meantime SEBI also received a complaint dated Feb 7, 2019 form Finsec Law Advisor on behalf of its client M/s Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited and OCL India Limited alleging fraudulent transfer of the mutual funds units worth Rs. 344.07 Cores by AFSPL. SEBI also received a complaint from M/s Novjoy Emporium Pvt, Ltd alleging unauthorised transfer of its mutual fund units worth Rs 21.70 crores by AFSPL. Both the complaints are under examination of SEBI. NSDL vide letter dated Jan 15, Jan 21 & Jan 25, 2019 advised the complainants to consider lodging of police complaint / FIR which may assist them in uncovering the person(s) behind the transactions. It is understood that the complainants viz., Dalmia and OCL have filed complaints with Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Delhi Police and pursuing the complaints separately.
7. In view of the above observations contained in the inspection report of NSE, it prima facie appears that AFSPL has committed the following violations: a. By misappropriating client securities, AFSPL violated SEBI circular no. SMD/SED/CIR/93/23321 dated 18/11/1993, SEBI circular no. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD2/CIR/P/2016/95 dated 26/09/2016 and Clauses A (1) & (3) of the code of conduct prescribed for Stock Brokers as specified in Schedule II of Regulation 9 of SEBI (Stock Brokers & Sub Brokers) Regulations, 1992. b. By not maintaining the requirement of continuous net worth, AFSPL is not in compliance of Regulation 9 (g) of SEBI (Stock Brokers & Sub Brokers) Regulations, 1992 on conditions for grant of registration r/w SEBI circular no. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD2/CIR/P/2016/95 dated 26/09/2016. Ex-parte ad interim order in respect of Allied Financial Services Private Limited and others c. By wrong reporting to stock exchanges, AFSPL has prima-facie violated SEBI Circular SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD2/CIR/P/2016/95 dated 26/09/2016 and clauses A(1) & A(3) of the code of conduct as specified in Schedule II of Regulation 9 (f) of SEBI (Stock Brokers & Sub Brokers) Regulations, 1992. d. By not doing segregation of clients funds from own funds, AFSPL is in violation of SEBI Circular SMD/SED/CIR/93/23321 dated November 18, 1993 and Clause 15 of Rights and Obligations document for Stock Broker, Sub-brokers and Clients as prescribed by SEBI vide its circular no. CIR/MIRSD/16/2011 dated August 22, 2011. e. Since, AFSPL failed to settle the funds / securities of clients, it is in prima facie violation of Clause 12 of SEBI circular no. MIRSD/SE/Cir-19/2009 dated 03/12/2009, Clause 31 of Rights and Obligations document for Stock Brokers, Sub- Brokers and Clients, as prescribed by SEBI vide its circular dated 22/08/2011, SEBI circular no. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD2/CIR/P/2016/95 dated 26/09/2016 and clauses A (2) & A (5) of the code of conduct as specified in Schedule II of Regulation
9 (f) of SEBI (Stock Brokers & Sub Brokers) Regulations, 1992. f. By giving disproportionate exposure to clients, AFSPL is in violation of Clause 2.6 of SEBI circular no. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD2/CIR/P/2016/95 dated 26/09/2016 and clause A (5) of the code of conduct as specified in Schedule II of Regulation 9 (f) of SEBI (Stock Brokers & Sub Brokers) Regulations, 1992. g. For violations mentioned at point nos. 5 (a) to 5 (p) above, AFSPL has also violated Regulation 9 (c), 12 (a) and Regulation 16 of SEBI (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008 r/w Schedule III. h. Since the AFSPL along with its associates had misappropriated client securities, AFSPL & its associates have contravened Regulations 3(d), 4(1), 4(2)(p) of SEBI (PFUTP) Regulations, 2003. Ex-parte ad interim order in respect of Allied Financial Services Private Limited and others
i. By offering assured returns to clients AFSPL has violated Clause A (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) and Cause B (4), (6), (7) and (8) of Code of Conduct as specified in Schedule II of Regulation 9 (f) of SEBI (Stock Brokers & Sub Brokers) Regulations, 1992. j. By not reporting correct margin to Exchange F&O segment, AFSPL is in violation of provisions of SEBI Master Circular on Matters relating to Exchange Traded Derivatives" dated April 1, 2013 read with NSE Circular No. NSE/INSP/19583 dated December 14, 2011 and provisions of Clause A (1), (2) and (5) of the Code of Conduct prescribed for the stock brokers under the SEBI (Stock Brokers and Sub- brokers) Regulations, 1992. k. By dealing with unregistered entities, AFSPL has violated clauses A (2) & A (5) of the code of conduct as specified in Schedule II of Regulation 9 (f) of SEBI (Stock Brokers & Sub Brokers) Regulations, 1992.
l. AFSPL has failed to do necessary due diligence while opening account of clients as he did not obtain the income details in client registration documents of three clients. He is in violation of clauses A (2) & A (5) of the code of conduct as specified in Schedule II of Regulation 9 (f) of SEBI (Stock Brokers & Sub Brokers) Regulations, 1992.
8. Under the above circumstances, I, in exercise of powers conferred upon me by virtue of section
19 read with sections 11(1), 11(4), 11B and 11D of the SEBI Act, 1992, Regulation 35 of Securities And Exchange Board Of India (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008, by way of this ex parte -ad-interim order, pending completion of forensic audit by NSE, hereby issue the following directions: a. Allied Financial Services Private Limited, Mr. Rajeev Kumar Asopa, Mr. Lalit Agarwal, Mr. Rajendra Prasad Basia, Mr. Awanish Kumar Mishra, Mr. Jitendra Kumar Tiwari, Money Mishra Financial Services, Money Mishra Overseas Pvt. Ltd., Pankaj Garg and Jitender Malhotra are restrained from accessing the securities market Ex-parte ad interim order in respect of Allied Financial Services Private Limited and others and are further prohibited from buying, selling or otherwise dealing in securities, either directly or indirectly, or being associated with the securities market in any manner whatsoever, till further directions; b. The aforesaid Noticees shall cease and desist from undertaking any activity in the securities market, directly or indirectly, in any manner whatsoever till further directions; c. The aforesaid Noticees are directed not to dispose of or alienate any assets, whether movable or immovable, or to create or invoke or release any interest or charge in any of such assets except with the prior permission of SEBI /NSE. d. The aforesaid Noticees are directed to provide a full inventory of all their assets, whether movable or immovable, or any interest or investment or charge in any of such assets, including details of all their bank accounts, demat accounts and mutual fund investments immediately but not later than 5 working days from the date of receipt of this order. e. Till further directions in this regard, the assets of the Noticees mentioned at para 8 (c) of this order shall be utilized only for the purpose of payment of money and / or delivery of securities, as the case may be, to the clients / investors under the supervision of the NSE. f. The depositories are directed to ensure that no debits are made in the demat accounts, held jointly or severally, of the aforesaid Noticees and persons except for the purpose mentioned in sub-para (e) after confirmation from NSE. g. The banks are directed to ensure that no debits are made in the bank accounts held jointly or severally by the Noticees except for the purpose of payment of money to the clients / investors under the written confirmation of NSE. h. The above directions are without prejudice to the right of SEBI to take any other action that may be initiated in respect of aforesaid entities / persons.
i. Since AFSPL is a DP with NSDL having Registration nos. IN-DP-387-2018, NSDL Ex-parte ad interim order in respect of Allied Financial Services Private Limited and others is also directed to closely monitor the activities of AFSPL as a DP.
9. The findings recorded in the order are based on the prima facie examination of facts and prima facie violation of law.
10. The Noticees against whom this Order is being passed may file their objections, if any, within twenty one (21) days from the date of receipt of this Order. The Noticees are directed to submit their replies along with the supporting documents including details of payments made to clients. In the event the Noticees intend to avail an opportunity of personal hearing, they may appear before the Securities and Exchange Board of India at its Head Office at SEBI Bhavan, Plot No.C4-A, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai-400051 on March 25, 2019 at 02:30 PM. In the event of the Noticees failing to file replies within 21 days of receipt of this order or failing to appear before SEBI on the aforesaid date and time, the preliminary findings at paras 4 of this Order and directions at para 8 (a) to (i) above shall be deemed to be confirmed against the Noticees automatically, without any further orders.
11. This order shall come into force with immediate effect. A copy of this order shall be forwarded to all the Stock Exchanges, the relevant banks, Depositories and Registrar and Transfer Agents of Mutual Funds to ensure that the directions given above are strictly complied with. Place: Mumbai Sd/- ANANTA BARUA Date: February 27, 2019 WHOLE TIME MEMBER SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE BOARD OF INDIA
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