The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) is at the forefront of speculation regarding a potential shift in its weekly expiry day, sparking curiosity and debate within the financial community. Amidst a backdrop of intense competition with the National Stock Exchange (NSE), BSE’s CEO, Sundararaman Ramamurthy, recently shared insights on this matter with CNBC-TV18.

The ongoing rivalry between BSE, which boasts a rich 150-year history, and the larger NSE has led to strategic moves in the futures and options segment. Notably, BSE altered its weekly expiry to Tuesdays from Fridays last year, prompting a response from NSE, which pushed its expiry day to Mondays. The NSE CEO, Ashishkumar Chauhan, emphasized the importance of a unified expiry day to align with regulatory objectives.

Ramamurthy emphasized that BSE prioritizes market feedback in determining its course of action. Reflecting on historical trends, he highlighted the significance of spreading out expiry days to optimize product utility and market participation. While considering various viewpoints, BSE aims to make informed decisions that align with market dynamics and economic growth.

The conversation delved into the probability of BSE changing its expiry day, with Ramamurthy emphasizing the importance of strategic decision-making aligned with broader market trends. He acknowledged the evolving landscape of derivatives trading and the need for a balanced approach to product development.

Addressing concerns about potential market share fluctuations, Ramamurthy reiterated BSE’s commitment to market expansion and investor engagement. He emphasized the focus on deepening market participation rather than solely chasing market share, highlighting the long-term vision of enhancing market vibrancy and inclusivity.

The discussion also touched upon the recent SEBI consultation paper, which aims to balance market development with investor protection. Ramamurthy underscored the collaborative nature of regulatory processes and the importance of soliciting market feedback for informed decision-making.

In response to queries about market performance and turnover trends, Ramamurthy outlined BSE’s strategies to enhance cash market volumes and navigate evolving market conditions. He emphasized the potential for growth in the cash market segment, driven by regulatory reforms and increased retail investor participation.

On the topic of clearing cooperation and settlement guarantee funds, Ramamurthy highlighted BSE’s adherence to clearing obligations and expressed confidence in resolving any outstanding issues through collaborative efforts with regulators and industry stakeholders.

Regarding the impending NSE IPO, Ramamurthy refrained from commenting, emphasizing the need for NSE to address such queries. The discussion underscored BSE’s strategic focus on market expansion, regulatory compliance, and fostering a dynamic trading environment.

As the financial landscape continues to evolve, BSE remains poised to adapt to changing market dynamics while upholding its commitment to market integrity, investor confidence, and sustainable growth.