RTA Registration with SEBI
RTA registration with SEBI is required to act as a registrar to an issue or a share transfer agent. New regulations notified on 15 December 2025 replaced the 1993 rules, with a ₹50 lakh net worth and tighter governance. We prepare the file, the policies and the portal filing.
What it is
A registrar and transfer agent keeps the register of members, processes share transfers, handles IPO allotment records and answers investor complaints for listed and unlisted companies. Under the 2025 regulations, nobody can act as a registrar without a SEBI certificate.
The governing law is the SEBI (Registrars to an Issue and Share Transfer Agents) Regulations, 2025, notified on 15 December 2025 under notification SEBI/LAD-NRO/GN/2025/288. They replaced the 1993 regulations. You apply in Form A, filed through SEBI’s intermediary portal, with proof of net worth, infrastructure and a fit and proper team.
Who it applies to
New RTA businesses
Say a Faridabad software firm wants to offer registrar services to issuers. It needs a body corporate with the right capital and team in place before it applies.
Existing registrants
Registered RTAs have 18 months from the new regulations to meet the ₹50 lakh net worth. We test the numbers and plan any top-up with you.
Groups running in-house transfer desks
Listed or large unlisted companies that run their own transfer desk should check whether the activity needs a certificate. We review the facts with you.
Why it matters
The certificate is compulsory
Acting as a registrar without registration is barred. Issuers check it before they appoint you for an IPO or transfer work.
Governance expectations are higher
A compliance officer, an audit committee or equivalent, surveillance systems and a whistle-blower policy are now part of the framework.
Investor complaints have a clock
Grievances must be redressed within 21 days. A tracked process protects investors and your registration.
Documents required
About the company
- Certificate of incorporation, MoA and AoA covering registrar activity
- Audited financials and a net worth certificate from a practising CA
- PAN, GST registration and office proof
About the team
- KYC of directors and key personnel with fit and proper declarations
- Details of the compliance officer and the audit committee or equivalent
- Declarations of no conviction for moral turpitude or economic offences
Systems and policies
- Infrastructure details: office, equipment, manpower and data security
- Surveillance, whistle-blower and escalation policies
- Investor grievance procedure and record-keeping policy
How it works
Check eligibility and net worth
We review your entity, capital and team against the 2025 regulations and tell you what needs to be fixed before you file.
Build the governance set-up
In practice, we draft the policies and plan the compliance officer role and an audit committee or equivalent.
File Form A
We prepare Form A with annexures and the CA net worth certificate and file them on SEBI’s portal.
Respond to SEBI queries
We draft replies, track each point and coordinate any clarifications you need to give SEBI.
Pay fees and start compliance
On grant you pay the fees SEBI specifies. We then set up your compliance calendar, records and grievance tracking.
Timelines
15 December 2025
The new RTA regulations were notified and replaced the 1993 framework.
18 months for existing RTAs
Existing registrants get 18 months from the new regulations to reach the ₹50 lakh net worth.
Grievance deadline
Investor complaints must be redressed within 21 days. SEBI does not fix a processing period for new applications, so we cannot promise a date.
What happens if you work without registration
Barred from acting
Under the 2025 regulations no person can act as a registrar without a certificate. SEBI can take action under the SEBI Act against those who do.
Net worth shortfall
An existing RTA that does not reach ₹50 lakh within the transition period risks SEBI directions, suspension or cancellation.
Inspection findings
SEBI can inspect books and systems, appoint an auditor and take disciplinary action over weak surveillance, records or grievance handling.
Old rules and new rules at a glance
The 2025 regulations changed the framework in several ways. These are the headline points.
| Point | 1993 regulations | 2025 regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Governing text | SEBI RTA Regulations, 1993 | SEBI RTA Regulations, 2025 (15 December 2025) |
| Net worth | Category I ₹50 lakh; Category II ₹25 lakh | ₹50 lakh at registration; existing RTAs get 18 months |
| Governance | Basic code of conduct | Compliance officer, audit committee or equivalent, surveillance, whistle-blower policy |
| Registration validity | Initial then permanent | Valid until suspended or cancelled by SEBI |
Net worth figures for the 1993 rules come from published summaries. We check each point against the notified text when we prepare your file.
Frequently asked questions
Who needs RTA registration?
Any company that wants to act as a registrar to an issue or a share transfer agent needs a SEBI certificate. The 2025 regulations bar anyone from acting without one. If you only keep your own shareholder records in-house, tell us how you work and we will check whether registration applies. We will explain the finding in plain words.
What is the minimum net worth for an RTA?
The 2025 regulations require ₹50 lakh at registration. Existing registrants have 18 months to comply. Under the 1993 rules, Category I needed ₹50 lakh and Category II ₹25 lakh. A practising CA certifies the figure for the application. We check your balance sheet early and plan any top-up with you.
Which form do we file to become an RTA?
You file Form A, given in Schedule I of the regulations, with supporting documents on SEBI’s portal. It covers your company details, net worth, infrastructure, people and declarations. We prepare Form A and annexures, check them against the regulation text and keep the file consistent so SEBI has fewer queries to raise.
Does the registration expire?
The 2025 regulations say the registration remains valid unless SEBI suspends or cancels it. So there is no fixed renewal date like the old scheme, but you must keep meeting the conditions, including net worth and governance. We set up a compliance calendar so nothing slips after the certificate arrives.
Which governance steps are required?
You must appoint a compliance officer, set up an audit committee or an equivalent body, and have surveillance systems, a whistle-blower policy and an escalation process. Investor grievances must be redressed within 21 days. We draft these policies and help you assign the roles before the application is filed.
Does a private company need an RTA for demat?
Not always. A private company covered by the dematerialisation rule may use an RTA to connect with a depository, but an in-house arrangement is also allowed. If it picks an RTA, that RTA has to be SEBI-registered. Our dematerialisation page explains the company side; we help on both sides.
How long does SEBI take to grant registration?
SEBI does not announce a fixed period for RTA applications. The pace depends on how complete the file is and how many query rounds follow. A tidy file with a correct net worth certificate and full policies moves faster. We cannot promise a date, but we track every query and reply promptly.
Does Taxhint act as an RTA?
No. We do not hold any SEBI registration as an RTA. We review eligibility, draft the documents and policies, file Form A on the portal, reply to queries and handle post-registration compliance. Where the work needs a practising CA or an advocate, a qualified professional signs it. The registration decision stays with SEBI.
What it costs
Our fee plus the government fee that applies to your case, quoted before you commit. Tell us the situation and we will price it exactly.
Government fees are the ones SEBI prescribes in the regulations at the time of filing. We list them in your quote.
Ready to begin?
Send us your entity details and we will check your net worth and governance gaps before you apply to SEBI.