SEBI revised guidelines for capacity planning, real-time performance monitoring of MIIs

Markets regulator Sebi on Tuesday issued new guidelines for stock exchanges, clearing corporations and depositories to undertake robust capacity planning and real-time performance monitoring of their critical IT systems. Under the guidelines, Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) have been directed to develop a future-ready framework for estimating capacity requirements based on trends, historical data, transaction growth and business changes, a Sebi circular said.

Also, they have been asked to submit details of the methodology to SEBI within three months after the approval of the Standing Committee on Technology (SCOT) and the Governing Board.

MII has been asked to ensure sufficient system capacity to handle high volumes to ensure high levels of service availability. The installed capacity should be at least 1.5 times the estimated peak load.

Estimated peak load should be based on last 180 days trends and other relevant factors.

They are asked to conduct quarterly stress tests to assess the impact on system performance under heavy loads.

Also, they need to implement automated systems to monitor and generate alerts for real-time performance issues, with defined thresholds to ensure early detection and resolution.

SEBI has asked stock exchanges and clearing corporations to take immediate action if utilization of IT components exceeds 75 percent of installed capacity. Depositories should act if utilization exceeds 75 percent for 15 consecutive days.

They have been directed to establish capacity planning and real-time performance monitoring policy approved by SCOT and SEBI to ensure smooth operations and timely resource upgrades.

The regulator said the guidelines for capacity planning to be implemented within 3 months and all other provisions are effective immediately.