RBI expands retail direct platform to enable SIPs in treasury bills for investors

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday (August 6) announced that it will expand the functionality of its retail direct platform to enable retail investors to invest in treasury bills (T-Bills) through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs). The upgrade is aimed at simplifying government securities (G-Secs) investment for individual investors.RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra made the announcement during the bi-monthly monetary policy meeting. The move will introduce new tools to help investors plan and manage their investments efficiently, and allow for automated, periodic investments in T-Bills—similar to mutual fund SIPs.

Experts welcomed the initiative as a progressive step.

Jyoti Prakash Gadia, Managing Director at Resurgent India, said the announcement about SIPs in T-Bills for retail investors is “a positive step to further support the market and indicates a proactive approach of RBI.”Poonam Tandon, Chief Investment Officer at IndiaFirst Life, called it “a welcome step” and part of a broader, balanced policy approach by the central bank.

The Retail Direct platform, launched in 2021, allows retail investors to buy and sell government securities directly with the RBI. The new SIP feature is expected to deepen retail participation in the G-Sec market and promote disciplined, long-term investment habits.

Meanwhile, the central bank decided to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.5% and retained its neutral stance. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously voted to maintain the rate, citing concerns over global tariff uncertainties.

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