Chapter 3
Chapter 3
Definition: The primary market is the financial market where new securities (stocks,
bonds, etc.) are issued and sold for the first time. It is also known as the New Issue
Market (NIM).
Purpose: The main purpose of the primary market is to facilitate capital formation by
enabling companies to raise funds directly from investors.
New Securities: Only new securities are issued in the primary market. These
securities are issued by companies, governments, or public sector institutions.
Direct Fundraising: Companies directly raise funds from investors, typically through
the issuance of shares or bonds.
No Trading: Unlike the secondary market, securities in the primary market are not
traded among investors. Once purchased, these securities can only be traded in the
secondary market.
Regulation: The primary market is regulated to protect investors from fraud and
ensure transparency. In India, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
regulates the primary market.
Public Issue: The company issues its shares to the general public through a
prospectus. It can be of two types:
o Initial Public Offering (IPO): When a company offers its shares to the public
for the first time.
o Follow-on Public Offering (FPO): When a company, already listed on the
stock exchange, issues additional shares to the public.
Private Placement: Securities are sold to a select group of investors and not to the
public. This method is quicker and less expensive compared to a public issue.
Rights Issue: Existing shareholders are given the right to purchase additional shares
at a discounted price, usually in proportion to their existing holdings.
Preferential Allotment: Shares are issued to a selected group of people, usually at a
price lower than the market price, but higher than the face value.
Underwriters: Financial institutions that guarantee the purchase of all or part of the
new issue. If the issue is not fully subscribed by the public, the underwriters buy the
remaining shares.
Merchant Bankers: Assist companies in issuing new securities, including
preparation of the prospectus, compliance with regulatory requirements, and
marketing of the issue.
Registrars: Manage the process of share application and allotment, ensuring that
investors receive their shares.
Brokers: Facilitate the buying and selling of securities for investors.
5. Importance of the Primary Market:
Technology Integration: Use of technology for online IPO applications and faster
processing.
Green Bonds: Issuance of environmentally sustainable bonds to finance green
projects.
Increased Retail Participation: Efforts to encourage retail investors to participate in
primary market issues.
These notes cover the fundamental aspects of the primary market, its features, methods of
issuing securities, role of intermediaries, importance, challenges, and recent trends. Let me
know if you need further details or specific examples for any section.