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Market-Linked Debentures (MLDs)

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Market Linked Debentures (MLDs) are instruments that combine debt securities with any market-linked product. They are a form of Non-convertible Debentures (NCDs) where the return depends on the underlying asset linked, like equity index (such as Nifty or Sensex), gold, commodity, or similar others.

The main feature of MLDs is that the payouts are linked to the conditions, and they vary across the issuer. For instance, if the Nifty 50 returns are more than 5%, the investor gets 10-15% additional payouts. However, if the same index underperforms by less than 5%, you receive principal assurance or a portion of it. Yet, these conditions depend on the issuer and the type of MLD issued.

Why Invest In Market-Linked Debenture?

Tied to Market Performance

Tied to Market Performance

Earning potential in MLDs depends on the performance of an underlying asset (like Nifty, Sensex, gold, etc.). Hence, the potential for returns is higher than traditional debt products.

 Principal Protection (in some structures)

Principal Protection (in some structures)

Many MLDs are principal-protected, meaning you get your invested (principal) amount back even if the market underperforms. This makes them less risky than equity investments.
Portfolio Diversification

Portfolio Diversification

They blend features of debt and equity (or any market product), which adds a structured product with controlled exposure to market movements.

Predefined Payoff

Predefined Payoff

Generally, MLDs come with high transparency. It means investors exactly know the conditions under which they'll earn returns on their investment.
 Regulated by SEBI

Regulated by SEBI

These products fall under SEBI's framework, so the investors receive high protection and also stay compliant with disclosure norms.
Customisable Structures

Customisable Structures

Issuers can tailor MLDs to suit various market views (bullish, bearish, or neutral). This customization offers you the flexibility to choose debentures based on your risk profile and market scenario.
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Benefits of Investing in Market-Linked Debentures with AR Preferred

At Anand Rathi Preferred, MLDs are not just a product but a catalyst for integrating different underlying assets with debentures. With every selection, we prioritize your goals and end expectations.

 Leading Issuer and Provider in the MLD Space

Leading Issuer and Provider in the MLD Space

AR Preferred stands among the largest issuers and providers of Market-Linked Debentures in India, offering investors access to a wide category of structured products backed by trusted institutions.

Decades of Experience and Credibility

Decades of Experience and Credibility

With over 30 years of expertise in MLDs and fixed-income solutions, AR Preferred has built trust, transparency, and consistent performance in the market, making it a preferred choice among investors.

Deep Research and Due Diligence

Deep Research and Due Diligence.

We go beyond distribution. Our in-house research team evaluates every MLD issuer and structure to ensure that only the most reliable, compliant, and performance-driven products reach our clients.

 Access to Multiple Issuers

Access to Multiple Issuers.

At AR Preferred, we partner with multiple top issuers, evaluate their offerings, and bring the best MLD opportunities for you.

How Market Linked Debentures Are Issued?

Market-Linked Debentures are structured debt instruments issued by NBFCs or financial institutions regulated by SEBI.

Issuance by Registered Institutions

Issuance by Registered Institutions

MLDs are issued by SEBI-registered entities (typically large NBFCs, PSUs, or corporates) through a private placement or public issue route. But they need to obtain approval from the directors, creditors, and shareholders.

Link to a Market Benchmark

Link to a Market Benchmark

Each MLD is then linked to an underlying benchmark such as Nifty 50, Sensex, gold, commodity, G-secs, or similar securities. In short, the performance of this benchmark determines the investor's return at maturity.

Structuring and Payoff Design

Structuring and Payoff Design

Before launch, issuers define the structure and payoff conditions.

For example, if the Nifty 50 stays above a certain level, investors earn 10%. Likewise, if it falls below, they receive only the principal. This predefined formula gives investors clarity and transparency on their investment.

Credit Rating and Documentation

Credit Rating and Documentation

Every MLD carries a credit rating and hence must comply with SEBI's disclosure norms, including details of risk, payoff mechanism, and issuer financials.

Maturity and Payout

Maturity and Payout

On maturity, the issuer pays back the principal plus any market-linked return to the investor, depending on how the benchmark performed during the period.

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Who Should Invest in Market-Linked Debentures?

Investors seeking better-than-FD or safer returns, but aren't ready to take full equity risk.

Ideal for those who prefer capital protection with market-linked growth.

Those looking for exposure to different market securities, not keen on volatility.

Investors who can stay invested till maturity (typically 1 to 5 years) to unlock the product's full potential.

Customer Reviews

What Our Customer Has to Say About Us

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Dr. Divye Chhabra 
We would like to express our thanks for the work you have done for us over the past years. The expertise and attention to detail with which you have handled our financial affairs could not be faulted. Particularly reassuring to us is our feeling of certainty in the absolute integrity of your dealings with us. Your continual advice on financial planning issues has saved us significant amounts of money. May you prosper, along with your clients.

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I have been a client of Anand Rathi since 2010 and would highly recommend their services. They have assisted me with my complex financial structures and I have been more than happy with the results. I have recommended a number of my friends and family to Anand Rathi and they also are very happy with the service. I will definitely continue to praise about Anand Rathi services. This is what financial advisors should do! I have never had this kind of experience in the past with financial advisers and this is the kind of service I have been looking for. It’s nice to have one place to come to.

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FAQs

Answers to Common Questions About MLDs

FAQ

Market linked debentures (MLDs) are instruments like regular debentures. Still, their returns are related to the performance of a market index, stock, commodity, or bond yield.

Unlike standard debentures that pay fixed interest, MLDs give you market-linked growth potential at maturity while still offering options for capital protection.

Returns of these debentures depend on the performance of the underlying asset. Some MLDs offer principal protection with capped returns, while others may provide higher upside if the market performs well. The payoff is clearly defined upfront, so you always know the possible outcomes.
MLDs can be safer than direct equity because some offer principal protection, but they are not risk-free. Safety depends on the creditworthiness (ratings) of the issuer and the product structure. It's important to understand both factors before investing.
Earlier, for Listed MLDs issued before April 1, 2023, gains over one year were taxed as long-term capital gains (10%).

For MLDs issued after April 1, 2023, they are taxable under short-term capital gains (STCG) at your income tax slab rate – irrespective of holding period.
MLDs work well if you want market-linked returns with some level of security, and if you have a defined investment horizon (usually 1–3 years). Also, consider your risk appetite, diversification needs, and liquidity preferences, as redeeming them before maturity is not possible.
Yes. MLDs are issued and regulated by SEBI-registered institutions and follow strict disclosure norms. Investors can evaluate them from their credit ratings, transparency in structure, and regulatory oversight to have an added layer of protection.
Traditional fixed-income products pay fixed interest, regardless of market performance. On the other hand, MLDs provide returns linked to market indices or assets that combine growth potential with debt-like features.
MLDs can be linked to assets like:
  • Stock indices like Nifty 50 or Sensex
  • Interest rates or government securities
  • Commodity or equity baskets
  • Other market benchmarks depend on the product design
There are two major types of MLDs: principal treatment and market-related. They further include sub-categories like;
  • Principal-Protected MLDs - Here, the capital is mostly safe, and returns depend on the market performance of the underlying asset.
  • Non-Principal-Protected MLDs - These securities tend not to guarantee principal protection, but have higher return potential.
  • Equity Linked Debentures - These MLDs are linked to stock indices or equities.
  • Debt-Linked - linked to interest rates or bond yields.
MLDs usually have a maturity period of 1 to 5 years, though some can be shorter or longer depending on the product.
At AR Preferred, we believe that MLDs are an efficient way of diversifying your portfolio while providing certain capital protection. Also, we greatly leverage the in-house research and capabilities of the Anand Rathi group's credibility, specific to MLDs.
Liquidity is usually very low for MLDs, almost negligible. Therefore, for all purposes, MLDs are in a lock-in period with no option to exit.
Every investment has some risks, and MLDs are no longer an exception.
Some of the major risks include;
  • Market Risk (returns depend on the underlying asset's performance)
  • Credit Risk (in case the issuer defaults)
  • Liquidity Risk (selling before maturity may not always fetch the expected returns)
  • Tax & Regulatory Risk (changes in tax laws or regulations can affect returns)