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Trading Mechanism on NSE – Clearing & Settlement System

Trading is easy. Getting money is the hard part. That's "Settlement".


1. The Clearing Corporation (NCL)

NSE Clearing Limited (NCL) acts as the central counterparty.

  • Guarantee: It guarantees settlement even if the Broker defaults.
  • Novation: It becomes the Buyer to every Seller, and Seller to every Buyer.

2. Settlement Types

A. Daily MTM Settlement (Mark-to-Market)

  • When: Every day at end of trading.
  • What: Profits are credited, Losses are debited from the margin account.
  • Example: You bought Nifty at 100. Closes at 102. NCL credits ₹2 to your account today.

B. Final Settlement

  • When: On Expiry Day (Last Thursday).
  • What: The contract is closed. Final profit/loss is paid in cash.

3. Diagram: The Clearing Process

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4. Exam Notes: Writing the Answer

Question: "Explain the Clearing and Settlement process of Futures." (10 Marks)

Answering Strategy:

  1. Entity: Mention NSCCL / NCL.
  2. Novation: Explain how it "Interposes" itself between parties.
  3. MTM: Explain Daily Settlement (Mark-to-Market) – critical concept.

Summary

  • Cash Settled: In India, almost all Index derivatives are Cash Settled. No one gives you a basket of Nifty stocks.
  • Safety: The Clearing Corp is the reason we sleep peacefully.

Quiz Time! 🎯

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