The Securities and Exchange Board of India issued a consultation paper on Friday to introduce fixed income channel partners (FICPs) to distribute fixed income securities though the Online Bond Platform Providers (OBPPs). The paper seeks to improve awareness and access to fixed income products among investors beyond major urban centres, particularly tier-II, tier-III and rural locations, by taking a model similar to mutual fund distributors. “Keeping in view the impact of MFD model, it was felt that a similar distribution framework could support the development of the fixed income securities market,” the paper said. The regulator has sought comments on the paper by September 11.