Strengthening debt market on Sebi's agenda, says Ananth Narayan

The market capitalisation of the equity market is almost Rs 290 trillion, but the corporate outstanding is at Rs 40 trillion, indicating more traction is needed on the debt side

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is working on strengthening the debt market in India through the introduction of new products, mitigating segment risks, and pursuing certain tax proposals, said whole-time member Ananth Narayan, in his first public address after joining the capital markets regulator.

Speaking at the 9th SBI Banking & Economics Conclave, the former banker said the debt segment growth in India has been slow and mired in accidents, and it is trust that the regulator is trying to develop for investors.

“We have seen many accidents between 2017 and 2019, particularly in the debt market. It is