Page 6 - Sebi Norms

Sebi proposes lower dilution for mega IPOs, extended MPS timelines

Sebi has proposed easing IPO rules for companies with over ₹5-trn market cap by lowering dilution norms and extending timelines to meet public shareholding requirements

Sebi extends deadline for margin pledge implementation to October 10

Markets regulator Sebi on Monday extended the deadline for the implementation of framework pertaining to the process of margin obligations via pledge and re-pledge within the depository system to October 10. This was scheduled to come into effect from September 1, 2025. The extension came after Sebi received representation from depositories -- CDSL and NSDL -- requesting for an extension of time to carry out system developments and to ensure system readiness by carrying end-to-end testing. "Based on the same and in order to ensure smooth implementation without any disruption to the market players and investors, it has been decided to extend the timeline for implementation to October 10, 2025," Sebi said in its circular. Under the framework, Sebi introduced a mechanism where clients' securities, upon invocation, will be blocked for early pay-in within the client's demat account. The move will reduce chances of brokers misusing securities while ensuring a clear transaction trail. Al

Sebi reports spike in settlement pleas; 703 filed, 284 cleared in FY25

Markets regulator Sebi has seen a significant increase in settlement pleas as it received as many as 703 applications to settle violations of securities norms in 2024-25, indicating a trend towards resolving disputes without going through lengthy litigation processes. In the financial year 2023-24, the regulator had received 434 settlement pleas. Of these 703 settlement applications in FY25, the regulator disposed of 284 by passing appropriate settlement orders during the year, while another 272 applications were returned, rejected, or withdrawn, according to Sebi's 2024-25 annual report. The settlement mechanism allows entities to resolve cases with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), without going through lengthy litigation, by paying a settlement fee and complying with certain conditions. For the 284 applications that were settled, Sebi collected Rs 798.87 crore towards settlement charges, in addition to Rs 64.84 crore as disgorgement charges. The settlement orde

Sebi plans review of MTF margin rules to streamline risk management

Markets regulator Sebi is looking to review the margin framework under margin trading funding (MTF) in a bid to streamline risk management at clearing corporations. In its annual report for 2024-25, Sebi said a "comprehensive review exercise is being undertaken with respect to the currently applicable margining framework." Alongside this, a review of MTF and the scrips eligible under it is also under consideration. Margin trading lets investors buy shares even if they do not have the full amount. They can purchase shares by paying only part of the price, while the rest is covered through a margin deposited in cash or as shares kept as collateral. In addition to the review of margin rules, Sebi is also considering changes to the regulatory framework for angel funds. The review will focus on fundraising processes, investment conditions, and operational aspects, with the objective of facilitating ease of doing business and streamlining regulatory requirements. Angel funds play a pivo

Research analysts fail to keep pace with swelling stock investor base

There's only one RA per 73,000 investors now, as against one per 44,000 before pandemic

Sebi bans Wadhawan brothers for five years in DHFL fund diversion case

Sebi has barred Kapil and Dheeraj Wadhawan from the markets for five years in the DHFL fund diversion case and imposed penalties totalling Rs 120 crore on them and ex-executives

Sebi proposes single-window gateway for trusted foreign investors

Sebi's SWAGAT-FI proposal aims to give trusted foreign investors a streamlined, low-cost entry to India's capital markets with simplified registration and compliance

Sebi proposes lowering investment limit for LVFs under AIF framework

The current minimum threshold for LVF AIFs is Rs 70 crore, which could be brought down to Rs 25 crore after the public consultation process is over

Dissent, don't be honorary appointees: Sebi chief to independent directors

Sebi Chairman urges independent directors to evolve from passive critics to active stewards, highlighting AI, ESG, and whistle-blower oversight as urgent board priorities

Independent directors must be stewards of accountability: Sebi chief

Sebi chief Tuhin Kanta Pandey underlined the need for broader diversity in board composition, drawing talent from varied sectors, younger professionals, and individuals outside familiar networks

Sebi chief urges redefining independent directors' role for accountability

Capital markets regulator Sebi chief Tuhin Kanta Pandey on Friday called for redefining the role of independent directors, emphasising that they must be regarded and treated as stewards of accountability. "We cannot continue to view them as honorary appointees or friendly critics. They must be viewed and treated as stewards of accountability," Pandey said while addressing the 2025 Annual Directors' Conclave. According to him, this transformation requires a change in multiple areas. Independent directors must feel free to dissent and be well-versed in emerging risks such as AI governance, cyber threats, and ESG disclosures. Their orientation should be ongoing, rather than limited to a one-time induction. Pandey stressed the need for broader diversity in board composition, drawing talent from varied sectors, younger professionals, regional voices, and individuals outside familiar networks. "A board that never disagrees is not aligned - it's asleep. Divergent views, when rooted in ...

Sebi proposes relaxing educational qualification criteria for IAs, RAs

Market regulator proposes to ease IA, RA registration and fee rules, broaden eligibility to all graduates, and allow past data sharing with client consent

Sebi chief Tuhin Kanta Pandey denies ban on weekly options expiry

Sebi Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey rejects reports of ending weekly options expiries, says reforms in derivatives will undergo full market consultation before adoption

Sebi issues new norms for MIIs to review or waive regulatory penalties

Markets watchdog Sebi on Tuesday issued new guidelines for market infrastructure institutions (MIIs) -- stock exchanges, clearing corporations and depositories -- for handling requests to review or waive penalties related to regulatory actions. Under the new guidelines, if the action was taken by the Internal Committee (IC) or based on a pre-approved policy of the MII, then the Member Committee (MC) will still handle the review, appeal, or waiver requests, Sebi said in its circular. If the action was taken by the MC itself, such requests will now be handled by a new mechanism formed by the governing board of the MII. This new body will include public interest directors and/or independent external professionals, who are not part of the MC. The governing board are also required to establish a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for handling such cases. If members or participants are not satisfied with the outcome of this process, they are free to approach the appropriate legal ...

Sebi plans to ease related-party transaction rules for big companies

Sebi proposes easing related party transaction (RPT) norms for large companies, raising materiality thresholds and reducing the number of approvals needed from shareholders and audit committees

NSE pays markets regulator Sebi $4.6 million to settle data sharing case

NSE's system architecture enabled it to send price-sensitive corporate announcements to NDAL's clients prior to being published on its website, violating disclosure norms, Sebi added

Sebi proposes stricter norms for green bond reviewers to curb conflicts

Sebi on Friday said it has proposed to tighten the norms to appoint independent third-party reviewers or certifiers for green debt securities to align them with requirements for other ESG-linked bonds. In a draft circular, Sebi said that the current norms for green bonds, introduced in February 2023, lack detailed requirements around reviewer independence, conflict of interest mitigation, and disclosure standards that are now in place for other ESG-linked securities under a June 2025 circular. The regulator's latest proposal seeks public comments on a revised framework that would bring parity by incorporating comprehensive criteria for third-party certifiers of green bonds on non-convertible securities. Under the proposed norms, issuers of green debt securities will need to appoint reviewers who are independent of their management, directors, and key managerial personnel. These reviewers will be remunerated in a way that prevents any conflicts of interest and possess relevant ...

Jane Street not cooperating in India tax probe, says Income Tax Dept

Jane Street is accused of blocking server access and keeping financial records abroad, as the Income Tax department probes alleged tax violations linked to Sebi's earlier market manipulation case

Sebi plans larger quota for institutions in big IPOs, trims retail share

Sebi said its proposals reflect current market conditions, marked by robust mutual fund inflows and larger IPO sizes

Sebi asks institutions to ensure digital access for special-needs persons

Capital markets regulator on Thursday directed all regulated entities to make their digital platforms accessible to persons with disabilities, in compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. In a circular, Sebi said, "The move is aimed at protecting the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities and ensuring their full and effective participation in the securities market". The directive follows a Supreme Court verdict dated April 30, 2025, that recognised digital access as a fundamental right under the right to life and liberty. The mandate applies to all Sebi-regulated entities (REs), including stock exchanges, clearing corporations, depositories, brokers, mutual funds, and KYC agencies. They must ensure compliance with key provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act and related rules to facilitate access to websites, mobile apps and other platforms. Sebi said the regulated entities (REs) must submit lists of their digital platforms and .