Page 19 - Sebi

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by passing appropriate settlement orders during the year, while another 272 applications were returned, rejected, or withdrawn, according to Sebi's 2024-25 annual report.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

RSB Retail files for ₹500 crore IPO to boost expansion and repay debt

The proposed IPO comprises a fresh issue of equity shares worth up to Rs 500 crore and an offer for sale of up to 29.8 million shares by existing shareholders

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

RSB Retail files draft IPO papers with Sebi, seeks to raise ₹1,500 cr

RSB Retail India Ltd, a multi-brand retail chain in south India, has filed preliminary papers with markets regulator Sebi for an initial public offering (IPO), and people familiar with the matter indicated the issue could raise around Rs 1,500 crore. The proposed IPO is a combination of a fresh issue of equity shares aggregating up to Rs 500 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of up to 2.98 crore equity shares by promoters, according to the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) filed on Thursday. The Hyderabad-based company plans to utilise the net proceeds to the tune of Rs 275 crore for payment of debt, Rs 118 crore for setting up of new stores under the R S Brothers and South India Shopping Mall formats; and rest for general corporate purposes. Incorporated in 2008, RSB Retail is a leading multi-format apparel retailer catering to premium, mid-premium, and value customer segments offering ethnic wear, everyday casual wear and formal wear. As of March 31, 2025, RSB Retail had 73 stor

Sebi chief Pandey calls for stronger defence against cyberattacks

Tuhin Kanta Pandey calls for constant vigilance, cyber drills, and strong internal safeguards to protect exchanges and investors from escalating online threats

Not just 'friendly critics': Independent directors need more accountability

This era of the sinecure may be changing, however, with Sebi and the courts increasingly holding independent directors liable for corporate malfeasance

A revolving door for leadership in India's financial sector regulators

With the financial sector maturing, the door to regulatory agencies needs to be opened to a more diverse talent pool

Sebi launches investor awareness campaign on AIR to prohibit fraud

Markets regulator Sebi on Thursday announced the launch of an investors' awareness campaign on All India Radio (AIR) specifically on frauds related to the securities market taking place through social media platforms. Also, Sebi in collaboration with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has launched a nationwide training initiative for block-level panchayat representatives to promote financial literacy and investor education at grassroots level. In a statement, the regulator said the aim of the awareness campaign is to "caution investors to protect themselves from fraudsters, to curb fraudulent activities taking place on social media platforms, and to protect the interest of investors". To launch this campaign, the first session by Sebi Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey would be aired on August 15 on All India Radio channels, which has PAN India reach. The move comes in the backdrop of Sebi observing that a lot of investors losing money through stock trading fraud on various social media ...

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 to add algorithmic trading into stock broker regulations

These proposals come a month after Sebi temporarily barred US-based trading firm Jane Street, citing manipulation of key indexes

Sebi bans DHFL's Kapil Wadhawan, Dheeraj Wadhawan from securities market

Markets regulator Sebi on Tuesday barred Dewan Housing Finance Ltd's former CMD Kapil Wadhawan, ex-director Dheeraj Wadhawan, and four others from the securities markets for up to five years for committing financial irregularities, diverting funds, and fabricating books. The others who have been prohibited by Sebi are -- Rakesh Wadhawan, who was non-executive chairman, Sarang Wadhawan, a former non-executive director, Harshil Mehta, joint managing director & CEO, and Santosh Sharma, a former CFO. Sebi also fined the six individuals Rs 120 crore. Kapil Wadhawan and Dheeraj Wadhawan have each been restrained from the securities markets for five years, while Rakesh Wadhawan and Sarang Wadhawan face a four-year ban, and Harshil Mehta and Santosh Sharma have been prohibited for three years, according to the Sebi order. During these periods, they cannot access the securities market, deal in securities in any manner, or hold any role such as director or key managerial personnel in ...

Sebi proposes standard code for smooth transfer of securities to heirs

Capital markets regulator Sebi on Tuesday proposed the introduction of a standard reason code to streamline the transfer of securities from nominees to legal heirs and ensure appropriate tax treatment for such transactions. In a consultation paper, Sebi suggested introducing a specific reason code 'TLH' (Transmission to Legal Heirs) to be used by registrars, depositories and other reporting entities while intimating the Central Board of Direct Taxes about such transmissions. The move seeks to enable proper application of the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Currently, transmission of securities from nominee to legal heir of the original holder, some transactions are being treated as normal sale of securities. This has resulted in capital gains tax being levied on nominees, even though clause (iii) of Section 47 of the Act does not consider such transmissions as "transfers" for tax purposes, Sebi said. The regulator noted that the nominee merely acts as a trustee for the ben

Sebi flags ₹77,800 cr as difficult-to-recover dues in FY25 annual report

Sebi identifies ₹77,800 crore as difficult-to-recover dues, outlines reforms for FPIs, intermediaries, takeover rules, and investor awareness in its FY25 annual report

Sebi looks to further ease market regulations for foreign investors

Currently, SIFs allow asset management companies to offer a limited set of strategies across equity, debt, and hybrid categories

There's ample room for new entrants in equity exchange: NCDEX MD & CEO

With a strong rural connect, cutting-edge risk management systems, and a clear growth vision, the exchange sees vast untapped potential beyond India's metros, says Arun Raste

Sebi proposes single window gateway for low risk foreign investors

Markets regulator Sebi has proposed introducing a single window access for low risk foreign investors seeking to participate in the Indian securities market, a move aimed at simplifying compliance and enhancing the country's attractiveness as an investment destination. The new framework -- Single Window Automatic & Generalised Access for Trusted Foreign Investors (SWAGAT-FI), if implemented, would provide easier investment access to low risk foreign investors, enable a unified registration process across multiple investment routes and reduce repeated compliance and documentation for such entities, Sebi said in its consultation paper. The low risk foreign investors identified by Sebi include government-owned funds, central banks, sovereign wealth funds, multilateral entities, highly regulated public retail funds, and appropriately regulated insurance companies, as well as pension funds. As of June 30, 2025, India had 11,913 registered FPIs, holding assets worth Rs 80.83 lakh crore

Building bridges anew: RBI, banks must fine-tune board roles in governance

The developments at IndusInd Bank have led RBI's senior supervisory managers (SSMs) to take a closer look at bank boards, including the agenda presented, the time spent discussing specific items

Sebi moots lighter regulatory framework for AIFs with accredited investors

Capital markets regulator Sebi has proposed a separate category of Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) schemes, consisting of accredited investors, which will enjoy a lighter-touch regulatory framework compared to regular AIFs. In a consultation paper issued on Friday, Sebi suggested that such accredited investors (AI-only schemes) could be allowed certain flexibilities, given that accredited investors are deemed to have the knowledge, financial capacity and risk appetite to make informed investment decisions without the same level of regulatory safeguards required for retail participants. The proposal includes exemptions from requirements such as maintaining pari-passu rights among investors, NISM certification for key investment team members, and the current limit of 1,000 investors per scheme, the regulator said. These schemes could also extend their tenure by up to five years, subject to investor approval, and in the case of trust-structured AIFs, managers could take over certain