SEBI Focuses on Enhancing Market Accessibility and Investor Protection, Says Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey

Kolkata, October 31 (Daily Kiran) : The Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Tuhin Kanta Pandey, emphasized the regulator’s ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility in Indian markets and strengthen investor protection during a recent event in Kolkata. Speaking at the ‘India Chamber of Commerce Investors Forum,’ Pandey noted that over the past decade, there has been significant growth in market capitalization in India, with companies raising an average of over ₹10 lakh crore annually through equity and debt issuance.

Pandey stated, “While we are reinforcing markets for businesses, ensuring investor safety remains a top priority for us. World-class markets must not only be efficient during normal times but also resilient during periods of stress.”

He highlighted the remarkable increase in the number of investors in the securities market, which has surged from approximately 1.2 million in fiscal year 2015 to over 9 million today. Notably, around 36% of these investors are under the age of 30. Additionally, West Bengal is home to 379 listed companies, with more than 40 MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) turning to the capital markets, raising over ₹1,400 crore through SME IPOs.

To streamline the fundraising process, SEBI has implemented various measures aimed at reducing unnecessary compliance burdens and improving operational efficiency. These measures include simplifying IPO processes, shortening timelines for rights issues, rationalizing listing requirements for larger companies, and allowing employee stock options (ESOPs) under certain conditions post-listing.

Moreover, the regulator has facilitated the issuance of low face value debt securities and relaxed mandatory merchant banking requirements for eligible companies engaging in private placements.

Pandey underscored the importance of financial literacy and investor security, asserting that informed investors are the first line of defense in safeguarding their interests. He concluded, “Creating a world-class capital market is not just about achieving higher market capitalization, larger trading volumes, or faster transactions. The true measure is how effectively the market connects savings to productive investments, aids businesses in raising capital, and offers investors opportunities to participate in economic growth.”