Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
Context: To protect investors from increasing numbers of cyber frauds and market manipulators, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is planning to put in place a robust system in coordination with investigative agencies.
Important Pointers:
Established: April 12, 1988 (as a non-statutory body); became statutory in 1992 under the SEBI Act
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Ministry: Under the Ministry of Finance
Objective: To protect investors’ interests and regulate the securities market
Powers: Quasi-legislative, quasi-executive, and quasi-judicial
Major Functions: Regulates stock exchanges, mutual funds, brokers, and insider trading
Chairperson Appointment: A chairperson nominated by the Union Government of India
Recent Reform (2025): Standardization of derivatives expiry days to Tuesdays or Thursdays
New Framework (2025): Introduced “Unaffected Price” rule to curb speculation before announcements
Civil Court Powers: Can summon, inspect, and enforce compliance like a civil court
Investor Education: Promotes financial literacy and investor awareness programs