Sebi Chief Faces Conflict of Interest Allegations

Sebi Chief Madhabi Puri Buch avoided commenting on Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), citing potential conflict of interest. This follows allegations by Hindenburg Research and Congress raising questions about Buch's ties with Blackstone and ICICI Bank. Sebi has recently introduced regulations for small and medium REITs.

Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) Chief Madhabi Puri Buch avoided commenting on Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) on Monday, citing a potential conflict of interest.

The move comes after US short-seller Hindenburg Research raised concerns about Buch's relationship with private equity giant Blackstone, where her husband, Dhaval Buch, serves as a senior advisor. The couple has strongly denied these allegations.

Further complicating matters, the Congress accused Buch of drawing a salary from both Sebi and ICICI Bank since taking office in 2017. Sebi has not responded to these allegations. Meanwhile, Buch noted a positive reception to recent Sebi regulations on small and medium REITs, drawing more investor interest.

(With inputs from agencies.)