Sebi Tightens Governance for Stock Exchange Officials

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) reviewed regulations for appointing key officials in stock exchanges, focusing on a cooling-off period before officials can move to competing firms. This includes Public Interest Directors (PIDs) and aims to ensure qualified personnel uphold market integrity. Sebi also deferred implementing amendments for merchant bankers.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) took significant strides on Monday to bolster governance across stock exchanges and market institutions. The board reviewed and revised regulations concerning the appointment of key officials, particularly emphasizing a mandatory cooling-off period before they can transition to competing institutions.

The board deliberated on the process of selecting Public Interest Directors (PIDs) for the governing board of Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs). Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey highlighted that the review aimed to establish uniformity in the cooling-off periods for PIDs and other key management personnel (KMPs), ensuring robust governance within these entities.

In addition, Sebi decided to defer the implementation of regulatory amendments for merchant bankers, trustees, and custodians, initially set for December 2024. This decision follows an internal evaluation aimed at fostering a level playing field while considering alternative approaches.

(With inputs from agencies.)