The Indian stock market is a highly regulated space with various bodies governing it.
These include the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Ministry of Finance that functions through the Department of Economic Affairs (Capital Markets Division), and, of course, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
All these establishments have their unique role in the operations and regulations of the Indian stock market. However, in this blog, we will particularly focus on the role of SEBI.
Our stock market classes in Pune cover the role of SEBI in detail. However, if you are a beginner looking to venture into this share market space, this post helps you to overview the fundamental regulatory role of SEBI.
What is SEBI?
SEBI is an instrumental establishment in the Indian financial market. It is the primary regulatory body overseeing the country’s securities market. The Indian Government established it on April 12, 1992, to promote transparency in the country’s investment market. SEBI is headquartered in Mumbai. But it also operates through its various regional offices in Ahmedabad, Chennai, Kolkata, and New Delhi.
Key Responsibilities and Functions of SEBI
SEBI shoulders various responsibilities and performs key functions, contributing to the regulatory landscape of the Indian stock market.
- Investor Protection: This is SEBI’s top priority. It protects the interests of retail investors through fair and transparent trading practices.
- Regulating Stock Exchanges: SEBI also oversees the functioning of NSE and BSE to ensure their smooth and fair operations.
- Insider Trading Prevention: Insider trading is a practice wherein individuals with access to non-public or confidential information to achieve an unfair advantage in trading. SEBI works towards preventing it through insider trading regulations to maintain a level playing field for all the stock market players.
- Fraud and Malpractice Prevention: SEBI is an empowered organization that can also implement stringent regulations to curtail market manipulation and various other fraudulent practices.
- Promoting Fair Trading and Practices: The organization promotes fair practices and a high standard of integrity in the securities market. It has set a code of conduct that it enforces for every market participant, ensuring ethical and transparent practices and market activities.
- Secondary Market Development: The Secondary market allows players to buy or sell securities after the initial issuance in the primary market. SEBI plays a major role in developing secondary markets through reforms and initiatives that enhance trading transparency, efficiency, and liquidity.
SEBI’s Role as a Regulator
Four to five decades ago, when capital markets emerged, many Indian investors began investing in them. However, with that grew the number of malpractices. These included illegal brokers, fixing prices, and non-adherence to the Companies Act.
Additionally, the era saw cases of breaches of laws and regulations of the capital market, price rigging, and delays in share capital delivery etc.
While many players suffered, these practices also harmed the stock market, affecting the confidence and trust of new and existing investors and traders.
The above instances and situations drove the establishment of SEBI as a governing body to regulate the stock market’s working conditions and curb stock market malpractices.
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Here’s how SEBI plays a regulatory role in the Indian stock market.
- Investor Protection
SEBI protects investor interest through fairness and transparency. It regulates mutual funds, brokers, and financial intermediaries to prevent malpractices and fraud.
- Market Development
The organization also encourages innovations in financial products. It promotes and facilitates the growth and development of a prosperous and vibrant securities market.
- Market Regulation
SEBI formulates rules and regulations for trading and securities transactions. The establishment also monitors and enforces compliance to prevent unethical practices like price manipulation, insider trading, and fraud.
- Intermediary Oversight
SEBI also licenses and regulates brokers, investment advisors, portfolio managers, and various other market intermediaries. The organization also sets standards concerning risk management, capital adequacy, and governance.
- Regulating Companies
Another important aspect of SEBI’s regulatory role is regulating companies. It lays down the rules for companies looking to raise money through IPO and various other ways. The organization ensures fairness and transparency in the process and that investors have access to the information they need while investing in a particular company.
- Mutual Fund Oversight
SEBI also supervises and regulates mutual funds and other asset management activities, protecting investor interest in these financial products.
- Corporate Governance
The organization also promotes corporate governance practices in India. It has established rules concerning the appointment of audit committees, independent directors, and various other governance structures, making it imperative for companies to adhere to these rules and regulations. The aim? It is to ensure the companies operate ethically, responsibly, and transparently, benefiting the investors.
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As a stock market player, you will be bound by the rules and regulations and obliged to follow them. Our stock market classes in Pune acquaint you with the various aspects of stock trading and delve into the details of SEBI to help you stay compliant.
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