Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is the primary regulatory agency governing the Indian capital, stock, and securities markets. Formed in 1988 and given statutory powers in 1992 through the SEBI Act.

Primary Objectives

1. Protect Retail Investors: Guarding investor capital against fraud, manipulation, and insider trading.
2. Promote Market Development: Modernizing stock exchange infrastructure (e.g., introducing T+1 settlement cycles).
3. Regulate Intermediaries: Supervising stockbrokers, mutual fund houses (AMCs), merchant bankers, and portfolio managers.