Sebi chief: Board to take up panel report on disclosures, conflict of interest next month, Pg 25

Key Highlights:

• SEBI will discuss the high-level committee report on conflict of interest and disclosures in its next board meeting on December 17.
• The committee suggested reforms including a multi-tier disclosure regime for top officials.
• The expert panel was formed in March 2025 after allegations against former SEBI chief Madhabi Puri Buch.
• Only 9.5% of households aware of securities markets are investing, despite 63% awareness.
• There are 13.6 crore investors holding over 21 crore demat accounts till October 2025.

Detailed Insights:

• The committee's report aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and ethical standards within SEBI.
• The proposed multi-tier disclosure regime mandates public declaration of assets and liabilities by key SEBI officials.
• SEBI aims to bridge the gap between investor awareness (63%) and actual participation in the securities market (9.5%).
• Daily, over 1 lakh demat accounts are being opened, reflecting increasing confidence in Indian equity markets.
• Investments in the mutual fund industry have grown seven times in 10 years, reaching Rs 80 lakh crore.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Conflict of Interest: A situation where personal interests could compromise impartial decision-making.
• Disclosure: The act of revealing relevant information to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Demat Account: An account to hold financial securities in electronic form.