Tuhin Pandey Revenue Secretary named SEBI chief
Revenue Secretary Tuhin Pandey Appointed SEBI Chief, Replacing Madhabi Puri Buch
New Delhi: Revenue Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). He will take over from Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year tenure as SEBI chief concludes on February 28, 2025.
Mr. Pandey, a 1987-batch IAS officer from the Punjab cadre, has played a significant role in key financial and economic reforms in India. Before his appointment as SEBI chairperson, he served as the Secretary of the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), where he oversaw major disinvestment initiatives and strategic asset monetization projects.
His appointment as the SEBI chief comes at a crucial time as the market regulator continues to strengthen regulatory frameworks, ensure investor protection, and oversee capital market developments. With extensive experience in finance, disinvestment, and economic policymaking, Mr. Pandey is expected to bring strategic leadership to SEBI.
Madhabi Puri Buch, India’s first woman SEBI chief, leaves behind a legacy of significant reforms in market transparency, digital innovation, and investor protection during her tenure.
New Delhi, February 27, 2025: The government has appointed Finance and Revenue Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
Pandey, a 1987-batch IAS officer from the Punjab cadre, is known for his deep expertise in financial policy and market regulation. His appointment as SEBI chief is expected to bring significant changes in capital market regulations, investor protection, and financial market oversight.
A Seasoned Bureaucrat with Vast Financial Experience
Before his appointment as SEBI chairman, Pandey held key positions in the Finance Ministry. As Secretary of the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), he played a crucial role in India’s disinvestment strategy and major public sector asset sales. His leadership in DIPAM saw significant privatization deals, including Air India’s privatization and strategic sales of several state-owned enterprises.
His tenure in the Finance Ministry also involved shaping policies related to public finance, market regulation, and capital market reforms. These experiences make him a well-suited candidate to lead SEBI, ensuring a stable and well-regulated financial market.
Challenges and Expectations as SEBI Chief
As the head of SEBI, Pandey will face multiple challenges, including maintaining financial market stability, ensuring transparency, and adapting regulations to the evolving financial landscape. SEBI has been actively working on strengthening corporate governance norms, investor protection measures, and digital transformation in stock market operations.
Under his leadership, SEBI is expected to continue its efforts in:
- Strengthening Market Integrity: Ensuring fair trading practices and preventing financial fraud.
- Boosting Investor Confidence: Introducing policies that protect retail and institutional investors.
- Regulating New-Age Financial Products: Overseeing cryptocurrency, digital assets, and evolving fintech sectors.
- Enhancing Corporate Governance: Tightening compliance requirements for listed companies.
Given his experience in managing public assets and financial policies, Pandey is expected to take a proactive role in refining SEBI’s regulatory approach to emerging market trends.
Madhabi Puri Buch’s Legacy at SEBI
Outgoing SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch leaves behind a legacy of significant regulatory reforms. She was India’s first woman SEBI chief and the first to be appointed from the private sector. During her tenure, she focused on digitizing stock market surveillance, introducing stringent governance norms, and improving investor transparency.
Some of her key contributions include:
- Enhancing disclosure norms for listed companies.
- Strengthening SEBI’s digital surveillance mechanism.
- Introducing regulatory frameworks for Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).
- Expanding market accessibility for retail investors.
Her tenure set a benchmark for digital innovation and investor-friendly policies. As Pandey steps into this role, he is expected to build on these reforms and address emerging financial market challenges.
Looking Ahead: SEBI’s Future Under Pandey’s Leadership
With global financial markets becoming more interconnected, SEBI’s role in maintaining market discipline and stability is more critical than ever. Pandey’s expertise in financial governance and policy implementation is likely to guide SEBI in navigating these complexities.
His appointment signals the government’s commitment to strong financial oversight and regulatory efficiency. As Indian markets expand and new investment opportunities emerge, SEBI’s role under Pandey’s leadership will be crucial in ensuring investor trust and economic growth.
The financial sector will closely watch Pandey’s initial policy decisions and regulatory approaches as he takes charge of one of India’s most critical financial institutions.