SEBI Foundation Day 2026: What investors were told about risk, trust, and markets

SEBI celebrated its 38th Foundation Day in Mumbai on April 25, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as Chief Guest. The event was attended by SEBI Chairman Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Whole-Time and Part-Time Members, senior officials, and heads of Market Infrastructure Institutions.

He noted that these structures have supported market activity and capital formation over time.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted how participation in capital markets has become easier due to developments such as faster settlement cycles, ASBA, and UPI-based IPO applications.

Referring to the evolving nature of regulation, the Finance Minister stated, “investor protection must evolve from a defensive function into a developmental function.”

The emphasis was on strengthening investor awareness and understanding alongside regulatory safeguards.

The Finance Minister also underlined the importance of trust in financial markets. “Investor trust and market integrity are not merely market variables, they are public goods, ” she said.

Addressing concerns around online financial advice, she noted SEBI’s action against unregistered financial influencers: “SEBI’s actions against unregistered “fin-fluencers” signal the seriousness with which the regulator views unlicensed financial advice.”

On improving financial infrastructure, the Finance Minister highlighted the need for smoother digital processes: “seamless, secure, and portable KYC experience across the financial sector is needed.”

In her concluding remarks, she stressed the balance between growth and governance. “Size without integrity is fragility. Volume without investor protection is exploitation. Growth without governance is unsustainable,” FM Sitharaman said.