Tuhin Kanta Pandey Appointed as 11th SEBI Chairperson

Tuhin Kanta Pandey, India’s Finance Secretary, has been appointed as the 11th Chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for a three-year term. He succeeds Madhabi Puri Buch, the first woman chairperson of SEBI, whose tenure concludes on February 28, 2025. Pandey’s appointment was confirmed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on February 27, 2025.

As the head of India’s stock market regulatory body, Pandey steps into the role at a critical juncture when the Indian stock market is facing bearish pressure due to significant withdrawals by foreign institutional investors (FIIs) and foreign portfolio investors (FPIs). With his extensive background in economic policy and financial management, he is expected to lead SEBI through these challenging times.

Tuhin Kanta Pandey: A Veteran Bureaucrat

Educational Background

Tuhin Kanta Pandey holds a Master’s degree in Economics from Panjab University, Chandigarh, and an MBA from the UK. His academic foundation in economics and business management has played a crucial role in shaping his approach to financial governance and policy-making.

Career Trajectory

Pandey is a 1987-batch IAS officer from the Odisha cadre with a career spanning over three decades in various key administrative and economic roles. He has served in both the Odisha state government and the central government, holding critical positions in financial regulation and public asset management.

His previous assignments include:

• District Collector, Sambalpur
• Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Commerce
• Joint Secretary, Planning Commission
• Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation (2021)
• Head, Department of Public Enterprises (DPE)
• Head, Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM)

Key Contributions as Finance Secretary

Major Policy Initiatives

Pandey was appointed Finance Secretary in September 2024, succeeding TV Somanathan, who was elevated to Cabinet Secretary. As Finance Secretary, his role was pivotal in advising the Finance Minister on crucial economic and fiscal strategies. Some of his significant contributions include:

• Strategizing economic policies to boost investment and manage fiscal deficits.
• Leading disinvestment initiatives, including the historic sale of Air India and public listing of LIC.
• Representing the Finance Ministry before the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament.
• Strengthening India’s financial governance to enhance economic stability.

SEBI Leadership: Challenges & Responsibilities

Market Challenges

Pandey assumes the leadership of SEBI at a time when foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have withdrawn over ₹1.13 lakh crore from Indian markets in 2025 alone. This significant capital outflow has exerted downward pressure on the stock market, requiring strong regulatory measures to restore investor confidence.

Key Responsibilities as SEBI Chairperson

As the chief of SEBI, Pandey’s primary responsibilities will include:

• Regulating capital markets to ensure transparency and stability.
• Strengthening investor protection by enforcing stringent compliance measures.
• Enhancing corporate governance in publicly traded companies.
• Overseeing stock exchanges, mutual funds, and other financial institutions.
• Implementing policy reforms to attract foreign and domestic investment.
• Addressing market volatility and maintaining financial stability.

The Road Ahead: What to Expect from Pandey’s Tenure

Strengthening SEBI’s Role in Financial Markets

Pandey is expected to bring in reforms aimed at boosting investor confidence, improving compliance frameworks, and expanding the financial markets. His experience in economic management will be crucial in revamping regulations to align with global best practices.

Policy Outlook

Under his leadership, SEBI may:

• Introduce stringent guidelines for corporate governance.
• Focus on digitalization and AI-driven compliance mechanisms.
• Encourage foreign investment through improved market regulations.
• Enhance transparency in IPO processes and disinvestment policies.

Tuhin Kanta Pandey Appointed as 11th SEBI Chairperson