Who is Tuhin Kanta Pandey, the new SEBI Chief? All you need to know

Who is Tuhin Kanta Pandey?

Tuhin Kanta Pandey, a 1987-batch IAS officer from the Odisha cadre, has been appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) as the 11th chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). He will serve a three-year term, succeeding Madhabi Puri Buch, whose tenure concludes on March 1, 2025.

With extensive experience in finance, disinvestment, and public asset management, Pandey’s leadership at SEBI is expected to bring significant reforms to India's stock market regulatory framework.

Source: dopt

Key Details at a Glance of his Current Position as a New Chief of SEBI

Tuhin Kanta Pandey has been named the new chairman of SEBI for a three-year tenure. He succeeds Madhabi Puri Buch, whose tenure ends on February 28, 2025. The decision was formalised by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

New Role as SEBI Chief

As the Chairman of SEBI, Tuhin Kanta Pandey will be responsible for regulating the securities markets, ensuring investor protection, and promoting transparency in financial markets. Key focus areas will include:

• Strengthening Market Regulations: Enhancing compliance measures to prevent market fraud and insider trading.
• Boosting Investor Confidence: Implementing policies to protect investors and ensure fair trading practices.
• Encouraging Digital Transformation: Promoting fintech adoption and strengthening digital governance in the stock markets.
• Overseeing IPO Market Growth: Ensuring robust regulatory frameworks for companies going public.

Significance of the Appointment

Marks the second consecutive appointment of a bureaucrat as the head of a regulatory institution, following Sanjay Malhotra’s appointment as RBI Governor in December 2024. Indicates the government’s trust in experienced bureaucrats over private sector candidates for key regulatory positions.

What is the selection process for appointing a new SEBI chief?

The appointment of SEBI’s chairman is overseen by the Financial Sector Regulatory Appointments Search Committee (FSRASC). Several private sector candidates were considered, but the final decision favoured an IAS officer.

Background of Tuhin Kanta Pandey

Educational Background

Key Highlights of Tuhin Kanta Pandey's Career

Tuhin Kanta Pandey, before being appointed as the 11th SEBI chief, served as finance secretary of India and also as a joint secretary, deputy secretary, & district collector. His prominent positions in the government play a crucial role in economic policymaking and financial management. 

His previous assignments include:

1. Finance and Revenue Leadership

2. Key Roles in Economic and Investment Policies

3. Administrative and State-Level Roles

Major Contributions to India’s Financial Sector

Tuhin Kanta Pandey has been instrumental in shaping India's financial policies and regulatory environment. His contributions include:

1. Union Budget 2025-26

• Significantly contributed to budget planning, incorporating ₹1 lakh crore in tax benefits for the middle class.

2. New Income Tax Bill

• Contributed to drafting a new Income Tax Bill to replace the existing Income Tax Act of 1961.

3. Privatization and Disinvestment Initiatives

Tuhin Kanta Pandey has overseen some of the most significant privatisation deals in India:

• Privatisation of Air India: Led the sale of Air India to the Tata Group, marking a historic milestone in India's disinvestment strategy.
• Privatisation of IDBI Bank: Supervised the ongoing privatisation of IDBI Bank, a crucial move to enhance financial sector efficiency.

List of SEBI Chairpersons [1988-2025]

Conclusion

With a strong background in economic policy, disinvestment, and governance, Tuhin Kanta Pandey brings a wealth of experience to his new role as 11th SEBI Chairman. His leadership is expected to drive crucial reforms in India's financial markets, ensuring stability, growth, and investor confidence.