SEBI emphasizes investor awareness and protection measures in West Bengal

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SEBI emphasizes investor protection

Highlights

The number of investors in West Bengal rose from 12 lakh in 2015 to nearly 90 lakh, while mutual fund assets reached ₹3.65 lakh crore.
SEBI Chairperson Pandey announced that, from 1 November 2026, Direct Plans would be made the mandatory default option on asset management companies’ digital platforms to ensure cost transparency.
The seminar focused on increasing participation in the debt market through steps such as regulatory reforms in the bond market, global competitiveness and greater accessibility of investment products for retail investors.

This article was translated from the original. Read the original version by our correspondent here.

Regulatory priorities at the Kolkata seminar

According to the National Stock Exchange of India, at the seminar held in Kolkata on 31 October 2026, SEBI Chairperson Tuhin Kanta Pandey said investor awareness, informed investing and strong investor protection were essential for the next phase of capital markets. The event was organized by NSE under SEBI’s aegis, with the broader message, “Investing Simple with Understanding.”

Pandey said the number of investors in West Bengal had risen from around 12 lakh in 2015 to nearly 90 lakh. The state has around 43 lakh unique mutual fund investors, while mutual fund assets had reached approximately ₹3.65 lakh crore by the end of FY 2025-26.

Citing SEBI’s investor survey, he said 63% of households were familiar with at least one securities market product, but only around 9.5% participated in the securities market. Only 36% of investors had a moderate or high level of market-related knowledge, underscoring the need to build financial understanding alongside broader access.

The SEBI Chairperson highlighted measures to make investing simpler and more accessible, including Aadhaar-based e-KYC, Basic Services Demat Accounts for eligible investors, and SIPs. He also listed safeguards such as mutual fund folio locking, the option to block trading accounts to prevent unauthorized transactions, direct credit of securities to demat accounts, periodic settlement of client funds by stockbrokers, and simpler nomination and transmission procedures.

He also noted that, from 1 November 2026, Direct Plans would appear as the default option on the digital platforms of all asset management companies, while investors choosing Regular Plans would be informed of the higher costs involved. Pandey also urged investors to stay alert to fake trading apps, cloned websites, misleading social media groups, deepfakes, and impersonation of SEBI, stock exchanges and registered intermediaries.

Broader impact on market participation and the debt market

The event also highlighted Project Jagrook, an investor education campaign launched on 5 October 2026. The initiative brings together stock exchanges, depositories, AMFI and NISM around a shared message, so investor education can reach the public rather than remain confined to institutions.

The seminar also featured a panel discussion on “The Bond Blueprint: Regulatory Reforms and Market Dynamics,” where financial and securities market experts explored the changing landscape of India’s debt market. Topics included the regulatory framework for the corporate bond market, India’s position in the global debt market, and ways to make bonds more accessible investment products for retail investors.

This focus indicates that, alongside rising equity participation, the market regulator aims to extend the investor base to a broader range of financial products. The emphasis on investor protection, cost transparency and financial literacy lays the groundwork for strengthening market confidence in the next phase of retail participation.

Our previous report highlighted the “Samajh Se Investing Simple” campaign run by NSE and SEBI during World Investor Week 2026, as well as efforts to boost investor awareness and financial literacy through Project Jagrook. It also outlined the role of verification tools, fraud prevention measures and large-scale investor awareness programmes held across the country in promoting safe, informed and responsible investing.

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