The Indian government has appointed Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey as the 11th chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Pandey, a 1987-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Odisha cadre, will succeed Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year tenure concludes on February 28, 2025.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved Pandey’s appointment for an initial term of three years, effective from the date he assumes charge. His leadership comes at a critical time, as Indian markets face bearish trends due to significant withdrawals by foreign institutional investors, with over ₹1 lakh crore pulled out since January.
Pandey brings a wealth of experience to SEBI, having played a pivotal role in the 2025-26 Budget, which provided ₹1 lakh crore in tax relief to the middle class. He was also instrumental in drafting a new Income Tax Bill aimed at replacing the Income Tax Act of 1961. As the longest-serving Secretary in the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), Pandey oversaw key disinvestment initiatives, including the privatization of Air India and the ongoing efforts to privatize IDBI Bank.
Holding a Master’s degree in Economics from Punjab University and an MBA from the University of Birmingham, UK, Pandey has served in various capacities in both the Odisha state government and the central government. His diverse experience is expected to contribute significantly to his role as SEBI chairman, where he will focus on strengthening market regulations and enhancing investor protection.
Dhanya Reddy S
Alma Media School Student
