SEBI's 2026 Tech Roadmap, Boosting Market Infra Institutions

On Friday, 2 January 2026, the chairman of SEBI (Securities & Exchange Board of India), Tuhin Kanta Pandey, declared that, "Markets regulator SEBI has created a technology roadmap to improve the technological architecture for the MIIs (Market Infrastructure Institutions). This plan aims to strengthen the technology used in the securities market and build trust among stakeholders".

Pandey said while speaking at the celebration event of 40 years of the BSE Sensex in Mumbai, "SEBI is in the middle of forming a working group that will create a technology plan for MIIs (Market Infrastructure Institutions)".

He also added that the roadmap will give market infrastructure institutions a clear and structured 5-year and 10-year strategic plan for technology in the securities market. He also encouraged other MIIs and market organisations to keep investing in technology, risk management and cyber resilience, so that innovation strengthens market integrity.

A Vision for the Next Decade

Pandey further stated that the new guidelines aim to improve broad governance by setting clear rules for appointing key directors and establishing clear reporting lines for key management personnel. This will help ensure that governance in institutions remains strong and trustworthy. SEBI has mandated regular external independent performance reviews of market infrastructure institutions and their key committees every three years, in addition to the internal evaluations they already conduct.

Commenting on the new governance guidelines, Pandey said, "The Chief Technology Officer & Chief Information Security Officer will report to the ED (Executive Director) of vertical one, which is the critical operations. The Executive Director will update the governing board of the MII every quarter. I believe BSE has published the advertisements for new Executive Directors today, according to the new guidelines”.

Must Read: Role and Functions of SEBI: Why It Matters to Investors

Focus on Quality, Governance and Innovation

India's markets are gearing up for a brighter future. SEBI chief Pandey recently shared his vision for the next phase of market development, stressing that growth would not just be about size anymore. Instead, it will revolve around quality and sophistication. Key priorities include beefing up corporate governance standards, pushing sustainable finance and long-term value creation and sparking fresh innovation.

Investor protection stays front and centre. Pandey highlighted the need for responsible technology and data use in market operations and oversight. This approach aims to build trust while markets expand.

The regulator has suggested introducing a new requirement for existing merchant bankers to have a particular net worth. This change aims to improve risk management in the country’s growing IPO (Initial Public Offering) market.

In related moves, SEBI is rolling out stricter rules for merchant bankers' net worth requirements. They are proposing a phased plan to strengthen risk management in India's hot IPO market. This ties into the big SEBI IPO rules overhaul announced last December for bankers handling fundraises and deals. Under the new setup, these firms must maintain a liquid net worth of about 25% of the minimum requirement at all times.

SEBI Chief on BSE Sensex 40 Years Celebration

Pandey celebrated a big milestone as the BSE Sensex reached its 40th anniversary in Mumbai. He said there that, “For the last 40 years, the Sensex has proven to be a strong market indicator.” It reflects India’s economic changes and the growing maturity of our capital markets. He pointed out that the story of the Sensex is closely tied to the development of India’s overall market infrastructure.

These steps signal SEBI is taking steps to create a stronger & more supportive environment for investors during this time of increased activity.

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