Role of regulatory bodies: Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)

 The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is the primary regulatory body for the securities market in India. SEBI is responsible for protecting the interests of investors, promoting the development of the securities market, and maintaining its integrity. Some of the key roles and responsibilities of SEBI include:

1. Licensing and regulating intermediaries: SEBI is responsible for licensing and regulating intermediaries such as brokerage firms, investment advisors, and registrars and transfer agents.
2. Protecting investor interests: SEBI oversees the securities market to ensure that it operates fairly and transparently and that investors are protected from fraudulent or unfair practices.
3. Regulating securities offerings: SEBI regulates the issuance of securities, including initial public offerings (IPOs), follow-on public offerings (FPOs), and rights issues.
4. Enforcing compliance: SEBI enforces compliance with securities laws and regulations and takes action against companies and intermediaries that violate these laws.
5. Promoting fair and efficient markets: SEBI works to promote fair and efficient markets by setting standards for trading practices, market disclosure, and corporate governance.
6. Protecting the rights of minority shareholders: SEBI ensures that the rights of minority shareholders are protected and that they have an effective voice in the governance of companies.

SEBI plays a critical role in the Indian stock market, and its actions and regulations are designed to maintain the integrity and efficiency of the market and to protect the interests of investors.