Tuhin Kanta Pandey, a seasoned IAS officer from the Odisha cadre (1987 batch), has been appointed the new Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). He takes over from Madhabi Puri Buch, the first woman to lead SEBI, whose tenure was marked by a strong push for technology-driven market regulation and investor protection.
Who is Tuhin Kanta Pandey?
Pandey brings over three decades of experience in public finance, asset management, and economic policy. Before this appointment, he served as India’s Finance Secretary, a role he assumed in September 2024. His leadership in disinvestment and public asset management has been pivotal in shaping India’s economic landscape.
Key Milestones in His Career
Finance Secretary (2024-2025) – Led policy advisory and fiscal management at the highest level, playing a key role in budget formulation and economic strategy.
Secretary, DIPAM – Spearheaded India’s historic sale of Air India and the public listing of LIC, two landmark transactions in the country’s privatization drive.
Secretary, DPE – Worked on strengthening corporate governance and efficiency in public sector enterprises.
Planning Commission & Civil Aviation – Held key administrative roles shaping investment policies and aviation reforms.
A Strong Academic Foundation
Tuhin Kanta Pandey holds an MA in Economics from Panjab University and an MBA from the UK, equipping him with a robust understanding of both economic theory and financial management.
Madhabi Puri Buch’s Legacy at SEBI
As SEBI’s first female chairperson, Madhabi Puri Buch led a transformational phase for India’s capital markets. Her tenure focused on:
Strengthening Market Surveillance – Leveraging data analytics and AI for fraud detection.
Enhancing Investor Protection – Introducing frameworks for greater transparency and retail investor participation.
Regulatory Modernization – Driving digital reforms and improving ease of compliance.
What’s Next for SEBI?
With Pandey at the helm, SEBI is set to enter a new phase of policy-driven, governance-focused market regulation. His public finance and strategic asset management background could signal a more proactive approach toward capital market reforms, IPO regulation, and investor confidence-building initiatives.