Capital markets regulator SEBI has approved a series of measures aimed at improving market efficiency, easing compliance, and strengthening key regulatory frameworks across multiple segments of the financial markets. The decisions were taken at the 214th meeting of the SEBI Board held in Mumbai today.

 

In a major relief for investors, SEBI approved reforms to simplify the transmission of securities for legal heirs and claimants. A new Quick Transmission Processing (QTP) category has been introduced for small-value claims to enable faster processing with reduced documentation. The regulator has also enhanced simplified documentation limits, removed mandatory PAN submission in certain cases, and accepted QR code-enabled death certificates to ease verification.

 

SEBI has also approved the reintroduction of open-market share buybacks through stock exchanges from 1st August 2026, with revised timelines and stricter compliance norms.

Mutual funds will now be allowed intraday borrowings to manage temporary liquidity mismatches, while Alternative Investment Funds will benefit from a faster approval mechanism under the GARUDA framework, reducing launch timelines to 10 working days.

 

The Board also approved reforms to securitised debt instruments in line with the RBI framework and measures to deepen the municipal bond market by allowing refinancing and pooled financing options.

 

In addition, SEBI approved a review of the SME capital-raising framework for the financial year 27 and adopted a new Code of Conduct for its members and employees to address conflict of interest and disclosure norms.

 

The regulator said the reforms are aimed at enhancing transparency, improving investor convenience, and strengthening India’s capital markets ecosystem.