SEBI Proposes Overhaul of PMS Regulations: New MF-Only Category, Lower Min Investment to ₹25 Lakh

SEBI Proposes Digital KYC Norms for NRIs/OCIs, Eases Physical Presence for FATF-Compliant Countries

SEBI has proposed major relaxations in KYC norms for individual overseas investors (NRIs, OCIs, foreign nationals) by allowing digital onboarding without physical presence for residents of FATF-compliant countries. This move aims to simplify entry into India's securities market, reduce paperwork, and boost foreign portfolio investment by enabling KYC portability across intermediaries.

SEBI Proposes Net Settlement of Funds for Mutual Funds to Reduce Liquidity Needs

SEBI has proposed allowing mutual fund schemes to settle cash market transactions on a net basis for funds, while keeping securities settlement gross. This aims to reduce temporary liquidity pressures and operational inefficiencies, especially during index rebalancing or large redemptions, following a similar framework for FPIs.

SEBI Proposes FPI Access in Physically Settled Non-Agricultural Derivatives to Boost India’s Price Setting Role

SEBI proposes allowing FPIs to trade in physically settled non-agricultural commodity derivatives (bullion, energy, base metals) to integrate India’s commodity market globally, increase liquidity, and help India become a price setter rather than a price taker. This move could deepen MCX’s market, reduce forex outflows for hedging, and attract global capital.

Maharashtra Proposes DELTA Act for Land Tokenisation; Asset Base Estimated at ₹50 Lakh Crore

Maharashtra is set to become India's first 'tokenised State' by proposing the DELTA Act, which creates a legal framework to convert land ownership into blockchain-based digital tokens. This could unlock an estimated ₹50 lakh crore in state land value and set a template for national adoption of Real World Asset (RWA) tokenisation across gold, bonds, and carbon credits.

ICAI Issues SSA 5000 for Sustainability Assurance, Effective April 1, 2027

ICAI has issued SSA 5000, a new standard for sustainability assurance effective April 1, 2027, aimed at bringing audit-like discipline to ESG disclosures and combating greenwashing. This is a critical regulatory shift for listed companies and the growing sustainability consulting market.

SEBI Revises Settlement Framework: New Formula, Disgorgement Separation, and Common Advertising Code Approved

SEBI has revamped its settlement proceedings framework with a new formula to calculate settlement amounts, separating disgorgement of wrongful gains to avoid double counting. The regulator also approved a common advertising code for regulated entities and backed the closing auction session. These changes aim to simplify processes and reduce compliance burden while maintaining discretion to reject egregious cases.

ICAI Reviews CA Curriculum to Integrate AI, ESG, Forensic Auditing; Launches AURA 2.0 and International Programme

ICAI is overhauling the CA curriculum to include AI, data analytics, ESG, and forensic auditing to keep pace with global technological shifts. It is also developing an international CA programme for countries like Mauritius, Nepal, and African nations, and launching advanced AI training for members and students.

SEBI Grants In-Principle Approval for NSE Settlement at ₹1,491.21 Crore for Past Lapses

SEBI has accepted NSE's settlement offer of ₹1,491.21 crore to resolve long-standing regulatory lapses related to governance failures and inequitable access for trading members. This in-principle approval is a critical step for NSE ahead of its mega IPO, signaling regulatory closure on past issues.