Tuhin Kanta Pandey has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), succeeding Madhabi Puri Buch, whose tenure concludes on March 1, 2025. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has sanctioned Pandey’s term for 3 years, entrusting him with the responsibility of steering India’s capital markets through a period of volatility.
A 1987-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Odisha cadre, Pandey has built a distinguished career in financial administration. He currently serves as the Finance Secretary and Secretary of the Department of Revenue, where he played a pivotal role in shaping fiscal policies. His recent contributions include overseeing the Union Budget for 2025-26, which introduced tax reliefs worth ₹1 lakh crore for the middle class.
One of Pandey’s most remarkable achievements was spearheading the privatisation of Air India—a move that had been long debated and repeatedly delayed due to financial complexities. As the longest-serving Secretary of the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), he played a crucial role in executing the ₹18,000 crore sale of the national carrier to the Tata Group in January 2022.
The deal marked the return of Air India to the Tatas after nearly seven decades. Pandey was widely credited for structuring the transaction in a way that made it viable, resolving ₹61,000 crore of Air India’s debt, and securing a smooth transition for the airline. His strategic approach not only salvaged the struggling carrier but also showcased his expertise in handling large-scale financial restructuring.
Pandey assumes office at a time when Indian markets are under pressure, largely due to extensive foreign investor withdrawals. Since January 2025, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have offloaded over ₹1 lakh crore, impacting market sentiment. His leadership will be crucial in navigating regulatory reforms, investor protection measures, and broader capital market stability.
As the head of SEBI, Pandey will be tasked with:
His academic credentials further bolster his qualifications for the role. Holding a Master of Arts in Economics from Punjab University and an MBA from the University of Birmingham, UK, he brings a global perspective to financial governance.
Having successfully executed one of India’s most complex privatisation deals, Pandey is well-versed in managing high-value financial transactions and regulatory frameworks. His ability to balance corporate interests with public policy could prove instrumental in stabilising market volatility and fostering investor trust in SEBI’s regulations.
Tuhin Kanta Pandey steps into the SEBI Chairmanship with a wealth of experience in finance, governance, and policy-making. As Indian markets brace for further global and domestic shifts, all eyes will be on how he navigates regulatory challenges and reinforces investor trust in India’s capital markets—just as he did when overseeing Tata’s historic Air India takeover
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.
Published on: Feb 28, 2025, 2:50 PM IST
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