SEBI

SEBI’s power to revisit penalty orders, including Nil penalties, under Section 15-I (3) of the SEBI Act, 1992

Summary: Section 15-I (3) of the SEBI Act, 1992, empowers SEBI to revisit and enhance penalties imposed by the adjudicating officer, including orders where no penalty is imposed, within a period of three months from the date of passing of the order. However, this power can be exercised only if the order passed by the adjudicating officer is erroneous and not in the interests of the securities market. This revisionary power represents a critical component of SEBI’s regulatory framework — it allows the market regulator to modify orders passed by the adjudicating officer.Continue Reading SEBI’s power to revisit penalty orders, including Nil penalties, under Section 15-I (3) of the SEBI Act, 1992

Is SEBI obligated to provide only the documents it relies upon?

Summary: This blog analyses the duty of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”) to disclose documents during regulatory proceedings. It traces the judicial evolution of SEBI’s disclosure obligations and discusses contrasting judicial views on the extent and limits of such obligation.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”), as a regulator and a quasi-judicial body, is dutybound to act fairly and adhere to the principles of natural justice while conducting proceedings against parties. One such duty is to grant noticees access to the material that form the basis of the findings/ allegations made against them in the show cause notice.Continue Reading Is SEBI obligated to provide only the documents it relies upon?

Expanding the Regulatory Framework: Deep dive into SEBI’s new AML/CFT guidelines

INTRODUCTION

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (‘SEBI’), through its Master Circular dated June 06, 2024, issued ‘Guidelines on Anti-Money Laundering (“AML”) Standards and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (“CFT”)/ Obligations of Securities Market Intermediaries under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002,’ (“Master Circular/2024 Guidelines”),[1] emphasising the need for stricter AML/ CFT measures in the securities market, given global efforts against drug trafficking, terrorism, and other serious crimes. The 2024 Guidelines supersede the SEBI AML/ CFT Guidelines of February 03, 2023 (“2023 Guidelines”),[2] strengthening the obligations of market intermediaries and aligning with international standards from the Financial Action Task Force (“FATF”).Continue Reading Expanding the Regulatory Framework: Deep dive into SEBI’s new AML/CFT guidelines

Scope of summoning Indian nationals for virtual testimonies by Securities and Exchange Commission- Legal limits by local laws and international cooperation framework

Introduction

International law enforcement authorities are increasingly relying on mutual cooperation to obtain evidence or information outside their jurisdictional authority. Conducting joint investigations into prospective securities law violations, spanning countries, is also becoming common practice. This article discusses the scope and powers of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to seek/ obtain documents and witness testimonies from an Indian national involved in potential securities law violations abroad, which may have implications in the United States.Continue Reading Scope of summoning Indian nationals for virtual testimonies by Securities and Exchange Commission- Legal limits by local laws and international cooperation framework