The Centre has initiated the selection process for a new whole-time director at the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), as the tenure of incumbent Ananth Narayan concludes next month. The position, pivotal to the regulator’s functioning, is being advertised for a five-year term or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier. The last date for submission of applications has been set for October 6.

Narayan, who assumed office in 2022, leaves behind a tenure marked by critical regulatory interventions, significant orders, and forward-looking policy changes aimed at strengthening India’s capital markets. His role was particularly notable in enhancing market transparency, reinforcing investor safeguards, and addressing governance concerns across sectors.

The appointment gains added importance as SEBI currently has another whole-time member position lying vacant, leaving the regulatory body with leaner top-level leadership at a crucial time for financial markets. With the government’s push to deepen India’s capital markets and expand investor participation, the timely filling of these posts will be key to sustaining regulatory oversight and policy continuity.

The upcoming appointment is expected to attract wide attention from financial and regulatory circles, given SEBI’s central role in shaping India’s rapidly evolving financial landscape. Industry stakeholders will be closely watching the government’s choice, as it will influence the regulator’s direction in areas such as corporate governance, investor protection, and market innovation in the coming years.