SEBI Chair Highlights Compliance and Innovation at Fintech Fest

At the Global Fintech Fest 2024, SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch emphasized that compliance should be a 'low hum' in the background for regulated entities, akin to breathing, allowing businesses to focus on growth and service delivery. This address was her first public appearance since Hindenburg Research's allegations regarding her alleged conflict of interest in the Adani Group investigation. Buch highlighted the importance of regulation in fostering consumer trust and improving business operations, citing the positive industry response to the introduction of small and medium Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). She noted that many companies prefer regulation to ensure investor confidence and that SEBI is actively working to simplify compliance standards. Furthermore, Buch mentioned that SEBI has accepted around 70% of proposals aimed at easing business operations and is leveraging AI to expedite regulatory processes. Ultimately, Buch reinforced that compliance is beneficial for both consumers and businesses, fostering a trustworthy market environment.