‘If I utter a word on REITs, I will be accused of conflict of interest’, says Sebi chief

Capital markets regulator SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch announced on Monday that a single disclosure made by listed companies on one stock exchange will soon be automatically reflected on the other exchange.

This follows recent proposals from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for significant changes to disclosure and listing requirements for listed companies, based on recommendations from a committee headed by former SEBI whole-time member S.K. Mohanty.

Speaking at a CII event, Sebi chairperson said, "a single filing with the exchange will be a reality very soon".

"As part of the proposed changes, a filing submitted on one exchange will automatically be reflected on the other exchange, she stated.

Additionally, Buch mentioned that investors will soon have the option to start a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) with a minimum investment of just ₹250 per month."

"We are on the way of ₹250 SIP becoming a reality," she said.

Buch avoided commenting on Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), but said there are regulations simplifying such entities.

"If I utter a word on REITs, I will be accused of conflict of interest," she added.

Buch refrained from commenting on Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) but noted that regulations have been implemented to simplify these entities.

This statement came in the wake of US short-seller Hindenburg Research raising concerns about a potential conflict of interest involving Buch and private equity giant Blackstone.

Her husband, Dhaval Buch, serves as a senior advisor with Blackstone, which plays a significant role in the REIT sector. However, the couple denied these allegations.

Hindenburg also claimed that Sebi's recent amendments to the 2014 REIT regulations were biased toward a particular financial conglomerate, a claim Sebi has refuted.

The Sebi chief also announced plans to make IPO documents available in multiple languages to overcome language barriers and boost investor awareness. She stressed the importance of inclusion.

Additionally, she emphasized the need to create capital for the industry and wealth for the citizens of the country as key priorities for the regulator.

Buch also underscored the necessity of adopting technology in markets, ensuring market complexity is managed with the right products for the right people, and fostering co-creation with the industry.

On co-creation, Buch said, "It is not because that regulator is magnanimous, it's out of sheer necessity, which will actually serve the market".

(With inputs from PTI)