Abstract

The inception of the capital market in India can be traced back to the 18th century, during a time when the trading of East India Company securities commenced. The Indian capital market has made significant strides since its establishment at the beginning of the nineteenth century. The legislative enactment of the SEBI in 1992 as a regulatory body was tasked with overseeing and governing the securities markets within the nation's borders. The primary obligations of the SEBI encompass the preservation of the welfare of investors and the facilitation of growth and oversight within the Indian securities markets. Due to the accelerated process of advancement in the world of finance, the multifaceted role of SEBI as a regulatory authority and facilitator of market growth has become progressively intricate. It is to be noted that the erosion of investor’s confidence has been attributed to the prevailing financial downturn, recessions, instances of misconduct, and various fraudulent activities that have plagued the capital markets. The paramount objective of all investors in the securities market is to mitigate risks and optimize returns. The feasibility of achieving this outcome is contingent upon their engagement with investments in a stable and protected securities market. Ensuring the safety of the financial markets as a conducive environment to feed investment necessitates the implementation of sufficient measures for safeguarding investors, which facilitate equitable and limpid transactions. This article elucidates several salient points, encompassing the paramount significance of SEBI in formulating and implementing policies aimed at safeguarding the interests of investors. Furthermore, it sheds light on the role of SEBI in investor protection.

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