New Delhi: In a significant move to steer India’s financial regulatory landscape, the government has appointed Tuhin Kanta Pandey, the current Finance Secretary, as the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). This appointment comes as Madhabi Puri Buch’s tenure concludes at the end of February. Pandey, known for his pivotal role in major economic reforms, will assume the position for an initial term of three years.
Pandey’s appointment marks a strategic shift in leadership at a time when SEBI is focused on expanding financial investment options and addressing market volatility. His experience as Finance Secretary, coupled with his oversight of the divestment department, has been instrumental in key government initiatives. Notably, he led the successful privatization of Air India and the public listing of Life Insurance Corp. of India (LIC).
As the longest-serving divestment secretary, Pandey prioritized value creation by state-run companies, emphasizing better returns and accountability. His tenure as finance and revenue secretary since January 2025 has also seen efforts to reduce import duties on high-end motorcycles, aligning with India’s move towards a less protectionist economy. Pandey holds master’s degrees in economics from Panjab University and an MBA from the University of Birmingham.
