Tuhin Kanta Pandey, currently serving as India’s Finance Secretary, has been appointed as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). His appointment has been approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, and he will assume office for a three-year term.
Succeeding Madhabi Puri Buch
Pandey is set to take over from Madhabi Puri Buch, whose tenure at SEBI concludes on February 28. Buch made history as the first woman to head the securities market regulator when she took charge on March 2, 2022.
Her leadership tenure was marked by significant regulatory developments as well as scrutiny, including allegations linked to offshore funds associated with the Adani Group. These accusations, initially raised by short-seller Hindenburg Research, brought SEBI’s role under sharp focus.
Pandey’s Extensive Government Experience
A seasoned bureaucrat, Pandey has held multiple key positions in various Government departments. He became the Finance Secretary in September 2024, and prior to that, he led the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance, a role he took on in January 2025.
His previous assignments also include serving as Secretary in the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), the Department of Personnel and Training, and the Department of Investment & Public Asset Management (DIPAM), both of which function under the Finance Ministry.
Official Confirmation, Future Outlook
An official Government order confirming his appointment stated, “The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey, IAS (OR:1987), Finance Secretary and Secretary, Department of Revenue to the post of Chairman, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), initially for a period of three years from the date of assumption of charge of the post or until further orders, whichever is earlier.”
Buch’s exit marks the end of a leadership term that saw SEBI navigating critical regulatory challenges.
Before her, Ajay Tyagi served as SEBI chairman from March 2017 to February 2022, while UK Sinha had a six-year tenure prior to Tyagi.
With Pandey’s appointment, the regulatory body is set to enter a new phase under fresh leadership, with expectations of continued reforms in the financial markets.
