Do it yourself

The principle and overriding function of the securities market regulator, The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is to protect the interests of the investors in the securities market. The other functions, viz., orderly development and regulation of securities markets are secondary, in my view. However, there is overwhelming anecdotal evidence to indicate that the regulators have given precedence to market development and regulation over the principle objective of investor protection. There are many instances in past 3-4years alone to indicate this. In the episodes of IL&FS, Franklin Templeton, Yes Bank, Jet Airways, Karvy etc., the interests of the investors in these entities were compromised. Moreover, little efforts were made to ensure that prospective investors are given full disclosures about the risk and reward of investing in the securities of these entities. Recently, we have seen repeat of this tendency. On Monday, the 7 th June 2021, evening, DHFL informed st...

 The recent order of the Supreme Court regarding classification of NPAs and payment of compound interest for the period of moratorium has reignited a debate on the state of Indian financial sector. The order of Supreme Court has been received by markets as a relief, as it removes a regulatory overhang and paves way for the banks to proceed with recovery of NPAs. Nonetheless, the next few quarters need to be watched closely for any precipitous rise in bad loans; especially if the recovery appears faltering. Past few years have been quite challenging for Indian financial services sector. A decade of massive infrastructure building exercise (1998-2008) resulted in significant advancement of demand and therefore unviable projects in key sectors like housing, roads, power, civil aviation, metal & mining, SEZs, Ports etc. resulted in a multitude of stalled and unviable projects. Administrative and regulatory irregularities in allotment of natural resources to private parties led to...