October 23, 2025

Big news from the world of Indian finance! The Government of India is on a mission to fill two empty Whole-Time Member (WTM) seats at SEBI, the country’s toughest market watchdog. According to insiders, seven strong candidates are now in the spotlight. Who’s in the race? Ex-SEBI Executives VS Sundaresan and Anand Rajeshwar Baiwar bring solid inside knowledge. The hunt also includes IRS officers Rajeshwar Yadav, Sandip Pradhan, and Pransanjit Singh, offering skills in investigation and compliance. Adding to the mix is M Jayadev, a respected IIM Bangalore professor with sharp academic views on markets. Last but not least, N Venkatram from La Caisse, a big Canada-based pension fund, brings international investment wisdom. This varied team of hopefuls shows the government wants a blend of expertise. Sundaresan and Baiwar know SEBI’s secret gears well. The IRS officers mean business in rules and enforcement. Jayadev offers fresh academic insights, while Venkatram brings a global money manager’s perspective. Why the hurry? Two WTM seats fell vacant when Ananth Narayan Gopalkrishnan’s term ended recently. Narayan was a rockstar at SEBI, making waves with moves like cracking down on equity derivatives speculation and tightening rules for market players. His exit left a gap right when SEBI is investigating big traders like US-based Jane Street. SEBI runs with a chairman and four WTMs, each watching over crucial areas—market patrol, middlemen checks, corporate rules, and enforcement. The Centre is expected to appoint WTMs for five years or until they turn 65. The process isn’t easy — a special panel picks candidates, who then face tough interviews and background checks to ensure no conflicts of interest. Sources reveal the government aims to wrap up both appointments before December ends. So, the countdown has begun for fresh faces to steer the Indian market’s watchdog ship through exciting times ahead!

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Tags: Sebi, Whole-time member, Government appointments, Regulatory body, Indian finance ministry, Market governance,