Who is new SEBI chief, Tuhin Kanta Pandey? A look at his career, education & more about the IAS who is replacing Madhabi Puri Buch

Tuhin Kanta Pandey, appointed new SEBI Chief: Tuhin Kanta Pandey, a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Odisha cadre (1987 batch), has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). He is set to replace Madhabi Puri Buch and will lead the country¡¯s top financial regulatory body for a three-year term. Madhabi is the first woman chief of the capital markets regulator on March 2, 2022.

Tuhin Kanta Pandey¡¯s Career Journey

From Finance Secretary to SEBI Chief

Before taking over as SEBI chief, Tuhin Kanta Pandey served as the Finance Secretary of India. He assumed this role in September 2024 after the position became vacant following TV Somanathan's promotion to Cabinet Secretary. His extensive experience in handling public finances and economic policies has made him a key figure in the Indian financial landscape.

Key Government Roles Held by Tuhin Kanta Pandey

Pandey has had an illustrious career in both the state and central governments, holding several significant positions, including:

• Secretary of the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM): Managed the government's disinvestment initiatives and financial restructuring.
• Secretary of the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE): Played a pivotal role in the management of public sector enterprises.
• Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation (2021): Briefly held this role, overseeing critical aviation policies.
• Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce: Worked on trade and economic policies.
• District Collector of Sambalpur, Odisha: Managed administrative and governance responsibilities at the district level.
• Roles in Health, Transport, and Commercial Taxes Departments: Contributed to policy-making and implementation in various sectors.

Tuhin Kanta Pandey¡¯s Education and Expertise

Tuhin Kanta Pandey has a strong academic background that has helped shape his financial acumen:

• Master of Arts (MA) in Economics from Panjab University, Chandigarh
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Birmingham, UK
• His expertise in economics and financial management has been instrumental in his career growth, making him a trusted figure in India¡¯s economic policy-making.

Major Contributions to Government Policies

Key Role in Disinvestment and Privatisation

As one of the longest-serving secretaries in DIPAM, Pandey played a significant role in managing government stakes in public sector enterprises. Some of his key contributions include:

Privatisation of Air India: He played a leading role in the sale of Air India to the Tata Group, marking one of India¡¯s most significant disinvestment moves.

Privatisation of IDBI Bank: Oversaw the bank¡¯s privatisation process, which is still underway as potential bidders assess the deal.

Shaping India's Financial Policies

During his tenure as Finance Secretary, Pandey was involved in crucial policy decisions, including:

2025-26 Budget Planning: He was instrumental in shaping the Union Budget, which provided Rs 1 lakh crore in tax relief for the middle class.

Public Sector Financial Management: Led reforms to improve the financial performance of public sector units.

Economic Strategy Development: Advised the Finance Minister on fiscal policies and economic strategies.

What to Expect from Tuhin Kanta Pandey as SEBI Chief?

With his huge experience in public finance, investment management, and disinvestment policies, Pandey is expected to bring strong financial governance to SEBI. His leadership will focus on:

• Strengthening stock market regulations to ensure transparency and investor confidence.
• Enhancing financial market oversight to prevent fraud and irregularities.
• Promoting investor-friendly policies to encourage more participation in the stock market.

List of chairpersons of SEBI from 1990 - 2025

Tuhin Kanta Pandey¡¯s appointment as the new SEBI chief marks a significant moment in India¡¯s financial sector. With his deep understanding of economic policies, financial management, and governance, he is well-equipped to lead SEBI into a new era of regulatory excellence. His vast experience in handling government investments and public sector enterprises makes him a strong choice for this role. As he takes charge, stakeholders in India¡¯s stock markets and financial institutions will closely watch his policy decisions and reforms.

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