Faster AIF schemes to corporate bonds tokenisation: What Sebi annual report tells about its next moves

Sebi will introduce a fast-track mechanism for launching Alternative Investment Fund schemes and build a single-window clearance system for intermediaries linked to multiple market infrastructure institutions, Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey said, as the regulator looks to cut compliance burden and make capital raising easier.

In his statement, the Sebi chief said the regulator’s next phase will focus on faster capital mobilisation, simpler market access, stronger technology systems and wider investor awareness.

"To further accelerate capital mobilisation, we will introduce a fast-track mechanism for launch of AIF schemes and develop a single window clearance system for intermediaries associated with multiple MIIs, significantly reducing the compliance burden," Pandey said.


The move is part of Sebi wider push to improve ease of doing business in the securities market. Market infrastructure institutions, or MIIs, include stock exchanges, clearing corporations and depositories.

Sebi Setu portal planned

The regulator also plans to modernise the way intermediaries interact with Sebi through a new Sebi Setu Portal. The proposed portal is expected to work as a single access point for regulatory information, registration tracking and other processes for market intermediaries. SEBI’s annual report also lists the Setu Portal as part of its plan to create a unified, one-stop portal for intermediaries.

Pandey said Sebi will also take up a pilot project for tokenisation of corporate bonds using distributed ledger technology.

Tokenisation can help convert securities into digital tokens on a shared technology platform. SEBI said the pilot will test whether such a system can improve settlement speed, operational efficiency and smart contract-based features in the bond market.

Quantum-era risks in focus

The Sebi chairman also said the regulator is preparing the market for quantum-era cybersecurity risks. This comes at a time when financial markets are becoming more dependent on high-speed technology, cloud systems, artificial intelligence and data-driven surveillance.

Pandey said Sebi is developing long-term technology roadmaps for MIIs. The annual report says a working group will prepare five-year and 10-year technology roadmaps covering areas such as AI, machine learning, distributed ledger technology, cloud computing, tokenisation and quantum-safe systems.

Project Jagrook for investors

Pandey said individual investor empowerment remains at the centre of Sebi work. He highlighted Project Jagrook, an investor awareness initiative inaugurated by the Union Finance Minister. The project will bring together Sebi, MIIs, AMFI and NISM through a national campaign using both physical and digital outreach.

"The aim is not just wider participation, but about responsible participation," Pandey said. He said the project will help investors ask the right questions, make informed choices and enter the market with confidence, not confusion.