Summary of this article
Sebi chair said securities market can play important role in retirement planning
Pandey said while investor base in India has grow, many are still vulnerable to scams
Many investors participate in the securities market with limited knowledge, which makes them vulnerable to scams and mis-selling, Tuhin Kanta Pandey, chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) said at IDFC First Bank presents Outlook Money’s 40 after 40 Retirement Expo on February 20, 2026. That is why it is important for investors to make informed decisions while investing in the markets and not fall into traps, such as fraud or cybercrime, he said. Sebi, he added, is also focusing on initiatives to strengthen investor trust and protect them from risks.
Retail Investor Base Has Grown in India, But Awareness Still Low
Pandey said the retail investor base has grown sharply in India over the last five years and now stands at 140 million, and technology has played a huge role in this.
“Citizens have wider access to markets due to development in technology. Investing is no longer limited to top-tier cities but has seeped into every household conversation, even in remote rural locations. Technology has made onboarding easier, access wider, and participation more inclusive,” he said.
“But here is the reality we must confront — general awareness about the securities market is merely the first step in the knowledge ladder. Sebi’s investor survey shows a gap between awareness and informed participation. It means many investors are entering markets with only moderate knowledge, making them vulnerable to mis-selling, scams, and risks they do not fully understand. Therefore, trust has to be built through protection, transparency, and education,” he said.
Securities Market Can Help in Retirement Planning
Pandey said that financial security is necessary across all ages and the securities market can play an important role in that. “Whether you are 35 or 65, financial security is important. So, your investment choices are important,” he said.
He said the securities market can, in fact, play an important role in retirement planning by offering long-term wealth creation. The security market also offers opportunities to diversify funds beyond traditional savings and provides access to professionally managed products which match the individual investor’s life goals, he said.
Diversify Your Investments
Pandey stressed on the importance of diversifying while investing.
“Creating an investment portfolio which is suited to the investor based on his/her age, income, responsibilities, and risk appetite is necessary. In capital markets, one can think about diversification across equities, mutual funds, corporate bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs), infrastructure investment trusts (InvITs), and commodities. Match investments to your risk capacity and avoid investments that you do not understand,” Pandey said.
Rely on Verified Sources, Sebi-RIA for Advice
Pandey said it is important to only on verified sources and Sebi-registered investment advisors (Sebi RIAs) for financial advice and avoid unsolicited offers or the lure of guaranteed returns. Investors must also conduct their own research before making an investment, he said.
“Do not rely on unsolicited offers, anonymous tips, or guaranteed-return equity messages on social media. Rely on verified sources, registered investment advisors, well-researched pooled vehicles, as well as your own research. Always check whether an intermediary is actually registered. As they say, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” Pandey said.
“For most of you, financial security is not a single milestone. It’s a lifelong journey — building a retirement corpus, protecting it from inflation, and ensuring a steady income post-retirement. None of this works without trust because, when you invest, you rely on a system of disclosures, fair markets, accountable intermediaries, and effective redressal mechanisms. Trust matters even more today because participation — especially retail participation — is expanding. Rapid investing is now part of everyday conversation in homes, in offices, and unfortunately, also through unverified tips on social media,” he added.
Investor Protection
Pandey also Sebi is also continually taking steps to strengthen investor protection.
“Cyber fraud will continue to rise as digital channels expand. However, Sebi will continue to be vigilant of the evolving scopes of cybercrime, and combat them through technology, tighter processes, and awareness initiatives. I urge you to remain vigilant. Please share details of the Sebi Check facility and whitelisted apps with family members, especially senior citizens, as they are most vulnerable to such frauds,” Pandey added.
