What is the primary focus of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)?

The primary focus of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is to regulate the securities and commodity markets. SEBI was established to protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote and regulate the securities market in India. Its main objectives include maintaining fair practices in the market, ensuring transparency, and preventing fraudulent and unfair trade practices.

SEBI’s role encompasses various functions such as registering and regulating stock exchanges, brokers, and underwriters; overseeing the issuance of new securities; and ensuring that companies comply with regulatory requirements when they raise funds from the public. By doing so, SEBI fosters a safe and efficient market environment, helping to build investor confidence.

In contrast, other choices relate to different regulatory frameworks. Monetary policy management is typically the purview of a central bank. Regulating banking deposits falls under banking regulations rather than securities. Handling insolvency proceedings is managed by specialized laws and authorities like the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI), not SEBI. This clarity in the functions assigned to SEBI reinforces why the regulation of the securities and commodity markets is its primary focus.