BUSINESS
This ruling on powers of SFIO clears the air on its primacy
The Delhi High Court ruled that once the Serious Fraud Investigation Office is assigned a case, no other authority can conduct a parallel investigation
BUSINESS
Proposed Competition Regulations: A lawyer’s dream but a nightmare for businesses?
Overly restrictive regulations can stifle economic activity and undo the good done by the economic reforms of the nineties
BUSINESS
SEBI’s tough stance against market manipulators will benefit investors
Thorough investigations and stiff penalties can deter evils such as manipulation, insider trading and front-running, creating a safe haven for small investors
BUSINESS
SEBI’s proposals to rein in finfluencers fall far short of the goal
Legal workarounds around the proposals in Sebi’s consultation paper can defeat the main purpose of protecting small investors
BUSINESS
SEBI’s Brightcom order raises larger issues on regulation
While the order is an interim one, how frauds happen with regularity despite so many checks and balances is a puzzle. Cracking it is critical to shoring up investor confidence
BUSINESS
Delisting process may see new regulatory twists and turns
A SEBI committee report has proposed some crucial changes such as in the bidding process, allowing competitive bids, and bids for illiquid stocks and holding companies
BUSINESS
SEBI’s FAQs on investment advisors offer more clarity, but the bigger challenge remains
A bold regulatory overhaul is required to ensure that the vital service of investment advisors is seen as a worthwhile profession
BUSINESS
SEBI’s overhaul makes reporting of material events tighter, timely and detailed
While investors will benefit from the enhanced disclosures, the risk is that it could result in an information overload for them and a compliance nightmare for companies
BUSINESS
The GST-PMLA linking controversy: Let's not miss the woods for the trees
Those who cried wolf over PMLA’s net extending to GST have not only misread its intention, worse they may end up diverting attention from a long due reform of the anti-money laundering law
BUSINESS
GST On Gaming: A tale of Shakuni Mama vs Yudhisthira
GST on the gross amount is unfair but the industry has not provided one valid counter to the government’s argument that gaming is addictive. But, is that the only motive of the government?
BUSINESS
Auditors are under fire from the NFRA
The accounting authority NFRA is passing a stream of orders against allegedly errant auditors, conducting swift investigations and passing detailed orders. But, there is a risk of overreach as well
BUSINESS
Six years of GST – achievements, setbacks and the way forward
GST’s introduction is a momentous occasion in India’s economic history. Here are some steps that can make the GST framework more robust and support growth
BUSINESS
When do off-market transactions lose their kosher tag?
Off-market transactions are permitted but come with strict requirements and as a recent Sebi case shows, non-compliance attracts severe penalties
BUSINESS
Pump-And-Dump: Digital footprints help SEBI impound Rs 126 crore, but these are getting tougher to track
SEBI netted a 2019 pump-and-dump scheme and impounded illicit profits by unearthing the digital trail. But tech improvements are allowing scamsters to mask their actions. Should the law then change to place burden of proof on those suspected of benefiting from pump-and-dump, insider trading and front running?
BUSINESS
Are corporate frauds detected too late in India?
There are adequate checks and balances in various laws to prevent corporate fraud. Still, a few individuals are able to run circles around regulators. What’s the solution?
BUSINESS
SEBI introduces significant corporate governance amendments
SEBI’s amendments to the LODR rules are far reaching and promote greater and quicker transparency of information and less discretion. In some areas, however, there has been an over-kill
BUSINESS
Investment advisers face risk of an untimely demise
Sebi’s intentions may be noble but are pushing investments advisers into a corner. While investor protection is needed, it can be done better
BUSINESS
SEBI seeks to tether wild west of finfluencers
The proposed regulation put the onus of proving innocence on the finfluencer rather than SEBI being asked to prove the guilt through connection between share price movement and advice of finfluencers
BUSINESS
SEBI seeks to widen price-sensitive net for insider trading
A 2018 change to securities law meant companies could classify information as material but not price-sensitive. SEBI wants to plug that gap
BUSINESS
Sebi’s proposal allowing smaller REITs opens one door but shuts another
Smaller real estate investment trusts is a good idea for investors and the market, but less onerous compliance please needed. An elephant in the room needs to be addressed too
BUSINESS
SEBI’s case for presuming guilt till proven innocent is a weak one
Pinning down perpetrators in suspicious transactions may be a tough task, but that’s not excuse enough to promulgate a draconian law
BUSINESS
Personal Finance: ChatGPT and co will take quite a while to match financial advisors
Financial advisors and fininfluencers can breathe easy. ChatGPT isn’t about to steal their jobs. Generative AI tools make elementary errors in retirement fund calculations and come up with absurd numbers. AI will require more iterations to be able to work without human oversight, at least in personal finance
BUSINESS
Fininfluencers: Reining them in takes some effort but SEBI has the long arm to crack the whip
Instead of more regulations/guidelines to rein in financial influencers, SEBI could well start applying many existing provisions that are time and court tested. And also narrow down the wide and gaping loophole in the regulations that give fininfluencers a free for all
BUSINESS
Draconian PMLA extends reporting stranglehold to finance professionals
Chartered accountants, company secretaries and cost & works accountants are protesting at being included under the ambit of the money laundering law
