SEBI Annual Report 2024–25: What You Need to Know
Every year, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) releases its annual report, and the 2024–25 edition is a big one. It’s not just about numbers and regulations—it’s about how India’s financial markets are evolving, how investors are being protected, and how technology is shaping the way we invest. Here’s a quick dive into the key takeaways.
Record-Breaking Fundraising
If there’s one headline for the year, it’s this: Indian companies raised a record ₹14.6 lakh crore in 2024–25. That’s a massive 33% jump from the previous year. The money came in through a mix of equity, bonds, and newer instruments like real estate investment trusts (REITs) and infrastructure investment trusts (InvITs).
- The IPO market was buzzing. 79 main board IPOs brought in ₹1.6 lakh crore—more than double the previous year’s amount. Even the SME space (small and medium enterprises) saw a boom, with 241 companies raising close to ₹10,000 crore.
- Corporate bonds also had a good year, with issuances hitting ₹9.9 lakh crore. SEBI even lowered the face value of some bonds to ₹10,000 so that smaller investors could participate, not just big institutions.
- Sustainability took center stage too. Companies were allowed to issue green bonds, social bonds, and sustainability-linked bonds—tying finance directly to environmental and social goals.
In short, Indian companies had no shortage of options to raise money, and investors had no shortage of opportunities to participate.
Mutual Funds, SIPs, and Beyond
The Indian mutual fund industry continues to be one of the country’s biggest financial success stories. As of March 2025, the sector’s assets under management stood at a whopping ₹65.7 lakh crore, up from ₹22.3 lakh crore just five years ago.
More importantly, the investor base has more than doubled, crossing 5.4 crore unique investors. Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) remain a favorite, with average monthly contributions climbing to ₹13,052 crore. To encourage even more people to start investing, SEBI and AMFI introduced “Chhoti SIPs”—plans that let you begin with just ₹250 a month.
And it’s not just mutual funds. Portfolio management services (PMS) and alternative investment funds (AIFs) are also seeing rapid growth, with AIF commitments crossing ₹13.5 lakh crore. Clearly, wealth management in India is diversifying fast.
Protecting the Investor
With so many new investors entering the markets (many of them young and digital-first), SEBI has been extra focused on protection. Some of the steps taken include:
- Direct payouts of securities into investors’ demat accounts, so intermediaries can’t misuse client funds.
- A revamped complaint redressal system (SCORES 2.0) that promises faster responses and better tracking.
- A new platform called MITRA, which helps investors track inactive or unclaimed mutual fund accounts.
- Awareness campaigns warning against scams, unregistered financial advisors, and fake trading platforms.
- The launch of SEVA, a virtual assistant to answer investor queries, plus free online certification exams to help people better understand the risks of investing.
All this points to one central idea: SEBI wants investors to not just invest more, but invest wisely.
Making Life Easier for Businesses
Regulation doesn’t always have to mean red tape. In fact, SEBI has been working on making things smoother for businesses. For example:
- Rights issues (where existing shareholders get the chance to buy more shares) can now be completed in just 23 working days, down from over 300 earlier.
- Public debt issuers are allowed to publish advertisements online, saving cost and time.
- Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) got a simpler onboarding process, plus a dedicated SEBI outreach cell to help them directly.
- A brand-new asset class called Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs) was introduced, bridging the gap between mutual funds and PMS.
The message is clear—SEBI wants Indian markets to be attractive not just to domestic players, but to global investors too.
Technology at the Core
Another big theme in this year’s report is technology. SEBI is leaning heavily on advanced data analytics to catch insider trading, price manipulation, and accounting frauds. On the investor side, more processes are being digitized, from opening accounts to grievance redressal. Cybersecurity is also being strengthened across the ecosystem.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, SEBI has set its sights on simplifying regulations even further, cutting down on overlaps, and making compliance less costly. Investor education will remain a priority, especially around cyber frauds. And of course, attracting long-term foreign capital is going to be a big focus.
Final Thoughts
The SEBI Annual Report 2024–25 is more than just a recap of numbers. It shows how India’s financial markets are becoming deeper, more inclusive, and more tech-driven. From record IPOs to ₹250 SIPs, from cracking down on scams to streamlining business processes, the direction is clear: SEBI is preparing Indian markets to be a cornerstone of Viksit Bharat 2047.
For investors—whether you’re just starting out with a Chhoti SIP or watching IPO trends closely—it’s an exciting time to be part of India’s financial journey.
| Disclaimer : The Indium Dossier publishes independent research for informational and educational purposes only. We do not provide any investment advice, brokerage services, or buy/sell/hold recommendations. All content, including articles, charts, and opinions, is based on publicly available information believed to be accurate at the time of publication. Readers are encouraged to perform their own analysis or consult with a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions. The Indium Dossier, its authors, and affiliates shall not be held liable for any loss or damage arising from reliance on our content. All trademarks, logos, and brand names used in our materials are the property of their respective owners. |