India proposes easing stock exchange board rules

India's market regulator proposed easing board membership rules for stock exchanges and other key institutions to help attract qualified candidates. The changes would relax restrictions on individuals linked to market intermediaries.

A general view of the the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) headquarters in Mumbai, India, September 12, 2025. REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas

India's markets regulator proposed easing board eligibility rules for stock exchanges and key market institutions on Wednesday morning, citing recruitment bottlenecks. The draft overhaul modifies strict independence criteria that currently disqualify candidates with remote ties to market intermediaries. The regulatory pivot aims to widen the talent pool for critical financial infrastructure boards.