Mumbai, February 26 – In a bid to shield investors from fraudulent schemes, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued strict guidelines for stock brokers, portfolio managers, mutual funds, and distributors. Starting May 1, all regulated entities must prominently display their registered name and SEBI registration number on every social media post related to securities markets.
The directive covers a wide array of platforms including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Telegram, WhatsApp, Reddit, and Threads. Whether it’s a video, written post, or any other content touching on stock markets, the registration details must be front and center.
SEBI emphasized that this measure aims to help investors quickly distinguish content from legitimate, regulated sources versus unverified or fake entities. ‘In recent years, we’ve cracked down on coordinated pump-and-dump schemes and share manipulations run via social media,’ a SEBI circular noted.
Regulated firms are required to feature their details on the homepage of their social media handles. Each market-related video or post must kick off with these identifiers. Entities with multiple registrations must provide a link listing all their SEBI credentials and specify under which one the content is posted.
Market experts hail the move as a game-changer. ‘This transparency will empower investors to make informed choices and sidestep misleading hype,’ said one veteran analyst. With social media’s growing influence on retail trading, SEBI’s proactive step could significantly curb misinformation and boost market integrity.
As digital platforms become primary channels for financial advice, this regulation underscores SEBI’s commitment to a safer investment ecosystem. Investors are urged to always verify the registration details before acting on social media tips.