SEBI Launches Dedicated Bank Account for Seamless Credits to IPEF by Market Participants


In a significant move to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of contributions to the SEBI Investor Protection and Education Fund (IPEF), the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched a dedicated bank account. This development, detailed in Circular No. SEBI/HO/GSD/TAD/P/CIR/2023/149 dated September 04, 2023, modifies the existing payment methods for crediting the IPEF, making it easier for market participants to fulfill their obligations.

Introduction: SEBI had previously mandated that amounts collected by listed companies, intermediaries, and fiduciaries as penalties for CoC violations be credited to the SEBI Investor Protection and Education Fund, either through online methods or by issuing demand drafts in favor of the Board. This requirement was outlined in Circular No. SEBI/HO/ISD/ISD/CIR/P/2020/135 dated July 23, 2020.

Dedicated Bank Account for IPEF: In the latest circular, SEBI introduces a novel approach to streamline the payment process by launching a dedicated bank account specifically for contributions to the SEBI IPEF. To facilitate this transition, a dedicated link has been made accessible on SEBI's official website (www.sebi.gov.in) under the section titled "Click here to make payment to SEBI IPEF."

Diverse Payment Options: Market participants can now complete their payments using a variety of methods, thanks to the provided link. The options available include:

  • Net Banking
  • NEFT/RTGS
  • Debit Cards
  • UPI (Unified Payments Interface)

Details of Remitters: When remitting their contributions using the provided link, remitters are required to provide essential information, including:

  • Name of the Payer
  • PAN (Permanent Account Number)
  • Mobile Number
  • E-mail ID
  • Purpose of Payment
  • Amount to be Paid

Comments: The shift from SEBI's previous requirement, which allowed online payments or demand drafts, to a system exclusively accepting contributions through a dedicated bank account marks a significant step towards simplifying and modernizing the payment process. This change underscores SEBI's commitment to adopting digital payment methods, potentially leading to increased contributions to the Investor Protection and Education Fund (IPEF).

Conclusion: The launch of a dedicated bank account for the SEBI IPEF is a welcome development that will benefit market participants and the investor community at large. By streamlining the payment process and offering a variety of convenient options, SEBI has made it easier for market participants to fulfill their obligations and contribute to the IPEF. This will help to ensure that the fund has adequate resources to carry out its important work of investor protection and education.

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