Description

SEBI circular requiring all regulated entities and their agents to prominently display their registered name and SEBI registration number on social media handles and in video/content uploads related to the securities market.

Summary

SEBI has issued a circular (HO/(79)2026-MIRSD-PODMMC dated 26-02-2026) under the Ease of Doing Investment (EoDI) initiative, mandating all SEBI regulated entities and their agents to prominently disclose their registered name and SEBI registration number on social media platforms (SMPs). The measure aims to help investors distinguish content posted by registered entities from that of unregistered individuals.

Key Points

  • All SEBI regulated entities — including Stock Brokers, DPs, RTAs, Investment Advisers, Research Analysts, InvITs, REITs, SMREITs, AIFs, Portfolio Managers, CIS, Mutual Funds/AMCs/AMFI — are covered.
  • Regulated entities and their agents (e.g., mutual fund distributors, PMS distributors) must disclose registered name and registration number on the home page of their social media handles.
  • Disclosure is also required at the beginning of each video/content related to the securities market uploaded on any SMP.
  • Covered platforms include YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Threads, Telegram, Reddit, and others — in both closed and public groups.
  • Entities with a single SEBI registration must state the registered name and number directly on the social media handle home page.
  • Entities with multiple SEBI registrations must provide a weblink to their website listing all registrations on the home page, and disclose the specific registration relevant to each piece of content at the beginning of the video/content.

Regulatory Changes

This circular introduces a new conduct requirement under the code of conduct provisions of respective SEBI regulations (as applicable under Section 12 of the SEBI Act, 1992). It extends existing transparency obligations to social media activity by regulated entities and their agents. The term ‘persons regulated by the Board’ is defined by reference to Chapter IIIA, Explanation 1 of Regulation 16A of SEBI (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008.

Compliance Requirements

  • All regulated entities: Display SEBI registered name and registration number prominently on the home page of all social media handles used for securities market content.
  • Single-registration entities: State the registered name and number directly near the name of the social media handle.
  • Multiple-registration entities: Provide a weblink to a webpage listing all SEBI registrations on the home page; disclose the specific registration used for each video/content at the beginning.
  • Agents of regulated entities: Disclose their agent registration details on their social media handles and at the start of securities market content.
  • Applies to all content uploaded/posted on SMPs whether in closed groups or publicly available groups.

Important Dates

  • Circular Date: 26-02-2026
  • Effective Date: Not explicitly stated in the available excerpt; entities should refer to the full circular for implementation timelines.

Impact Assessment

This circular has a broad but moderate operational impact. It affects every SEBI regulated entity that uses social media for investor communication, education, or marketing. While the change is primarily administrative (adding disclosure text/labels), it requires systematic review and updating of all active social media profiles and content workflows. The measure enhances investor protection by reducing the risk of investors being misled by unregistered entities posing as SEBI-regulated intermediaries, thereby supporting the broader EoDI initiative.

Impact Justification

Broad compliance requirement affecting all SEBI regulated entities active on social media, but does not directly impact trading, pricing, or market operations. Improves investor protection by enabling identification of legitimate regulated entities online.