Description

SEBI circular requiring all regulated entities and their agents to prominently disclose their registered name and SEBI registration number on social media handles and in each piece of securities-related content uploaded on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, and others.

Summary

SEBI has issued circular HO/(79)2026-MIRSD-PODMMC dated February 26, 2026, under the Ease of Doing Investment (EoDI) initiative. The circular mandates that all SEBI-regulated entities and their agents disclose their SEBI-registered name and registration number prominently on their social media handles and at the beginning of every piece of securities-market-related content they publish. This measure aims to help investors distinguish content from registered, regulated entities versus unregistered persons.

Key Points

  • All SEBI-regulated entities (Stock Brokers, DPs, RTAs, Investment Advisers, Research Analysts, InvITs, REITs, SMREITs, AIFs, Portfolio Managers, CIS, Mutual Funds/AMCs, and all persons regulated by the Board) are covered.
  • Agents of regulated entities (e.g., mutual fund distributors, portfolio management service distributors) are also covered.
  • Disclosure must appear on the home page of each social media handle used to publish securities-related content.
  • Disclosure must also appear at the beginning of each video/content uploaded relating to the securities market.
  • Covered platforms include YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Threads, Telegram, Reddit, and any other SMP — whether in closed or public groups.
  • Entities with a single SEBI registration must display the registered name and registration number directly on the handle’s home page and at the start of each video/content.
  • Entities with multiple SEBI registrations must provide a weblink on the home page directing to their website listing all registrations, and disclose the specific registration relevant to each piece of content at the start of that content.
  • Agents with a single registration must display their own registered name, registration number, and the name of the principal regulated entity on the home page and in the beginning of each content upload.

Regulatory Changes

  • New compliance obligation introduced under the EoDI framework, supplementing existing code of conduct requirements under Section 12 of the SEBI Act, 1992 and respective intermediary regulations.
  • Regulated entities and agents are now explicitly required to maintain identifiable, verifiable social media presence linked to their SEBI registration, enabling investor verification of credentials before acting on financial content.

Compliance Requirements

  • All regulated entities must update their social media handles to display SEBI-registered name and registration number on the home/profile page.
  • Single-registration entities: Direct display of name and registration number on home page and at the start of each securities-related content/video.
  • Multiple-registration entities: Weblink to registration list on home page; specific registration disclosure at the start of each content piece.
  • Agents: Must disclose their own registration details and the name of their principal entity on home pages and at the beginning of each content item.
  • Compliance applies to all SMPs used for hosting, broadcasting, publishing, uploading, or posting content related to the securities market, including closed groups.

Important Dates

  • Circular date: February 26, 2026
  • Specific implementation/effective date not stated in the extracted content; entities should refer to the full circular for any stated deadline.

Impact Assessment

  • Broad reach: Impacts virtually all SEBI-regulated intermediaries and their distribution agents who maintain a social media presence.
  • Investor protection: Enables retail investors to verify the regulatory status of content creators before acting on investment-related advice or information shared on social media.
  • Operational effort: Entities and agents will need to update profile pages across multiple platforms and modify their content production workflows to include mandatory disclosures at the start of each video or post.
  • No direct market or price impact: This is a conduct/disclosure regulation with no direct effect on trading, listings, or market operations.
  • Fintech and digital distribution channels (e.g., MFDs using WhatsApp/YouTube for investor education) will be most immediately affected and will need to act promptly to ensure compliance.

Impact Justification

Broad compliance requirement affecting all SEBI-regulated intermediaries and their agents active on social media; no direct market price impact but significant operational compliance burden across a wide range of entities.