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 securities market content uploaded online.

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 must prominently display their SEBI-registered name and registration number on their social media handles and within securities market-related content posted on Social Media Platforms (SMPs). This measure is designed to help investors distinguish content posted by registered entities from unregistered persons.

Key Points

  • All SEBI-regulated entities (stock brokers, DPs, RTAs, IAs, RAs, MFs/AMCs, AIFs, portfolio managers, REITs, InvITs, SMREITs, CIS, etc.) and their agents are covered.
  • Regulated entities must display their SEBI registered name and registration number on the home page of all social media handles used for securities market content.
  • The registration details must also appear at the beginning of every video/short/content piece uploaded relating to the securities market.
  • Entities with multiple SEBI registrations may provide a weblink to their website listing all registrations on their social media home page, but must disclose the specific registration relevant to each piece of content.
  • Agents (e.g., mutual fund distributors, PMS distributors) must similarly disclose their registration details prominently.
  • Platforms covered include YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Threads, Telegram, Reddit, and any other SMP whether in closed or public groups.

Regulatory Changes

  • New disclosure obligation introduced for all SEBI-regulated intermediaries under Section 12 of the SEBI Act, 1992.
  • Builds on existing code of conduct requirements under respective SEBI regulations.
  • ‘Persons regulated by the Board’ is defined as per Chapter IIIA, Explanation 1 of Regulation 16A of SEBI (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008.

Compliance Requirements

  • Home page disclosure: Display registered name and SEBI registration number on the home page of every social media handle used for securities market content.
  • Content disclosure: Include registered name and registration number at the beginning of each video, short, or content piece related to the securities market.
  • Multiple registrations: Provide a weblink to the entity’s website listing all SEBI registrations on the home page; disclose the relevant specific registration at the start of each content piece.
  • Agents: Must prominently disclose their registration details on their social media handles and in content, in the same manner as regulated entities.
  • All intermediaries must review and update their social media profiles and content workflows to ensure compliance.

Important Dates

  • Circular issued: February 26, 2026
  • Effective date: Not explicitly stated in the available extract; entities should ensure immediate compliance upon receipt.

Impact Assessment

This circular has a moderate compliance impact across a wide range of SEBI-regulated entities that maintain a social media presence. It enhances investor protection by making it easier to identify legitimate, registered market participants online, thereby reducing the risk of fraud by unregistered entities. Operational effort is required to update social media profiles and establish workflows for disclosure in all future content. There is no direct impact on trading, pricing, or listed securities.

Impact Justification

Broad compliance requirement affecting all SEBI-regulated entities active on social media; operationally significant but no direct market trading impact.