SEBI Plans IT Resilience Index as AI Adoption Grows in Finance

Speaking at the 23rd edition of the FICCI CAPAM 2026 summit, SEBI Chairman Tuhin K. Pandey outlined the regulator’s intention to develop an Information Technology Resilience Index for market‑infrastructure entities. The proposed index would provide a quantifiable, objective framework to evaluate the robustness of critical systems, their capacity to withstand cyber‑threats and overall technological health.

Pandey linked this initiative to the surge in AI and advanced technology usage across trading venues, clearing houses and brokerage firms. While acknowledging the benefits of AI‑driven analytics and automation, he reiterated that every regulated participant must be fully accountable for the AI tools it employs, regardless of the tool’s origin.

The SEBI‑driven framework aims to strike a balance: encouraging cutting‑edge innovation without sacrificing the pillars of investor protection, market integrity and transparency. The regulator is also working on guidelines that will make AI deployment proportionate, transparent and aligned with future market needs.

Pandey highlighted that the next phase of India’s economic expansion will rely heavily on technology. Intelligent AI applications can unlock fresh capital‑raising avenues, improve financing mechanisms and help regulators build a forward‑compatible supervisory regime.

Finally, the chairman urged the industry to deepen market participation. He noted that mutual funds and systematic investment plans have already drawn a large number of households into market‑linked investments, boosting the resilience of Indian capital markets. Nonetheless, he sees significant scope for broader investor engagement, deeper market liquidity and continued emphasis on fairness and safety.