Archive · 20 Jan 2026
SEBI Proposes Framework for Significant Indices
SEBI, the markets regulator in India, has proposed new rules for 'Significant Indices'.
These are important stock market indicators that many mutual funds use.
An index becomes significant if mutual funds tracking it have more than ₹20,000 crore in total investments.
SEBI wants to make sure these indices are well-managed and transparent.
The companies that create these indices will have to register with SEBI and follow certain rules.
SEBI has already identified 47 such significant indices.
They are asking the public for their opinions on these new rules until February 10, 2026.
SEBI proposes a framework to regulate 'Significant Indices' benchmarked by mutual funds with over ₹20,000 crore in AUM.
Significant Indices are determined based on the daily average AUM of mutual funds over the past six months, assessed twice a year.
47 significant indices have been identified, including major benchmarks like BSE Sensex and Nifty 50.
Index providers must register with SEBI within six months of the circular's issuance, except those regulated by the RBI.
Public comments on the proposal are invited until February 10, 2026.
- Who
- SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India)
- What
- Proposed a regulatory framework for 'Significant Indices'
- When
- Consultation paper released on January 19, 2026; Public comments due by February 10, 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- To improve transparency and accountability in financial benchmarks
- Regulator
- SEBI
- AUM Threshold
- ₹20,000 crore
- AUM Calculation Period
- Daily average over past six months
- Assessment Dates
- June 30 and December 31
- Identified Significant Indices
- 47 across equity, debt, and hybrid categories
- Registration Deadline
- Within six months of circular issuance
- Public Comment Deadline
- February 10, 2026
Sources
Sebi introduces new framework for MFs to boost transparency
SEBI proposes framework for significant indices to improve governance and transparency
Sebi proposes ₹20,000 crore AUM bar to classify significant market indices
MFs await m-cap clarity from market regulator
SEBI proposes AUM threshold to identify ‘significant indices’
