Archive · 20 Jul 2026
SEBI Adds 18 Firms to Forensic Audit Panel
SEBI, the markets regulator in India, has added 18 new firms to its list of forensic auditors.
These firms, including well-known names like Ernst & Young and KPMG, will help SEBI conduct audits on listed companies to check for any financial wrongdoings.
This move is aimed at making the stock market more transparent and trustworthy for investors.
The new firms join a list that was first published in April 2025, and their empanelment is valid for three years.
SEBI believes this will help protect investors and maintain a fair market.
Some people, however, worry that too much regulation might make it harder for companies to grow.
SEBI has empanelled 18 additional firms, including Ernst & Young and KPMG, to conduct forensic audits of listed companies.
The empanelment follows a selection process initiated through a public procurement notice issued in November 2025.
The new firms join a list of forensic auditors published by SEBI in April 2025.
The empanelment is valid for three years from the date of publication of the latest list.
The objective is to enhance transparency and investor confidence in the financial ecosystem.
- Who
- SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India)
- What
- Empanelment of 18 additional forensic auditors for listed company audits
- When
- Notification issued on July 20, 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- To enhance transparency and investor confidence in the financial ecosystem
Pro-Transparency Stance
Critics of Regulatory Burden
Enhancing Market Integrity
Pro-Transparency Stance
The empanelment of additional forensic auditors strengthens SEBI's ability to detect and deter financial irregularities, thereby protecting investors and maintaining market integrity.
Critics of Regulatory Burden
Some argue that increased regulatory scrutiny and audits could impose significant operational and financial burdens on listed companies, potentially stifling business growth.
- Date of Notification
- July 20, 2026
- Validity Period
- Three years from the date of publication
- Initial Empanelment
- April 2025
- Selection Process
- Public procurement notice issued on November 2025
- Purpose of Empanelment
- To conduct forensic audits of listed companies
- Objective
- Enhancing transparency and investor confidence
