SEBI Orders ISIN-Level Freeze for Promoter Holdings by August 1

SEBI, the stock market regulator in India, has told depositories to set up a new system by August 1, 2026.

This system will freeze the shares of promoters (big owners of companies) during share buybacks.

This means promoters can't sell their shares during this time.

The freeze starts when the company's board or shareholders approve the buyback and ends when the buyback is over.

There are two exceptions: promoters can still sell their shares if the buyback is done through a tender offer, and any existing restrictions on their shares before the buyback can still be used or removed, but the freeze will stay on those shares.

SEBI wants to make sure everything is ready by August 1.