SEBI Leadership Shake-Up: IRS Veteran Sandeep Pradhan Poised for Whole-Time Member Role
A significant reshuffle is underway at the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), with senior IRS officer Sandeep Pradhan emerging as a leading contender for appointment as a Whole-Time Member (WTM) on the regulator’s board, according to officials with knowledge of the process.
Pradhan Among Top Candidates for SEBI’s Key Regulatory Position
Mr. Pradhan—currently serving as a Chief Commissioner in the Indian Revenue Service—is one of nearly eight candidates shortlisted by the government for two upcoming WTM vacancies. His extensive experience in tax administration and regulatory matters has positioned him as a strong favorite for the post.
Selection Process in Final Phase
Interviews for the prestigious role were conducted in New Delhi last week.
Insiders reveal that Sandeep Pradhan and V.S. Sundaresan, a former Executive Director at SEBI, performed notably well and are considered the leading prospects.
The candidates were evaluated by a senior panel featuring officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Cabinet Secretariat.
This round of appointments follows the conclusion of terms for Ashwani Bhatia and Ananth Narayan Gopalkrishnan, whose departure has opened two WTM positions on the SEBI board. While the interview process for Mr. Bhatia’s successor is complete, selection for the post vacated by Mr. Gopalkrishnan on October 9 will begin shortly.
Why Whole-Time Members Matter
SEBI’s Whole-Time Members are central to India’s financial regulatory framework. Their responsibilities include:
Designing and refining regulatory policies
Supervising market surveillance and enforcement
Leading investigations into violations
Safeguarding investor interests
The SEBI board usually consists of a Chairman, four WTMs, and delegates from the Finance and Corporate Affairs ministries. As SEBI’s role expands into fintech regulation, digital trading, and corporate governance, leadership expertise is more crucial than ever.
Who Is Sandeep Pradhan?
A seasoned IRS officer, Mr. Pradhan has held several high-ranking roles in the Income Tax Department.
He is widely recognized for:
Strong administrative leadership
Deep knowledge of fiscal policy
Contributions to tax reforms and compliance frameworks
His background makes him a compelling choice for a regulator navigating complex financial markets and evolving technological challenges.
Awaiting the ACC’s Final Word
Neither the government nor SEBI has formally announced the appointment yet.
However, officials expect a decision soon, pending clearance from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
If selected, Sandeep Pradhan is expected to bring substantial regulatory depth and fiscal expertise to SEBI—strengthening the market watchdog’s leadership at a time of rising demands for transparency, stronger enforcement, and enhanced investor protection.
