Mumbai, April 17: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, speaking at the 150th anniversary celebration of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), delivered a strong message to all participants in India’s financial markets—especially investors, the largest stakeholder group.
In her address, Sitharaman encouraged investors to stay well-informed, patient, and confident in the long-term potential of disciplined wealth creation. She emphasized that enduring success in the markets comes from a commitment to knowledge and a long-term perspective.
Turning to market intermediaries and stock exchanges, the Finance Minister called for innovation driven by purpose. However, she stressed that such innovation must always keep the interests of investors at the forefront.
“To our corporates—let transparency, robust governance, and a strong commitment to shareholder value guide your actions. To our regulators—stay proactive, agile, and responsive in a world of rapid change,” Sitharaman said, outlining a roadmap for key financial stakeholders.
She also highlighted the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in capital markets. For true investment democratization, she said, stock exchanges must continuously develop products that are easy to understand, aligned with citizens’ risk profiles and savings habits, and tailored for widespread use.
The Finance Minister underscored the crucial role of investor education, especially in an environment with growing retail participation. She proposed that Investor Awareness Programs (IAPs) be conducted in regional languages and targeted toward a diverse audience—including students, senior citizens, women, rural investors, and first-time traders—across both urban and rural areas.
Highlighting the evolving role of stock exchanges, she noted that they are far more than just trading platforms. “They are an essential pillar of our capital markets,” she said.
(With agency inputs)
