In his new role, Mahalingam will handle integrated surveillance, investment management, enforcement department, foreign portfolio investors and custodians, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) said.
Besides, he would also take care of the department handling collective investment schemes and the Department of Economic and Policy Analysis, the regulator said in a statement.
Prior to joining Sebi, Mahalingam was the Executive Director of Reserve Bank of India. He has also been associated with NISM (National Institute of Securities Markets), an educational initiative of Sebi, as part of its visiting faculty.
Apart from the Chairman, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) can have three Whole-Time Members (WTMs). Mahalingam's appointment follows the retirement of Prashant Saran as WTM in June this year.
The search process is currently underway for appointment of one more Whole Time Member's position at Sebi.
Associated with RBI for the last 30 years, Mahalingam was in-charge of the market operations of RBI, both Foreign Exchange and Rupee liquidity, in his capacity as the Executive Director.