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Markets regulator Sebi has proposed tweaking framework for ESG Rating Providers (ERPs), particularly for those using a subscriber-pays model, including an exemption from the requirement to disclose ESG ratings to stock exchanges. Additionally, the regulator has suggested that ERPs using a subscriber-pays model should share ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) rating reports with both subscribers and the rated issuer simultaneously. This policy should be publicly disclosed. ERPs should ensure that rated entities, their group companies, or associates cannot subscribe to their own ESG ratings, Sebi said in its consultation paper. These proposals are aimed at enhancing the clarity, transparency, and regulatory alignment of ESG ratings within Sebi's framework. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) had introduced regulations for ERPs in July 2023, but ERPs have sought clarifications on certain provisions, particularly for those using a subscriber-pays model, and ...
National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) Chairperson Ajay Bhushan Prasad Pandey on Thursday underscored the need for improving corporate governance and aligning Indian auditing with global standards to attract investors. Observing that there is a need to continue to take cognizance of corporate governance reforms, he said company management, independent directors and audit committee, statutory auditors, shareholders, and regulators constitute five lines of defence to improve corporate governance. "It is our collective responsibility...we should continue to create trust. Improve the corporate governance, and we should work in that direction," he said, addressing an event organised by industry chamber Assocham here. Adopting global auditing standards would improve the trust of global investors in the Indian economy, which is on its way to becoming the third largest from the present fifth position, he said. Making a pitch to align Indian audit practices with the global standards,
As the Indian economy progresses towards the USD 5 trillion target over the next two years and the USD 10 trillion target by 2030, the demand for company secretaries will be tremendous to manage the inflow of capital both from the Indian and international investors, a top domain expert said on Friday. "We have to increase the pool of Company Secretaries (CS) to 95,000 by 2030 and to 1.4 lakh by 2047, the year of Viksit Bharat economy driven by capital flow and the government-initiated infrastructure development, B Narasimhan, President of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), said here. Currently, ICSI has around 70,000 CS members and over 2 lakh students, he told PTI. Narasimhan gave an insight into the aspects resonating with the Indian economy. We, as CS, are the most recognised profession in the capital market, handling compliances across the board of listed and unlisted companies. SEBI has appointed us as the compliance offices and it is mandatory, he said. Ca
Company secretaries have a major role to play in the country's corporate governance structure in the country and their expertise is required for better formulation of corporate laws, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Friday. He was speaking at the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) national awards for excellence in corporate governance function in the national capital. "The ICSI and its members have a major role to play in the formulation of Corporate Governance Structure of the country as the wisdom and expertise of company secretaries is required for the better formulation of corporate laws," Birla was quoted as saying in a release issued by the ICSI. Birla mentioned about the complexities in the processes of corporate governance and the amendments that are made therein, and urged industry experts to help in capacity building. According to him, the excellence of corporate governance depends on company secretaries, as through their work they ensure transparency in t
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday urged company secretaries to rededicate themselves for better corporate governance, as India gears to become a developed nation by 2047. Addressing the 55th Foundation Day of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), the finance minister said it is time to "rededicate ourselves for and towards better corporate governance... we cannot see our value systems being diluted... corporate governance is an issue on which all of us are committed." Praising ICSI, she said, the high standard set by the institute is well recognised across the world. She appreciated the decision of the ICSI to waive off registration fee for Agniveer, defence personnel and families of martyrs for enrollment in company secretaries course. The other decision, to donate Rs 11 lakh for the education of daughters of martyrs, is also praiseworthy, she noted. The Finance Minister said the government has taken significant steps to promote ease of doing busine