Sebi proposes easier director eligibility, norms for key MII officials

Markets regulator Sebi on Wednesday proposed changes to the eligibility criteria for directors on governing boards of market infrastructure institutions (MIIs), along with standard qualification and experience norms for key officials such as chief technology officers and chief information security officers. In its consultation paper, the regulator said the proposals are aimed at strengthening the governance of MIIs, which include stock exchanges, clearing corporations, and depositories. Sebi said MIIs faced practical difficulties finding suitable candidates, especially for public interest director positions, due to existing restrictions. These rules often disqualify expert candidates from joining an MII board if they are directors at any company even remotely linked to a stockbroker or trading member. Under the proposed changes, Sebi said the existing exemption available to directors of public sector banks and financial institutions would be extended to directors of companies with