New Delhi, 21 May. The National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM), set up by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), functioning under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the aim of strengthening corporate governance, ESG and capital markets.

Emphasis on knowledge sharing and policy cooperation

The partnership aims to enhance knowledge exchange, research, policy support and institutional cooperation in key areas to financial and corporate regulation. Both the institutes will jointly design capacity development programmes, certification courses, executive education modules and training programmes. These will also include special training programs for officials from various regulatory and financial institutions, including SEBI officials.

Agreement signed in Mumbai

This MoU was signed on May 19, 2026 in Mumbai. SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kant Pandey was present on this occasion. NISM Director Shashi Krishnan was also present at the function. The MoU was signed by Yogita Jadhav, Registrar, NISM, and Dr. Garima Dadhich, Head, School of Business Environment, IICA.

Focus will be on MSME and sustainability disclosures

SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kant Pandey stressed the need to develop a performance-based corporate governance framework. He said it aims to provide micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with better access to capital markets and strengthen sustainability disclosures. He also stressed the need to promote evidence-based knowledge in emerging regulatory areas.

There will be cooperation in areas like ESG and BRSR

Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, Director General and Chief Executive Officer, IICA conceptualized this collaboration. He has played a key role in linking IICA’s initiatives in the areas of corporate governance, ESG and responsible business conduct with the national development agenda.

Under this agreement, long-term strategic cooperation will be established in areas such as securities markets, sustainability and ESG reporting, business responsibility and sustainability reporting (BRSR), investor education, responsible investing, sustainable finance, board governance, market credibility and emerging regulatory frameworks.

There will also be joint conferences and research activities

Both the institutions will also collaborate in research, policy studies, curriculum development and dissemination of best practices. The partnership will also involve organizing joint conferences, exchanging faculty and publishing various publications. This collaboration is considered an important step towards developing a more well-governed, inclusive and knowledge-based ecosystem in India’s securities market and corporate sector.