Sebi tightens screws on merchant bankers with phased net-worth requirements, liquidity norms

Sebi has introduced a phased hike in net-worth and liquid capital norms for merchant bankers starting January 2026, alongside tighter underwriting limits, governance standards and revenue thresholds. The move aims to strengthen market intermediaries amid India’s booming IPO pipeline, ensuring stronger compliance, better capital buffers and improved investor protection.