IEPFA-NCAER-NSE Conference on Investor Protection in the Digitalized World: Role and Criticality of Financial Advisors

A joint Conference on ‘Investor Protection in the Digitalized World: Role and Criticality of Financial Advisors’, organised by the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), NCAER, and the National Stock Exchange (NSE), was held at the NSE office in Mumbai, on 20 November 2023.

The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), set up on 7 September 2016, by the Government of India to administer the Investor Education and Protection Fund, is a landmark initiative of the Union Government. The Authority’s mandate is to ensure timely refund of shares, unclaimed dividends, and matured deposits/debentures, among other things, to investors; distribute disgorged amounts to the rightful applicants; promote awareness among investors; and ensure the protection of their interests. These objectives are part of the government’s efforts to make all citizens equal partners in the country’s financial development.

Since its inception, the IEPFA has been fulfilling its mandate with dedication. It has held a number of Investor Awareness Programmes aimed at achieving inclusive financial literacy for stakeholders in rural, semi-urban, and urban areas besides enabling the rightful claimants to get their due unclaimed shares, dividends, and debentures speedily. The joint Conference at NSE signified a continuation of this effort.

 Programme:

1:15-2:00 pm              Lunch

 2:00-2:30 pm           Registration

 2:30-2:35 pm           Introductory address: Dr Harish K. Ahuja, Head PSD – Power & Carbon Markets, Investor Awareness/Services & Primary Market Relationships, NSE

2:35-2:45 pm             Welcome Address:  Shri Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD and CEO, NSE

2:45-2:55 pm              Keynote Address: Lt. Col. Tushar Anand, GM, IEPFA, Ministry of Corporate Affairs

2:55-4:30 pm             Panel Discussion: ‘‘Investor Protection in the Digitalized World: Role and Criticality of Financial Advisors“

Panellists:

• Mr Ashwani Bhatia, Whole Time Member, SEBI
• Shri C. Patnaik, Member, IRDAI
• Nilesh Shah, Managing Director, Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Co. Ltd.
• Ms Padmaja Chunduru, MD & CEO NSDL
• Dr C.S. Mohapatra, IEPF Chair Professor, NCAER, Moderator

4:30-4:45 pm             Q & A Session

4:45-4:50 pm             Vote of Thanks: Dr. Tirthankar Patnaik, Chief Economist, NSE

 4:50-5:00 pm            High Tea