|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
For many people connected with the stock market, regulatory rules often feel complicated. But whenever a change brings relief, it makes life easier for thousands of professionals working in the industry. In a similar move, the Securities and Exchange Board of India has taken an important decision to ease certification requirements.
This decision mainly benefits employees who do not directly prepare research reports but remain in regular contact with clients. Sales staff, relationship managers, and several other non-core employees had long hoped for simpler compliance rules. Now they are finally seeing some relief.
SEBI eases certification requirements and why it matters
According to the new circular issued by SEBI, employees classified as Persons Associated with Research Services PARS who are not directly involved in research activities will now face easier certification requirements.
Earlier, many employees whose main role was client interaction or service delivery still had to clear complex research-related certification exams. This created additional pressure on both companies and employees.
Under the revised rules, such staff members will now need to clear a lighter and simpler certification module, allowing them to continue their work without unnecessary regulatory burden.
ALSO READ|SEBI Chief Urges Investors to Stay Calm as West Asia Conflict Shakes Global Markets
Which certification will now be required?
Under the new framework, PARS employees involved in sales and other non-core services will now have to pass the NISM Series XXV A certification examination.
This module is considered comparatively lighter because it does not require deep technical knowledge related to research analysis. Its purpose is to ensure that employees who interact with clients have a basic understanding of market rules and compliance requirements.
What about employees already certified
Many professionals have already cleared the NISM Series XV Research Analyst Certification Examination. Such employees will not be required to immediately take the new certification exam.
SEBI has clarified that
• Employees who already hold the Series XV certificate can continue using it until its validity expires
• After the validity period ends, they will then need to obtain the Series XXV A certification
This step provides immediate relief to thousands of professionals who were worried about having to take another exam right away.
ALSO READ|SEBI PMS Regulations 2026 Set to Transform Markets with Stronger Trust and Greater Transparency
Rules remain unchanged for research analysts
However, the relaxation does not apply to everyone. Employees who are directly involved in preparing research reports or performing market analysis will continue to follow the existing rules.
Such professionals must still pass the NISM Series XV Research Analyst Certification Examination. SEBI believes that maintaining a high level of expertise is essential for roles that involve research and analysis.
How the market is reacting to this decision
Many industry participants see this decision as a positive step. It is expected to reduce compliance burden for companies and remove unnecessary exam pressure on employees.
At the same time, some experts believe that lighter certification could lead to a situation where certain employees interacting with investors may not have deeper market knowledge. Because of this, investors should be aware of whether the person advising them is a certified research analyst or a sales representative.
Despite these concerns, most market experts consider this move a balanced step aimed at improving ease of doing business in the financial services sector.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for general news and informational purposes only. The information is based on official announcements and publicly available sources. Readers should consult a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any investment or financial decisions.
Dr. Bidyut Barun Sarmah, with 22+ years of experience in print, electronic, and digital media, holds an MA and PhD in Mass Communication and Journalism. He has worked with AIR, Doordarshan, and the Publication Division under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. A published author and researcher, Dr. Sarmah writes extensively in both Assamese and English. He was also awarded a prestigious fellowship by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, for his study on journalistic literature—an achievement that highlights his depth of scholarship and contribution to media studies. At Nest of News, he leads the editorial team and contributes across diverse topics.
1 thought on “SEBI Eases Certification Requirement, Thousands of Market Professionals to Benefit”
Comments are closed.