What happened
SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey has reaffirmed a zero-tolerance stance on manipulation, with the regulator's probe into Jane Street as the most visible case. The enforcement push comes alongside other SEBI changes effective 1 October 2026, including a monthly custodian fee structure.
Why this matters
Enforcement actions shape trust in the market. When large players are investigated, retail investors often ask whether their own trades are safe. In practice, SEBI's surveillance system flags unusual patterns in liquidity, order books and expiry-day activity, and retail investors rarely fall into those patterns directly. The more practical risk is following tips from social media that are structured to move prices.
Action plan
Use SEBI's SCORES portal to check whether a broker or advisor is registered and whether complaints have been filed.
Verify any investment advisor on the SEBI-registered list before acting on a call.
Be sceptical of WhatsApp or Telegram "tips" tied to a specific stock and a deadline.
Keep records of your orders and contract notes, which help with any dispute.
Bottom line
Regulation protects the market, but it does not protect you from bad advice. Verify the source of every recommendation before you act on it.