Revolutionizing Financial Sector: IEPFA, NCAER, and BSE Jointly Organize Workshop on Digitalization of Financial Education

Mumbai, India - November 11, 2024 - The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) have come together to organize a workshop on the transformative role of digital technologies in enhancing financial literacy, protecting investors, and fostering sustainable growth in the capital markets.

The one-day workshop, held at the BSE International Convention Hall in Mumbai, aimed to explore the opportunities and challenges posed by digital advancements in the financial sector. The event, which was attended by a distinguished panel of experts, featured presentations on various aspects of digital financial education, investor protection, and capital market development.

At the inaugural address, Mr. Sundararaman Ramamurthy, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at BSE India Ltd., emphasized the importance of promoting investor education through digitalization. Ms. Anita Shah Akella, Chief Executive Officer of IEPFA and Joint Secretary at Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, highlighted the government's efforts to strengthen investor protection mechanisms and the role of IEPFA in ensuring that investors have access to necessary tools and resources.

Ms. Akella stressed the importance of digital education in modernizing financial literacy efforts across India, stating that in today's digital age, it is crucial for investors to be equipped with the tools and knowledge to make informed financial decisions. "By embracing technology, we can ensure that investor protection and financial education reach every corner of India, empowering citizens and fostering sustainable growth in our capital markets," she said.

The workshop featured a panel discussion with experts from distinguished institutions, including Dr. C. S. Mohapatra, IEPF Chair Professor at NCAER; Mr. Shashikumar V., Executive Director at SEBI; Mr. Sashi Krishnan, Director at NISM and former Chief Executive Officer of NPS Trust; Mr. Navneet Munot, Chairman of AMFI and Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer at HDFC AMC Ltd.; Ms. Kamala Kantharaj, Capital Market Expert & Chief Regulatory Officer at BSE India Ltd.; and Mr. Bharat Panchal, Cyber Security Expert and Former Chief of Risk Management at NPCI.

As the financial ecosystem continues to evolve, understanding the opportunities and risks associated with digital tools and platforms has become increasingly critical for ensuring investor safety while supporting the long-term development of India's capital markets.

Mr. Khushro Bulsara, Chief Risk Officer at BSE India Ltd., concluded the event with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of all speakers and participants. The workshop marked an essential step in fostering a more digitally literate and secure financial ecosystem for Indian investors.

Established in 2016 under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, IEPFA is responsible for managing the Investor Education and Protection Fund, which aims to safeguard investor interests by facilitating refund of shares, unclaimed dividends, and matured deposits/debentures. NCAER, founded in 1956, is India's oldest independent economic think tank and a leading institution in policy analysis and research.

BSE, established in 1875 as Asia's first stock exchange, continues to be the world's fastest stock exchange with a trading speed of 6 microseconds.