The transformation of India’s capital markets over the last decade is striking, defined by the vast amounts of data generated and processed every single day. As the nation’s financial landscape continues to evolve, the synergy between technology and data is becoming the cornerstone of market resilience. This theme dominated the third edition of an annual symposium hosted by Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL), titled Reimagine: Securities Market through Data Synergy.
The event, held on 7 February 2026, served as a high-level forum for policymakers, regulators and industry leaders to discuss the future of the Indian securities market. The symposium got together a triad – chairman, SEBI; students; and an AI panellist – all under one roof. And, presenting the virtual front was the AI panellist. The symposium was presided over by Tuhin Kanta Pandey, chairman, Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI), who was the chief guest, alongside other senior regulatory officials and industry stalwarts, including Sandip Pradhan, whole-time member, SEBI; Keki Mistry, former vice-chairman & CEO, HDFC; and Gurumoorthy Mahalingam, chairperson & director, public interest, CDSL.
“For decades, when we spoke of market infrastructure, we meant exchanges, clearing corporations, depositories, etc.,” said Pandey, speaking at the event. “Today, there is another layer of infrastructure that is just as critical, though largely invisible – data. It is the new plumbing of capital markets: unseen, indispensable and powerful. In this world, the quality of data, the security around it and the governance frameworks that guide its use matter as much as capital and liquidity themselves. I commend CDSL for organising the Reimagine Ideathon challenge, which has encouraged students across the country to participate in the investor education and awareness mission.”
The symposium hosted three thematic panel discussions centred on data-driven innovation, building market trust and evolving regulatory frameworks, featuring industry experts. The sessions also addressed cybersecurity preparedness and the cultural shifts necessary for a data-centric securities market ecosystem.
Digitally integrated future
Last year, the symposium had focused on the theme of Reimagining cap-tech & the future of capital markets, where industry experts discussed the role of artificial intelligence serving as the key catalyst for the reshaping of the securities market. The 2026 edition brought the theme to life, with a stand-out feature being an AI panellist interacting with industry experts to provide immediate, data-backed commentary on core themes. These interactions served as a practical demonstration of AI’s growing capacity to enhance market understanding and symbolise the market’s shift towards a digitally integrated future.
“The Reimagine Symposium reflects CDSL’s commitment to encouraging collaborative dialogue across the securities market ecosystem,” affirmed Nehal Vora, MD & CEO, CDSL. “As markets evolve in an increasingly digital environment, leveraging data responsibly and securely will be key to strengthening investor confidence and building an inclusive and resilient securities market.”
A major highlight of the symposium was the conclusion of the inaugural CDSL Reimagine Ideathon 2026. This nationwide competition was designed to tap into the creative potential of the youth, inviting students to propose fresh ways to rethink investor education for India.
The initiative witnessed over 1,000 registrations from students of nearly 100 institutes across 21 states and two Union Territories. These young innovators were recognised for their unique solutions to simplify financial concepts and make the securities market more accessible to the next generation of investors.
The Reimagine Symposium reflects CDSL’s commitment to encouraging collaborative dialogue across the securities market ecosystem
Project Sahayak from the Goa Institute of Management was declared the winner of the inaugural Ideathon, receiving the top prize of Rs5 lakh from a total prize pool of Rs12 lakh. At the event, the SEBI chairman also launched an investor education comic series by the CDSL Investor Protection Fund (CDSL IPF), in collaboration with Amar Chitra Katha. The series is published in 12 regional languages, designed to translate complex and often intimidating financial topics into engaging story-led narratives. Through the culturally rooted storytelling style of Amar Chitra Katha, the initiative aims to drive informed investing and make financial literacy inclusive for a diverse audience.
“Investor awareness is fundamental to building inclusive and transparent securities markets”, Pandey highlighted during the launch, while praising the depositories for their efforts in investor education and awareness. Vora underlined the effectiveness of simple and relatable investor education. “By partnering with Amar Chitra Katha, we are leveraging the power of storytelling to empower investors with knowledge that enables informed and confident financial decision-making,” he said.
“Strengthening investor protection begins with strengthening investor awareness,” remarked Sudhish Pillai, head, CDSL IPF Secretariat, while speaking about the initiative. “By simplifying complex financial concepts through engaging storytelling, we aim to equip investors with the knowledge required to recognise risks, make informed choices and participate safely in the capital markets.”
In 2024-25, the CDSL IPF had organised over 2,500 investor awareness programmes across 34 states and Union territories. It had reached nearly 150,000 participants, driving financial literacy and encouraging responsible participation in India’s capital markets.