Madhabi Puri Buch made history in March 2022 when she became the first woman to lead India’s market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). As SEBI chairperson, Buch has placed a strong emphasis on regulation and surveillance, playing a pivotal role in strengthening oversight mechanisms within the organization. Additionally, she has been instrumental in advancing the National Institute of Securities Markets, furthering its development and impact on the financial sector.
Buch brings a wealth of experience in finance and regulatory oversight to her role as SEBI chairperson. Prior to her appointment, she served as a Whole-Time Member of SEBI, overseeing departments such as Market Regulation, Market Intermediaries Regulation & Supervision, and Integrated Surveillance, among others. Her extensive experience within SEBI and the broader financial sector has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead the organization effectively.
In addition to her roles within SEBI, Buch has held various positions globally, showcasing her leadership and expertise in the financial industry. She has served as a consultant to the New Development Bank in Shanghai, head of the Singapore office of the private equity firm Greater Pacific Capital, and Managing Director and CEO at ICICI Securities Limited. Buch holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, and a Graduate degree in Mathematics from St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi.
Madhabi Puri Buch is married to Dhaval Buch, a senior advisor with Blackstone and Alvarez & Marsal. Dhaval also serves as a non-executive director on the Board of Gildan and is a distinguished alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT-D). The couple’s professional achievements and contributions to the financial sector highlight their commitment to excellence and leadership in their respective fields.
Recently, allegations surfaced from the US-based short-seller Hindenburg Research, accusing Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband, Dhaval Buch, of having stakes in an offshore fund that received significant investments from Vinod Adani, the brother of Indian business tycoon Gautam Adani. The report claimed that Dhaval Buch contacted Trident Trust, a Mauritius-based fund administrator, regarding their investment in the Global Dynamic Opportunities Fund (GDOF) just days before Madhabi Puri Buch’s appointment as SEBI chairperson.
In response to these allegations, Madhabi Puri Buch and Dhaval Buch have denied any wrongdoing as alleged by Hindenburg Research. The couple has refuted the claims and maintained their integrity and commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in their professional endeavors.
Overall, Madhabi Puri Buch’s leadership at SEBI and her extensive experience in the financial sector have positioned her as a trailblazer in the industry. Her dedication to regulation and oversight, coupled with her global experience and leadership, make her a formidable force in shaping India’s financial landscape for the better.