The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Settlement of Administrative and Civil Proceedings Regulations, 2026 came into force on 7 November 2026, replacing the 2018 framework. Applicants can now file online through SEBI’s settlement portal, use a settlement amount calculator, and access FAQs and an explanatory video.
The regulations were notified on 8 October 2026. SEBI said the online settlement application facility, calculator, help desk and guidance material are live on its site, continuing a wider digital push that also covers digital KYC for NRIs and OCIs and a BHASHINI tie-up for regional-language investor services.
How to apply online for SEBI settlement
Applications are filed at SEBI’s online settlement application portal. The non-refundable application fee is ₹25,000 for individuals and ₹35,000 for other applicants. The settlement amount cannot fall below ₹3 lakh for a first-time applicant or ₹7 lakh for others.
Under Regulation 10, the settlement amount equals Base × (Stage + Regulatory action + Gravity + Aggravating − Mitigating), subject to those floors. Filing an application does not stay interim SEBI directions. The process runs through an Internal Committee, the High Powered Advisory Committee (HPAC) where applicable, and a Panel of Whole Time Members.
Filing deadlines and transitional cases
Applicants generally have 90 days from a show-cause notice or supplementary show-cause notice to seek settlement, as reported against the official framework. For proceedings already pending before SEBI on 7 November 2026, the transitional window is 90 days (roughly until 4 February 2027), and the settlement amount is 20% higher. Where SEBI issues a pre-SCN settlement notice, the window to apply is 60 days, and that route is not available if interim directions or prosecution are contemplated.
Fast-track settlement and who cannot settle
Two fast-track paths skip HPAC and go to a Panel of Whole Time Members: violation-based matters such as delayed disclosures or filings (about 30 days, extendable by 15), and monetary matters of ₹10 lakh or less without disgorgement or remedial terms. Settlement is barred for wilful defaulters, fraudulent borrowers and fugitive economic offenders. Cases with market-wide impact, large investor losses or a hit to market integrity may also be kept out.
The overhaul sits alongside other recent market rules, including the $5 million unhedged currency derivatives cap, clearer rules for fund managers certifying accredited investors, and enforcement against unauthorised overseas trading platforms.
Key takeaways
- SEBI’s 2026 settlement regulations took effect on 7 November 2026 with an online application facility, amount calculator, FAQs and help desk.
- Application fees are ₹25,000 for individuals and ₹35,000 for others; minimum settlement amounts are ₹3 lakh (first-time) and ₹7 lakh (others).
- The usual filing window is 90 days from SCN; pending cases get a 90-day transitional window at a 20% higher amount, with fast-track routes for limited matters.
FAQ
When did SEBI’s new settlement regulations take effect?
The SEBI (Settlement of Administrative and Civil Proceedings) Regulations, 2026 came into force on 7 November 2026, after notification on 8 October 2026.
Where can applicants file a settlement application online?
Applications are filed on SEBI’s settlement portal at siportal.sebi.gov.in, which also hosts the settlement amount calculator, FAQs and an explanatory video.
What is the usual deadline to apply after a show-cause notice?
Applicants generally have 90 days from the SCN or supplementary SCN. Pending proceedings on 7 November 2026 get a 90-day transitional window with a 20% higher settlement amount.
SEBI’s press release on the commencement of the 2026 settlement regulations summarises the online tools and the start date.
Featured image: SEBI Bhavan, Mumbai. Photo: Jimmy Vikas / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).
