SEBI Partners with Rashtriya Raksha University and NISM to Strengthen Cybersecurity and Market Intelligence

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has entered into a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) and the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM). Signed on August 17, the agreement aims to deepen expertise in cybersecurity and strengthen research, training, and capacity building across the securities market.

Under the terms of the agreement, the three institutions will collaborate on education, training, policy support, institutional cooperation, and knowledge exchange. RRU operates as an institution of national importance under the Ministry of Home Affairs, while NISM functions as an educational initiative established by SEBI.

The partnership will jointly design and deliver various educational and training initiatives. These include workshops, certification courses, executive education programmes, and awareness campaigns targeted at government officials, regulators, law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, SEBI-regulated entities, academia, and the general public. Additionally, domain-based training in current and emerging technologies will be provided to SEBI officials, regulated entities, and the public.

The curriculum for these programmes will cover secure software development, coding practices, API security, and cybersecurity exercises such as tabletop exercises, cyber awareness, and risk management programmes tailored for board members and senior management. Further areas of focus include Security Operations Centre (SOC) training, vulnerability assessment and penetration testing, alongside emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

The agreement also provides for structured degree, diploma, and certification programmes aimed at industry professionals, SEBI-regulated entities, and prospective professionals. To support these educational efforts, the institutions will establish a comprehensive knowledge repository of capital market courses and a directory of trained professionals.

Beyond training, the collaboration is designed to facilitate academic research and enhance securities market intelligence. This will be achieved by leveraging open-source intelligence (OSINT) technologies and techniques pioneered by RRU, alongside international partnerships in academics and capacity building.

A notable feature of the MoU is the proposed establishment of a Technical Innovation Unit (TIU). Envisioned as a command centre for the securities market, the TIU will focus on joint operations, research, and innovation within the Indian securities market ecosystem, according to SEBI.

"This tripartite collaboration between SEBI, Rashtriya Raksha University, and NISM marks a crucial institutional step toward fortifying the digital infrastructure of the Indian securities market. By focusing on specialized areas such as API security, vulnerability assessments, and the proposed Technical Innovation Unit, the initiative addresses the growing need for robust cybersecurity frameworks and specialized talent in the financial sector. For fintech startups and regulated entities alike, aligning with these advanced capacity-building and risk management standards will be essential for long-term operational resilience." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes