Mumbai, Feb 11: Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL), Asia’s first listed depository and custodian of over 17.5 crore demat accounts, hosted the third edition of its annual symposium, “Reimagine: Securities Market through Data Synergy,” in Mumbai.
The event brought together policymakers, regulators, Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs), intermediaries, industry leaders, and technology innovators to deliberate on the evolving role of data in building future-ready securities markets. As part of the Reimagine platform, CDSL also announced the winners of the inaugural Reimagine Ideathon 2026, a nationwide competition inviting students to reimagine investor education for a Viksit Bharat.
Leadership Participation
The symposium was presided over by Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Chairman, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), as Chief Guest. It was graced by Shri Sandip Pradhan, Whole-Time Member, SEBI, and Shri Keki Mistry, Former Vice Chairman & CEO, HDFC, as Guests of Honour, alongside eminent speakers and panelists from across the securities market ecosystem.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Chairman, SEBI, said:
“For decades, when we spoke of market infrastructure, we meant exchanges, clearing corporations, depositories etc. Today, there is another layer of infrastructure that is just as critical, though largely invisible — data. Data 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 also commend CDSL for organising the Reimagine Ideathon challenge, which has encouraged students across the country to participate in our investor education and awareness mission.”
Focus on Data, Trust and Market Resilience
The symposium featured three thematic panel discussions centered on:
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Data-driven innovation at scale
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Trust as a cornerstone of market growth
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Regulatory frameworks and cybersecurity preparedness
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Organisational and cultural shifts required for a data-centric securities ecosystem
Setting the context, Shri Nehal Vora, Managing Director & CEO, CDSL, said:
“The Reimagine Symposium reflects CDSL’s commitment to encouraging collaborative dialogue across the securities market ecosystem. As markets evolve in an increasingly digital environment, leveraging data responsibly and securely will be key to strengthening investor confidence and building inclusive and resilient securities markets.”
Shri Sandip Pradhan, Whole-Time Member, SEBI, added:
“As India’s securities markets continue to deepen and broaden, the role of data-driven insights and investor education becomes increasingly critical. Strengthening investor awareness and encouraging responsible participation are essential to sustaining market integrity and investor confidence. Platforms such as Reimagine provide a valuable forum to drive innovation while reinforcing these foundational objectives.”
Shri Keki Mistry, Chair of the Reimagine Ideathon Jury, noted:
“Platforms like the Reimagine Symposium are important for shaping the conversation on the future of India’s securities market, particularly as data and technology become central to market infrastructure. The Ideathon added a refreshing dimension by engaging students and encouraging practical, implementable ideas.”
Shri Gurumoorthy Mahalingam, Chairperson and Public Interest Director, CDSL, emphasized:
“India’s capital markets are entering a phase where data, technology and governance must move in alignment. Channelising domestic savings into productive market-linked assets, while ensuring strong data governance and investor protection, will be critical to funding India’s long-term growth.”
Reimagine Ideathon 2026 Winners Announced
A key highlight of the symposium was the felicitation of winners of the Reimagine Ideathon 2026.
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Project Sahayak from Goa Institute of Management emerged as the winner, receiving the top prize of ₹5 lakh.
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Project Khet Nivesh from Shri Ramswaroop Memorial College, Lucknow, secured the first runner-up position with ₹3 lakh.
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Project Nivi from BNM Institute of Technology, Bangalore, won the second runner-up prize of ₹2 lakh.
The competition attracted over 1,000 registrations from institutions across 21 states and 2 Union Territories, with a total prize pool of ₹12 lakh.
AI-Powered Panelist Debuts
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the symposium featured an AI-powered panelist that participated alongside industry experts, offering real-time, data-driven insights on key themes. The initiative demonstrated the growing role of artificial intelligence in strengthening market intelligence and decision-making frameworks.
Launch of Amar Chitra Katha Investor Education Series
As part of CDSL’s broader investor education initiatives, SEBI Chairman Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey launched CDSL Investor Protection Fund’s Amar Chitra Katha comic series in 12 languages at the symposium. The series aims to translate complex financial concepts into engaging, story-led narratives to promote informed investing across diverse audiences.
