Chennai, February 11, 2026: Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL), Asia’s first listed depository and trusted custodian of over 17.5 crore demat accounts, hosted the 3rd edition of its annual symposium, “Reimagine: Securities Market through Data Synergy,” in Mumbai. The symposium convened policymakers, regulators, leading Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs), intermediaries, industry leaders, and technology innovators to deliberate on the role of data in shaping future-ready securities market. 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.
The Reimagine symposium was presided over by Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Chairman, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), as Chief Guest. The event was also graced by Shri Sandip Pradhan, Whole-Time Member, SEBI, and Shri Keki Mistry, Former Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, HDFC, as Guests of Honour, along with eminent speakers and panelists from across the securities market ecosystem.
Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Chairman, SEBI, speaking on the occasion 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.”
The symposium featured three thematic panel discussions focusing on data-driven innovation at scale, trust as a cornerstone for market growth, regulatory frameworks, cybersecurity preparedness, and the organisational and cultural shifts required to enable a data-centric securities market ecosystem.
Shri Nehal Vora, Managing Director & CEO, CDSL, setting the context for the symposium, 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 market.”
Shri Sandip Pradhan, Whole-Time Member, SEBI said “As India’s securities market 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, Former Vice Chairman & CEO, HDFC, and Chair, Reimagine Ideathon Jury said “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 in this discourse and encouraging practical, implementable ideas. Such initiatives will play a meaningful role in building the next generation of market innovators and informed market participants.”
Shri Gurumoorthy Mahalingam, Chairperson and Public Interest Director, CDSL said “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. The Reimagine platform reflects this shared responsibility across institutions, intermediaries and regulators.”
Winners of Reimagine Ideathon 2026
One of the key highlights of the symposium was the felicitation of winners of the inaugural Reimagine Ideathon 2026, a nationwide competition inviting students to reimagine investor education for a Viksit Bharat. Project Sahayak from Goa Institute of Management emerged as the winner, receiving the top prize of ₹5 lakh from a total prize pool of ₹12 lakh. Project Khet Nivesh from Shri Ramswaroop Memorial College, Lucknow, and Project Nivi from BNM Institute of Technology, Bangalore, secured the first and second runner-up positions, winning ₹3 lakh and ₹2 lakh respectively. The Ideathon received over 1,000 registrations from institutions across 21 states and 2 union territories.
AI-Powered Panelist at the Symposium
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the symposium featured an AI-powered panelist that participated alongside industry experts and provided real-time data-driven insights on key themes, demonstrating the growing role of artificial intelligence in strengthening market intelligence and decision-making frameworks.
Launch of CDSL IPF’s Amar Chitra Katha Investor education comic series
As part of CDSL’s broader investor education initiatives, SEBI Chairman Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey also launched CDSL Investor Protection Fund’s Amar Chitra Katha comic series in 12 languages at the symposium, translating complex financial concepts into engaging, story-led narratives to drive informed investing.
Through platforms like the Reimagine Symposium, CDSL continues to strengthen its commitment to promoting innovation, investor education and ecosystem collaboration. By fostering a data-driven and trust-centric market environment, CDSL aims to contribute towards building safe, inclusive and future-ready securities markets aligned with the vision of Atmanirbharta for Indian investors.
