iWorld
SEBI flags 1.33 lakh misleading finfluencer posts in 2026
Ministry tells Parliament no AI tracking yet; focus on transparency rules.
MUMBAI: SEBI just dropped a six-figure wake-up call on finfluencers because when 1.33 lakh posts are too good to be true, even the market regulator has to hit mute. The Ministry of Finance informed Parliament that the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has escalated 1,33,000 misleading or manipulative social media posts related to securities to platform providers as of February 2026. The disclosure came in response to questions from MPs Vijay Vasanth and Suresh Kumar Shetka on the growing misuse of social media by unregistered financial influencers.
SEBI is not currently using artificial intelligence tools to monitor such content, the ministry clarified. Instead, it has mandated regulated entities and their agents to prominently display their registration name and number on social media profiles and in all securities-related content, helping investors verify authenticity and distinguish genuine advice from unregistered sources.
The ministry confirmed it does not maintain data on financial losses suffered by investors due to impersonation of registered entities. Grievances can be lodged and tracked via SEBI’s SCORES platform.
SEBI continues to coordinate with social media platforms to address risks from unregistered finfluencers. Violating content is escalated for removal, and enforcement action follows under the regulatory framework.
Earlier, SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey told ANI that the regulator had removed more than 1.2 lakh such posts after identifying “egregious behaviour violating our norms.” He emphasised that sharing financial education is permissible, but misleading investors triggers swift intervention.
In an era where one viral tip can move markets and empty wallets, SEBI isn’t just watching the feed, it’s reminding everyone that when it comes to money advice online, unregistered doesn’t mean unregulated, and a like isn’t the same as due diligence.
e-commerce
Flipkart rolls out 105 per cent bonus for 20,000 employees
Strong FY25 performance drives payouts even as layoffs and shifts unfold.
MUMBAI: In a year where belts were tightened and rewards loosened, Flipkart seems to be playing both offence and defence trimming roles on one hand while handing out a generous 105 per cent bonus on the other. The Walmart owned e commerce major has rolled out a 105 per cent bonus payout for 2025, covering nearly 20,000 employees, signalling a year of steady operational momentum even as the company navigates restructuring pressures. The payout, communicated internally by chief human resources officer Seema Nair, is tied to performance across key metrics including growth, operational efficiency, financial outcomes and people indicators, a combination that suggests the company is inching closer to its long stated goal of sustainable profitability.
Employees at SD level and below are set to receive their bonuses in March, while payouts for senior leadership, including vice presidents and senior vice presidents, will follow after the close of the performance cycle. The elevated 105 per cent multiplier stands out in a sector where cautious payouts have increasingly become the norm, pointing to what appears to be a relatively strong internal scorecard for FY25.
Yet, the announcement arrives with a noticeable contrast. Earlier this year, Flipkart reduced its workforce by around 300 roles as part of its annual performance review process. While officially framed as performance driven, the juxtaposition of layoffs alongside above target bonuses reflects a more nuanced balancing act, one that prioritises cost discipline while continuing to reward and retain high performing talent.
This dual approach is becoming increasingly common across the technology and e commerce landscape, where companies are navigating an uneven hiring environment while under pressure to deliver profitability. Rewarding top contributors, even amid selective workforce reductions, allows firms to maintain morale and retain critical talent without losing sight of financial prudence.
At the same time, Flipkart is also undergoing leadership shifts that hint at a broader strategic recalibration. Nishant Verman has been appointed senior vice president for corporate development and partnerships, while group chief financial officer Sriram Venkataraman is set to step down. Ravi Iyer will take on expanded responsibilities within the finance function, marking a reshuffle at the top as the company gears up for its next phase.
These changes come amid reports that Flipkart is planning to shift its holding structure back to India, a move widely interpreted as groundwork for a potential public listing. While timelines remain fluid, the combination of stronger financial discipline, leadership restructuring and employee incentivisation suggests a company preparing itself for greater scrutiny and scale.
For employees, the 105 per cent payout offers a welcome boost in what has otherwise been a period of adjustment. For Flipkart, it is a signal that even as it cuts where necessary, it is willing to spend where it counts. In the high stakes game of growth versus profitability, the company appears to be hedging its bets carefully, rewarding performance while reshaping itself for what could be its most defining chapter yet.
