Depositories Collaborate To Strengthen Shareholder Participation With Proxy Advisor Voting Feature
The feature was officially launched by SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey
In a significant step towards deepening retail investor participation in corporate governance, the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) and Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL) have jointly launched a new feature in their investor platforms. This enhancement enables retail shareholders to access expert recommendations from SEBI-registered proxy advisory firms while voting on company resolutions through the e-Voting system.
The feature was officially launched by Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey, as part of SEBI’s ongoing efforts to bring transparency and inclusiveness to India’s capital markets.
Integrated within NSDL’s SPEED-e app and web portal, and CDSL’s MyEasi application, the feature offers shareholders seamless access to recommendations from leading proxy advisory firms — Stakeholders Empowerment Services (SES), Institutional Investor Advisory Services (IiAS), and InGovern Research Services. These firms provide independent analysis and voting advice on corporate resolutions.
With this integration, investors can:
- View and compare proxy advisor recommendations for each resolution before voting.
- Use the “Vote as per Proxy Advisor’s Recommendation” option during the e-Voting process.
- Modify their vote before final submission for added flexibility.
- Make informed, confident decisions as active participants in corporate matters.
Speaking at the launch, SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey stated, “The e-Voting process is central to ensuring higher shareholder participation in company meetings. Access to proxy advisory recommendations empowers investors to make well-informed decisions. This collaboration among depositories is a progressive step toward investor empowerment and inclusive, technology-driven governance.”
Vijay Chandok, Managing Director and CEO of NSDL, remarked, “This feature exemplifies our commitment to equipping investors with the tools needed to be informed and active stakeholders in the companies they invest in. We aim to foster a resilient, trustworthy market ecosystem.”
Echoing the sentiment, Nehal Vora, MD & CEO of CDSL, said, “By embedding proxy advisor insights into the e-Voting process, we are handing decision-making power directly to the investors. It is a milestone in our mission to improve investor services through innovation and technology.”
The feature is now live and available to users of both NSDL’s SPEED-e and CDSL’s MyEasi platforms, marking a new era in shareholder engagement and governance participation in India’s capital market landscape.
