Depositories unveil ‘Proxy Advisor Voting’ feature to empower retail shareholders

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

MUMBAI, JULY 8, 2025

In a significant move to promote informed shareholder participation, the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) and Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL) have jointly introduced a new Proxy Advisor Voting feature within their respective investor platforms. The feature, aimed at strengthening retail engagement in corporate governance, was officially launched by Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey.

Integrated into NSDL’s SPEED-e portal and CDSL’s MyEasi app, the feature allows retail investors to view and consider recommendations from SEBI-registered proxy advisory firms — Stakeholders Empowerment Services (SES), Institutional Investor Advisory Services (IiAS), and InGovern Research Services — while voting on company resolutions through the e-Voting system.

The initiative aligns with SEBI’s broader strategy to enhance transparency and democratise shareholder information, offering investors timely access to expert opinions on complex resolutions. Investors can now compare recommendations, adopt proxy advisor suggestions with a single click, and even modify their vote before final submission — enabling greater flexibility and confidence in corporate decision-making.

SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey lauded the initiative, stating, “The e-Voting process is designed to ensure higher shareholder participation and promote stronger corporate governance. This feature allows investors to make well-informed decisions and represents a vital step toward inclusive, technology-driven capital markets.”

Echoing this sentiment, Vijay Chandok, MD & CEO of NSDL, noted, “This development empowers investors to become active participants in shaping corporate outcomes. It is a testament to our commitment to creating a transparent and resilient investor ecosystem.”

Nehal Vora, MD & CEO of CDSL, emphasized the role of innovation, adding, “By integrating proxy advisory insights into the e-Voting process, we’re giving investors the tools to make thoughtful decisions, furthering our mission to drive market participation through technological advancement.”

The Proxy Advisor Voting feature is now live and available to all retail investors through NSDL’s SPEED-e and CDSL’s MyEasi platforms, marking a key milestone in the evolution of India’s investor services landscape.