SEBI bars mutual funds from pre-IPO placements in regulatory tightening

Regulatory authorities in India have moved to curb pre-IPO placements by barring mutual funds from participating in such offers ahead of public listings. The directive aims to increase transparency and mitigate favoured access concerns in the booming IPO market. Industry participants suggest that the move will level the playing field for retail investors, though fund houses may see a reduction in early-stage deal access. Implementation guidelines are expected within weeks.