Markets regulator Sebi has empanelled 18 additional firms to undertake forensic audits of financial statements of listed companies. According to reports from The Hindu BusinessLine, the newly selected firms include Ernst & Young LLP, KPMG Assurance and Consulting Services LLP, Zx Grant Thornton Bharat LLP and Nangia & Co LLP. The empanelment follows a selection process initiated through a public procurement notice issued on November 2025, with the regulator formally notifying the decision on July 15, 2026. As reported by The Hindu BusinessLine, the empanelment is aimed at strengthening oversight of listed entities while enhancing market transparency and investor confidence.
As reported by The Hindu BusinessLine, the newly selected firms are in addition to the list of forensic auditors published by Sebi in April 2025. The empanelment will remain valid for three years from the date of publication of the latest list. Other newly empanelled entities include J C Kabra & Associates, J Mandal & Co LLP, J Singh & Associates, Jain Jagawat Kamdar and Company, Pipara & Co LLP, R Kabra & Co LLP, R S Patel and Co, Ravi Rajan and Co LLP, S S Periwal and Co, Sarath and Associates, SKVM and Company, V Singhi & Associates, ASA & Associates LLP and CLA Indus Value Consulting. The selection process demonstrates Sebi's commitment to expanding its forensic audit capabilities across multiple firms.
According to The Hindu BusinessLine, Srinivasa Rao, Senior Partner, Forensic Advisory at Nangia & Co LLP, commented on the development, stating that the empanelment reflects the firm's expertise in forensic services and commitment to supporting transparency and investor protection. Rao emphasized that the firm looks forward to contributing to Sebi's efforts to maintain a fair, efficient and transparent securities market through independent forensic audits. As reported by The Hindu BusinessLine, Rao expressed particular pride in the empanelment, stating "We are immensely proud to be empanelled by SEBI, a testament to our team's deep expertise and unwavering dedication to forensic excellence. This empanelment reinforces our position as a trusted partner in safeguarding investor interests and promoting transparency within the financial ecosystem."
As reported by The Hindu BusinessLine, the Sebi forensic audit panel comprises firms authorised by the regulator to conduct forensic audits of listed companies in cases involving suspected financial irregularities. The objective of this panel is to enhance transparency and investor confidence in the securities market through independent forensic audits. This expanded panel will strengthen Sebi's oversight capabilities and ensure comprehensive coverage across various market segments, with the regulator emphasizing that the empanelment is aimed at strengthening oversight of listed entities while enhancing market transparency and investor confidence.
