India and the U.S. run two of the world’s biggest capital markets, but their regulatory DNA couldn’t be more different. To break it down, we speak with Sandeep Parekh—managing partner at Finsec Law Advisors, former SEBI Executive Director, and a lawyer trained in both India and the U.S.

We discuss India’s rule-heavy regulations versus America’s principle-based approach, the shift from merit-based approvals to disclosure regimes, why Indian prospectuses run hundreds of pages, and how U.S. case law defines insider trading. We also explore India’s bold market infrastructure moves—Demat, T+1, digital IPOs—against the U.S.’s slower modernization.

At stake is more than style: these choices shape trust, efficiency, and capital formation. What can India learn from the U.S., and the U.S. from India?

Note: This content is for informational purposes only. None of the stocks, brands, or products mentioned are recommendations or endorsements.