The Securities & Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has launched a Virtual Assistant (SEVA) which is an artificial intelligence (AI) based conversation platform for investors. Currently, the beta version of the chatbot has been launched that includes features like "citations for generated response, speech-to-text and text-to-speech functionality for accessibility and follow-up questions," a Sebi release said.
According to Sebi, the chatbot can answer questions relating to general information on the securities market, the latest master circulars and the grievance redressal process. Based on the feedback received from the users, Sebi plans to add more features to the chatbot.
Sebi said that the beta version of the chatbot is available on Sebi's investor website and the SAARTHI mobile app (both Android and iOS). The beta version of the chatbot is available on Sebi’s investor website at https://investor.sebi.gov.in/. Additionally, it is available on the SAARTHI mobile application (both Android and iOS).
Investors can download the app using the below links: Android – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sebi.invap
Other Similar Initiatives By Sebi
Sebi is also running initiatives such as Asksebi- a platform for answering general queries related to the securities market. Queries are answered both through emails and letters wherever necessary. For any queries, investors may email asksebi@sebi.gov.in (only for investors).
Further, a toll-free helpline is also available on the website in eight languages. The toll-free helpline service is available on all days from 9 am to 6 pm. Unless retail investors deal with entities that are not registered members of Sebi, they are covered under Sebi's investor protection fund. Further, a dispute resolution mechanism is available through the SCORES portal where a resolution is available in 21 days. The old scores have been closed, Sebi recently informed and the new SCORES 2.0 platform has significantly reduced the average resolution time. Sebi Scores 2.0 is a two-tier resolution mechanism where an Action Taken Report (ATR) has been submitted in 21 days on investor complaints. If a complaint remains unresolved for 21 days, it is automatically routed to the concerned regulatory entity.
