The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) was initially established as a non-statutory body on April 12, 1988. However, to provide it with necessary powers to regulate the burgeoning capital markets, the Securities and Exchange Board of India Ordinance, 1992, was promulgated on January 30, 1992, giving SEBI statutory status and powers. This Ordinance was later replaced by the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992, which was passed by Parliament.