The February 2026 monthly e-newsletter from the Independent Directors’ Databank provides a comprehensive overview of key developments in the regulatory framework, the corporate sector, and other important updates.

The featured stories across various sections cover regulatory updates, evolving governance practices, and experience-sharing insights from Independent Directors.

The regulatory initiatives announced in February 2026 collectively highlight the Government’s and regulators’ focus on ease of doing business, financial inclusion, and strengthened governance. SEBI’s measures to enhance participation in social finance and provide greater flexibility to InvITs, RBI’s push for collateral-free MSME lending, MCA’s restructuring of regional regulatory bodies, and the Union Budget proposal for a “Corporate Mitras” cadre reflect a facilitative yet accountable regulatory approach. Together, these reforms aim to reduce compliance burdens, improve access to capital, and strengthen institutional oversight, underscoring the need for boards and compliance teams to proactively align with the evolving regulatory landscape.

Setting in the Hub – February, 2026 issue highlights the "PwC's 29^th Global CEO Survey : Leading through Uncertainty in the Age of AI" a survey report from PwC.

Vignettes showcase article from "Sandeep Parekh, Managing Partner, Finsec Law Advisors" titled “When whispers become truth”.

Regulatory Worktop shares the key updates on a) SEBI initiatives to deepen participation in the Social Stock Exchange, b) SEBI consultation on rationalisation of borrowing and leverage framework for InvITs, c) RBI amendment directions on collateral-free lending to the MSME sector, d) MCA reorganisation of 3 new Regional Directorates and 6 new Registrars of Companies, and e) Union Budget 2026–27 announcement on creation of the “Corporate Mitras” cadre to support MSME compliance.

Regulators Eye focus on the key updates relating to a) Highlights from Union Budget of India 2026, b) Impact of Supreme Court’s Tiger Global ruling on foreign investors, c) SEBI Clarifies Corporate Governance Compliance Cannot Be Delegated to Board Committees, d) Strengthening AI Governance Through Techno-legal Framework January 2026, and e) “Camouflaged” disclosure is “No disclosure at all” – SAT.

Events Expo showcases relevant national and global upcoming events, programs, workshops, conferences, etc. for participation of the members. This issue covers Conference on New Age Risks 2026 | FICCI | February 06, 2026 and Workshop on New Labour Codes | CII | February 13, 2026 and 5^th Green Investment & Sustainability Conclave | ASSOCHAM | February 13, 2026 and 4 Month Certification Course for Independent Directors on Audit Committees | IICA | February – May, 2026 and Identifying Competencies for Your Organization’s Growth | Bombay Chamber | February 5, 2026.

Global Events, suggested are Behind Closed Doors: The CEO-Board Dynamic | SVDX | February 23, 2026 and Showcasing your boardroom credentials & elevating your global network | CGI | February 25, 2026 and Beyond the Hype: AI's Impact on Headcount and Business Value | Gartner | February 25, 2026 and AI in the Boardroom | AICD | February 11, 2026.