The National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) and the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) have formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on May 19, 2026, in Mumbai. This collaboration aims to strengthen corporate governance and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks, enhancing India's financial ecosystem. The MoU focuses on capacity building, research, policy development, and training across securities markets and corporate regulation. Joint initiatives will include designing certification courses and specialized training programs for officials from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and other financial professionals. The partnership also aims to facilitate Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in accessing capital markets and improving sustainability disclosures. Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Chairman of SEBI, highlighted the importance of fostering a performance-driven corporate governance ecosystem. Furthermore, the MoU encompasses areas such as insolvency frameworks, board governance, and responsible investing, marking a long-term commitment between NISM, IICA, and SEBI to create a more inclusive and well-regulated financial environment.