SEBI was established in 1988 as a non-statutory body and given statutory powers in 1992 through the SEBI Act to regulate the securities market in India. Its objectives are to protect investors, promote the securities market development, and regulate market operations. SEBI's functions include regulating stock exchanges, intermediaries, and collective investment schemes; prohibiting unfair trade practices; and promoting investor education and market research. It is managed by a board consisting of a chairman, government officials, an RBI member, and five whole-time members appointed by the government. Key departments include primary market regulation, secondary market oversight, and legal, investigation, and institutional investment departments.