150 years and counting! BSE 150 Index, special coin to commemorate remarkable journey of Asia's oldest stock exchange

A special coin, a speical index and a spcial logo! That's how the bourse BSE celebrated its 150th Foundation Day on Thursday, April 17. Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, and SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey were in attendance at a special event organised in Mumbai as Asia's oldest stock exchange marked its 150th years.

Specially minted coin, BSE 150 Index to mark BSE @ 150

The Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister unveiled a commemorative coin as well as a 'BSE@150' logo for the exchange.

The Minister of State for Finance launched the 150-scrip index.

Speaking at the event, the Union Minister implored all financial stakeholders to have faith in the market’s long-term promise of disciplined wealth creation.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of investors in shaping the future of the domestic financial market, she emphasised the need for innovation with purpose among entities such as exchanges and market intermediaries.

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She advised corporations to prioritise transparency, good governance and shareholder value, while urging regulators to stay proactive and adaptable in the fast-changing world.

The Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister also stressed on the the importance of investor education, particularly with the growing number of retail investors and new traders entering Dalal Street.

BSE History

Originally known as the Bombay Stock Exchange, the bourse has a rich history given its establishment in 1875. As the first exchange in the country to receive permanent recognition under the Securities Contract Regulation Act, the exchange’s journey has its roots in an evolution in the country’s securities market.

BSE predates the Tokyo Stock Exchange by three years, solidifying its position as Asia's oldest stock exchange.

The Indian bourse’s main achievements include the launch of the country’s first equity index, the Sensex, in 1986, with a base value of 100.