Investor lobbies and tax lawyers estimate the bill for international funds and banks could be as high as $8 billion
Sebi has long struggled with balancing the needs of small investors and those of the market.
The move will likely attract more retail investors.
It's earnings from mobile gadgets dropped 64%
The policymaker said the RBI had not reached the point where specific actions were under consideration.
Sebi also approved new delisting rules.
The company is headed for its worst annual profit in three years, under siege as Chinese firms like Xiaomi and Lenovo reel in buyers with full-function touch-screen smartphones that are cheaper.
Apple Inc may have disappointed many consumers by not putting sapphire glass covers on its new iPhone, but the scratch-resistant material is gradually making its way into mobile devices despite manufacturing challenges and high costs.
Sebi has asked clearing houses to establish separate funds for all segments of the market including equity, debt and currency.
The drive against insider trading comes after SEBI last year received enhanced investigation powers from parliament, including the ability to monitor call records.
Both companies can now complete the deal.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) unveiled new proposals, broadening the scope of who can be held liable for insider trading violations.
The market regulator is wielding an unprecedented level of control over how mutual funds operate, delaying new launches and dictating investment strategy, frustrated insiders in the embattled industry say.
It was put on hold in 2008 after the global financial crisis.
The RBI cracked down on offshore foreign exchange trading by Indians through online trading websites.
The Indian rupee slumped to a record low near 69 to the dollar on Wednesday on growing worries that foreign investors will continue to sell out of a country facing stiff economic challenges and volatile global markets.
RBI banned banks from proprietary trading and Sebi doubled the margin requirement on the domestic dollar-rupee forward trade.