The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is compiling a national database of market participants and investors (Mapin).
The National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) has been selected to compile and maintain the database.
SEBI says it will be mandatory for all market participants to be listed and all firms will receive a permanent identification number. Any firm that does not obtain an identification number by SEBI's March 2004 deadline will not be able to continue trading.
Mapin will enable investors to view basic information about intermediaries, including details of any disciplinary action.