In this work, the development of sign regressor least mean mixed norm (SRLMMN) control technique for a distribution static compensator (D-STATCOM) is presented. This control technique extracts fundamental weight components from the non-sinusoidal load currents and generates reference grid currents. D-STATCOM is developed for harmonics eradication, reactive power injection and load balancing and its performance is investigated in several operating modes. The performance of SRLMMN control is compared with recursive least square (RLS) and variable step least mean square (VSLMS) control techniques in terms of convergence, steady-state error, harmonics elimination, sample time and computation complexity. The major advantages of SRLMMN control technique, are fast convergence, less steady-state error, low total harmonic distortion (THD) and offers less computation complexity when compared with RLS and VSLMS. A laboratory-scale prototype of compensator is realised using a voltage source converter with the controller implemented in the dSPACE-MicroLabBox. Both MATLAB simulation and experimental results are included to demonstrate the performance of shunt compensator under steady-state and dynamic loadings. The developed SRLMMN control technique mitigates power quality problems and effectively suppresses THD observed in the grid current with reference to IEEE Standard 519-2014.