Archive · 25 Oct 2025
New Investors Poised to Enter Equity Markets, Sebi Survey Shows
Imagine lots of people in India want to start buying stocks, like owning a tiny piece of big companies.
A recent survey showed that almost 40 million people are ready to invest in the stock market in the next year.
They're held back by things like not understanding how to start or finding it all too complicated.
Many want easier ways to invest, like simple apps and education.
While the market is growing, some people are losing lots of money in riskier investments.
Experts are worried about the risks of new investors trading in derivatives, so they want to make sure people know what they're doing and aren't tricked by false info online.
More investors are good for the market, making it stronger and less dependent on outside investors.
Sebi's survey identifies nearly 40 million potential new equity investors (intenders) in India.
73% of intenders desire simpler investment options, including easier onboarding and digital interfaces.
9.5% of Indian households have invested in securities market products.
Concerns exist regarding steep trading losses in derivatives and reliance on social media financial influencers.
Experts advise caution and emphasize the need for robust investor education to support the growing market.
- Who
- Potential new investors identified by Sebi, along with current investors.
- What
- A Sebi survey reveals a surge of prospective investors ('intenders') planning to enter India's equity markets.
- When
- Within the next year, according to the Sebi survey conducted in September.
- Where
- India
- Why
- The rise is attributed to market democratization, the appeal of equity, and the IPO market, but concerns exist regarding derivatives trading losses and financial literacy.
Investor Education Advocates
Market Regulation Proponents
Approach to Derivatives
Investor Education Advocates
Emphasize investor education to navigate high-risk derivatives trading.
Market Regulation Proponents
Advocate for stricter regulations to limit derivatives trading and protect inexperienced investors.
Simplicity vs. Risk Assessment
Investor Education Advocates
Prioritize simplified access and ease of investment for new entrants.
Market Regulation Proponents
Ensure simplification doesn't come at the cost of sound risk assessment.
- Intenders
- 39.7 million potential new investors
- Survey Conducted By
- Kantar (in association with Sebi)
- Survey Scope
- 90,000 households across 400 cities and 1,000 villages
- Accounts with Securities
- 9.5% of households
- Derivatives Losses (FY25)
- ₹1.05 trillion
- Reliance on Financial Influencers
- 57%