Synopsis: India’s investor base has grown rapidly with over 21 crore Demat accounts and nearly one lakh new accounts opening daily, SEBI Chairperson T.K. Pandey revealed at IITF 2025. He emphasized stronger investor awareness, protection mechanisms, and upcoming governance reforms.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairperson Tuhin Kanta Pandey on Friday underscored the rising confidence of Indian investors in the country’s capital markets, highlighting significant growth in participation and Demat account holdings. Speaking at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025 in New Delhi, Pandey noted that as of October 2025, India has 13.6 crore investors with over 21 crore Demat accounts, a clear indication of deepening market trust.
Pandey added that nearly one lakh new Demat accounts are opened every day, showcasing the accelerating enthusiasm of retail investors. He also highlighted the exponential rise of the mutual fund industry, which has accumulated over ?80 trillion, growing more than sevenfold in the past decade.
Despite this rapid growth, the SEBI chief pointed out an important gap:
While 63% of Indian households are aware of securities market products, only 9.5% actively invest in them. This gap, he said, reinforces the need for enhanced investor education, financial literacy, and trust-building initiatives.
To address these challenges, SEBI has rolled out multiple investor protection and awareness measures, including:
- Nationwide financial literacy and awareness programs with market institutions
- Introduction of validated UPI handles and SEBI Check tools for safer transactions
- Facilities for investors to freeze or block accounts during suspicious activity
- The MITRA platform to track inactive mutual fund folios and strengthen KYC compliance
- Mandatory use of designated numbers by intermediaries to ensure transparent communication
Pandey reiterated that SEBI remains committed to enhancing safety and transparency as participation surges.
He also revealed that the High-Level Committee report on conflict of interest, disclosures, and governance norms for SEBI officials will likely be taken up at the next SEBI Board meeting on December 17. The committee’s recommendations are expected to further strengthen institutional integrity and regulatory accountability.
As India’s capital markets continue to expand at an unprecedented pace, SEBI’s focus remains firmly on creating a secure, transparent, and investor-friendly environment.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Readers should verify information through official SEBI sources before making financial decisions.
