Yes, you can start your own broking business in India. You set up a company, become a member of a recognised stock exchange such as NSE, BSE or MCX, and register with SEBI under the SEBI (Stock Brokers) Regulations, 2026, which took effect in January 2026. As a SEBI-registered broker you can offer equities, derivatives, commodities and exchange-traded currency derivatives, including INR pairs and permitted cross-currency pairs, to Indian clients. You also need a compliance officer, NISM-certified staff, and technology for trading, KYC, back office and client service.
- Starting a SEBI-registered broking firm is a fully legal and well-established route in India.
- Registration goes to SEBI through a recognised stock exchange under the Stock Brokers Regulations, 2026.
- Brokers can offer equities, F&O, commodities and exchange-traded currency derivatives to Indian clients.
- Plan for net worth and deposit requirements, a compliance officer and NISM-certified staff.
- Modern CRM, KYC, back office and mobile apps help a new broker compete with established players.
Looking for a CRM and back office for Indian brokers? Onboarding, KYC, Authorised Person management and reporting in one system.
India has one of the fastest-growing investor communities in the world, and new investors keep arriving through mobile apps every month. That makes starting a stock broking business in India one of the most exciting opportunities in financial services, and it is a clear, well-regulated path.
What you can offer as a SEBI-registered broker
| Segment | Exchanges | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Equity cash | NSE, BSE | Shares, ETFs |
| Equity derivatives | NSE, BSE | Index and stock futures and options |
| Currency derivatives | NSE, BSE, MSE | USD/INR, EUR/INR, GBP/INR, JPY/INR and permitted cross-currency pairs |
| Commodities | MCX, NCDEX, NSE | Gold, silver, crude oil, agricultural contracts |
Exchange-traded currency derivatives are the regulated way for Indian residents to trade currencies, so a broking licence is also your route into the forex business in India.
Step-by-step: launching your broking firm
- Set up your company with an object clause that covers broking, and arrange the required net worth and capital.
- Apply for exchange membership with NSE, BSE or MCX for the segments you want.
- Register with SEBI: the exchange checks your application and forwards it to SEBI under the Stock Brokers Regulations, 2026.
- Build your team: a compliance officer, NISM-certified dealers and operations staff.
- Set up technology: an exchange-approved trading system, back office, KYC with a KRA, CRM and client apps.
- Join SCORES and the ODR portal for investor grievances, and adopt SEBI's investor charter.
- Launch and grow, adding Authorised Persons to expand across cities.
Net worth, deposits and fees depend on the segments and exchanges you choose and are set by SEBI and the exchanges. Check the current circulars when you plan your budget.
Technology that helps a new broker compete
- Client onboarding and KYC that is fast on mobile, with e-sign and KRA integration.
- A CRM and back office for leads, clients, Authorised Persons and support.
- Branded mobile apps and a modern website.
- Reporting and analytics for management and compliance.
- Live market data for research and client tools.
Thinking bigger?
Many Indian groups combine a domestic broking firm with an international business through GIFT City or a licensed entity abroad owned by an Indian company. See also our India page.
General information only, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with SEBI, the exchanges, IFSCA or RBI and a qualified adviser before you start.