Zerodha, India's prominent brokerage firm, has applied to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for a Category I merchant banking license, marking its intent to enter the investment banking sector through its subsidiary Zerodha Corporate Advisors Pvt Ltd.
- Applied for SEBI Category I merchant banking license via subsidiary
- Move aims to diversify revenue amid regulatory pressures on broking
- Competing with firms like Groww and Angel One in expanding services
What happened
Zerodha has submitted an application to SEBI for a Category I merchant banking license through its fully owned subsidiary, Zerodha Corporate Advisors Pvt Ltd. This licensing, if granted, will allow Zerodha to operate as a full-service merchant bank, engaging in activities including IPO management, M&A advisory, and capital raising for clients. The application was officially filed on April 27 and is currently under regulatory review.
Why it matters
Zerodha’s push into investment banking responds to challenges in its traditional broking revenues, which have been hit by tightened SEBI regulations on futures and options trading and a general slowdown in Indian equity markets. These pressures caused a decline in the company’s operating revenue and net profit in the recent fiscal year, highlighting the need for new revenue streams.
What to watch next
Additionally, how Zerodha leverages this new capability alongside its recent ventures—such as international stock access via GIFT City and enhanced customer incentives—will be crucial to tracking its competitive position against rivals like Groww and Angel One in the Indian brokerage and broader financial services landscape.