SEBI Extends Deadline for Retail Algo Trading Rollout

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has granted stock brokers extra time to implement algorithmic (algo) trading for retail investors. Brokers must now register at least one algo strategy by October 31, 2025, and fully launch API-based retail algo trading by November 30, 2025. Additionally, by January 3, 2026, brokers are required to participate in mock trading sessions to ensure system robustness. From January 5, 2026, brokers failing to comply will be barred from onboarding new clients under the API-based algo framework.
The extension gives brokers more breathing space to upgrade their systems and adhere to transparency norms. This move comes amid growing interest among retail investors to leverage algorithmic strategies. In FY24, SEBI reported that 97% of F&O profits by foreign investors and 96% by proprietary traders were generated via algo trades—highlighting the instrument’s dominance.
Expect this shift to bring both opportunities and challenges: while it democratizes access to high-speed market tools, it also raises questions about risk management for smaller players.

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