If you are planning to start your investment journey in stocks, then the first step toward it will be opening a demat and trading account. For this, you must open a demat and trading account with only a SEBI-registered broker.
In today’s blog post, we will give you an overview of the best SEBI-registered brokers in 2025.
What are SEBI Registered Brokers?
SEBI, or the Securities and Exchange Board of India, is the regulatory authority of the Indian Capital Market. It laid down all the regulations governing the registration of brokers who can offer trading and investment services to their investors. Only SEBI-registered brokers are allowed to provide such services.
List of Best SEBI Registered Brokers
- Pocketful
- Groww
- Zerodha
- Angel One
- Upstox
- ICICI Direct
- HDFC Securities
- Kotak Securities
- SBI Securities
- Dhan
Overview of the Best SEBI-Registered Broker
1. Pocketful
Pocketful is one of the famous discount brokers in India. It was founded by two brothers, Sarvam and Rishabh Goel, who have experience of more than 30 years in this Industry. Pocketful offers a lifetime free account opening with zero annual maintenance charges, it also offers zero brokerage on delivery trades. It is designed to be equally beneficial for beginners, experienced traders, and even algo traders, thanks to its user-friendly platform and tech-driven tools.
2. Groww
Groww was founded in 2016 in Bengaluru by an ex-employee of Flipkart. It started its business by launching a direct mutual fund platform later it started offering investment in stocks through its application. The company has launched its IPO this year.
3. Zerodha
Zerodha is one of the popular stock trading applications in India. The company has changed the aspect of investment in the Indian Capital Market. It was founded by Nikhil and Nithin Kamat in 2010. It offers flat brokerage charges on trading. It also offers a robust trading platform to its investors, through which one can easily place their orders.
4. Angel One
Angel One is a full-time broker that has also entered the industry of discount broking. It offers an extensive range of products, such as advisory services, etc. Along with the broking services, it also offers investment in mutual funds and other assets. Their advisory tools help traders identify investment opportunities.
5. Upstox
In 2009, Ravi Kumar, Raghu Kumar, and Shrini Vishwanath founded Upstox. It is backed by a well-known businessman, Mr Ratan Tata. To meet the needs of both beginner and seasoned investors, it provides a technologically advanced platform. There are two modes available in their app: Upstox for Traders and Upstox for Investors.
6. ICICI Direct
ICICI Direct Securities is one of the top brokers in India and is owned by one of India’s leading private sector banks, ICICI Bank. Along with the trading facility, it also offers research and wealth management. Because of its 3-in-1 account, which combines a savings, trading, and Demat account and is very popular with investors.
7. HDFC Securities
HDFC Securities is a well-known full-service broker which was established in 2000 and is a subsidiary of HDFC Bank. It offers many services, such as currency products, mutual funds, IPOs, bonds, and equity and derivative trading. It offers user-friendly platforms like HDFC Sky, along with a user-friendly mobile application. HDFC Securities is well-known for its customer support and distant reach.
8. Kotak Securities
Kotak Securities was established as a subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India. This allows their clients to link their bank and demat trading accounts for easy fund transfers. They offer excellent trading platforms. Such as both the desktop-focused KEAT Pro X and the web-friendly Kotak Stock Trader provide real-time market data to active traders.
9. SBI Securities
SBI Securities was incorporated in 2006, and initially, it was known as SBI Cap Securities Limited. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of SBI Bank. Along with the broking services, it also offers PMS and research advisory services. It gets the benefit of a huge SBI customer base that helps it acquire new customers.
10. Dhan
Dhan is a technology-driven discount broking platform launched in 2021. It is well known for its zero-brokerage charges, zero AMC, which makes it popular among traders. Their trading application is equipped with advanced trading and charting tools. Dhan also provides API integration for algo traders.
Features of SEBI-Registered Broker
The key features of SEBI-Registered Brokers are as follows:
- License: Only SEBI-registered brokers are permitted to offer trading services, as they have been granted a license by SEBI to provide these services.
- Trading Platform: Every SEBI-registered broker offers an advanced and secure trading platform.
- Segregation of Fund: A key feature which needs to be noted is that every SEBI-registered broker must keep clients’ funds and securities separated from their own funds.
- Risk Management: SEBI-registered brokers offer real-time risk management to keep a check on unsafe trades.
How to Verify a SEBI-Registered Broker?
There are two ways through which one can check whether the broker is registered with SEBI or not. The step-by-step guidelines to check it are as follows:
Official Website of Securities and Exchange Board of India
- The first step is to visit the official website of SEBI.
- Then you need to visit the Market intermediaries section.
- After which, you are required to enter the name of the broker, their registration number or city.
- Once you enter the details, they will be reflected, including the validity period, status (active or inactive), etc.
Membership Details on Exchange
- The broker must be registered with at least one of the stock exchanges in India.
- To check this, visit the official websites of NSE or BSE.
- Then you can check the broker’s name or their SEBI registration number.
- You will find the details of SEBI-registered brokers.
How to Choose the Best SEBI-Registered Broker?
To choose the best SEBI-registered broker, one can follow the steps mentioned below:
- SEBI Registration: One should check whether the broker is registered with SEBI or not through the official sources mentioned above.
- Brokerage Fees Comparison: Before choosing a broker, one should compare the brokerage structure offered by different brokers, and then choose the broker based on your needs, such as trading volume, etc.
- Trading Platform: The trading platform offered by the broker must be user-friendly, fast and reliable so that trades can be executed effectively.
- Customer Support: The SEBI-registered broker should have a strong customer support department which promptly resolves queries or complaints.
Benefits of Trading with SEBI-Registered Broker
The key benefits of trading with an SEBI-registered broker are as follows:
- Safety: SEBI-Registered brokers are required to follow the strict regulations laid down by SEBI; therefore, trading with them carries a lower risk of fraud.
- Secure Trading: Only SEBI-registered companies can offer secure trading platforms, through which one can easily execute their orders.
- Risk Management: Brokers registered with SEBI are required to maintain a proper framework to protect against extreme losses.
- Grievances: They are required to provide a dedicated customer support system which helps in the timely resolution of your queries.
Conclusion
On a concluding note, a SEBI-registered broker offers transparency and ensures safety. The decision to select an ideal SEBI-registered broker out of all brokers is based on your style of trading. An investor should choose an SEBI-registered broker with the lowest brokerage and an advanced trading platform with technical facilities. Nevertheless, we recommend that you seek the advice of your investment advisor before selecting a broker and investing in stocks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check whether a broker is registered with SEBI or not?
To check whether the broker is registered with SEBI or not, you are required to visit the website of SEBI or the Exchange, and then you can check the broker’s details under the intermediary section.
Are SEBI brokers safe for long-term investments?
Yes. SEBI-registered brokers must follow strict compliance, risk management, and segregation of client funds, making them reliable for long-term investing.
What are the factors which need to be considered before choosing a broker?
In order to choose a broker, you are required to compare the brokerage charges offered by them, along with the features of the trading platform, customer support and complaint history.
Can I open multiple demat accounts with different SEBI-registered brokers?
Yes, you can open multiple demat accounts with SEBI-registered brokers.
What are the different types of charges involved while trading with a SEBI-registered broker?
The different types of charges involved while trading with a SEBI-registered broker include brokerage charges, STT, GST, stamp charges, DP charges, etc.
Which type of broker is best, discount or full-time?
Whether to select a discount or full-time broker is dependent on the requirements and services that an investor demands. In case they require research and other services, they can choose to have a full-time broker or in the case they just require an execution-only platform, they can invest by using a discount broker.
Do SEBI-registered brokers charge account opening fees?
It varies. Some brokers like Pocketful offer lifetime free account opening and zero AMC, while others may charge small registration or AMC fees.
Can SEBI take action against brokers for violations?
Yes. SEBI has the authority to suspend, penalise, or cancel registrations of brokers involved in fraud, malpractice, or rule violations.
