SEBI Chief Tuhin Kanta Pandey says A Third of Gen Z Investing in Securities Market

Here’s a sign of the times: Gen Z isn’t just watching stock tips on Instagram anymore. They’re putting their money where their scroll is. According to SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey, about a third of Gen Z in India is now actively investing in the securities market. That’s a big deal, and it points to a youth who’s more financially aware, digitally savvy, and ready to grow wealth early.

Young Investors Are Changing the Game

India’s stock market is getting younger. As of May 2024, people under 30 make up over 40% of the 95 million registered investors on the National Stock Exchange, almost double the number in 2018. This shift shows that Gen Z isn’t waiting around; they’re already purposefully stepping into finance.

Pandey calls this trend a good sign for financial inclusion and youth empowerment. And honestly, it’s hard to argue with that. Young people aren’t just spending; they’re investing.

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Tech and Social Media: The New Finance Teachers

Part of the reason so many young people are investing? The apps and platforms they already live on. Tools like Zerodha and Upstox make trading accessible, even if you’re new to the game. Meanwhile, Instagram and YouTube have become unofficial finance classrooms, thanks to the rise of “influencers.”

But there’s a flip side. Not all online advice is solid. SEBI’s already on it, stepping in to regulate unregistered financial influencers and keep young investors from getting burnt.

What Gen Z Likes to Invest In

So what are they buying? Stocks, especially in tech and innovation. That kind of mindset shows these young investors aren’t just chasing quick gains; they’re thinking ahead.

Not everything’s rosy, though. A SEBI report showed that from 2019 to 2023, 70% of intraday traders lost money, half of them under 30. That’s a big red flag.

To help dial back the risk, SEBI has introduced stricter rules, including limits on options trading and bigger contract sizes. This is all part of nudging investors away from gambling on stocks and toward building solid, sustainable portfolios.

Making Investing More Accessible

SEBI isn’t just focused on the cities, either. It recently rolled out the option to start mutual fund SIPs with just ₹250 a month. That’s small-town and student-friendly, opening the door to investing for many more people.

There’s also some big news brewing on the institutional front; SEBI is working with the NSE to clear the way for its long-awaited IPO. That’s one more sign of how the Indian market is evolving.

The Bottom Line

Gen Z is stepping into the securities market like never before, reshaping India’s financial future. This isn’t just about youth curiosity but real engagement with wealth-building tools. The challenge now? Making sure that growth is intelligent, informed, and sustainable. With the proper support from SEBI and better financial education, this new wave of investors could be here to stay.