SEBI says individual derivatives traders fell 19% in FY26
Reporting Findings
SEBI says the number of individual derivatives traders fell 19% to 78.6 lakh in FY26, the first drop in four years. Its new studies also show that total losses fell, even as the average loss per losing trader rose to a record high since FY22.
Data Impact
The regulator’s studies suggest that curbs on retail derivatives trading may be slowing participation, but they do not show a simple one-to-one effect. SEBI itself says the decline had already started before the tighter rules, and the remaining traders appear to be trading more intensely and still losing heavily.
Key Uncertainty
SEBI cautions that the fall in participation cannot be credited only to its measures, because moderation began earlier.
The studies track trading patterns and losses, but they do not by themselves separate the effect of regulation from market conditions or trader behaviour changes.