The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has updated the Investor Charter for stock brokers to improve financial consumer protection, inclusion, and literacy. The revisions account for recent market developments, including the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform and SCORES 2.0. SEBI has directed stock exchanges to ensure stock brokers inform clients about the Investor Charter by displaying it on their websites, placing copies in offices, and including it in account opening kits. Additionally, brokers must disclose complaint data and their resolution status monthly to enhance transparency in grievance redressal. These updates, made in consultation with the Brokers’ Industry Standards Forum (ISF), replace the previous charter issued in December 2021 and amend Clause 75 of the Master Circular for Stock Brokers dated August 9, 2024. The revised provisions take immediate effect, with SEBI instructing stock exchanges to enforce compliance among brokers.
Securities and Exchange Board of India
Circular No. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD-PoD1/P/CIR/2025/22 Dated: February 21, 2025
To,
All recognized Stock Exchanges
Stock Brokers through Recognized Stock Exchanges
Madam / Sir,
Sub: Investor Charter for Stock Brokers
1. SEBI, vide Circular no. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/DOP/P/CIR/2021/676 dated December 02, 2021 (hereinafter mentioned as ‘Circular’) and Clause 75 of Master Circular for Stock Brokers dated August 09, 2024 (hereinafter mentioned as ‘Master Circular’), inter alia, issued Investor charter for stock brokers.
2. In a move to enhance financial consumer protection alongside enhanced financial inclusion and financial literacy and in view of the recent developments in the securities market including introduction of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform and SCORES 2.0, it has been decided to modify the investor charter for stock brokers.
3. In view of the above and based on consultation with Brokers’ Industry Standards Forum (ISF), updated investor charter for stock brokers is placed at Annexure A.
4. In this regard, Stock Exchanges are directed to advise Stock Brokers to bring the Investor Charter for Stock Brokers to the notice of their clients (existing as well as new clients) through disclosing the Investor Charter on their respective websites, making them available at prominent places in the office, provide a copy of Investor Charter as a part of account opening kit to the clients, through e-mails/ letters etc.
5. Additionally, in order to ensure transparency in the Investor Grievance Redressal Mechanism, all the Stock Brokers shall continue to disclose on their respective websites, the data on complaints received against them or against issues dealt by them and redressal thereof, latest by 7th of succeeding month, as per the format enclosed at Annexure ‘B’ to this circular.
6. The provisions of this circular shall come into force with immediate effect.
7. With the issuance of this circular, SEBI, SEBI/HO/MIRSD/DOP/P/CIR/2021/676 dated December 02, 2021 stands rescinded and Clause 75 of Master Circular for Stock Brokers dated August 09, 2024 stands amended as per this circular.
8. Stock Exchanges are hereby directed to bring the provisions of this circular to the notice of the stock brokers.
9. This circular is issued in exercise of powers conferred under Section 11(1) of Chapter IV of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 to protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote the development of, and to regulate the securities markets and shall come into effect from the date of this circular.
10. This circular is available on SEBI website atsebi.gov.in under the category: ‘Legal → Circulars
Yours faithfully,
Sudeep Mishra
General Manager
Tel. No.: 022-26449365
E-mail: sudeepm@sebi.gov.in
Annexure-A
