Is Algo Trading Legal in the Indian Market? (SEBI Rules Explained)
Is Algo Trading Legal
in the Indian Market? (SEBI Rules Explained)
Yes, algo trading is legal in
India.
However,
it is regulated by SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India). There
are specific rules and frameworks you must follow, especially depending on
whether you're a retail trader or an institutional trader.
π¨π» For Retail Traders:
Retail
traders can do algo trading using broker APIs like Zerodha Kite
Connect, Angel One SmartAPI, etc.
As of
now, semi-automated or manual-triggered algo strategies (where a
human approves or initiates the trade) do not require prior SEBI or exchange
approval.
But you
still need to:
- Follow your broker’s terms
of use
- Ensure your algo doesn’t
misuse the system
- Avoid market manipulation
π’ For Institutional Traders / Full
Automation:
If you’re
running a fully automated strategy (zero human intervention), especially
at high volume or frequency:
- You need Exchange
approval (from NSE/BSE)
- The algorithm may need to be
audited and certified
- You must adhere to strict risk
and compliance guidelines
π SEBI’s Focus (as of latest guidelines):
1. Prevent misuse of APIs or
automated systems
2. Ensure brokers only allow
approved algos (coming regulation)
3. Maintain market stability and
avoid unfair advantages
❗ Important Note:
In 2022,
SEBI proposed stricter rules for retail algo trading, including:
- Pre-approval of algos by
exchanges
- Brokers taking
responsibility for algos used via their platform
These are still under discussion, and not fully implemented yet for all retail users — but it’s wise to stay updated.

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