Sebi Flags Concerns Over Derivatives Frenzy

SEBI on Thursday expressed concern over the growing dominance of ultra-short-term derivatives trading, cautioning that such trends could undermine the health of India’s capital markets, while contemplating steps to extend the tenure and maturity of these products. “Very short-term derivatives continue to dominate equity derivative volumes, especially expiry-day index options. This is an imbalance that is obviously unhealthy and may have potential for adverse consequences,” said SEBI Whole- Time Member Ananth Narayan. He was addressing the 11th Capital Markets Conclave organised by the CII. “I would strongly endorse the view that, towards this end, we must look for ways to further deepen our cash equities markets, even as we look to improve the quality of our derivatives market by extending the tenure and maturity of the products and solutions on offer. We need constructive engagement from all stakeholders to achieve this,” he said. Citing the market regulator’s own research, Narayan pointed out that 91 per cent of individual traders in futures and options (F&O) incurred net losses in FY25 – collectively losing over Rs 1 lakh crore – funds that could otherwise contribute to responsible investing and capital formation.