Mumbai, October 11, 2025: In a significant move aimed at protecting retail investors from fraudulent online trading applications, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has announced that all registered broking apps will soon carry a “verification tick” on the Google Play Store.
The initiative, confirmed by SEBI Whole-Time Member Kamlesh Chandra Varshney, will help investors easily distinguish between legitimate and fake trading applications. Speaking at the Bombay Stock Exchange Brokers’ Forum’s “Capital Market Confluence” event, Varshney said Google had formally agreed to SEBI’s request for the implementation of this verification system.
“In the next couple of months, whenever an investor searches for broking apps on the Play Store, registered and authorised apps will appear with a verification tick. This will help build investor confidence and prevent fraudulent activity,” Varshney said.
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Crackdown on Fake Apps and Investor Protection
The move comes amid a surge in cases where investors have fallen prey to fake or cloned trading applications imitating registered brokerage firms. Cybercriminals often replicate logos, names, and interfaces of legitimate financial apps to steal sensitive data and money from unsuspecting investors.
SEBI’s new initiative is expected to curb such fraudulent practices and reinforce its broader agenda of ensuring digital transparency and investor protection.
Varshney also noted that SEBI has intensified its investor awareness campaigns, such as the “SEBI Versus Scam” initiative and the “Valid UPI” project, which aim to educate the public about safe digital investment practices and fraud prevention.
Focus on Reviving the Commodity Market
During his address, Varshney highlighted SEBI’s ongoing efforts to revive and strengthen India’s commodity markets, which have been facing liquidity and regulatory challenges.
“Farmers often need immediate cash payments, whereas futures settlement takes time. Spot transactions fall under the purview of state governments, which limits the scope of regulatory intervention,” he explained.
To address these challenges, SEBI is working on liquidity enhancement measures and exploring new frameworks to make commodity trading more accessible, transparent, and investor-friendly. The regulator has also sought active participation from brokers and intermediaries to enhance market efficiency.
Progress on Algorithmic Trading Regulations
Varshney further revealed that SEBI is expediting its work on algorithmic (algo) trading regulations, calling it “the future of capital markets.” The regulator aims to finalize all related compliance and technical issues by December 2025.
“Expanding the scope of algo trading requires a robust and fair infrastructure. We had extended the timeline earlier to allow all stakeholders adequate preparation. By December, we expect a smooth regulatory framework to be in place,” he said.
Algorithmic trading — which uses automated systems to execute orders based on pre-set parameters — is rapidly transforming global markets. SEBI’s regulatory clarity is expected to foster innovation while maintaining market integrity.
A Safer Digital Ecosystem for Indian Investors
Experts believe SEBI’s verification initiative marks a major step toward enhancing digital trust and investor security in India’s growing fintech ecosystem. By ensuring that only verified apps display the regulatory badge, SEBI aims to build a more transparent and accountable digital marketplace.
Analysts recommend that investors verify the “SEBI registration status” of any financial app before downloading or sharing personal details. Additionally, they should consult SEBI’s official website for a list of registered brokers and intermediaries.
Conclusion
With this move, SEBI is setting a new benchmark for digital credibility and investor protection in India’s capital markets. The verification tick system — once integrated with Google Play Store — is expected to drastically reduce the risk of financial scams, safeguard investor interests, and promote greater confidence in online trading platforms.
As SEBI continues to align technology with regulation, India’s investment landscape appears poised for a more secure, transparent, and investor-centric future.
