Overview
- Speaking in Mumbai on Feb. 26, NSE MD and CEO Ashishkumar Chauhan urged adoption of entry criteria for derivatives participants, referencing practices in Singapore and the United States.
- Chauhan warned that more measures from the government, regulator and exchanges are likely to curb over‑speculation by financially vulnerable investors.
- The Union Budget raised the Securities Transaction Tax effective April 1, lifting futures STT to 0.05% from 0.02% and options premium STT to 0.15% from 0.1%, with the options exercise levy at 0.15% from 0.125%.
- He indicated F&O volumes could decline after the STT changes take effect, adding to volume moderation already seen from recent curbs on retail participation.
- While backing stricter access, Chauhan said derivatives remain essential for risk transfer and capital formation, even as brokers and exchanges face revenue sensitivity to trading activity.