Zerodha has launched Kite Backup, a WhatsApp-enabled emergency mode to help traders exit positions and cancel open orders if its main trading platforms face an outage. The move comes as part of the brokerage's ongoing efforts to strengthen system resilience in the face of highly complex and risk-prone trading infrastructure.
From linking directly with stock exchanges through leased lines to operating across multiple cloud and physical data centres, online trading platforms rely on numerous interconnected systems. Any fault in this chain can cause disruptions, making redundancy crucial.
While Indian market regulations already require brokers to maintain extensive backup systems, Zerodha says Kite Backup offers an additional layer of security. The feature operates entirely independently of the company's web and mobile trading app, Kite, as well as its primary hosting partners, Amazon AWS and Cloudflare.
“Trading platforms are ridiculously complex. One hiccup anywhere from exchange connections to cloud server,s can create an issue. Over the years, we've built tons of safeguards and redundancies, but we're still paranoid. Apart from all of this, we've built a new emergency trading mode using WhatsApp,” Zerodha co-founder Nithin Kamath said in a post on X.
Trading platforms are ridiculously complex. One hiccup anywhere from exchange connections to cloud servers can create an issue. Over the years, we've built tons of safeguards and redundancies, but we're still paranoid.
Apart from all of this, we've built a new emergency trading… pic.twitter.com/qPoqjnKo1nHe outlined that the investors can use WhatsApp to exit positions and cancel orders in case of a disaster scenario.
“In case of a disaster scenario, which we hope never happens, and the Kite web and mobile both become inaccessible during market hours, this backup mode will allow you to cancel orders and exit positions. It runs on a completely separate infrastructure and is designed to be independent of Kite,” he added.
How It Works
In case of a technical failure during market hours, users can access the service through WhatsApp by sending a “hi” message. The system then initiates a process that allows traders to close positions and cancel pending orders without using the main trading platform.
Using Kite Backup: Step-By-Step Guide
1.Save the number: Add +91 99644 52020 to your contacts.
2.Start a chat: Open WhatsApp and send a simple “Hi” to this number.
3.Verify your details: When prompted, enter your Zerodha User ID and PAN.
4.Authenticate: Enter the OTP you receive via SMS to complete the process.
There is no additional cost for using the service. The launch reflects the brokerage's approach towards operational risk, with Kamath noting that despite the multiple safeguards already in place, having an alternative trading channel offers clients peace of mind during disruptions.
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