SEBI To Launch Massive Investor Awareness Campaign Along with State Governments | Profit Exclusive
SEBI data shows that nearly 90% of retail investors who trade frequently in options or speculative scripts end up losing money.
SEBI is planning a major nationwide investor education campaign. Varshney confirmed that investor awareness will be the regulator’s "next big mission" and a detailed plan is being developed in partnership with state governments and other stakeholders, said the regulator's Whole-Time Member Kamlesh Varshney.
He added that SEBI has already held discussions with market intermediaries and that the SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey has given a clear message: taking investor education to the next level will be a top priority for the regulator. A coordinated nationwide plan is being put in place involving various ministries, state departments, and agencies to roll out this awareness drive across platforms and geographies.
“The best way to prevent these violations is by educating investors before they fall for these traps,” Varshney told NDTV Profit.
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He also issued a caution to viewers: “Be wary of free advice. Only your close friends give that without interest. Most others have a motive. Don’t fall for promises of doubling your money.”
“Please remember—free advice only comes from close friends or family. If someone else is offering you tips or recommendations, there’s almost always an interest involved. They want you and hundreds of others to invest to artificially boost a stock’s price. Don’t fall for it,” he warned.
He stressed that advice claiming “double your money,” “multibagger returns,” or “guaranteed profits” should be treated with scepticism. Such claims, he said, are typically used by manipulators or unregistered finfluencers to pump up stock prices before exiting themselves — leaving retail investors stuck with losses.
Varshney also highlighted the importance of long-term investing, particularly for younger investors who have time on their side and can benefit from compounding.
In contrast, short-term trading, especially in derivatives or based on tips, is risky and often leads to losses. SEBI data shows that nearly 90% of retail investors who trade frequently in options or speculative scripts end up losing money.
