SEBI Releases Investor Survey 2025; Findings to Guide Inclusive and Responsible Investing

**Executive Summary** The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), along with other financial institutions, commissioned the Investor Survey 2025 to assess investor awareness, identify barriers to investment, and evaluate investor education and grievance redressal mechanisms. The nationwide survey, conducted by Kantar, covered over 90,000 households. The survey aims to guide inclusive and responsible investing, and the findings were released on September 30, 2025. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Awareness vs. Participation:** * 63% of households (213 million) are aware of securities market products. * Actual participation is 9.5% (32.1 million households). * Urban participation (15%) is higher than rural (6%); Delhi (20.7%) and Gujarat (15.4%) lead. * 36% of investors have high/moderate knowledge, indicating a need for financial education. * **Investor Behaviour and Risk Tolerance:** * 80% of Indian households prefer capital preservation. * 79% of Gen-Z households display risk-averse behaviour. * **Barriers to Investment:** * Complexity, lack of knowledge, trust deficits, and fear of losses are deterrents. * Potential investors seek simpler digital platforms, easier processes, success stories, and lower entry barriers. * **Investor Education Needs:** * Social media, mobile apps, and TV/digital ads are preferred channels. * Gen-Z prefers short-form video tutorials, while older cohorts prefer articles, podcasts, and workshops. * There is a strong preference for regional language financial education. * **Regulatory Awareness and Grievance Redressal:** * Awareness/usage of SEBI's grievance redressal system are limited; users report ~90% satisfaction. * **Opportunities Ahead:** * 22% of non-investors aware of securities products intend to invest within the next year. * **Unlocking Potential:** * Requires building trust, simplifying processes, and expanding financial literacy in regional languages. **Impact Analysis** **Investors** * **Impact** * Insights into investor behavior and preferences can help tailor investment products and educational programs to better meet their needs and risk tolerance. The survey highlights the need for simpler and more accessible investment platforms. * **Action Required** * Investors should assess their risk tolerance and seek out educational resources to improve their understanding of the securities market. They should also make use of SEBI’s grievance redressal system if necessary. **Non-Investors** * **Impact** * Identifies barriers and motivators influencing their decision to not invest, allowing for targeted strategies to encourage participation. Provides insights into preferred education channels and required support to become investors. * **Action Required** * Non-investors should explore educational resources through trusted channels and consider the potential benefits of investing in the securities market. **SEBI, AMFI, NSE, BSE, NSDL, CDSL (Market Infrastructure Institutions)** * **Impact** * The survey findings provide data to inform strategies for inclusive and responsible investing, as well as the expansion of India’s securities market. Insights into the effectiveness of current education and grievance redressal mechanisms will inform necessary adjustments and improvements. * **Action Required** * These entities should leverage the survey results to enhance financial education programs, simplify investment processes, build trust in the market, and improve the accessibility and effectiveness of grievance redressal mechanisms. The identified preferences for communication and education channels across different demographics must be used to improve reach and engagement.

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