NSDL Surpasses $6 Trillion in Assets with 4.77 Crore Demat Accounts

National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing USD 6 trillion in assets under custody as of November 9, 2026. This development highlights the expanding role of NSDL in India’s securities market and reflects the growing engagement of investors across the country.

According to an official statement from NSDL, the milestone is a direct result of the increasing financialisation of the Indian economy. The company linked the progress to the economic priorities set forth by the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Finance, emphasizing the alignment with India’s broader goal of becoming a developed nation, often referred to as 'Viksit Bharat'.

NSDL’s investor base has also grown substantially. As of October 2026, the depository reported managing approximately 4.77 crore client accounts (4,76,91,191 to be exact). This vast network spans nearly the entire country, covering 99.39 percent of India’s postal codes. The extensive reach is supported by a robust infrastructure comprising 326 depository participants (DPs) and 52,587 service centres nationwide.

The first half of the financial year 2026-27 (April to September 2026) witnessed continued momentum in account openings. NSDL added 32.4 lakh gross demat accounts during this period, with net additions totaling 27.9 lakh. These figures indicate sustained investor interest and participation in the financial markets. This growth follows an impressive performance in FY26, where NSDL recorded its highest-ever yearly addition of 59.3 lakh gross accounts and 49.4 lakh net accounts.

Expanding its operational footprint, NSDL onboarded 10 new depository participants during the first half of FY27, bringing the total number of DPs to 326. This expansion helps improve accessibility for investors across different regions, facilitating smoother transactions and account management.

On the technological front, NSDL has been enhancing its services by implementing over 40 application programming interfaces (APIs) during FY26. These APIs improve integration across various platforms and services, contributing to a more streamlined experience for investors and intermediaries alike.

NSDL has also introduced targeted initiatives to encourage greater participation from specific demographics. One notable program is the Women Plan, which offers a three-year waiver on settlement fees for women who open new demat accounts. This move aims to lower financial barriers and promote long-term investment habits among women, supporting their financial independence and involvement in India’s economic growth. The Women Plan complements the existing YUVA Plan, which provides a similar 36-month zero settlement fee benefit to investors below the age of 24.

The steady increase in assets under custody and investor accounts at NSDL reflects broader trends in India's financial markets. As more individuals participate in equity and securities trading, the role of depositories like NSDL becomes increasingly vital for market infrastructure and investor protection. With government support and ongoing innovation, NSDL is positioned to facilitate India’s transition toward a more inclusive and diversified investment landscape.