In a landmark move to curb the growing menace of fake trading apps, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has joined hands with Google to introduce a “verification tick” system for all registered broking applications listed on the Google Play Store.
The initiative, announced by SEBI Whole-Time Member Kamlesh Chandra Varshney during the BSE Brokers’ Forum Capital Market Confluence event, is expected to roll out in the coming months.
> “In the next couple of months, whenever an investor searches for broking apps on the Play Store, registered and authorised apps will appear with a verification tick. This will help build investor confidence and prevent fraudulent activity,” Varshney confirmed.
Shielding Investors from Fake Trading Apps
The decision comes at a crucial time, as cyber frauds linked to fake or cloned trading platforms have been on the rise. Scammers have been replicating the look and feel of genuine apps to dupe investors and steal personal data.
With SEBI’s verification system, retail traders will soon be able to instantly identify genuine broking apps, adding a vital layer of safety to India’s fast-growing digital trading ecosystem.
SEBI has also intensified its awareness campaigns like “SEBI Versus Scam” and “Valid UPI”, encouraging investors to check registration details and download apps only from verified sources.
Reviving India’s Commodity Market
Addressing another key concern, Varshney highlighted SEBI’s focus on revitalizing the commodity markets, which have faced liquidity and operational challenges.
“Farmers need immediate cash payments, while futures settlements take time. Spot transactions fall under state control, which limits regulatory flexibility,” he said.
SEBI is working on liquidity enhancement measures and exploring new frameworks to attract participation and simplify commodity trading for retail and institutional players alike.
Algorithmic Trading: The Next Frontier
On the technology front, SEBI is accelerating work on algorithmic trading (algo trading) regulations — a system that uses automated strategies to execute market orders.
“By December 2025, we aim to finalize a robust framework for algo trading. It’s the future of the capital market,” Varshney said, underscoring SEBI’s efforts to balance innovation with investor safety.
The regulator’s move aims to encourage fair play and transparency in high-speed trading environments, ensuring smaller investors are not left behind.
A New Era of Trust in Digital Finance
Industry experts believe the Play Store verification tick will set a new benchmark in digital investor protection. With rising fintech adoption in India, this initiative could become a model for regulatory technology (RegTech) partnerships globally.
Investors are advised to cross-check SEBI registration numbers and verify app authenticity before sharing financial data. The regulator’s official website continues to provide a list of registered brokers and intermediaries.
