NSE to Leverage AI Analytics and Tech Upgrades to Enhance Retail Investor Experience, Says CEO Ashishkumar Chauhan

India's macroeconomic expansion remains on a solid footing, with an expected growth rate of over 7 per cent supporting equity markets as the new Samvat year begins. National Stock Exchange (NSE) Managing Director and CEO Ashishkumar Chauhan highlighted this positive outlook while addressing the media at the NSE.

During the Diwali celebrations, Chauhan announced major technological upgrades aimed at improving the experience of the country's growing retail investor base. The exchange introduced new features across its mobile app and website, including enhancements to its portfolio management framework, screening tools, and analytics. Currently, the NSE services around 20 to 27 crore accounts and approximately 13.7 to 31.7 crore unique customers through various channels and brokers.

Emphasising the exchange's technological capabilities, Chauhan noted that the NSE has maintained nanosecond-level response times over the past year, securing its position as the fastest exchange globally. Furthermore, the exchange is deploying advanced artificial intelligence to provide retail participants with better analytics, richer information, and enhanced insights. The NSE is also collaborating with brokers to address cybersecurity risks, online financial scams, and deepfake videos.

Turning to broader market conditions, Chauhan expressed confidence in India's fiscal discipline and economic resilience despite volatile crude oil prices and foreign institutional investor outflows. Noting that India imports about 85 per cent of its crude oil, he acknowledged that price spikes historically create balance of payment pressures. However, he stated that India is managing its fiscal deficit remarkably well. As crude prices cool and the Rupee stabilises, the exchange expects foreign institutional interest to revive alongside a massive domestic savings base.

On retail trading trends, Chauhan observed a shift towards responsible investing, with market participants increasingly adopting defined-risk strategies in derivatives rather than taking unhedged risks. The core advice to all investors remains to stay invested for the long term of 5 to 10 years rather than engaging in short-term speculation, intraday tips, or unmanaged derivative trading. For individuals unable to track markets daily, mutual funds and professional advisers were recommended.

Chauhan also emphasised the importance of expanding financial inclusion beyond Tier-1 cities. Improved mobile connectivity is successfully bringing investors from smaller towns across Punjab, Gujarat, and Maharashtra into formal capital markets through joint educational initiatives with state governments and institutions.

"The integration of advanced AI analytics and robust technological upgrades by the NSE marks a significant step in supporting India's expanding retail investor base. As participation grows from smaller towns and cities, enhanced digital infrastructure, cybersecurity collaboration, and a focus on long-term, disciplined investing are essential for maintaining market integrity and building lasting investor trust." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes