Key Points

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has taken strong action against Jane Street, a US-based investment firm, for alleged market manipulation. Zerodha founder Nithin Kamath publicly supported SEBI's intervention, emphasizing the importance of maintaining market integrity. The regulatory body has imposed a significant financial penalty and highlighted the firm's continued problematic trading strategies. This case underscores the robust regulatory framework protecting Indian financial markets from potential misconduct.

Key Points: Nithin Kamath Backs SEBI's Bold Move Against Jane Street Manipulation

  • SEBI imposes massive Rs 4,843 crore recovery on Jane Street Group
  • Regulatory action targets four key Jane Street entities
  • Kamath highlights differences between US and Indian market regulations
  • Firm allegedly continued manipulative strategies despite exchange warnings
2 min read

Zerodha founder Nithin Kamath lauds SEBI for going after Jane Street

Zerodha CEO praises SEBI's decisive action against Jane Street for alleged market manipulation in Indian financial markets

"You've got to hand it to SEBI for going after Jane Street. If the allegations are true, it's blatant market manipulation. - Nithin Kamath"

New Delhi, July 4

Founder and CEO of stock brokerage firm Zerodha, Nithin Kamath, on Friday lauded SEBI for "going after" Jane Street, a US-based investment firm that has been alleged of index manipulation.

In the 105-page interim order, SEBI has imposed to recover one of the highest ever illegal gains made by the group of Rs 4,843.57 crore.

The order targets four key entities under the Jane Street Group umbrella: JSI Investments Pvt Ltd, JSI2 Investments Pvt Ltd, Jane Street Singapore Pte Ltd, and Jane Street Asia Trading Ltd.

"You've got to hand it to SEBI for going after Jane Street. If the allegations are true, it's blatant market manipulation," Kamath wrote on X.

"The shocking part? They kept at it even after receiving warnings from the exchanges. Maybe this is what happens when you're used to the lenient U.S. regulatory regime. Think about the structure of U.S. markets: dark pools, payment for order flow, and other loopholes that allow hedge funds to make billions off retail investors. None of these practices would be allowed in India, thanks to our regulators," he added.

SEBI in its order today noted that the US-based firm used a profit maximising scheme to manipulate the market and booked substantial profits in index options, while incurring smaller losses in the cash and futures segments.

The case stems from media reports in April 2024, pointing to legal disputes involving Jane Street's proprietary strategies in Indian markets.

SEBI further stated that Jane Street Group entities, despite caution letters from NSE in February 2025 and their own commitments to refrain from certain trading behaviours, continued to deploy the same high-risk and market-distorting strategies.

Given the gravity of violations and ongoing disregard for regulatory warnings, SEBI concluded that urgent intervention was necessary to protect market integrity and investor interest.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
As a small investor, this makes me feel protected. SEBI's action shows they're serious about maintaining fair markets. Though I wonder - how many other foreign firms might be doing similar things under the radar?
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Rahul R
While I appreciate SEBI's action, why did it take so long? They received warnings in Feb 2025 but only acting now? Also ₹4843 crore is peanuts for firms like Jane Street. Should have banned them from Indian markets completely.
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Sarah B
Interesting perspective from Nithin Kamath about US vs India regulations. I'm an NRI investor and must say India's market oversight seems much stricter than what we see in Wall Street. Maybe other countries should learn from SEBI.
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Karthik V
This is why I prefer investing in Indian markets despite lower liquidity sometimes. At least we have regulators who care about retail investors. In US, it's all about protecting the big sharks. Kudos to SEBI! 👏
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Nisha Z
The arrogance of continuing illegal trades after warnings shows how some foreign firms view emerging markets. Hope SEBI maintains this strict stance with all market participants, domestic or international. Our markets deserve respect.

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