What is a SEBI-Registered Research Analyst?

India has millions of retail investors — and tens of thousands of people on the internet giving them stock tips. Most are unqualified, unaccountable, and unregulated. SEBI's Research Analyst (RA) framework was created to change that.

What is a Research Analyst?

Under the SEBI (Research Analysts) Regulations 2014, a Research Analyst is any person or entity that prepares or publishes research reports or recommendations on securities. This includes stock tips, buy/sell calls, target prices, and investment strategies shared publicly.

Before SEBI's framework, anyone could set up a Telegram channel and charge thousands of rupees for “tips.” The RA regulations created a licensing system that requires analysts to register with SEBI, meet minimum qualification standards, disclose conflicts of interest, and be held accountable for their recommendations.

How does SEBI RA registration work?

To become a registered RA, an individual must:

• Hold a NISM Series XV (Research Analyst) certification, or a post-graduation in finance/economics, or 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Apply to SEBI and pay the required registration fees.
• Maintain a net worth of at least ₹1 lakh (individuals) or ₹25 lakh (entities).
• Comply with SEBI's code of conduct, including mandatory disclosures on any personal positions in recommended stocks.
• Renew the registration every 3 years.

Once registered, the analyst receives a unique SEBI registration number (format: INH000XXXXXX). This number is public and can be verified on the SEBI website.

Why it matters for retail investors

The RA framework gives retail investors a way to verify whether the person giving them advice is legally qualified and accountable. A registered RA can be reported to SEBI if they breach the code of conduct — their registration can be suspended or cancelled.

An unregistered “market guru” on Telegram has no such accountability. They can disappear overnight with your subscription fee and face no regulatory consequence.

How Obridge verifies RAs

Every Research Analyst on Obridge goes through a manual verification process before their account is upgraded:

1. The applicant submits their SEBI registration number and supporting documents through the app.
2. The Obridge admin team cross-references the number on the official SEBI website.
3. Once verified, the RA's role is updated and a SEBI badge appears on their profile.

Crucially, every piece of advice an RA publishes on Obridge includes their SEBI registration number on the card — visible to all users before they read the recommendation. You always know who is talking and whether they are accountable.

What RAs can and cannot do on Obridge

Registered RAs on Obridge can publish stock recommendations with specific entry/exit levels and their reasoning. However, our platform policies align with SEBI regulations: RAs must disclose if they hold a position in any stock they recommend, and they cannot use the platform to solicit paid subscriptions outside of the Obridge Premium system.

Our AI features (OB Narrative News, AI Screener) are explicitly designed to be informational — they never issue buy/sell calls. Only verified RAs can issue directional recommendations on the platform.

How to find a SEBI-registered analyst

You can verify any RA's registration number on the SEBI intermediary search portal. Look for registration numbers starting with INH.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Please consult a SEBI-registered investment adviser before making investment decisions.