Penalty for failure to maintain minimum prescribed Networth
NSE circular NSE/COMP/75164 · 13 Jul 2026
Official record
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The National Stock Exchange of India introduces a penalty structure for trading members who fail to maintain the minimum prescribed networth. Members must submit networth certificates on a half-yearly and annual basis. The Exchange imposes monetary penalties for networth shortfalls reported during these periodic submissions. The penalty for a first instance is 2% of the shortfall amount, subject to a minimum of Rs 10,000 and a maximum of Rs 2,00,000. Repeat instances incur a 50% escalation. Additionally, the Exchange applies separate penalties for shortfalls identified during member inspections, consisting of a 5% monetary penalty and administrative action for recoupment. These provisions apply to all cases under process or identified after the circular date.
What you must do
- Maintain the minimum prescribed networth at all times.
- Submit networth certificates to the Exchange on a half-yearly and annual basis.
Key dates
Document text
National Stock Exchange of India
Circular
| Department: Compliance | |
|---|---|
| Download Ref No: NSE/COMP/75164 | Date: July 13, 2026 |
| Circular Ref. No: 66/2026 |
To All Members,
Sub: Penalty for failure to maintain minimum prescribed Networth
This is in continuation of Exchange Circular No. NSE/INSP/73792 dated April 17, 2026, issued with respect to uniformed disciplinary actions across the Exchanges.
Regulation 10 (g) of Chapter II of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Stock Brokers) Regulations, 2026 (SB Regulations), governing the “Registration of Stock Brokers”, stipulates that the certificate of registration granted under Regulation 7 is subject to the condition that the Stock Broker maintains the minimum networth specified under Chapter X of the said Regulations. Accordingly, all Trading Members are required to maintain the minimum prescribed networth at all times in compliance with the SB Regulations and such other requirements as may be specified by the Exchange from time to time.
Trading members are required to submit Networth to the Exchange on half yearly basis (as on March 31st and September 30th) and an audited Networth annually as on March 31st. It is observed that in case of shortfall in Networth as on March 31st/September 30th, trading members also submits a revised Networth Certificate as of a later date, meeting the minimum networth requirements while reporting of shortfall of Networth.
In furtherance of the objective of ensuring compliance with requirement of meeting minimum Networth by trading members at all times, Exchanges jointly decided to introduce a penalty in cases of shortfall of networth reported during the periodical submissions to the Exchange. The penalty structure as stated in Table 1 below shall be applicable for reporting of networth shortfall by trading members during periodic submission:
Table 1 –
| Details of Contravention | Action in case of first instance | Action in case of repeat instance |
|---|---|---|
| Networth Shortfall reported by trading members during periodic submission | Monetary Penalty of 2% of the amount of shortfall from the required Networth (subject to minimum Rs. 10,000) or Rs 2,00,000 whichever is lower | 2nd Time & Onwards* - 50% Escalation |
*consecutive periodic reporting of networth
The above penalty provisions shall come into force with immediate effect and shall apply on all cases under process / all non-compliances identified or determined after the date of the circular.
In addition to above, as stated in Annexure 1.1 of Exchange Circular No. NSE/INSP/73792 dated April 17, 2026, action mentioned in Table 2 below shall also be applicable for shortfall of Networth identified by Exchange during member inspection.
Table 2 –
| Contravention Category | Details of Contravention | Action in case of first instance | Action in case of repeat instance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violations with financial implications | Networth Shortfall / Incorrect reporting of networth to the Exchange resulting to shortfall (below the minimum prescribed networth) | Monetary Penalty of 5% of the amount of shortfall from the required Networth and Administrative action to be initiated for recoupment of Networth shortfall as prescribed | 2nd Time & Onwards - 50% Escalation + Administrative action to be initiated for recoupment of Networth shortfall as prescribed |
Members are advised to take note of the same and ensure adherence to the compliance requirements.
For any support, please reach out to the helpdesk on 1800 266 0050 (Select IVR option 3) or email at memcompliance_support@nse.co.in
For and on behalf of National Stock Exchange of India Limited
Swati Sopare Chief Manager
Source details
- Source
- National Stock Exchange of India
- Type
- circular
- Published by source
- 13 Jul 2026
- Document number
- NSE/COMP/75164
- Issuing division
- Compliance
- Effective date
- 13 Jul 2026
- Coverage area
- securities