#angelone

Mandatory Audit Trails and 2FA: SEBI 2026 Algo Framework Reshapes Broker API Economics

New SEBI regulations for algorithmic trading go live today, imposing strict 2FA and audit requirements that alter the cost structure for retail brokerages and API-first fintechs.

Angel One, one of India’s largest retail brokerages, posted a sharp 61% year-on-year decline in net profit for the first quarter of FY26. Despite the poor earnings report, the stock price rose, signaling that investors may be looking past short-term pain toward a longer-term recovery.

Let’s unpack what’s going on—and why the market remains optimistic.

Financial Snapshot: A Tough Start to the Year

Angel One’s Q1 FY26 results showed the immediate impact of regulatory challenges and rising costs:

Net Profit dropped to ₹114.4 crore, down from ₹292.7 crore in Q1 FY25—a 61% year-on-year decline. On a sequential basis, profits were down 34.4% from ₹175 crore in Q4 FY25.

Revenue fell 19% year-on-year to ₹1,140 crore, but rose 8% quarter-on-quarter, indicating early signs of a recovery.

EBITDA came in at ₹274.1 crore, down 41.7% year-on-year.

EBITDA margin contracted to 24.04%, compared to 33.44% in the same period last year.

These numbers show that Angel One is under pressure, both from external regulatory changes and internal investments.

What’s Behind the Decline?

SEBI’s F&O Clampdown

The primary driver of Angel One’s profit drop was SEBI’s tightening of rules around futures and options (F&O) trading. Retail investors are a major source of revenue in this segment, and the new regulations curbed speculative trading—directly impacting Angel One’s F&O-driven income.

Higher Operating Costs

The company also took on significant costs in Q1. It invested heavily in brand marketing—particularly through IPL sponsorships—and increased employee expenses. While these initiatives may boost visibility and long-term value, they contributed to margin compression in the short term.

Why Did the Stock Still Rise?

Despite the earnings decline, Angel One’s stock rose 1.2% to ₹2,748 on July 17. Here’s why investors may be holding firm—or even buying more.

Sequential Revenue Growth

Though annual revenue declined, the quarter-on-quarter rise of 8% suggests the company is adapting. Investors often view sequential growth as a sign of bottoming out—especially when external shocks like regulation are involved.

Strong Customer Engagement

Angel One processed 34.3 crore orders in Q1, up from 32.7 crore in the previous quarter. F&O orders increased by 4.5%, and cash orders held steady. These metrics signal that user activity remains strong, even under tighter rules.

Low Expectations, Managed Well

The market had already priced in a weak quarter due to known regulatory headwinds. Angel One’s results, while weak on paper, exceeded some analyst expectations—supporting a more positive outlook.

Market Share Pressure: Competitive Heat Is On

Angel One’s market share fell slightly, reflecting rising competition and regulatory constraints:

Retail equity turnover share dropped 17 basis points to 19.7%

F&O market share declined 47 basis points to 21%

With players like Zerodha, Groww, and Upstox expanding aggressively, maintaining leadership will require more than just brokerage services.

Strategic Pivot: Building for the Future

Angel One isn’t just relying on recovery in F&O volumes. It’s actively diversifying its business model to reduce reliance on brokerage revenue.

Expanding into New Verticals

The company is growing its presence in:

Loan distribution

Wealth management

Mutual fund and fixed deposit products

These areas currently contribute around 3% of revenue but are positioned for long-term growth.

A Digital-First Investment Platform

Angel One continues to invest in technology, aiming to become a full-stack, mobile-first financial platform. The goal is to create a seamless experience for retail investors and unlock higher lifetime value from users.

What Are Analysts Saying?

Brokerages remain cautiously optimistic:

Motilal Oswal retained a “Buy” rating, pointing to stability in cash delivery and upside in new business lines.

Investec noted that despite the headline miss, Angel One beat profit expectations thanks to effective cost management. It expects quarter-on-quarter growth to continue and set a target price of ₹2,700—close to current levels.

Broader Industry Takeaway: Change is Inevitable

Angel One’s results reflect a broader transformation in India’s retail broking industry. With regulatory scrutiny increasing, reliance on high-margin F&O trades is no longer sustainable. Brokerages must innovate, diversify, and build digital ecosystems to stay relevant.

Angel One appears to be ahead of that curve, but execution will be key.

Risks and Opportunities

Key Risks:

Continued F&O restrictions may dampen volumes

Rising marketing and tech costs could weigh on margins

Increased competition from low-cost digital brokers

Opportunities:

Diversified product suite beyond brokerage

Large, engaged customer base

Strong digital infrastructure and brand presence

Conclusion: A Transition in Motion

Angel One’s Q1 FY26 results reflect a company in the midst of change. The profit decline is significant, but not unexpected. What stands out is the company’s ability to maintain user activity, grow revenue sequentially, and take meaningful steps toward diversification.

The market’s response suggests investors see this as a transition—not a collapse. If Angel One executes well on its long-term strategy, it may emerge more resilient, less dependent on F&O volumes, and better aligned with India’s evolving financial landscape.

ICICI Direct vs Angel One vs Kotak Securities – A Detailed Comparison for Investors

When it comes to investing in the stock market, choosing the right broker can make all the difference in your financial journey. If you're someone who focuses on long-term investments, such as buying and holding stocks, it’s important to select a broker that suits your needs and minimizes your costs. This article compares three prominent brokers in India: ICICI Direct, Angel One, and Kotak Securities.

1. Overview of ICICI Direct

ICICI Direct is a well-known name in the Indian brokerage industry, with a reputation for offering a wide range of investment products and a robust trading platform. As part of ICICI Securities, which is a subsidiary of ICICI Bank, the platform is known for its security and reliability.

Advantages of ICICI Direct:

Comprehensive Investment Options: ICICI Direct provides access to equities, mutual funds, IPOs, bonds, and more.

Research Tools: It offers extensive research reports and recommendations from experts, which can be valuable for long-term investors.

Premium Services: The platform offers premium services like ICICI Direct Trading Terminal for advanced traders.

Brokerage Charges: The brokerage charges at ICICI Direct can be on the higher side for investors who focus on long-term investments. These charges, though competitive in the traditional brokerage space, may not be the most cost-effective for casual investors.

2. Angel One: Affordable and Efficient

Angel One, formerly Angel Broking, has become a strong competitor in the discount brokerage space due to its low-cost structure and simple-to-use platform. It’s particularly well-suited for investors who don’t trade frequently and are looking for a low-cost alternative.

Advantages of Angel One:

Low-Cost Trading: Angel One charges a flat fee of ₹20 per trade, which makes it highly attractive for long-term investors.

No Hidden Charges: The simplicity of the fee structure means that you won’t face any surprise costs.

User-Friendly Platform: The Angel One mobile app and website are easy to navigate, making it ideal for beginner investors.

Brokerage Charges: Angel One’s flat fee of ₹20 per trade makes it one of the most cost-effective brokers, especially for investors who don’t make frequent trades.

3. Kotak Securities: A Blend of Research and Service

Kotak Securities is a trusted name in India’s broking industry. As part of the Kotak Mahindra Bank, it offers a wide range of investment products, excellent research tools, and comprehensive customer service.

Advantages of Kotak Securities:

Research and Advisory: Kotak provides in-depth research reports, market analysis, and personalized advisory services.

Customer Support: Kotak Securities has a strong customer service team available to resolve any issues you face during your investment journey.

Brokerage Charges: Kotak Securities has a tiered brokerage structure, which may be higher for long-term investors who don’t make frequent trades.

Conclusion: Which Broker Should You Choose?

If you’re happy with Zerodha and its services, there’s no immediate need to switch. However, if you're looking to explore other brokers, Angel One offers the best value for long-term investors with its low fee structure. ICICI Direct is ideal for those who prioritize research and are willing to pay a slightly higher fee. Kotak Securities strikes a balance between research and service but comes with a higher fee structure.