Securities Broking and Depository operations form the backbone of India’s capital market infrastructure. Together, they enable seamless buying, selling, and safe-keeping of financial securities such as equities, bonds, mutual funds, and derivatives.

Securities Broking refers to the process of executing buy and sell orders on behalf of investors in various market segments. A broker acts as an intermediary between investors and the stock exchange (such as NSE or BSE), offering trading platforms, research services, risk management tools, and customer support. Brokers may be individuals, corporate entities, or online platforms registered with SEBI and members of recognized exchanges.

Depository Operations, on the other hand, pertain to the electronic storage and transfer of securities. In India, there are two key depositories—NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) and CDSL (Central Depository Services Limited). These entities work with Depository Participants (DPs), who offer demat account services to investors, enabling them to hold securities in digital format. This eliminates the risks associated with physical certificates like theft, forgery, or loss.

Together, brokers and DPs ensure efficient market functioning. Brokers facilitate execution; depositories ensure secure settlement. Post the 1996 reforms, when India shifted to dematerialized trading, this ecosystem has evolved into one of the most robust globally. With growing retail participation, digital transformation, and regulatory push for transparency and investor protection, the importance of securities broking and depository operations continues to rise, playing a key role in deepening financial markets in India.