End of an Era: Calcutta Stock Exchange Shuts Down After 117 Years of Trading Legacy

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The Calcutta Stock Exchange (CSE), India’s second-oldest bourse, is closing down after 117 years. Despite its historic significance, the exchange faced prolonged regulatory hurdles, trading suspension since 2013, and declining business prospects. With SEBI’s approval for voluntary exit, CSE will mark its final Diwali before permanently ceasing operations.

Calcutta Stock Exchange Bids Farewell After Decades of Dormancy

The Calcutta Stock Exchange (CSE), established in 1908, is set to shut its doors permanently after Diwali 2025, marking the end of a storied chapter in India’s financial history. Once a bustling hub for eastern India’s capital markets, the exchange has been inactive for over a decade, and its closure reflects the changing dynamics of India’s trading ecosystem.

Key highlights behind the shutdown:

- Trading Suspension Since 2013
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) suspended trading at CSE in April 2013 due to non-compliance with regulatory norms. Despite appeals and revival attempts, trading never resumed.

- Voluntary Exit Approved
SEBI has now granted approval for CSE’s voluntary exit from market operations. The exchange will officially cease functioning after marking its final Kali Puja and Diwali on October 20, 2025.

- Legal and Regulatory Challenges
Over the years, CSE faced multiple legal battles and struggled to meet evolving compliance standards. Its inability to modernize and compete with national exchanges like NSE and BSE contributed to its decline.

- Dwindling Trade Volumes
Even before the suspension, CSE saw a sharp drop in trading activity. Investors and brokers gradually migrated to more liquid and technologically advanced platforms.

- Asset Liquidation
As part of its exit strategy, CSE is selling off assets, including three acres of prime land in Kolkata to the Srijan Group for ₹253 crore.

- Historical Significance
CSE was once a vital financial institution, especially for regional companies and investors. Its closure marks the end of a legacy that shaped India’s early capital markets.

- Final Diwali Session
The exchange will host a symbolic last Diwali celebration, echoing its once-vibrant Muhurat Trading tradition, before shutting down indefinitely.

As India’s financial markets evolve, the closure of CSE serves as a poignant reminder of the need for adaptability, innovation, and regulatory alignment in a fast-changing economic landscape.

Sources: MSN, NDTV Profit, Delhi Breakings