Zerodha’s Full Circle: From Market Disruptor to India’s Brokerage Benchmark

Image Source : Hindustan Times

In a striking reversal of roles, Zerodha—once the upstart that redefined retail investing in India—now finds itself as the establishment. Co-founder Nithin Kamath recently acknowledged this shift, reflecting on the company’s evolution from challenger to incumbent amid a rapidly maturing capital market and a surge in domestic investor participation.

The Ghar-Wapsi of Indian Startups

- Kamath’s remarks came in the context of a broader trend of Indian startups returning to domestic incorporation, a movement he described as ghar-wapsi
- Three years ago, Kamath had raised concerns about Indian companies building for India while being incorporated abroad; today, the tide has turned
- The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has formally enabled reverse flipping, allowing companies to relocate their base back to India with streamlined compliance

Zerodha’s New Role in a Changing Market

- With over 10 crore unique retail investors in India—up from 3 crore in 2020—Zerodha now serves as the default platform for millions
- Kamath noted that Zerodha is no longer the disruptor but the incumbent, facing the same scrutiny and expectations it once challenged
- The company’s success has made it a benchmark for transparency, low-cost trading, and tech-first innovation in the Indian brokerage space

Retail Boom and Market Maturity

- India’s stock market has seen a record number of companies with market capitalisations exceeding $1 billion
- Household allocation to equities has increased significantly, driven by financial literacy, mobile-first platforms, and a prolonged bull run
- Kamath credited this shift to the ease of going public and the growing trust in Indian capital markets

Why This Moment Matters

- Zerodha’s journey mirrors the broader evolution of India’s startup and financial ecosystem—from seeking validation abroad to building confidently at home
- Kamath’s ghar-wapsi narrative is not just about corporate structure but about mindset: Indian companies now see India as the place to build, scale, and lead
- As the incumbent, Zerodha must now balance innovation with responsibility, setting the tone for the next generation of fintech players

Sources: Business Today, Hindustan Times, ET Now News