NSE to Launch F&O Trading for Ather, Mahabank, Sagility in August

MUMBAI — The National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) announced on July 23, 2026, that it will introduce Futures & Options (F&O) contracts for three additional individual securities: Ather Energy Limited, Bank of Maharashtra, and Sagility Limited. The new derivative contracts are scheduled to become available for market participants starting August 26, 2026. This regulatory step expands derivative liquidity across the EV, public sector banking, and healthcare technology sectors while offering market participants enhanced risk management tools.

Derivatives Expansion for Key Market Securities

The decision to introduce futures and options contracts for Ather Energy Limited (Symbol: ATHERENERG), Bank of Maharashtra (Symbol: MAHABANK), and Sagility Limited (Symbol: SAGILITY) follows official approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

According to NSE Circular Ref. No. 106/2026 (Download Ref No: NSE/FAOP/75371), the stock selection aligns with the eligibility criteria established under SEBI Master Circular No. SEBI/HO/MRD-PoD2/CIR/P/2024/00181, issued on December 30, 2024. The commencement of derivative trading on August 26, 2026, remains subject to the securities fulfilling the Quarter Sigma computation cycle eligibility requirements for August 2026.

Operational Guidelines for Market Participants

To ensure a smooth transition, the exchange outlined specific timelines for member compliance and trading configuration:

• Market Lot and Strike Price Scheme: Details regarding market lot sizes and strike price schemes for the three securities will be released through a separate circular on August 25, 2026.

• Quantity Freeze Limits: Applicable quantity freeze limits will be published in the derivative contract master file ahead of the trading launch on August 26, 2026.

Impact on Investors, Traders, and Financial Markets

The addition of new securities to the F&O segment provides direct benefits across various investor classes:

• Institutional Investors: Mutual funds, foreign institutional investors (FIIs), and domestic institutions can hedge underlying cash market positions against unexpected market swings.

• Retail Traders: Active derivative traders gain access to standardized leverage, straddle options, and directional hedge strategies on high-volatility growth stocks.

• Market Liquidity: The inclusion in the derivatives segment traditionally boosts daily cash market volumes and reduces bid-ask spreads for the underlying equities.

Official Sources Section

According to official exchange documentation released by the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the regulatory process was executed under the leadership of Khushal Shah, Associate Vice President at NSE. The official statement confirms that all underlying selection parameters adhere strictly to current SEBI framework guidelines for derivatives onboarding.

Quotes Section

"Members are advised to note that based on the stock selection criteria as prescribed by SEBI vide master circular dated December 30, 2024, and approval received from SEBI, members are hereby notified that the futures and options contracts on following securities would be available for trading w.e.f. August 26, 2026," stated Khushal Shah, Associate Vice President at the National Stock Exchange of India Limited.

Why It Matters

Inclusion in the F&O segment is a significant operational milestone for listed companies in India. Stocks in the futures and options segment do not face circuit filter restrictions (like 5% or 10% daily price bands), allowing prices to adjust freely according to market demand. For Ather Energy, Bank of Maharashtra, and Sagility, entering the derivative framework enhances global institutional interest, facilitates systematic portfolio risk management, and increases overall price discovery efficiency.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Effective Date: Futures & Options trading begins on August 26, 2026.

• Securities Added: Ather Energy Limited (ATHERENERG), Bank of Maharashtra (MAHABANK), and Sagility Limited (SAGILITY).

• Regulatory Authority: Approved by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) under Master Circular guidelines.

• Lot Size & Strike Announcement: Scheduled for publication on August 25, 2026.

• Issuing Body: National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) Futures & Options Department.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When will futures and options trading start for Ather Energy, Bank of Maharashtra, and Sagility?

Trading in F&O contracts for these three securities will commence on August 26, 2026, subject to meeting final quarter-sigma eligibility criteria.

2. When will the exchange announce the lot sizes for these stocks?

The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) will publish the market lot sizes and strike price schemes on August 25, 2026, via a dedicated circular.

3. What criteria must stocks fulfill to enter the F&O segment?

Stocks must satisfy SEBI parameters regarding average daily deliverable value, market-wide position limits (MWPL), price volatility limits, and quarter-sigma computation thresholds.

4. How does F&O inclusion affect equity cash market trading?

Inclusion generally increases trading volume, improves price liquidity, eliminates rigid circuit limit caps, and allows institutional investors to hedge stock holdings efficiently.

Sources: National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE)