Zerodha, the online brokerage platform, has strategically introduced some processes to attract NRI investors, including the slashing of trading charges for non-PIS (Portfolio Investment Scheme) NRI accounts.

A simplified onboarding process where brokerage fees for all non-PIS NRI accounts is reduced to Rs. 50 or 0.5% has been launched.

However, PIS-based accounts that involve regulatory oversight through banks will be charged Rs. 200 or 0.5%, owing to operational complexities.

The founder and CEO of Zerodha, Nithin Kamath, highlighted in a post on X that the average value of NRI accounts was at least 10 times higher than that of resident Indian accounts. And though the number of NRIs interested in investing in Indian markets was “quite high”, they held back due to paperwork and embassy visits.

Kamath said Zerodha has launched a new NRI onboarding process also that aims to reduce paperwork. “The new flow is part of a broader effort to simplify and digitize the investing experience for NRIs, many of whom face challenges such as embassy visits and extensive documentation,” he said. – editor@nrifocus.com