88% retail investors lost money in F&O trading in FY26: Sebi

In FY26, an alarming trend emerged in India's equity derivatives market, with nearly 90% of traders facing financial losses. Retail participation saw an unexpected decline of 18%, marking a significant shift not seen in a decade. Regulatory changes pushed numerous new traders out, leading to a notable concentration in short-dated options, where the highest risks burdened younger investors with smaller portfolios.