Upstox has launched a US stock investing service that opens global equity markets to Indian retail investors through its mobile app. The new capability allows users to diversify beyond domestic assets by accessing a broad set of international securities in a regulated environment. The launch builds on recent regulatory approvals and aligns with the company's broader growth strategy in wealth management and global investing.
Access and Fractional Investing
Indian investors can now buy and sell more than 8,000 US-listed stocks and over 2,000 exchange-traded funds through the Upstox app. The platform includes shares of Apple, Tesla, Amazon and Google parent Alphabet, covering sectors such as artificial intelligence and space exploration. Fractional investing allows users to start with as little as one dollar and own a portion of a share instead of purchasing a full share.
Regulatory Framework and Transaction Process
The service operates within the GIFT City framework, with global investment services provided by the IFSC branch of Upstox Securities Pvt Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of RKSV Securities India Pvt Ltd and an IFSCA-authorised broker-dealer. Investments are executed under the Reserve Bank of India's Liberalised Remittance Scheme, permitting residents to remit up to 250,000 dollars per financial year. The structure ensures compliance while allowing customers to access global securities through a regulated channel.
Funding and Order Flexibility
Users can fund their accounts in Indian rupees from supported Indian bank accounts, with balances automatically converted into US dollars before investments are placed. The platform also supports after-market orders, allowing investors to queue trades outside US market trading hours for execution once the market opens. This design aims to reduce friction for Indian investors who are managing different time zones and currency requirements.
Industry Momentum and Competitive Landscape
The launch comes less than three months after Upstox, Zerodha, Groww and Angel One secured IFSCA approvals to offer international investment products through GIFT City. Upstox joins platforms such as INDmoney and HDFC Securities that already enable access to US-listed securities. Ravi Kumar, Upstox cofounder and CEO, said international investing represents the next significant phase of growth for India's wealth ecosystem.
Strategic Diversification and Rivals
Zerodha, Groww and Angel One are preparing their own international investment offerings after securing regulatory approvals, though Zerodha has cited regulatory and remittance-related challenges for delays. Brokerages are expanding into asset management, lending, insurance, wealth management and investment banking amid pressure on transaction-linked revenue. For Upstox, the US investing roll-out supports its broader push beyond domestic equities and derivatives.
Company Background and Public Listing Plans
Upstox, backed by Tiger Global, has reportedly begun preliminary discussions with investment banks for a public listing that could raise up to 400 million dollars through fresh shares and an offer for sale. Founded in 2009 by Ravi Kumar, Raghu Kumar and Shrini Viswanath, the company already offers products across equities, derivatives, mutual funds, IPOs, commodities and insurance. The addition of US investing broadens its wealth management suite at a time of ambitious expansion.
The introduction of US stock investing marks a meaningful step for Upstox as it opens global markets to Indian retail investors. By combining fractional access, rupee-based funding, and GIFT City regulatory compliance, the platform lowers barriers to international diversification. The move also signals the wider transformation of Indian brokerages into multi-asset financial platforms amid evolving regulatory and competitive dynamics.