Anticipated NSE IPO Approval Marks End of Decade-Long Wait
India’s market regulator, SEBI, is poised to issue a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the National Stock Exchange’s (NSE) IPO by the end of January 2026. This move brings the world’s most active derivatives exchange a step closer to its much-anticipated public listing.
SEBI Chairman, Tuhin Kanta Pandey, made the announcement on January 10, 2026. He revealed that the regulator is at an advanced stage of issuing the NOC, stating, “It may be done within this month.” The approval would overcome a significant regulatory obstacle that has postponed the exchange’s listing for almost a decade since it first submitted its draft prospectus in December 2016.
The IPO process has been delayed due to governance lapses and the co-location controversy. This controversy involved allegations of certain high-frequency traders receiving preferential access to NSE’s algorithmic trading platform between 2010 and 2014. To settle regulatory issues, the exchange has since paid a hefty penalty of Rs 643 crore.
NSE CEO, Ashish Chauhan, expressed optimism about the development. He associated the timing with a family pilgrimage to Tirupati, referring to the announcement as a “divine sign.” Once the NOC is issued, NSE can proceed with preparing its IPO prospectus and listing process. This marks a significant event for investors seeking exposure to India’s largest stock exchange.
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