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Demat Accounts Surge: IPO Frenzy Drives Record Openings
6 Nov
Summary
- New demat accounts reached a nine-month high in October 2026.
- NSDL and CDSL added nearly 3.36 million accounts in October.
- October saw 13 IPOs raise a record ₹44,507 crore, including Jio's.
In October 2026, the number of new demat accounts opened reached its highest point in nine months. Depository participants NSDL and CDSL collectively added nearly 3.36 million accounts during the month, signaling increased participation in the stock market.
This significant rise in demat account openings was largely fueled by a vibrant primary market. October 2026 proved to be the busiest month for Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) that year, featuring 13 distinct issues that collectively raised a record ₹44,507 crore. Notably, this period included the massive Jio Platforms IPO, which was India's largest ever.
Beyond the major IPOs, a growing interest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for assets like gold and silver also played a role. Investors are increasingly opening demat accounts to access these investment products through the secondary market.
The surge in demat accounts coincided with positive movements in benchmark stock indices, as the Sensex gained 2% and the Nifty rose by 1.9% in October 2026. However, broader market segments, which typically attract higher retail investor involvement, experienced underperformance.
