Stockbrokers in India are financial professionals who execute buy and sell orders and perform other services in the stock market for clients. They buy and sell shares, bonds, mutual funds, or other products via the broker's platform. Most stockbrokers work for a brokerage firm or company and handle transactions for several individual and institutional customers. Stockbrokers are often paid on commission, although compensation methods vary by employer.
Brokerage firms and broker-dealer companies are also sometimes referred to generically as stockbrokers. These include full-service and discount brokers who execute trades but do not offer individualized investing advice. Most online brokers are discount brokers, at least at their basic service levels. The average salary for stockbrokers in India varies depending on the type of broker and the level of experience.
According to Investopedia, the average salary for stockbrokers in India in 2022 was ₹52,53,070, with an average range of ₹33,94,700 up to ₹1,57,38,460. However, this figure is for stockbrokers in general and does not differentiate between full-service and discount brokers. Full-service brokers typically earn more than discount brokers because they offer a broader range of financial services such as research, advice, portfolio management, and more.
Sub-brokers, who act on behalf of a trading member as an agent, can earn nearly 60% of the income a broker makes on any transaction. The earnings of a sub-broker depend on the broker they work with and the pricing model of the broker. The brokerage could have a percentage-based model, where the sub-broker earns a percentage of the total brokerage fee. This percentage varies from brokerage to brokerage and can go up to 60% of the brokerage fees.
To become a stockbroker in India, one must be an Indian citizen of at least 21 years of age and have a minimum educational qualification of having an HSC or its equivalent. Basic certification in either Securities Market (Basic) Module or Compliance Officers (Brokers) Module or relevant modules, Capital Market (Dealers) Module, Derivatives Market (Dealers) Module, and National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) Series - Derivatives Certification Examination is also required. The applicant must have analytical skills, communication and presentation skills, financial knowledge, good knowledge of computers, and an understanding of the stock markets and their movements. A minimum experience of two years working as a partner, authorized assistant, or authorized clerk, or apprentice to the member is also required. The Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has strict rules for stockbrokers.
