The National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) has raised more than ₹500 crore in a fresh funding round, with marquee global and domestic investors coming on board. Leading participants include Citadel Securities, Tower Research, and US-based Acacia Partners, alongside institutional players like Groww, Kotak Life Insurance, and JM Financial. Commitments have also come in from private equity funds, brokers, HNIs, and other investors.

The exchange has set a target of ₹750 crore to finance its ambitious foray into equities trading. Notably, Citadel Securities and Tower Research have committed ₹17 crore and ₹34 crore, respectively, for a minority stake in NCDEX. Proceeds from the round will be used exclusively to build its equities business, supported by SEBI’s in-principle nod for launching cash equities and derivatives.

The proposals were discussed at NCDEX’s board meeting on Thursday and will now be placed before shareholders on September 1 for approval.

Market analysts believe that despite tighter regulations on speculative activity, Indian stock exchanges continue to attract strong investor appetite, thanks to sustained profitability and robust trading activity.

With this round, the stake of existing institutional shareholders such as LIC, NABARD, and Punjab National Bank will be proportionally diluted. However, experts see this as a positive move, positioning NCDEX strongly for its next growth phase.