NSE International Exchange Launches Global Access Platform for Direct U.S. Investing

NSE International Exchange (NSE IX), based at GIFT City, has launched its Global Access platform, enabling resident Indian investors to directly invest in U.S.-listed stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The U.S. market has gone live in Phase 1, with plans to expand to over 30 global markets in the next three to six months, including key G7 nations such as the UK, Japan and parts of Europe.

Managing Director and CEO V Balasubramaniam described the move as a structural expansion of Indian investor access beyond domestic markets, positioning NSE IX as a gateway for both inbound and outbound investments.

Outbound Investments Under RBI’s LRS Framework

The platform operates under the Reserve Bank of India’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). Under this framework, resident individuals can remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year for permitted overseas transactions, including investments in foreign securities.

All transactions are compliant with LRS regulations. Investors remit funds in Indian rupees through authorised banking channels, which are converted into USD before deployment. Each individual can remit up to USD 250,000 in a single financial year under current rules.

Dollar-Denominated Trading Structure

All trades are denominated in USD. Once the remittance is completed, funds are credited in dollar terms to the trading account. Investors can view available trading power and limits on web or mobile interfaces and place buy or sell orders in U.S.-listed securities.

The infrastructure mirrors a domestic trading account experience while integrating overseas remittance compliance requirements.

Fractional Investing for Retail Investors

A key feature of the Global Access platform is fractional investing. Retail investors can buy portions of high-priced U.S. stocks instead of purchasing full shares. For example, if a stock is priced at USD 272, investors can invest USD 5, USD 31 or any other value-based amount.

This enables smaller-ticket participation and broadens access to global technology majors and other high-value stocks. Fractionalisation is facilitated through arrangements with foreign broker partners for value-based execution.

Fully Digital Onboarding and KYC

Account opening and verification are fully digital and can be completed in approximately 30 to 45 seconds. Investors can authenticate using Aadhaar, PAN and DigiLocker. After KYC completion, funds can be remitted to a designated GIFT City bank account linked to the trading infrastructure.

Investors can create customised watchlists, track global securities and manage portfolios via web and mobile platforms.

Investment Universe and Service Scope

The investment universe is restricted to asset classes permitted under the LRS framework. Currently, the platform allows investments in equities, ETFs and select debt instruments. Derivatives trading and digital assets such as cryptocurrencies are not permitted due to regulatory restrictions under LRS norms.

At present, the platform is focused on resident individual investors. Institutional participation, including mutual funds launching outbound investment schemes, is expected in Phase 3.

Regulatory Oversight and Structure

The platform is regulated by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) and operates from GIFT City. Investors can begin trading without opening a separate demat account.

NSE IX has established a subsidiary, NSE IX Global Access, and initiated a soft-launch phase before onboarding a broader partner network.

Scale of Operations and Liquidity

NSE IX currently records average monthly trading volumes exceeding USD 100 billion, translating to more than USD 5 billion in average daily trading volume. This is primarily driven by its flagship GIFT Nifty derivatives contract following the migration of offshore trading activity.

Strategic Vision for GIFT City

NSE IX aims to become the preferred financial gateway for channelling inbound investments into India while facilitating outbound investments to global markets. Expanding global access through GIFT City aligns with India’s strategy to deepen the International Financial Services Centre ecosystem and route cross-border investment flows through domestic financial infrastructure.

With U.S. markets already live and access to over 30 international markets planned within six months, the Global Access platform marks a significant step toward integrating Indian retail investors into global capital markets under a regulated and compliant structure.

Disclaimer: The article is for informational purposes only and not investment advice.