SEBI Cautions Investors Against Digital Gold Trading: Lack of Regulation Raises Risk Concerns
Mumbai, November 13, 2025 — The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued a strong advisory warning investors about the potential risks of investing in digital gold, emphasizing that the product currently operates outside the purview of any specific financial regulation.
In its statement, SEBI clarified that digital gold is not a recognized or regulated financial instrument under existing securities laws. The regulator cautioned that investors engaging in such transactions could face risks related to fraud, lack of investor protection, and absence of grievance redressal mechanisms.
Digital gold — a product that allows investors to purchase and hold fractional quantities of gold through online platforms — has gained popularity in recent years due to its convenience, accessibility, and low entry barriers. However, SEBI’s latest advisory underscores the vulnerabilities in this emerging investment avenue.
“Investors are advised to exercise utmost caution and verify the credentials of entities offering digital gold. They must ensure that such platforms are associated with recognized and credible institutions,” SEBI’s note stated.
The regulator’s concern stems from the growing number of unregulated online platforms facilitating the purchase and storage of digital gold, often without clear information about the authenticity of underlying assets or storage facilities. Unlike gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or sovereign gold bonds, digital gold is not backed by any statutory guarantee or overseen by a regulatory body.
Industry experts welcomed SEBI’s move, noting that the absence of a regulatory framework creates room for mis-selling, unauthorized trading, and potential defaults. Financial analysts suggest that investors preferring exposure to gold should consider regulated instruments, such as ETFs or sovereign gold bonds, which offer greater transparency and protection.
Meanwhile, some fintech platforms offering digital gold services have responded by calling for clearer policy guidelines. They argue that a structured regulatory framework could bring legitimacy to the digital gold market and protect both investors and service providers.
As gold continues to be a favored asset among Indian households, SEBI’s advisory serves as a timely reminder that digital convenience should not come at the cost of financial safety. Until clear regulations are established, experts urge investors to exercise diligence, verify product authenticity, and prioritize security over speed in their investment decisions.
