Angel One has introduced U.S. stock and ETF trading for its users, routed through GIFT City. The platform allows fractional share ownership in global firms like Apple and Nvidia. While brokerage fees are waived until the end of 2026, investors should account for foreign exchange rates, taxes, and the Reserve Bank of India’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme limits.
Angel One has rolled out a new feature allowing Indian retail investors to trade U.S. stocks and ETFs directly through its mobile application. This facility, powered by the regulatory framework at GIFT City, aims to simplify international portfolio diversification for the firm's domestic client base. By leveraging the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) guidelines, the brokerage seeks to provide easier access to technology giants and major global corporations.
A key feature of this rollout is the availability of fractional share ownership. This allows investors to acquire portions of expensive U.S. equities, such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Nvidia, without needing to purchase full shares. This approach lowers the entry barrier for retail investors who want to include global assets in their portfolios. The platform is currently in a phased launch, with full access for all users expected by mid-November.
From a cost perspective, Angel One is waiving brokerage fees for these international trades until the end of 2026. Starting in January 2027, the company plans to implement a commission structure of 0.1% per trade, with a minimum fee of $0.99. Investors should note that while brokerage fees are waived initially, they remain liable for applicable regulatory charges, goods and services tax (GST), and bank foreign exchange rates associated with transferring funds.
Transactions are conducted under the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), which allows Indian residents to remit money abroad up to a specified annual limit. The firm has integrated its system with major domestic lenders like HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and IDFC First Bank to facilitate these transfers. Additionally, the company noted that U.S. securities held through this route will benefit from Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) coverage, providing protection of up to $500,000 on eligible assets.
This strategic move aligns with Angel One's goal of transforming into a comprehensive financial super-app. While several fintech platforms have already established a presence in the international equity space, Angel One is utilizing its large existing customer base to gain traction. The competitive landscape for foreign investing in India remains active, with many firms competing on fees and ease of use.
For investors, the key monitorables will be the actual execution cost, specifically the foreign exchange markup charged by banks, and the impact of the annual LRS limits on their portfolio strategy. Additionally, as with any investment in foreign assets, investors should track tax implications in India and the currency risk associated with the Rupee-to-Dollar conversion.