Global trading firm Jane Street Group has taken a key step towards resuming its operations in India after depositing Rs 4,843.5 crore in an escrow account, as directed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), reported Moneycontrol.
This move means the firm has complied with the main conditions laid out in Sebi’s interim order issued on July 3, 2025.
A person quoted in the report told Moneycontrol, “Jane Street Group deposited Rs 4,843.5 crore on Friday in compliance with the Sebi order.” Another source added, “With the deposit made in an escrow account and the order’s terms met, Jane Street can now resume its trading operations on the exchanges.”
BAN LIFTED AFTER DEPOSIT?
In its interim order, Sebi had accused in Indian stock markets.
The regulator directed the firm to deposit alleged unlawful gains in an escrow account with a scheduled commercial bank in India. A lien was also placed in favour of Sebi, ensuring the funds could not be moved without its permission.
Clause 62.2 of the order also barred Jane Street from accessing the stock market and from buying, selling, or dealing in securities, directly or indirectly. All banks, custodians, depositories, registrars, and transfer agents were instructed to block any asset movement linked to Jane Street until the deposit was made.
Now that the deposit has been completed, the restrictions mentioned in the order no longer apply. Clause 62.11 of the same Sebi order had said that the ban would be lifted once Jane Street complied by depositing the full amount.
CONDITIONS STILL APPLY
However, Sebi’s order also said that Jane Street must avoid using any of the trading strategies that led to the interim action.
The firm has been asked to “cease and desist” from carrying out any activity that could be seen as manipulative or unfair under Indian market regulations.
This means that although the ban is lifted, Jane Street is not free to resume the same kind of trading that landed it in trouble. Sebi made it clear that Indian stock exchanges should monitor the firm’s trading activity closely to prevent any violations.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
While Jane Street has met Sebi’s financial requirements, it is not known if the firm will return to the market immediately or wait for more clarity. Market observers say the firm may prefer a cautious approach, keeping a close watch on regulatory signals and market reactions.
As per the report, both Sebi and Jane Street have not responded to emails requesting comments on the matter so far. If and when they do, the responses are expected to provide more insight into the company’s next move.
Sebi’s order had also mentioned that Jane Street could contest the charges. If the firm submits sufficient evidence to prove that no manipulation took place, the impounded amount could be returned. A final decision will be taken after a complete investigation and hearing.
In a message to its employees, as per media reports, the firm said the regulator had misunderstood a “standard hedging practice.” Jane Street has maintained that its trades followed legal and accepted methods.