Date: August 13, 2026
Investment Details
CDSL has received SEBI approval via letter no. HO/47/28/13(5)2026-MRD-RAC2-I/18654/2026 dated August 13, 2026, to invest ₹5,00,00,000 (Rupees Five Crore only) in Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). The investment will be made in one or more tranches through subscription to 5,00,000 equity shares with face value of ₹100 (Rupee Hundred Only) each.
SEBI Conditions
The approval is subject to CDSL maintaining its net worth requirement at all times in terms of Regulation 14(1) of SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 2018.
Current and Post-Investment Holding
As of June 30, 2026, CDSL holds 1.85% of ONDC's equity capital out of a paid-up capital of ₹1,084 Crore. Post this additional investment, CDSL's holding percentage will reduce to 1.67%.
Target Entity Background
Name: Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)
Incorporation Date: December 30, 2021
Legal Structure: Section 8 company (non-profit)
Country of Presence: India
Backing: Supported by leading Institutions, Banks and other corporate bodies with total investment of ₹1,084 Crore as of June 30, 2026
Turnover History:
- 2022-23: Not available
- 2023-24: Not available
- 2024-25: ₹20.29 Lakh (consolidated)
Strategic Rationale
ONDC is an initiative of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, aiming to promote open networks for exchange of goods and services over digital networks. It represents India's first global initiative to democratize digital commerce by enabling participation of small retailers, businesses, traders, FPOs, SHGs, Karkhanas, and MSMEs.
CDSL describes this as a strategic investment in an India initiative, though it is not directly related or incidental to CDSL's core depository activities. The investment is being made at arm's length.
Governance and Approval Process
The investment was approved by CDSL's Governing Board at its meeting held on June 25, 2026. SEBI approval was required under Regulation 7(c) of SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 2018.
Additional Information
The disclosure is made under Regulation 30 of SEBI Listing Regulations and SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/CFD/CFD-PoD-1/P/CIR/2023/123 dated July 13, 2023. The information is also available on CDSL's website at www.cdslindia.com under Regulation 46 of SEBI Listing Regulations.