BSE marks 150 years at the heart of India’s capital markets
As the Bombay Stock Exchange celebrates 150 years, this historic institution continues to adapt and thrive in a digital world, shaping the future of finance in India and beyond marking a journey of transformation, resilience, and inclusion in global markets.
In 1875, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) was founded in Mumbai, India's financial capital, marking the beginning of its significant role in the global financial landscape. As the world evolves, BSE continues to be a pioneer in the industry, solidifying its position as the oldest exchange in Asia and the largest by number of listed companies.
Its impact on India's capital market has been pivotal, providing a robust platform for capital raising that benefits numerous enterprises domestically and internationally. The BSE's financial index, the BSE Sensex, launched 40 years ago, is the first stock market index of its kind, tracked by investors worldwide as a barometer for India's economic growth.
BSE offers a comprehensive range of financial services, including trading in equity, debt instruments, derivatives, mutual funds, stock lending and borrowing. The exchange's 18th BRICS Summit delegation learned about BSE's remarkable history from managing director and CEO Sundararaman Ramamurthy, who highlighted India's trading heritage that dates back centuries, with documented records beginning in the 19th century.
Despite facing challenges, BSE has shown remarkable resilience, with its BSE Sensex index managing over $21 trillion in assets under management as of December 31, 2025. The exchange's spirit of resilience has allowed it to grow its market share, serving 13,000 Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs), 5,100 listed companies, and 58 mutual funds.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
