Avadhut Sathe Denies Being Finfluencer Or Investment Advisor Post Sebi Raid

The Indian securities market has witnessed strong participation from investors in the last two years. Amid this rising participation, concerns over unregistered advisory services have also increased leading to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) cracking down on several influencers. The market regulator has investigated several finfluencers and social media based content creators such as Asmita Patel, Abhishek Kar, Mohammad Nasiruddin Ansari and PR Sundar in recent times.

Most recently, YouTuber Avadhut Sathe came under Sebi’s scrutiny amid allegations of violating norms governing finfluencers. However, Sathe has issued a press statement on August 26, 2025 claiming that he is not a ‘finfluencer’. Here’s a detailed look at what Sebi has alleged, the action taken by the market regulator and Sathe’s clarification:

Sebi’s Action Against Avadhut Sathe

Sebi has taken action against Avadhut Sathe Trading Academy (ASTA) by conducting a search and seizure operation. However, Sebi has not issued a formal order or statement detailing the final outcome yet. Notably the search and seizure took place on August 20 and lasted 10 hours, according to a report by NDTV Profit. The raids were conducted at Avadhut Sathe’s trading academy in Karjat. The raids are a part of an ongoing probe launched by the Sebi against unregistered entities which provide investment advice.

Sebi’s Allegations Against Sathe

Sathe is being investigated for providing unregistered investment advice. Sathe has reportedly made unlawful gains of Rs 400 to Rs 500 crore. Sathe is being investigated on the basis of complaints, the main allegation being that he and his academy was providing specific, actionable investment advice without having the mandatory Sebi registration for doing so. Sathe acknowledged Sebi’s search and seizure raids in a video.

Earlier this month, Sebi Whole-Time Member Kamlesh Varshney also hinted at raids being conducted on a ‘prominent financial influencer’. While Varshney did not explicitly mention Sathe he mentioned in his speech at FICCI’s Annual Capital Markets Conference that several investors provide legitimate education to investors whereas some engage in mis-selling or offer unauthorised tips.

“We have carried out a big search operation on a big name in this industry. I must give credit to my team who has been working on all these things. I can’t comment much further until we examine the evidence that has been collected,” Varshney said at FICCI’s event.

Other allegations which are being investigated by Sebi include the promotion of high-risk penny stocks during training classes and the use of live stock market data to provide training. Notably Sebi prohibits the use of live trading data for educational purposes.

Avadhut Sathe’s Clarification

Sathe responded to the allegations through a release and claimed that the academy is cooperating with Sebi and is committed to providing information and assistance. Sathe also clarified that his training academy is not a ‘finfluencer’.

“Avadhut Sathe Trading Academy is a training institution and not an advisory service provider or a FinInfluencer. We follow Gurukul learning system and bring to table values or Sanskars, which empower the participants with the right skills, mindset, and discipline to navigate capital markets,” Sathe said in the release.

Sathe also claimed in the release that the academy does not ’publish or circulate’ research reports or stock recommendations, provide investment advice and stock calls or trade tips.