ETMarkets Smart Talk: Biggest trading event of 2025? Jainam’s Indian Options Conclave 6.0 aims for Guinness record: Milan Parikh

“Indian Options Conclave 6.0 is set to be bigger and more impactful than ever. This year, we are attempting a Guinness World Record for the "Largest Financial Lesson", making this event truly historic,” says Milan Parikh, Managing Director, Jainam Broking Ltd.

In an interview with ETMarkets, Parikh said: “AI will not replace traders but will enhance their ability to make faster, more informed, and data-backed decisions. Those who integrate AI into their trading process will have a clear edge in today’s evolving markets,” Edited excerpts:

Equity markets started the year 2025 on a volatile note and have fallen by more than 14% from the highs. How are you looking at markets?
Yes, markets have started 2025 on a highly volatile note, and a correction of over 14% from the highs has naturally raised concerns. However, if we step back and analyze market cycles, corrections are a part of the process, especially after a sustained rally.

From a derivatives risk management perspective, such phases demand proper position sizing, disciplined risk management, and the use of hedging strategies.

Retail traders must adapt to this dynamic environment rather than over-leveraging or making emotional decisions.

History shows that volatility often creates opportunities for those who manage risk well. The key is to stay objective and focus on structured strategies rather than speculative trades.

SEBI is always working towards safeguarding investor interest, and the new proposals are a testimony to this. What do you think about the proposal, and how will it impact the retail investor community?

SEBI’s recent proposals are a step in the right direction to create a more structured and disciplined derivatives market.

While they may seem restrictive to some traders, in the long run, they will help protect retail investors from excessive speculation and leverage-driven trading.

A well-regulated market ensures that participants understand the risks involved and operate within a framework that promotes sustainability.

For serious traders who focus on data, structured strategies, and risk management, these regulatory changes will have minimal impact. However, those relying solely on speculative, high-leverage trades may need to rethink their approach.

A strong foundation is essential for a robust financial ecosystem, and these proposals align with that goal.

With markets down more than 10% from the highs and volatility increasing, have you seen a drop in trading volumes or a loss of interest?
Yes, trading volumes at the exchange level have dropped significantly, impacting the overall market sentiment. This decline is also reflected in brokers' volumes, as increased volatility has made traders more cautious.

At Jainam, we have observed a shift in trader behavior. While intraday volumes have decreased, many experienced traders are moving toward hedged strategies, spreads, and structured options trading instead of purely directional trades.

This phase is a test of discipline—traders who focus on risk-adjusted strategies will sustain, while those who were over-leveraged will find it challenging. In such conditions, structured trading with defined risk is the only way forward.

This month, Jainam will be hosting Indian Options Conclave 6.0, which is India’s largest options trading event. What’s new this year? What are the key areas/themes the event will focus on?
Indian Options Conclave 6.0 is set to be bigger and more impactful than ever. This year, we are attempting a Guinness World Record for the "Largest Financial Lesson", making this event truly historic.

The key focus areas will be:

Live Trading by Experts – Seasoned traders will execute real trades and share insights in real time.

Advanced Options Strategies and Risk Management – Crucial in today’s volatile environment.

AI-Driven Analytics and Automation in Trading – Helping traders make informed decisions.

For anyone serious about options trading, this event will provide unmatched insights and learning opportunities.

Last time I visited the event, I think there were around 10,000 attendees. Is the registration open, and what kind of response do you expect in 2025?
Yes, registrations are open, and we expect an even larger turnout this year. Given the increasing participation in options trading and rising interest in structured strategies, we anticipate over 12,000+ attendees.

Indian Options Conclave has grown into the go-to event for serious traders, investors, and professionals looking to sharpen their skills. With the addition of our Guinness World Record attempt, this year’s edition is expected to be a landmark event in India’s financial ecosystem.

There is a lot of talk around AI – will options trading also change/evolve as more AI integration starts happening for retail investors? What are your thoughts?
Absolutely. AI is already transforming trading by enabling better decision-making, faster execution, and more efficient risk management.

At Jainam, we have developed an Analytics & Screening platform called "Smart Delta", which acts as an AI-powered assistant for traders. Smart Delta helps traders:

Analyze market trends with data-driven insights.

Screen opportunities based on statistical probabilities.

Optimize trading strategies using AI-driven analytics.

AI will not replace traders but will enhance their ability to make faster, more informed, and data-backed decisions. Those who integrate AI into their trading process will have a clear edge in today’s evolving markets.

You track retail traders very closely. Has the trading pattern changed or evolved in the past few years?
Yes, retail trading has undergone significant changes in recent years. The biggest shifts we have observed are:

A surge in options trading – More traders are actively participating in derivatives, particularly options.

A shift toward data-driven trading – Earlier, retail trading was largely sentiment-driven, but now traders rely more on analytics, statistical models, and defined strategies.

AI-assisted decision-making – With tools like Smart Delta, retail traders are moving beyond instinct-based trading and adopting structured, AI-backed strategies.

Improved risk management – There is now a greater focus on hedging, spreads, and limited-risk strategies, rather than aggressive, unhedged positions.

The retail trader of today is more informed, more strategic, and more disciplined. Those who continue focusing on risk management and structured trading will thrive in the years to come.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)