Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL) is a major Indian securities depository that holds stocks, bonds, and mutual funds in electronic form. Founded in 1999 and based in Mumbai, it was promoted by the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and several leading banks. Core Business Demat Services: It allows investors to hold and trade securities digitally, eliminating the need for physical paper certificates. Market Leadership: CDSL is the first listed depository in India and currently holds the largest number of active Demat accounts in the country, recently crossing the 11 crore (110 million) mark. Subsidiaries: It operates units like CVL (for KYC services) and CCRL (for warehouse receipts/commodities). Financial Profile High Value: The company is known for its high profit margins and debt-free status. Growth: Its revenue grows directly with the increase in retail investors entering the Indian stock market. Stock Market: It is a publicly traded company on the NSE, often seen as a "proxy play" for the growth of the Indian financial sector.