A research analyst studies companies, sectors and markets, then publishes research or recommendations on securities. In India, anyone who does this for a fee must be registered with SEBI. Lotusdew Wealth and Investment Advisors Private Limited is a SEBI registered research analyst (INH000021641) in Hyderabad, publishing equity research and model portfolios for Indian investors.
What is a research analyst?
A research analyst is a person or firm that, for a fee, prepares research reports or gives recommendations and opinions on securities such as listed shares. The activity is regulated in India by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) under the SEBI (Research Analysts) Regulations, 2014, which came into effect on 1 December 2014.
Registered research analysts show a registration number that begins with INH. That number is the quickest way to tell a regulated analyst from an anonymous tips channel on social media or messaging apps.
What does a research analyst do?
The day-to-day work is about turning raw company and market data into something an investor can read and question:
- Reads financial statements and filings to judge the quality, growth and debt of a business.
- Estimates value by building models and comparing a company with its peers and its own history.
- Tracks sectors and the economy, including interest rates, input costs, regulation and demand trends.
- Publishes research that explains the reasoning and the risks, not only a buy or sell call.
- Discloses conflicts of interest and keeps records of the research, as the regulations require.
Good research lets you see why a view was taken, so you can decide whether it fits your own plans and your tolerance for risk.
Research analyst, investment adviser or broker?
These roles are regulated separately and do different jobs. Knowing which one you are dealing with tells you what to expect and what to ask.
| Role | Main job | Registration number starts with |
|---|---|---|
| Research analyst | Publishes research and recommendations on securities. | INH |
| Investment adviser | Gives investment advice tailored to a client's goals, risk profile and finances. | INA |
| Stock broker | Executes your buy and sell orders on the exchange. | INZ |
| Unregistered tip channel | Posts calls on social media or messaging apps with no regulatory accountability. | None. Do not act on these. |
A single firm can hold more than one registration. Always confirm the specific registration that covers the service you are buying. If you are weighing the two roles, our guide on choosing between mutual funds and an investment advisor and our page on SEBI registered investment advisors explain the adviser side.
How to verify a SEBI registered research analyst
It takes about five minutes, and you only need to do it once per analyst.
- 1
Ask for the registration number. For research analysts it is "INH" followed by nine digits, for example INH000021641 for Lotusdew.
- 2
Search SEBI's own list. Open the Research Analyst list under Recognised Intermediaries on the SEBI website and search by name or registration number.
- 3
Match the details. The registered name, number and address on SEBI's list should match what the analyst shows on their website and advertisements. SEBI's advertisement code requires these details to be displayed.
- 4
Check the registration is current. Research analysts must renew every five years, and SEBI has cancelled registrations that lapsed for non-payment of renewal fees.
- 5
Read the terms and the disclaimer. A genuine analyst states the fees, the service and the risks clearly, and never promises assured returns.
- 6
Know the complaint route. A compliance officer and grievance contact should be listed, and you can escalate to SEBI SCORES or SMART ODR. Ours are on our grievance redressal page, and our investor charter explains your rights.
How to choose a research analyst
Registration tells you the firm is regulated. It does not tell you the research is right for you. Once the registration checks out, compare on these points:
- Transparency of method. Can you tell how ideas are found and what would make the analyst change their mind?
- Risk disclosure. Do reports explain what could go wrong, and not only the upside?
- Fit with your horizon. Long-term portfolios and short-term trading calls need very different research.
- Clear fees and terms. You should know exactly what you pay for and how to stop.
- Responsiveness. Check that questions and complaints reach a named person.
Treat any research as one input to your decision. Spread your money, invest only what you can afford to leave invested, and keep your own records. For a longer checklist, read a practical guide to selecting a trustworthy investment advisor in India.
About Lotusdew Wealth
Lotusdew Wealth and Investment Advisors Private Limited is a SEBI registered research analyst (registration number INH000021641) based in Gachibowli, Hyderabad. We publish data-driven, quantitative equity research and model portfolios for Indian investors.
Equity research
Research on Indian listed companies, built from data and written so you can follow the reasoning.
Model portfolios
Rules-based portfolios of Indian equities that show how research ideas fit together.
See our latest equity research and the model portfolios, meet the Lotusdew team, or read the Lotusdew FAQ. When you are ready to talk, you can book an appointment. Back to the Lotusdew Wealth home page.
Research analyst questions and answers
What is a research analyst?
A research analyst studies companies, sectors and markets, then publishes research reports or recommendations on securities. In India, a person or firm that does this for a fee must be registered with SEBI under the SEBI (Research Analysts) Regulations, 2014.
Is it mandatory for a research analyst to be registered with SEBI?
Yes. Under the SEBI (Research Analysts) Regulations, 2014, no person may act as a research analyst, or hold themselves out as one, without a SEBI certificate of registration, unless a specific exemption applies.
How can I check if a research analyst is SEBI registered?
Ask for the registration number, which begins with INH for research analysts. Then search for the name or number in the Research Analyst list under Recognised Intermediaries on the SEBI website, and check that the registered name, address and number match what the analyst shows on their website and advertisements.
What is Lotusdew's SEBI registration number?
Lotusdew Wealth and Investment Advisors Private Limited is a SEBI registered research analyst with registration number INH000021641.
Where is Lotusdew based and what does it offer?
Lotusdew Wealth is based in Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana. It publishes equity research and model portfolios for Indian investors, using a data-driven, quantitative approach.
What is the difference between a research analyst and an investment adviser?
Both are regulated by SEBI under separate regulations. A research analyst publishes research and recommendations on securities. An investment adviser gives advice tailored to a client's goals, risk profile and finances. Check which registration a firm holds and read its terms before you subscribe.
Can a SEBI registered research analyst guarantee returns?
No. Promising assured or guaranteed returns is not permitted, and SEBI registration does not guarantee an analyst's performance. All investments in the securities market carry market risk.
What qualification does a research analyst need?
Applicants must meet SEBI's educational requirements and pass the NISM Series XV Research Analyst certification examination. The registered entity must also be enlisted with a body recognised by SEBI.
Does a research analyst need my trading password or investment money?
No. A research analyst publishes research. You place trades yourself through your own broker. Never share passwords or OTPs, and be cautious of anyone who asks you to transfer money into a personal account to invest.
Where can I complain about a research analyst?
Start with the analyst's own grievance contact. If the issue is not resolved, you can file a complaint on SEBI SCORES at scores.sebi.gov.in or use the SMART ODR online dispute resolution portal at smartodr.in.
Sources and further reading
- SEBI press release PR No. 140/2014: commencement of the SEBI (Research Analysts) Regulations, 2014
- NISM: prerequisites for becoming a SEBI registered research analyst
- SEBI Investor website: understanding research analysts
- SEBI: Research Analysts under Recognised Intermediaries
About this page: written by the Lotusdew Wealth team. Last updated 27 October 2026.
Contact and regulatory disclosures
- Registered name
- Lotusdew Wealth and Investment Advisors Private Limited
- SEBI registration
- Research Analyst, Reg. No. INH000021641
- Registered office
- Cabin #3, 4th Floor, 1A & 1B Jyoti Imperial, Gachibowli Rd, Lumbini Avenue, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032
- Phone
- +91 77310 82221
- abhishek.banerjee@lotusdew.in
- Compliance officer
- Abhishek Banerjee, abhishek.banerjee@lotusdew.in
- Grievances
- investor.relations@lotusdew.in, SEBI SCORES and SMART ODR
- Investor charter and policies
- Investor charterGrievance redressalDisclaimerTerms and conditionsPrivacy policy