Market educator and founder of Avadhut Sathe Trading Academy (ASTA), Avadhut Sathe, has issued a formal response following the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (SEBI) recent search-and-seizure operation at his Karjat-based training facility. In a statement released on August 25, 2025, Sathe categorically denied allegations of offering stock tips or acting as a financial influencer (finfluencer), asserting that his academy is a training institution and not an advisory service provider.
The SEBI action, part of a broader crackdown on unregistered finfluencers, has sparked widespread debate in India’s trading and investor education circles. Sathe, whose YouTube channel has over 9.3 lakh subscribers and whose academy claims to have trained more than 62,000 students across 51 countries, emphasized that ASTA’s focus is on structured education and skill-building—not investment advice.
🧭 Timeline of SEBI Action and Sathe’s Response
| Date | Event Description | Outcome/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| August 20, 2025 | SEBI conducts search at ASTA Karjat campus | Trading records and devices seized |
| August 22, 2025 | Sathe issues video statement to students | Denies advisory role, confirms cooperation |
| August 25, 2025 | ASTA releases formal clarification | Reiterates training-only model |
| August 26, 2025 | SEBI continues probe into finfluencer activities | Industry-wide scrutiny intensifies |
SEBI officials reportedly obtained court permissions and conducted reconnaissance before launching the two-day operation, which included forensic analysis of digital devices and trading data.
📊 Avadhut Sathe Trading Academy: Business Model Overview
| Program Type | Price Range (₹) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Free Webinars | ₹0 | Introductory sessions on market basics |
| Foundation Courses | ₹21,000 – ₹1.7 lakh | Multi-week training on trading strategies |
| Mentorship Packages | Up to ₹5 lakh | Gurukul-style residential programs |
| Alumni Network | 62,000+ trained students | Global reach across 51 countries |
| YouTube Channel | 9.3 lakh subscribers | Market education, testimonials, live charts |
ASTA clarified that it does not publish research reports, stock recommendations, or offer personalized investment advice.
🔍 Sathe’s Statement: “We Don’t Give Tips, We Train Traders”
In his video address and written statement, Sathe emphasized that ASTA’s mission is to empower individuals with analytical and decision-making skills:
“You all know that we do not provide any advisory services… Do you get any tips here?” Sathe asked his students, who responded with a chorus of “no”.
The academy added:
“Our programs are designed to empower participants with the right skills, mindset, and discipline to operate in capital markets responsibly. We do not give trade calls, stock tips, or promise assured returns”.
| Sathe’s Key Assertions | Clarification Provided |
|---|---|
| “We don’t give tips” | No advisory services or stock calls |
| “We are a training academy” | Focus on structured education |
| “Fully cooperating with SEBI” | Open to providing all required information |
| “Ignore media distractions” | Urged students to stay focused |
Sathe also reaffirmed his respect for SEBI’s role in shaping India’s capital markets and welcomed regulatory guidance to ensure compliance.
🧠 SEBI’s Crackdown on Finfluencers: Context and Commentary
SEBI’s action against Sathe is part of a broader enforcement campaign targeting unregistered financial influencers who allegedly offer investment advice under the guise of education. SEBI whole-time member Kamlesh Varshney, speaking at a FICCI event, stated:
“Promising guaranteed returns, giving trading calls in classrooms, and using live trading data without proper SEBI registration is illegal”.
| SEBI Concern | Regulatory Requirement |
|---|---|
| Stock tips in training | Requires SEBI registration |
| Guaranteed returns | Prohibited under investor protection norms |
| Use of live market data | Needs prior approval |
| Advisory services | Must be registered with SEBI |
SEBI has reportedly taken down over 70,000 unregistered finfluencer accounts in collaboration with Google and Meta.
📉 Allegations and Industry Impact
While SEBI has not officially named Sathe, media reports suggest that the regulator is investigating potential violations, including:
- Offering stock tips during training sessions
- Promoting penny stocks to manipulate prices
- Generating illegal earnings estimated between ₹400–500 crore
Sathe has denied all such allegations, stating that ASTA does not engage in any form of advisory or market manipulation.
| Allegation Type | Sathe’s Response |
|---|---|
| Stock recommendations | “We don’t give tips” |
| Advisory services | “We are a training institution” |
| Market manipulation | No comment; full cooperation assured |
| Illegal earnings | Unconfirmed; media speculation |
The incident has reignited discussions around the regulation of financial education platforms and the fine line between training and advisory.
🔥 Public Reaction and Social Media Sentiment
Sathe’s unconventional teaching style—often involving dance, motivational speeches, and live chart analysis—has drawn both admiration and criticism. A viral video from 2023 showed him dancing in front of market tickers, which some netizens mocked while others praised his energy and engagement.
| Platform | Sentiment Summary | Trending Hashtags |
|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | Mixed reactions, calls for clarity | #FinfluencerRegulation #SEBIAction |
| YouTube | Support from students, skepticism from critics | #AvadhutSathe #MarketEducation |
| Professional debate on training vs advisory | #InvestorAwareness #ComplianceMatters |
The broader community is now watching how SEBI balances enforcement with support for genuine investor education.
📌 Conclusion
Avadhut Sathe’s response to SEBI’s enforcement action underscores the growing tension between financial education and regulatory compliance in India’s capital markets. While Sathe maintains that his academy offers structured training and not investment advice, SEBI’s investigation continues amid rising scrutiny of finfluencers.
As the regulator tightens its grip on unregistered advisory services, the industry faces a pivotal moment—one that could redefine how market education is delivered and consumed. For now, Sathe’s message is clear: “We don’t give tips, we train traders.”
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and official statements as of August 26, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice.
