ICICIdirect Vs SMC Global NRI Account Comparison

1x margin means Full SPAN + Exposure margins defined by the exchange across Equity and Derivatives (Equity F&O, currency and commodity) segments. This means the broker does not offer any additional leverage.

1. India's leading stockbroker. Part of the prestigious ICICI group, a financial services conglomerate.
2. ICICI 3-in-1 NRI Account offers the easiest online trading experience.
3. It offers an online trading facility with automatic fund transfer and PIS reporting.
4. Invest online in Mutual Fund, NCD, FD, IPO, etc.
5. GTC (or GTD, VTD) and AMO order types are available for placing orders in non-trading hours.
6. It has a very stable trading platform.

• NRIs doesn't require separate Custodial Account to trade in Equity Derivatives as SMC is a registered clearing member who can get CP code for and clear the trades. This offers a huge saving for NRIs.
• Provides research and recommendation tips based on technical analysis.
• NRIs can trade and invest through mobile, software and web browser
• Dedicated relationship manager to assist the NRIs in account opening to investing process.
• SMC is a full-service broker offering a wide range of products and services.

1. While ICICI trading platform gets the job done, it is very old trading software with poor user experience in comparison to the next generation online brokers like Zerodha, upstox, and 5paisa.
2. The equity delivery brokerage is higher in comparison to discount brokers like Zerodha. With ICICI, a buy order or Rs 1 lakhs will cost Rs 1250 (1.25%) in brokerage. The same order at Zerodha cost Rs 200 in brokerage.
3. NRIs from the UK (United Kingdom) cannot invest in IPO and Mutual Fund through ICICIDirect.com
4. ICICI Bank doesn't offer online account opening to NRIs apart from customers from the US. Online account opening is also not available to Minor NRIs from the US.

• Offers NRI trading services only to NRIs who have bank accounts with Yes, Axis, HDFC, Indusind, or Federal Bank account holders.
• It offers 2-in-1 account means NRIs have to open an NRI bank account and PIS with other banks. It also means that they have to transfer funds in their PIS account before trading.
• Good Till Date/Time (GTD) and Good Till Cancelled (GTC) orders are not available.

ICICI is a highly recommended trading account for NRIs who are looking for investing in the stock market and mutual funds in India. It offers a convenient way to invest with competitive brokerage charges. It offers a range of investment options along with a dedicated RM, NRI support desk, free research, and tips. GTC and AMO order helps NRI customers to place an order in their own convenient timings.

SMC comes across as a good choice for NRI investors who are looking for a company that offers a wide range of financial products under one roof and investment recommendations. The broker offers a good online trading platform. It also provides wealth management services to NRIs. It has a corporate office in Dubai which makes it easy for NRIs residing in the city to avail various services through branch visits. The brokerage charges of SMC Global are high in comparison to discount stock brokers.