The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has taken strict action against YouTuber Ravindra Balu Bharti and his company, Ravindra Bharti Education Institute, for operating an unregistered investment advisory service.

During its investigation, SEBI found that Bharti and his firm violated key regulations. Therefore, the regulator has imposed multiple penalties and restrictions on him.

What action has SEBI taken?

According to a PTI report, SEBI has prohibited Ravindra Bharti, his company, and three associates—Shubhangi Ravindra Bharti, Rahul Ananta Gosavi, and Dhanashri Chandrakant Giri—from accessing or participating in the securities market till April 4, 2025. Additionally, Bharti and his firm have been directed to refund ₹9.5 crore, the said amount gained through their illegitimate operations, with 6% simple interest.

SEBI has also imposed a ₹10 lakh fine on the five individuals and an additional ₹5 lakh penalty on Ravindra Bharti Education Institute, Rahul Gosavi, and Dhanashri Giri for regulatory violations.

How did Bharti operate the unlawful business?

SEBI found that Bharti took advantage of his huge social media following to target naive investors. He had two YouTube channels with 10.8 lakh and 8.33 lakh subscribers, each churning out investment advisory services and trade recommendations without requisite registration.

The investigation disclosed various violations:

  1. Multiple plans offered to the same investors

  2. Restricting access by clients to trade-related decision-making

  3. Failure to disclose risks along with incomplete financial agreements.

  4. SEBI has mentioned that Bharti was acting in contravention of fiduciary duties as well as the primary Investment Advisory (IA) regulations.

Restrictions on advisory services

SEBI has explicitly stated that Bharti, his company, and his associates have to halt all investment advisory services presently. They cannot operate as“Ravindra Bharti Education Institute Private Limited” or “Ravindra Bharti Wealth” unless they register as advisors with SEBI.

The regulator emphasized that Bharti and his associates cannot buy, sell, or deal in any securities directly or indirectly until the ban is lifted in April 2025.

Who is Ravindra Bharti?

Ravindra Balu Bharti, founder of Ravindra Bharti Education Institute Pvt. Ltd. (RBEIPL), began in 2016 along with his wife, Shubhangi Bharti. This company is said to have educational activities regarding the stock market through its website known as Bharti Share Market. However, the action of SEBI says it was an unregistered financial advisor on its website.

This crackdown highlights SEBI’s commitment to protecting investors, especially those new to the stock market, from misleading financial influencers. The move is particularly important as social media platforms increasingly serve as hubs for financial advice—sometimes from unqualified individuals.

By imposing penalties and restricting access to the securities market, SEBI aims to set a clear precedent for others offering investment guidance without proper authorization.