Why NH Investment Paid ₹900 Cr for a 12-15% Stake in Choice

South Korea's NH Investment & Securities Co Ltd has bought a stake worth ₹900 crore in Choice International Ltd's broking and wealth management arm. The deal gives the Korean firm roughly 12-15% of Choice Equity Broking Pvt Ltd at an enterprise value of ₹7,500 crore, a person familiar with the matter said.

The capital will go toward expanding Choice's margin trading facility loan book and funding technology, customer acquisition, and product development, the companies said in a joint statement. The partnership pairs Choice's growing presence in India's financial markets with NH Investment's institutional expertise and technology-led operating model.

“This strategic investment marks an important milestone in further strengthening NH Investment & Securities' global business portfolio,” Shin Jae Wook, president and chief executive of NH Investment, said in the statement. “Through our partnership with Choice Group, we will combine the strengths of both organizations to deliver differentiated financial services and build sustainable long-term growth engines for our global business.”

Arun Poddar, chief executive officer and executive director at Choice International, said India's financial services sector is at an inflection point driven by rising investor participation and digital adoption. “NHIS brings deep institutional expertise, global market insights and advanced digital capabilities that complement our strengths in serving India's rapidly expanding investor base,” he said.

The collaboration is expected to cover institutional broking, research, capital markets, governance, risk management, and compliance. Choice sees the investment as a way to deepen customer engagement and expand its wealth management and investment distribution businesses.