This week, Monika unpacks SEBI’s recent caution to the public against dealing in digital gold. The regulator clarified that while SEBI oversees gold ETFs, commodity derivatives, and Electronic Gold Receipts — all backed by strict rules and physical verification — digital gold remains completely outside its supervision. That means investors have no legal protection if something goes wrong. Many platforms may not actually hold the gold they sell, exposing buyers to serious counterparty and fraud risks. Even though major brands like PayTM, Tanishq, and MMTC offer digital gold, these products are still unregulated.

Monika explains how SEBI’s framework ensures transparency and security for gold ETFs — from mandatory physical holdings and custodian oversight to regular audits and purity checks. In contrast, digital gold lacks such verification, leaving investors unsure if the gold even exists. While the ease of purchase and small-ticket investments make digital gold tempting, SEBI’s warning is a timely reminder that convenience can come at a cost. Gold can still have a place in portfolios, but allocations should stay within 5–10%, and SEBI-regulated gold ETFs are the safer route for long-term investors.

In listener questions, Anonymous seeks clarity on how to transition gradually from real estate and ESOPs into equity funds over the next decade, Vijay from Tamil Nadu asks how to begin crypto investing safely, and Padma, a retired investor, wants help streamlining her mutual fund portfolio and understanding the role of index and debt funds.

Chapters:

(00:00 – 00:00 ) Why You Should Not Buy Digital Gold

(00:00 – 00:00 ) Planning a 9-Year Transition from Real Estate to Equity

(00:00 – 00:00 ) Should You Invest in Cryptocurrency?

(00:00 – 00:00 ) Building a Safe and Structured Investment Journey

(00:00 – 00:00 ) How to Simplify Your Mutual Fund Choices in Retirement

https://www.sebi.gov.in/media-and-notifications/press-releases/nov-2025/caution-to-public-regarding-dealing-in-digital-gold-_97676.html

If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at ⁠mailme@monikahalan.com⁠ 

Monika’s book on basic money management

⁠⁠⁠https://www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-money-english/⁠⁠⁠

Monika’s book on mutual funds

⁠⁠https://www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-mutual-funds/⁠⁠

Monika’s workbook on recording your financial life

⁠⁠⁠https://www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-legacy/⁠⁠⁠

Calculators

⁠⁠⁠https://investor.sebi.gov.in/calculators/index.html⁠⁠⁠

You can find Monika on her social media @monikahalan. 

Twitter ⁠⁠⁠@MonikaHalan⁠⁠⁠

Instagram ⁠⁠⁠@MonikaHalan⁠⁠⁠

Facebook ⁠⁠⁠@MonikaHalan⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn ⁠⁠@MonikaHalan⁠⁠

Production House: ⁠⁠www.inoutcreatives.com⁠⁠

Production Assistant:⁠⁠ Anshika Gogoi⁠⁠