Anthropic IPO: How Indian investors can participate
What's the story
Anthropic, the AI company behind chatbot Claude, is gearing up for its stock market debut. The firm will price its initial public offering (IPO) on November 18, 2026. It will start trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on November 19 under the ticker symbol ANT. This presents a chance for Indian investors to tap into the growing generative AI sector.
Investment process
What is the process for Indian investors?
Indian residents can invest in eligible overseas securities under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)'s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).
The scheme permits individuals to remit up to $250,000 in a financial year for permitted overseas transactions.
However, not every international IPO is accessible under LRS eligibility.
Investors need an international brokerage platform or intermediary that facilitates participation in the specific offering and accepts applications from Indian residents.
Allocation challenge
Challenges for Indian retail investors
Unlike India, the US IPO market doesn't have a dedicated retail allocation mechanism.
Underwriters usually determine share distribution, with institutional investors getting a large chunk.
This could make it difficult for Indian retail investors to get shares at the IPO price.
Their chances also depend on whether their brokerage platform allows participation in this offering or not.
Post-listing purchase
Buying shares post-listing is another option
For those who can't get an IPO allotment, buying shares after listing could be a more feasible option.
To do this, investors need to open an international trading account with an Indian platform or overseas broker offering US stocks.
After completing KYC and other required documentation, they can transfer funds through an authorized banking channel under LRS and search for Anthropic using its Nasdaq ticker symbol ANT once trading begins.
Tax considerations
Other important considerations
Indian investors must consider taxes at the time of remittance, when selling shares, and when receiving dividends.
Under the LRS framework, 20% tax collected at source (TCS) applies to overseas remittances above ₹10 lakh in a financial year for purposes other than specified education and medical expenses.
This isn't an additional final tax; investors can claim credit against their income tax liability while filing returns or seek a refund.
Tax details
Tax implications on foreign share sales, dividends
If foreign shares are sold within 24 months of purchase, short-term capital gains are generally taxed at the investor's applicable income tax slab rate.
For shares held beyond 24 months, long-term capital gains are generally taxed at 12.5% without indexation under applicable provisions.
Dividends paid by US companies to Indian resident investors are generally subject to a 25% withholding tax in the US under the India-US Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).