New SEBI-Validated UPI IDs: Secure Payments for Investors Explained
SEBI Introduces Special "@valid" UPI IDs for Secure Investor Payments
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has taken a significant step to enhance transparency and security in financial transactions within the securities market.
In its latest circular dated June 11, 2025, SEBI mandated the use of standardised, validated, and exclusive UPI IDs for all SEBI-registered intermediaries. This initiative aims to protect investors from fraudulent transactions by ensuring payments are made only to verified entities.
Key Features of the New UPI IDs
-
Structured UPI Address Format
- Username: Combines the intermediary’s business name + segment abbreviation (e.g.,
abc.brkfor brokers,xyz.mffor mutual funds). - Handle: Uses
@validfollowed by the bank name (e.g.,@validhdfc). - Example: A broker’s UPI ID would look like
abc.brk@validhdfc.
- Username: Combines the intermediary’s business name + segment abbreviation (e.g.,
-
Visual Trust Indicator
- A green triangle with a thumbs-up icon will appear during transactions, confirming the recipient’s authenticity. Absence of this icon signals potential risk.
-
Transaction Limits
- UPI payments for capital market transactions are capped at ₹5 lakh per day, aligning with NPCI’s retail limits.
-
SEBI Check Tool
- Investors can verify UPI IDs and bank details via a new QR code or manual entry feature to prevent fraud.
Why This Matters for Investors
- Reduced Fraud Risk: Payments are routed only to SEBI-verified intermediaries.
- Easy Identification: Segment-specific suffixes (e.g.,
.brk,.mf) clarify the intermediary type. - Mandatory Adoption: Intermediaries must phase out old UPI IDs by 180 days post-circular issuance.
Timelines to Remember
| Activity | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Banks obtain SEBI credentials | T-Day | T + 30 days |
| Intermediaries adopt new UPI IDs | T + 90 days | T + 105 days |
| Old UPI IDs discontinued | – | T + 180 days |
| Full implementation | October 1, 2025 | – |
What Investors Should Do
- Always check for the “@valid” handle and thumbs-up icon.
- Use the SEBI Check tool to verify UPI IDs before payments.
- Prefer scanning official QR codes from intermediaries.
Update [1st October 2025]
Starting 1st October 2025, the use of a validated UPI is now mandatory for payments to financial intermediaries.
To support this initiative, SEBI has launched a utility called SEBI Check, which allows you to verify the authenticity of any UPI payment channel. You can use this tool to check the legitimacy of a UPI ID, QR code, or bank account before making a payment.
Verify your payments here: SEBI Check Portal
Conclusion
SEBI’s exclusive UPI IDs mark a leap toward secure digital payments in India’s securities market. By adopting these measures, investors gain confidence, while intermediaries align with robust regulatory standards. Stay informed and transition smoothly to the new system by October 2025!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did SEBI introduce special '@valid' UPI IDs?
SEBI introduced these exclusive UPI IDs to prevent fraud by ensuring investors only pay SEBI-registered intermediaries. The '@valid' handle acts as a verified tag, reducing risks of payments to fake or unauthorized entities.
Who needs to adopt these UPI IDs?
All SEBI-registered intermediaries (e.g., brokers, mutual funds, depositories) must obtain these IDs. Investors can continue using their existing UPI IDs but must use intermediaries’ new '@valid' handles for payments.
How does the new UPI ID format work?
The format is: Username (e.g., abc.brk for brokers) + @valid + bank name (e.g., @validhdfc). Example: abc.brk@validhdfc.
What’s the 'thumbs-up in green triangle' icon?
This visual trust indicator appears during transactions to confirm the recipient is SEBI-verified. If missing, the payment could be risky.
Are there transaction limits with these UPI IDs?
Yes. The daily limit for capital market transactions via UPI is ₹5 lakh, as per NPCI’s retail payment rules.
Can investors still use old UPI IDs of intermediaries?
No. After 180 days from the circular date (June 11, 2025), intermediaries must stop accepting payments via old UPI IDs (except for existing SIPs in mutual funds).
How can investors verify a UPI ID’s authenticity?
Use SEBI Check, a tool to: 1) Scan the intermediary’s QR code (with the thumbs-up icon). 2) Manually enter the UPI ID to validate it.
What happens if I pay to a non-@valid UPI ID?
Payments to non-verified IDs carry higher fraud risks. SEBI advises investors to always check for the '@valid' handle and thumbs-up icon.
Do intermediaries need separate bank accounts for these UPI IDs?
No. They can link their existing bank accounts to the new UPI IDs through Self-Certified Syndicate Banks (listed in SEBI’s Annexure C).
What’s the deadline for compliance?
Intermediaries: Must adopt new UPI IDs by T + 105 days (around September 2025). Full implementation: Starts October 1, 2025.
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