The RBI has directed financial entities to implement amendments to India's anti-terror financing framework under Section 51A of UAPA, following updates to the UNSC 1267/1989 sanctions list.
RBI Implements UAPA Updates on Terror List
The Reserve Bank of India has issued instructions to all regulated entities — including banks, NBFCs, FIs, and co-operative banks — to implement amendments to Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, in response to updates in the United Nations Security Council’s 1267/1989 ISIL (Da'esh) & Al-Qaida sanctions list. The notification dated October 19, 2026, requires immediate freezing of assets linked to three delisted or amended entries.
Entities must update their screening systems to reflect the revised list and ensure no transactions occur involving designated individuals or entities. The RBI emphasizes full compliance under the anti-money laundering (AML) framework and warns of supervisory action for lapses in due diligence or delay in reporting.
All reporting entities must conduct retrospective checks and submit confirmation of compliance through the designated portal within seven working days,the circular states.
This update reinforces the RBI’s strict stance on AML/CFT compliance. Legal teams must audit client onboarding and transaction monitoring systems to ensure alignment with the latest UNSC and national lists, particularly for high-risk sectors such as remittances, crypto-assets, and cross-border trade.
Citations
- Section 51A, UAPA, 1967
- UNSCR 1267/1989
