RBI has directed financial institutions to implement amendments to the UNSC 1267/1989 ISIL (Da'esh) & Al-Qaida sanctions list under Section 51A of UAPA, 1967. Three entries have been modified.
RBI Implements Updated UN Terrorist Sanctions List
On October 19, 2026, the Reserve Bank of India issued a directive to all financial institutions, including commercial banks, NBFCs, and cooperative banks, to implement updates to the United Nations Security Council’s 1267/1989 ISIL (Da'esh) & Al-Qaida sanctions list. This action is taken pursuant to Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA).
The notification mandates the amendment of three designated entries in line with UNSC decisions, requiring immediate freezing of funds and strict compliance with reporting obligations. Covered entities must update their screening mechanisms and ensure integration of the revised list into their anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) protocols.
Non-compliance may attract regulatory penalties under UAPA and FEMA. Legal teams are advised to conduct urgent compliance audits and align internal watchlists with the updated designations to mitigate enforcement risks.
Citations
- Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, Section 51A
