The 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, adding three designated persons. Immediate asset freezing and transaction blocks are mandated.
RBI Orders Implementation of Updated UNSC ISIL/Al-Qaida List
The Reserve Bank of India has issued directives dated October 27, 2026, instructing all regulated financial entities to implement updates to the UNSC 1267/1989 ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List under Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The update involves the addition of three individuals to the global sanctions regime targeting terrorist financing networks.
Entities are required to immediately freeze the financial assets and economic resources of the designated persons, prohibit any dealings with them, and report compliance to the Financial Intelligence Unit—India (FIU-IND). The directive covers banks, non-banking financial companies, payment platforms, and co-operative institutions. The amendments arise from decisions by the UNSC’s 1267 Committee aimed at disrupting terrorist support structures.
"All regulated entities shall ensure that the updated list is integrated into their screening systems without delay,"the RBI circular states. Legal practitioners must advise clients on real-time monitoring obligations and ensure internal compliance frameworks align with both domestic enforcement and international counter-terrorism standards. Non-compliance may result in regulatory censure or penal action under anti-money laundering regulations.
