RBI instructs financial institutions to amend systems for 3 new additions to the UNSC 1267/1989 ISIL and Al-Qaida sanctions list under UAPA, 1967.
Additions to ISIL and Al-Qaida Sanctions List
On October 27, 2026, the Reserve Bank of India directed all regulated financial institutions to incorporate updates involving the addition of three entries to the UNSC 1267/1989 ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List, pursuant to Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The notification mandates immediate implementation across banks, NBFCs, and financial institutions.
The directive follows UNSC resolutions requiring member states to freeze assets and prevent financial support to designated terrorist individuals and entities. Section 51A of UAPA authorizes enforcement of such international obligations in India, binding all financial intermediaries to monitor and report transactions involving listed persons.
Legal advisors must ensure that anti-money laundering (AML) systems and sanction screening tools are updated. Non-compliance may result in regulatory action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, and UAPA. Regular audits of compliance frameworks are recommended to mitigate institutional and reputational risks.
Citations
- Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, Section 51A
