SEBI has mandated that all covered intermediaries must use validated ‘@valid’ UPI IDs and QR codes starting from October 1, 2025, to strengthen payment verification and mitigate the risk of fraud.
SEBI Mandates Valid UPI Handles for Intermediaries by 2025
Effective October 1, 2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has mandated that intermediaries use validated ‘@valid’ Unified Payments Interface (UPI) IDs and QR codes. This requirement aims to enhance payment security and reduce instances of fraud in financial transactions.
The decision underscores SEBI's commitment to ensuring the integrity of payment systems within the financial markets. By enforcing this regulation, SEBI seeks to create a more secure environment for investors, thereby improving their confidence in the existing financial frameworks.
Practitioners in the financial services sector should begin preparations to comply with the new UPI validation requirements. This includes updating their payment systems to ensure that only validated UPI IDs are utilized in transactions to adhere to SEBI directives.
Citations
- SEBI Circular (2026) SEBI Regulations
