The Reserve Bank of India has implemented updates to the UNSC's sanctions list relating to ISIL and Al-Qaida under Section 51A of UAPA, 1967. This amendment affects various financial institutions and mandates compliance for entities listed.
UAPA 1967 Updates to UNSC Sanctions List
On August 19, 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a notification updating the United Nations Security Council’s 1267/1989 sanctions list, specifically regarding ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida. This amendment of 21 entries under Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) necessitates that all financial institutions comply with the new directives.
The notification outlines the affected entities, which include commercial banks, small finance banks, and non-banking financial companies. The intention is to enhance the country’s efforts in combating terrorism financing and ensure that Indian financial institutions are not inadvertently supporting these entities.
Particularly, institutions are required to screen their customers against the updated list, ensuring that no transactions facilitate the activities of those designated under the UNSC sanctions. This reinforces compliance mechanisms and risk management processes within these financial establishments.
Practitioners must ensure adherence to these updates as failure to comply could result in regulatory actions. It is imperative for legal and compliance teams in financial institutions to stay abreast of such amendments and implement necessary adjustments to their governance frameworks.
Citations
- RBI/2026-27/236
