SEBI Rolls Out New @valid UPI Handle for Brokers and MFs from October 1

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has unveiled a new UPI-based payment mechanism designed to ensure safer, more reliable transactions for capital market participants.

Under the new system, only verified intermediaries like mutual fund platforms and stock brokers will be allowed to use a dedicated UPI handle ending with @valid. This change takes effect from October 1, 2025.

Enhancing Security in Market Transactions

According to SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey, this initiative will “significantly enhance the security and ease of digital transactions in the securities market” by creating a trustworthy payment ecosystem.

What Will Change for Brokers and Mutual Funds?

SEBI has mandated that nearly 8,000 registered intermediaries will adopt the new UPI handle format, which includes a suffix to identify the nature of the intermediary and the @valid domain.

Investor-Friendly Visual Cues and Tools

To make verification even easier, SEBI will introduce a “thumbs-up inside a green triangle” visual symbol. This will appear during payment confirmation, signaling that the transaction is being made to a verified intermediary.

In addition, SEBI is developing a new functionality named ‘Sebi Check’ — a tool that will allow investors to confirm the authenticity of a UPI ID either by scanning a QR code or manually entering the UPI ID. This feature is expected to add another layer of protection against financial fraud.

Investor Experience: What Remains Unchanged

• Investors themselves do not need to change their existing UPI IDs.
• The current ₹5 lakh per day limit on capital market transactions via UPI will continue.
• The changes apply only to intermediaries, not retail investors.

Read More: New UPI Rules from August 1: Balance Checks, Autopay Mandates to Be Limited.

Conclusion

SEBI’s new UPI framework represents a critical step in fortifying the digital payment infrastructure of India’s capital markets. By making transactions more transparent and easily verifiable, the @valid handle and the upcoming ‘Sebi Check’ feature aim to minimize fraud and build greater investor trust.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.