SEBI Valid UPI Holders
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced "Validated UPI Handles" and a verification tool called "SEBI Check" to enhance investor protection and prevent fraud during payments to SEBI-registered intermediaries. These initiatives standardize UPI IDs with exclusive “@valid” handles and category-specific suffixes for verified entities like brokers and mutual funds, helping investors avoid fraudulent transactions and scams.
SEBI Validated UPI Handles are unique payment identifiers issued in collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Every SEBI-registered intermediary's UPI ID now carries the suffix “@valid” along with category tags such as “.brk” for brokers and “.mf” for mutual funds (e.g., abc.brk@validicici). This standardized format allows investors to visually confirm that their payments are going to legitimate SEBI-registered entities, reducing impersonation risk. When making a transaction, a green "thumbs-up inside a triangle" icon confirms the UPI ID is verified, alerting users if the icon is missing to exercise caution.
SEBI also launched the "SEBI Check" online tool, which investors can access to verify UPI handles, registered bank accounts, and registration status of intermediaries before transferring funds. This extra verification layer complements the visual cues from validated UPI handles, enabling real-time confirmation and significantly minimizing fraud risks. Investors can check the UPI ID authenticity by manual entry or QR code scanning on the SEBI Check portal or through SEBI’s Saarthi app.
Together, the Validated UPI Handles and SEBI Check create a robust two-tier safeguard that protects investors from phishing, impersonation, and fake payment requests. They promote transparency by ensuring investors know exactly whom they are paying, enhancing trust in the securities market ecosystem. These initiatives facilitate secure, error-free payments while coexisting with other modes like NEFT and RTGS, supporting smooth transaction experience.
SEBI mandated the use of validated UPI handles from October 1, 2025, covering major brokers, mutual funds, portfolio managers, and other intermediaries, representing over 90% of investor transactions. A transition period lasts until December 2025, after which payments through non-verified UPI IDs will be disallowed for market transactions.
Validated UPI handles with the "@valid" suffix are unique, standardized payment identifiers issued exclusively by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to SEBI-registered intermediaries such as brokers and mutual funds. These handles include category-specific suffixes like ".brk" for brokers and ".mf" for mutual funds, combined with the '@valid' tag and a sindicate bank name (for example: abc.brk@validhdfc). This structure allows investors to quickly recognize and trust that the UPI ID belongs to a genuine SEBI-registered entity.
For Shares Bazaar Pvt Ltd: sharesbazaar.ra@validicici
When investors make payments using these "@valid" UPI handles, a visual verification appears on the transaction screen in the form of a green triangle with a thumbs-up icon. This icon confirms that the UPI handle is verified and the payment is going to an authenticated intermediary. Absence of this icon signals a potential risk and investors are advised to refrain from proceeding. Additionally, investors can use SEBI's "SEBI Check" tool to cross-verify UPI handles, bank accounts, and registration details of the intermediaries in real time, adding a further layer of security. This system helps investors avoid fraud by ensuring payments are directed only to verified entities, prevents impersonation of intermediaries, and enhances transparency and trust in the payment process while complementing existing payment methods such as NEFT and RTGS. Overall, the "@valid" UPI handles create a reliable and user-friendly framework that safeguards investor payments and strengthens market integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Because there are many fake scams, SEBI made special UPI IDs and QR codes that only official stock market companies can use. These help keep your money safe when you pay them.
Look for UPI IDs that end with “@valid” plus a short tag like “.brk” for brokers or “.mf” for mutual funds. For example, abc.brk@validhdfc shows it’s a safe, official ID.
A safe QR code will show a small green triangle with a thumbs-up icon. This means the code is real and safe to use.
It’s a simple online tool where you can check if a UPI ID, QR code, or bank account is official before you send money.
No. This is only for the official companies you pay when investing. You can keep using your usual UPI ID.
You can use it on SEBI’s website or on the SEBI Saarthi app on your phone.
The special UPI IDs are only for UPI payments, but the SEBI Check tool can also help you check bank account details for NEFT, RTGS, or other payment methods. These simple steps help you be sure your money goes to the right place and keep you safe from fraud.
Why This Matters
SEBI’s new initiatives offer three important benefits to investors:
- Your payments only go to verified, SEBI-registered intermediaries, keeping your money safe.
- If the green thumbs-up icon is missing or the SEBI Check tool finds a problem, it warns you immediately of possible fraud.
- The system is simple and trustworthy, helping you feel confident when making transactions.
As digital payments become common, protecting investors from fraud is essential. SEBI’s efforts give you reliable tools to spot real intermediaries, confirm payment details, and transact with peace of mind.
The main advice for investors is clear: Always use these verification tools before sending any payment. Checking first helps keep your investments secure.