How can investors safely make payments using SEBI’s new validated UPI IDs?

How Can Investors Safely Make Payments Using SEBI’s New Validated UPI IDs?

Starting 01 Oct 2025, SEBI has introduced standardised, validated, and exclusive UPI IDs (also called “@valid handles”) for all SEBI-registered intermediaries such as brokers, mutual funds, and depository participants. This helps ensure your UPI payments go only to verified entities in the securities market.

Do I have to use the new @valid UPI IDs for payments?

No. You may continue using your preferred payment method—IMPS, NEFT, RTGS, cheques, or UPI. However, if you choose UPI to pay a SEBI-registered intermediary, you must use the intermediary’s new @valid UPI ID.

How can I verify that I’m paying the right intermediary?

  • Check the UPI ID format: It should display the intermediary’s name and a category suffix before “@” (e.g., brk for brokers, mf for mutual funds). Example: abc.brk@validhdfc.
  • Look for “@valid”: The handle must include “@valid” followed by the intermediary’s bank name.
  • Confirmation icon in your UPI app: On the payment confirmation screen, ensure you see a white thumbs-up inside a green triangle.
  • QR code check: The QR generated for these IDs also displays the same green-triangle thumbs-up and prints the UPI ID beneath the code.

Do investors need to create new UPI IDs?

No. The new validated UPI IDs are obtained by intermediaries only. As an investor, you can continue using your existing UPI ID to make payments.

What should I do if a payment using the new @valid UPI ID fails?

The validated @valid UPI IDs use the same banking rails as earlier generic UPI handles. If your transaction fails, please contact your bank’s customer support for assistance and resolution.

Before confirming any UPI payment, verify the “@valid” handle, the category suffix (e.g., brk, mf), and the green-triangle thumbs-up icon on your app’s confirmation screen.

For complete details, refer to SEBI’s official circular.

Last updated: 25 Nov 2025