The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on 30 October 2026 issued a circular on the rationalisation of the periodicity of KYC review for foreign portfolio investors (FPIs). The market regulator described the step as part of ease of compliance for FPIs.
What happened
SEBI released a press release, numbered 67/2026, titled “Ease of Compliance for FPIs – Rationalisation of KYC Review Periodicity”. It also published a circular, numbered HO/19/34/14(10)2026-AFD-POD3/I/24814/2026, with the title “Rationalisation of periodicity of KYC review for FPIs”.
FPIs are overseas entities that invest in Indian listed securities such as shares and bonds without taking control of companies. KYC, short for Know Your Customer, is the process of verifying an investor’s identity and details, which is then reviewed from time to time.
The change relates to how often that periodic review is done. The details of the revised timelines are in the circular itself.
What it means for you
The measure is aimed at foreign investors and the custodians and intermediaries that handle their paperwork. A rationalised review schedule is meant to reduce compliance effort. Domestic retail investors are not directly affected.
Background
SEBI regulates FPIs operating in Indian markets and has issued several circulars on their registration and compliance requirements. This latest one deals only with the frequency of KYC review.
