SEBI Introduces Validated UPI IDs To Enhance Payment Safety And Transparency

What’s Changing

Effective October 1, 2025, SEBI-registered intermediaries (including brokers and mutual funds) will use validated UPI IDs to receive investor payments. Objective: Strengthen payment security, reduce fraud risk, and make verification easier for investors.

What Are “Validated UPI IDs”?

Definition

A UPI ID functions like a digital address for payments. Under SEBI’s framework, intermediaries will use standardized, validated UPI IDs that clearly identify them.

Format

Validated IDs will include “@valid” combined with the name of the self-certified syndicate bank (SCSB).

Examples:

• Broker: abc.brk@validhdfc
• Mutual Fund: xyz.mf@validicici
• Visual Confirmation in App
• When paying a validated UPI ID, supported UPI apps will display a green thumbs-up icon within a triangle, indicating the recipient is a verified SEBI-registered intermediary.

Valid UPI Handles for Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund

• motilaloswalmf.rzp1.mf@validaxis
• motilaloswalmf.rzp1.mf@validicici
• motilaloswalmf.rzp1.mf@validhdfc
• motilaloswalmf.bdpg.mf@validhdfc
• motilaloswalmf.bdpg.mf@validicici

Note: Always verify the handle in your UPI app before authorizing payment.

Why This Matters

Extra Safety – Payments route only to validated accounts of SEBI-registered intermediaries.
Easy Recognition – The UPI ID format helps you identify whether you are paying a broker, mutual fund, or other intermediary.
Lower Fraud Risk – aThe green thumbs-up icon signals authenticity before you tap “Pay”.

Your Payment Options

Optional for Investors

While intermediaries will adopt validated UPI IDs, investors can continue using NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, or cheques as preferred.

SIPs

• Existing SIPs: Continue without interruption as per the current setup.
• New SIPs/Renewals/Extensions: Use validated UPI IDs where UPI is chosen as the payment mode.

Added Protection: SEBI Check

SEBI will introduce “SEBI Check,” a verification tool to help investors:

• Confirm a UPI ID before paying.
• Verify an intermediary’s bank account details.

Quick Checklist When Using UPI

• Ensure the UPI ID ends with “@valid” plus the bank name.
• Look for the green thumbs-up icon inside a triangle in your UPI app.
• Verify beneficiary name and handle before authorizing payment.

In Summary

From October 1, 2025, validated UPI IDs help investors clearly identify SEBI-registered intermediaries and reduce payment fraud. Look for “@valid” in the UPI handle and the green thumbs-up confirmation in your app for added assurance. You can continue to use other payment modes if preferred.