SEBI Unveils ‘Valid’ UPI Safeguard and ‘SEBI Check’ Verification Tool

Current Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) announced two key investor protection measures on June 11, 2025—‘Valid’ UPI Safeguard and ‘SEBI Check’ Verification Tool.

Key Highlights

• Validated UPI Handles: SEBI-registered intermediaries must use structured UPI IDs with a ‘@valid’ suffix, ensuring authenticity.
• SEBI Check Tool: A digital verification system allowing investors to confirm UPI IDs, bank details, and IFSC codes before transactions.
• Launch Date: Both initiatives will go live on October 1, 2025, covering 9,000+ SEBI-registered intermediaries.
• Fraud Prevention: Designed to curb impersonation scams and unauthorized fund collection, enhancing investor confidence.
• Visual Authentication: Verified UPI handles will display a green triangle with a thumbs-up icon for easy identification.

Question:

Q.1 What is the suffix that must be used in UPI handles of SEBI-registered intermediaries as per the new rule?
a) @valid
b) @upi
c) @sebi
d) @safe

Answer: a) All UPI IDs used by SEBI-registered intermediaries must now carry the suffix ‘@valid’ for easier verification and fraud prevention.