SEBI Launches Validated UPI Handles, SEBI Check to Strengthen Investor Payment Security

byPaytm Editorial TeamOctober 6, 2025
Why Should You Invest in Mutual Funds
Key Takeaways
  • SEBI’s @valid UPI Handle now helps investors identify registered intermediaries easily.
  • The “thumbs-up in a green triangle” icon confirms legitimate transactions.
  • SEBI Check enables independent verification of UPI and bank details.
  • Over 90% of brokers and all mutual funds have already integrated the @valid handle.
  • Both initiatives aim to minimise fraud and enhance payment security in India’s securities market.

Source: SEBI

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched new initiatives for Validated UPI Handles and SEBI Check. They are now live and available to investors. These rollouts aim to provide secure and verified payment options for transactions with SEBI-registered investor-facing intermediaries.

Validated UPI Handles (@valid)

UPI IDs of SEBI-registered intermediaries now carry the exclusive “@valid” handle, issued by NPCI, along with category-specific suffixes. This enables investors to easily identify legitimate entities.

  • Coverage: Major brokers (representing over 90% of investors) and all mutual funds have already adopted the @valid handle.
  • Payment Option: The handle can be used alongside existing payment methods, giving investors flexibility.

Key Features:

  1. Exclusive “@valid” Handle: Each UPI ID includes the “@valid” identifier and a suffix indicating the type of intermediary — for example, .brk for brokers and .mf for mutual funds (e.g., abc.brk@validhdfc or xyz.mf@validicici).
  2. Visual Verification: A thumbs-up inside a green triangle icon appears when using the @valid handle, confirming the transaction is authentic. Its absence signals that the payment may be going to an unverified entity.
  3. Distinctive QR Code: A specially designed QR code with the thumbs-up logo at its center allows convenient, error-free transactions, assuring that payments are made to SEBI-registered intermediaries.

SEBI Check Tool

SEBI has also introduced SEBI Check, a functionality that allows investors to independently verify the authenticity of bank account details or UPI IDs of SEBI-registered intermediaries.

  • Investors can use SEBI Check whether they are paying through @valid handles or other modes like NEFT, RTGS, or IMPS.
  • Verification can be done using either the bank account number and IFSC code or the @valid UPI ID.
  • SEBI Check is accessible via: https://siportal.sebi.gov.in/intermediary/sebi-check
    and through the SEBI Saarthi app.

SEBI urges investors to verify all payment details using SEBI Check to safeguard funds and transact confidently.

Core Benefits

  • Assured Security: Payments are routed only through verified SEBI-registered intermediaries.
  • Fraud Prevention: Investors can immediately detect unverified entities when the thumbs-up icon is absent.
  • Transparency and Trust: A clear, reliable framework empowers investors to transact with confidence.

These initiatives aim to enhance investor protection, prevent fraudulent collections by unregistered entities, and strengthen digital trust in India’s securities market.

Author

Paytm Editorial Team

The Paytm Editorial Team is a collaborative group of writers, editors, and industry experts. We're dedicated to bringing you the latest insights, news, and guides on digital payments, financial services, and the technology that's shaping India's economy. We offer easy-to-follow guides and insights to help you explore Paytm’s products, features, and services. Our goal is to provide clear, reliable, and helpful information to empower you on your financial journey.

FAQs

What are SEBI’s Validated UPI Handles (@valid)?

They are exclusive UPI IDs for SEBI-registered intermediaries, with the “@valid” identifier and a suffix (.brk for brokers, .mf for mutual funds) to verify legitimate entities.

How can I identify a genuine @valid UPI handle?

Look for the thumbs-up inside a green triangle icon during payment or scan the special QR code to confirm authenticity.

What is the SEBI Check tool?

It lets investors verify bank account details or UPI IDs of SEBI-registered intermediaries via the SEBI Check portal or the SEBI Saarthi app.

Can I use @valid handles with other payment methods?

Yes, you can use them alongside NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, or other existing payment options.

What are the benefits of @valid handles and SEBI Check?

They ensure secure payments, help prevent fraud, and provide transparency in transactions with SEBI-registered intermediaries.
something

You May Also Like