SEBI rolls out ‘@valid’ UPI handles and ‘SEBI Check’ to curb fraud in investor payments

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has operationalised two new security measures — validated UPI handles with the “@valid” suffix and a verification tool named “SEBI Check” — to protect investors from fraudulent money transfers and unauthorised entities.

SEBI has introduced exclusive “@valid” UPI IDs for all registered investor-facing intermediaries, including brokers and mutual funds. These UPI handles have been issued in partnership with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

As of now, major brokers representing over 90% of the investor base, along with all mutual fund houses, have adopted the system.

Each UPI ID will feature the “@valid” suffix along with a category-specific identifier. For example, brokers will carry the “.brk” suffix, while mutual funds will use “.mf”. Sample UPI IDs may appear as abc.brk@validhdfc or xyz.mf@validicici.

The initiative has been introduced as an additional payment option, complementing existing modes like net banking and traditional transfers.

A key feature of the validated handles is the visual authentication indicator. When an investor initiates a UPI payment to a registered entity using a @valid handle, a “thumbs-up” symbol enclosed in a green triangle appears on the payment screen.

Its absence serves as a red flag, alerting investors to potential unauthorised recipients. In addition, a distinct QR code featuring the same thumbs-up logo will be used for quick and error-free payments.

SEBI has advised retail investors to actively adopt the @valid handles for all transfers to registered intermediaries as part of a secure and verified payment ecosystem.

Alongside the UPI validation feature, SEBI has launched “SEBI Check,” a self-verification tool that enables investors to confirm the authenticity of SEBI-registered entities before making payments. This facility can be used not only for UPI payments but also for transfers made through NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS.

Investors can verify an intermediary’s bank account number and IFSC code or its @valid UPI ID through the SEBI Check portal available on the SEBI website, via https://siportal.sebi.gov.in/intermediary/sebi-check
, or through SEBI’s Saarthi mobile application. SEBI has strongly urged individuals to verify all account details before transferring funds to any intermediary.

According to SEBI, the rollout of the @valid UPI handle and SEBI Check is expected to significantly reduce fraud risk and eliminate the possibility of funds being diverted to unregistered or unauthorised entities.

By ensuring that payments are routed only through verified channels, the regulator aims to build greater transparency and trust in digital transactions within the securities market.

SEBI noted that the new framework provides assured security, instant fraud detection through visual cues, and a transparent system that supports investor confidence.

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