SEBI has streamlined the onboarding process for Foreign Portfolio Investors (s) by allowing digitally signed documents, removing the need for physical notarisation.
August 20, 2026
Effective Date
⏳ Time Machine
How today’s news fits into the bigger picture
May 2019
FPI Regulations Working Group Report
SEBI released a report by a working group on regulations, recommending simplification and rationalization of rules, including aspects of FPI registration and KYC.
August 2019
SEBI Board Approves FPI Changes
Based on the working group's report, SEBI's board approved amendments to regulations, including removing broad-based eligibility criteria and recategorizing FPIs, aiming to ease entry.
November 2019
New FPI Operational Guidelines
SEBI issued Operational Guidelines for s to implement the new FPI Regulations, 2019, further streamlining processes and reducing compliance requirements.
March 2023
Enhanced FPI Reporting Rules
SEBI updated reporting requirements for s, mandating them to inform designated depository participants (DDPs) and SEBI of material changes or false information within seven working days.
August 20, 2026
Digital PoA Allowed for FPIs
SEBI permitted s to submit digitally signed documents, eliminating the need for notarisation, apostillisation, or consularisation to speed up onboarding.
Today
SEBI allowed Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) to submit digitally signed Power of Attorney (PoA) documents.
What happens next?
The market expects faster FPI onboarding and potentially increased foreign capital inflows, with SEBI likely to continue digitalizing regulatory processes.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has simplified the onboarding process for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) by allowing them to submit digitally signed Powers of Attorney (PoAs) to custodians. Effective August 20, 2026, this change eliminates the previous requirements for physical notarisation, apostillisation, or consularisation, significantly reducing administrative hurdles and time. The move is part of SEBI's broader digitalization efforts to improve the ease of doing business for foreign investors, making India a more attractive destination for foreign capital. This will particularly benefit FPIs who previously faced considerable delays and complexities in getting physical documents authenticated across different jurisdictions.
💭 If you're wondering…
Apostillisation is the process of authenticating a document for international use under the terms of the Hague Apostille Convention. It certifies the authenticity of the signature on the document, ensuring it's recognized in other member countries without further legalization.
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