Page 17 - Banking Finance February 2026

ROUNDUP

The regulations apply uniformly to
goods and services, including software
exports and service imports, and seek
I I I I Inn nn ndd dd duu uu uss ss stt tt trr rr ryy yy y and closure of trade-related transac-
to strengthen reporting, monitoring
tions through authorised dealer (AD)
banks. A key objective is to bring
greater consistency and standardisa-
News tion in trade data reporting across the
system.
For exports routed through non-Elec-
tronic Data Interchange (non-EDI)
ports, AD banks must upload Export
Declaration Form (EDF) details into the
Export Data Processing and Monitoring
Sebi introduces digital signature facility to ease FPI System (EDPMS) within five working
onboarding days of receipt, irrespective of shipment
value. The same five-day timeline ap-
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has announced a new digi-
plies to service exports, including soft-
tal signature facility for foreign portfolio investors (FPIs), aimed at simplify-
ing and speeding up the onboarding process. Under the new mechanism, ware, based on exporter submissions.
FPIs can apply for a digital signature certificate (DSC) directly through the Similarly, import documents for non-
common application form used for registration. EDI ports must be recorded in the Im-
port Data Processing and Monitoring
Sebi said the enhancement integrates the FPI registration application and
the DSC application into a single, unified workflow. This is expected to re- System (IDPMS) within five working
days, with service import details also
duce duplication, improve efficiency and ease compliance for overseas in-
covered. Banks are required to report
vestors seeking access to Indian capital markets.
all related inward and outward remit-
FPIs were first permitted to use digital signatures for registration-related tances and actively monitor pending
documentation in 2023. However, the earlier process required separate entries to ensure timely closure of
steps for registration and procurement of digital signatures. By embedding transactions.
both processes into one application, the regulator aims to remove proce-
dural friction and make onboarding more seamless.
Sebi notifies revamped
The move is part of Sebi's broader push towards digitisation and process
rationalisation across market intermediaries. Faster onboarding is expected stock broker regulations
to improve investor experience and support capital inflows, particularly as after three decades
global investors seek more efficient market access. Market participants see The Securities and Exchange Board of
the change as a practical step that aligns regulatory processes with global India (Sebi) has notified the Stock Bro-
best practices in digital documentation and identity verification. ker Regulations, 2026, marking the
first comprehensive overhaul of broker
New FEMA trade norms to with detailed operational directions, regulations in more than 30 years. The
take effect from October 1, which will come into force from Octo- new rules replace the earlier frame-
ber 1, 2026. The new framework will work that had been in place since 1992
2026 govern all foreign exchange transac- and are aimed at updating compliance

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has tions linked to exports, imports and norms in line with changes in market
notified the Foreign Exchange Man- merchanting trade, replacing the ex- structure and business models.
agement (Export and Import of Goods isting provisions under the Foreign Ex- Under the revised regulations, stock
and Services) Regulations, 2026, along change Management Act. brokers are permitted to undertake

BANKING FINANCE | FEBRUARY | 2026 | 15