--- title: "RBI KYC Amendment Directions 2026: New Overseas Document Certification Rules for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) " date: 2026-10-29 author: "King Stubb & Kasiva" url: https://ksandk.com/newsletter/rbi-kyc-amendment-directions-2026-new-overseas-document-certification-rules-for-foreign-portfolio-investors-fpis/ --- # RBI KYC Amendment Directions 2026: New Overseas Document Certification Rules for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs)  Posted On - 29 October, 2026 • By - King Stubb & Kasiva ## **Introduction** On September 18, 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the *Reserve Bank of India (Commercial Banks – Know Your Customer) Amendment Directions, 2026* under reference **RBI/2026-27/257** (DOR.AML.REC.226/14.01.002/2026-27). Coming into force with immediate effect, these statutory amendments modify the principal KYC framework originally established under the *Reserve Bank of India (Commercial Banks – Know Your Customer) Directions, 2025*.  The regulatory update is designed to streamline customer due diligence (CDD) workflows for foreign capital market participants by extending established overseas document verification facilities to Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs).  ## **Key Regulatory Modifications & Scope** ## **1. Redefining “Certified Copy” for Foreign Investors**  The primary operational change is effected through the substitution of **Paragraph 5(1)(v)** of the principal Commercial Banks Directions. Under the amended framework, the definition of a “Certified Copy” concerning officially valid documents (OVDs) and offline Aadhaar verification exceptions has been broadened.  Previously, the alternative overseas certification mechanism was restricted exclusively to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) as defined under the Foreign Exchange Management (Deposit) Regulations, 2016. The 2026 amendment formally extends this facility to Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs), reducing compliance friction when onboarding institutional foreign capital.  ### **2. Approved Overseas Certification Authorities** To eliminate ambiguity in remote customer onboarding, the amendment explicitly enumerates the authorized entities competent to certify original document copies abroad for NRIs, PIOs, and FPIs:  - Authorized officials of overseas branches of Scheduled Commercial Banks registered in India;  - Branches of overseas banking institutions maintaining correspondent or reciprocal relationships with Indian banks;  - A Notary Public operating abroad;  - A Court Magistrate or Judge in the foreign jurisdiction; and  - Designated diplomatic officers at the Indian Embassy or Consulate General situated in the customer’s country of residence.  ### **3. Statutory Enabling Framework** These Directions were promulgated by the RBI under robust statutory authority, drawing powers from Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, Section 11(1) of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999, and Rule 9(14) of the Prevention of Money-Laundering (Maintenance of Records) Rules, 2005.  ## **Conclusion** The *Reserve Bank of India (Commercial Banks – Know Your Customer) Amendment Directions, 2026* mark an important step toward modernizing cross-border compliance without diluting India’s strict anti-money laundering (AML) standards. By permitting FPIs to utilize established overseas certification channels, the amendment is intended to facilitate overseas document certification for eligible Foreign Portfolio Investors, potentially simplifying aspects of the KYC documentation process.  Commercial banks and compliance teams should review their internal KYC policies and onboarding procedures to ensure compliance with the amended provisions. *Last Updated on 28 October, 2026* Get King Stubb & Kasiva’s legal updates in your Google feed[![Add King Stubb & Kasiva as a preferred source on Google](https://ksandk.com/wp-content/uploads/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en@2x.png)](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=https://ksandk.com/) --- ## Office Locations - [New Delhi](https://ksandk.com/locations/top-corporate-law-firm-in-delhi/) (HQ): +91-11-41318190 | info@ksandk.com - [Mumbai](https://ksandk.com/locations/top-corporate-law-firm-in-mumbai/): 3 offices (Nariman Point, Lower Parel, Andheri) | mumbai@ksandk.com - [Bangalore](https://ksandk.com/locations/top-corporate-law-firm-in-bangalore/): bangalore@ksandk.com - [Chennai](https://ksandk.com/locations/chennai/): chennai@ksandk.com - [Hyderabad](https://ksandk.com/locations/hyderabad/): hyderabad@ksandk.com - [Pune](https://ksandk.com/locations/pune/): pune@ksandk.com - [Kochi](https://ksandk.com/locations/kochi/): kochi@ksandk.com ## Contact - [Contact Page](https://ksandk.com/contact-us/) - General: info@ksandk.com | +91-11-41318190 - WhatsApp: +91-7428567444 - [Privacy Statement](https://ksandk.com/privacy-statement/) - [Terms of Use](https://ksandk.com/terms-of-use/)