INDIA

AML / KYC

Credit Bureaus Seek RBI Permission to Use Aadhaar for Client Mapping

By Nithya Subramanian | 08/06/2025

The use of Aadhaar numbers is expected to enhance credit reporting accuracy and reduce identity fraud, though some argue the problem lies in operational issues.

ESG / Sustainability

SEBI Unveils New Framework for ESG Debt Securities

By Nithya Subramanian | 06/06/2025

The framework aims to boost transparency and standardisation in the ESG debt market and curb “purpose-washing”.

Enforcement

UAE Regulator Probes India’s HDFC Bank for Mis-selling Bonds

By Nithya Subramanian | 06/06/2025

CBUAE is investigating whether HDFC Bank breached its licensing conditions while marketing third-party products and structuring cross-border client interactions.

Fintech / Regtech

RBI Grants In-principle Approval to Three Global Payment Platforms

By Nithya Subramanian | 04/06/2025

The approvals for PayPal, Worldline and Wise are aimed at strengthening India’s outbound payments infrastructure and supporting exporters.

Capital / Liquidity

RBI Plans to Introduce Interest Rate Rules for NBFCs

By Nithya Subramanian | 04/06/2025

The RBI will align the rules for NBFCs with those for banks to ensure consistency in rate-setting practices.

Securities / Derivatives

SEBI Automates Pledge Invocation Process to Ease Broker Burden

By Nithya Subramanian | 04/06/2025

SEBI is overhauling the margin pledge process to automate the invocation and sale of client securities, to ensure faster realisation of funds.

Capital / Liquidity

RBI Signals Greater Openness to Foreign Ownership in Indian Banks

By Nithya Subramanian | 04/06/2025

The RBI is reportedly considering permitting foreign financial institutions to acquire larger stakes in Indian banks.

Sanctions

US Authorities Probing Adani Group for Iran Sanctions Violations – Report

By Manesh Samtani | 04/06/2025

The Adani Group called the allegations “baseless and mischievous”. Meanwhile, US agencies have reportedly been instructed to pause sanctions activity targeting Iran.

Fintech / Regtech

RBI Outlines Focus Areas for 2025-26 in New Annual Report

By Manesh Samtani | 03/06/2025

The RBI’s latest annual report emphasises a focus on digital payments, fraud prevention, cyber resilience, and customer protection.