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FM Sitharaman Urges SEBI to Simplify KYC Across Financial System

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has called for a major overhaul of KYC processes, urging SEBI to lead efforts toward a unified verification system. She emphasized that citizens should not have to repeat verification procedures across different financial platforms. The minister also advocated for shifting from reactive to anticipatory regulation to address risks like AI-driven market abuse and cyber threats. Additionally, she highlighted India's fiscal strength as providing policy flexibility for the RBI.

Key Points: Simplify KYC: FM Sitharaman Urges SEBI Overhaul

  • FM Sitharaman urges SEBI to lead KYC simplification
  • Seeks seamless, secure, and portable KYC framework
  • Calls for coordination with FSDC and other regulators
  • Emphasizes principles-based regulation and anticipatory oversight
2 min read

Simplify, standardise KYC across financial system: FM Sitharaman urges SEBI

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman calls for a unified, portable KYC framework to reduce citizen burden and enhance security across the financial ecosystem.

"No citizen should have to repeat the same verification journey across multiple platforms. - Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman"

Mumbai, April 25

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday called for a major overhaul of know-your-customer processes, urging Securities and Exchange Board of India to lead efforts toward simplifying and standardising verification systems across the financial ecosystem.

Addressing SEBI's 38th foundation day event here, FM Sitharaman stressed the need for a seamless, secure and portable KYC framework that works across platforms and institutions.

"The current system places an unnecessary burden on citizens, who are often required to repeat the same verification procedures multiple times," Finance Minister Sitharaman said.

Emphasising urgency, the minister called for close coordination between SEBI, the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC), and other regulators to implement a unified architecture.

"No citizen should have to repeat the same verification journey across multiple platforms," the finance minister said.

The finance minister also highlighted the importance of shifting the regulatory approach in line with rapidly evolving financial markets.

"Regulation must move from reactive to anticipatory particularly in the face of emerging risks such as artificial intelligence-driven market abuse, cross-border financial fraud, and growing cybersecurity threats," FM Sitharaman stated.

Her remarks underline the government's push to ensure that oversight mechanisms remain ahead of technological disruptions.

FM Sitharaman further emphasised that the next phase of regulatory development should move away from overly prescriptive rules toward more principles-based frameworks.

The minister advocated for greater reliance on structured public consultations to create balanced and adaptable regulations that can foster innovation while safeguarding investor interests.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, the finance minister said that the country's strong fiscal position and robust foreign exchange reserves provide the Reserve Bank of India with more policy flexibility.

"India has fiscal space with room to maintain the government's capex programme, room for the RBI to cut rates and room to offer targeted support to affected sectors. This is the dividend of a decade of fiscal discipline that is paying dividends," FM Sitharaman said while addressing the golden jubilee celebrations of the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy on April 6.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good intentions, but will this really happen? The problem is that different regulators (RBI, SEBI, IRDAI) have their own rules. Without proper coordination, it's just another speech. Hope SEBI actually implements something soon.
J
James A
This is exactly what we need in a digital India. A portable KYC that follows you across platforms—similar to the US system where your ID is accepted everywhere. The finance minister is thinking ahead. 👏
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Vikram M
The move from reactive to anticipatory regulation is much needed. AI-driven fraud is real and growing. But I hope the 'simplification' doesn't come at cost of security. Cyber threats are a huge concern in India right now.
S
Sarah B
Finally, someone is talking about reducing red tape for regular investors. The current system where mutual funds and stocks each have separate verification is a headache. Standardisation will make investing more accessible.

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