- SEBI is developing a centralised portal for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) to streamline regulatory access.
- The portal will be operated independently, not by NSE, BSE, NSDL, or CDSL.
- A separate FPI category for government bond investments may be introduced post-June 18 board meeting.
SEBI is preparing to launch a dedicated digital portal designed specifically for Foreign Portfolio Investors, as part of its broader strategy to enhance regulatory clarity and ease of doing business in India.
Beyond offering information, the platform is seen as a foundational step toward deeper digital transformation in market access. Discussions are also ongoing with the Ministry of Electronics and IT to replace physical signatures with digital ones, further modernising compliance.
SEBI Eyes Major Digital Push with One-Stop FPI Portal
SEBI’s proposed FPI portal marks a significant departure from conventional outsourced systems. The regulator aims to directly operate the portal, ensuring higher autonomy, accountability, and adaptability in response to investor needs.
The portal will act as a centralized knowledge hub for FPIs, covering legal guidelines, onboarding steps, compliance timelines, and category classifications. This digital resource is expected to significantly reduce the time and effort required by global investors to understand Indian regulatory requirements.
Currently, FPIs must select their investment category and approach a Designated Depository Participant (DDP) to initiate registration. While this system remains in place for now, SEBI may integrate onboarding with the new portal in future phases if user adoption is strong.
Additionally, SEBI is considering a new FPI sub-category exclusively for investment in government securities, a move that could attract long-term foreign capital into Indian debt markets. A decision is expected at SEBI’s June 18 board meeting.
SEBI’s digital initiative signals a proactive shift in aligning India’s investment ecosystem with global standards, aiming to create a more investor-friendly and transparent market environment.
“The idea is to have a single platform for FPIs to get all the relevant information at one place, so that they don’t have to look anywhere else.” — SEBI official
