Standardized, validated and exclusive UPI IDs for secure fund transfers to SEBI-registered intermediaries.
Circular: SEBI/HO/DEPA-II/DEPA-II_SRG/P/CIR/2025/86 • Dated June 11, 2025

1. What is SEBI's valid UPI framework?

To protect investors from fraudulent UPI handles, impersonation and unauthorized collections, SEBI has launched a standardized and validated UPI framework, commonly referred to as “valid UPI” or validUPI.

Under this framework, UPI IDs used for investor payments must be:

  • Standardized – follow a clear, predefined naming structure.
  • Validated – mapped to verified bank accounts of SEBI-registered intermediaries.
  • Exclusive – dedicated to collection of funds under a specific merchant category.
The core objective is to ensure that every rupee you transfer via UPI reaches only the genuine SEBI-registered intermediary you intend to pay.

2. How has ProStocks implemented SEBI's valid UPI system?

Your financial safety is our highest priority. In line with SEBI's circular SEBI/HO/DEPA-II/DEPA-II_SRG/P/CIR/2025/86 dated June 11, 2025, ProStocks has fully implemented the valid UPI system across all UPI-based client fund transfers.

We are proud to be among the first stock brokers in India to adopt this framework for all clients. This ensures that UPI payments you make towards ProStocks are routed only to verified bank accounts of SEBI-registered intermediaries.

3. What is my personal ProStocks valid UPI handle and how is it structured?

For all fund transfers to ProStocks, you must now use your personal valid UPI handle:

PROSTOCKS.XXXXX.BRK@VALIDHDFC
Replace XXXXX with your ProStocks client code.

Structure of your UPI ID

  • Username: PROSTOCKS.XXXXX.BRK
    “BRK” clearly indicates that this ID belongs to a broker.
  • Handle: @VALIDHDFC
    UPI IDs with the @valid handle are exclusively designated for payment collection by SEBI-registered intermediaries under merchant category code 6211.

Examples

Client Code valid UPI Handle
A9123 PROSTOCKS.A9123.BRK@VALIDHDFC
P9876 PROSTOCKS.P9876.BRK@VALIDHDFC
This UPI handle is unique to you, validated under SEBI’s framework and issued through HDFC Bank specifically for fund collection by ProStocks.

4. How can I verify my UPI ID using SEBI Check?

SEBI has provided an official verification tool called “SEBI Check” for investors to validate UPI IDs and bank accounts of registered intermediaries.

SEBI Check Portal – UPI Verification

Visit the official SEBI Check portal here:
https://siportal.sebi.gov.in/intermediary/sebi-check

Step-by-step: Verify Your ProStocks valid UPI ID

  • Open the SEBI Check link in your browser.
  • On the homepage, select “Verify UPI ID”.
  • Enter below mentioned valid UPI ID:
    PROSTOCKS.BRK@VALIDHDFC
  • Click Submit / Check.
  • The system will confirm whether the UPI ID belongs to a SEBI-registered intermediary, giving you independent confirmation before you pay.
This simple verification step ensures 100% safe and authentic transactions with your broker.

5. How do I use my ProStocks valid UPI handle in UPI apps?

You can use your ProStocks valid UPI handle from any popular UPI app such as Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM and others.

Step-by-Step to Pay Using valid UPI

  • Open your preferred UPI app on your mobile device.
  • Select “Pay via UPI ID” or the closest equivalent option.
  • Enter your ProStocks UPI ID exactly as:
    PROSTOCKS.XXXXX.BRK@VALIDHDFC
  • Confirm that the beneficiary name displayed is ProStocks.
  • If your app displays a validUPI or similar security indicator, verify it visually.
  • Enter the amount and complete the payment as usual.
Always double-check the UPI ID before approving the transaction. Even a single character error can result in payment failure or routing to a different beneficiary.

6. Why does SEBI valid UPI matter for investors?

SEBI’s valid UPI framework is a major step forward in safeguarding investor payments in India. For ProStocks clients, it brings multiple benefits:

  • Prevents fraud and fake UPI handles by enforcing standardized, verified IDs.
  • Ensures money goes directly to ProStocks’ verified account via your broker-tagged UPI ID.
  • Eliminates impersonation risk where someone might mimic a broker’s name or UPI ID.
  • Enhances safety using SEBI’s secure verification system (SEBI Check portal).
  • Brings transparency and trust to all UPI-based investing and fund transfers.

7. What are the key do's and don'ts when using valid UPI?

Do’s

  • Update your records with your ProStocks valid UPI handle immediately.
  • Use only your personalized UPI ID for payments to ProStocks:
    PROSTOCKS.XXXXX.BRK@VALIDHDFC
  • Use SEBI Check whenever you want to confirm the authenticity of a UPI ID.
  • Confirm that the beneficiary name is ProStocks before proceeding.

Don’ts

  • Do not make payments to any earlier / old UPI IDs previously used for ProStocks payments.
  • Do not approve a payment if the UPI ID is even slightly different from:
    PROSTOCKS.XXXXX.BRK@VALIDHDFC
  • Do not rely only on screenshots or forwarded UPI IDs without verifying them yourself using the SEBI Check portal.

8. How can I get help from ProStocks if I have queries?

If you have any questions about SEBI’s valid UPI system, your personalized UPI handle, or how to verify and use it, our support team will be happy to help.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +91-22-62434343

As a leading Mumbai-based stock broker, ProStocks is committed to adopting every SEBI innovation that strengthens investor protection, payment safety and transparency. With valid UPI, we are proud to take another major step in ensuring safe, secure, and transparent fund transfers.

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Mutual Funds Regulation • Investor Education
Updated: 03 Nov 2025 (IST)Reading time: 5–6 mins

SEBI’s latest proposals may feel tough on the industry—but for investors, they are a structural upgrade: lower ongoing costs, line-item transparency, fairer brokerage, and accountability tied to performance.

Why this matters now

Over the last few years, a large share of actively managed equity funds struggled to beat broad market indices. When Total Expense Ratio (TER) remains elevated, it further erodes investor returns. SEBI’s proposals directly address this with lower TERs and better alignment between what investors pay and what they receive.

Bottom line: More of your returns stay invested and compound for you—not lost in layers of fees.

Lower TER, higher take-home returns

SEBI has proposed a 15–20 bps reduction in TER across equity and non-equity funds, with deeper cuts at higher AUM slabs. This means investors keep more of what their funds earn, and passive vs active comparisons become more meaningful.

  • Small bps today = large difference over years due to compounding.
  • Encourages price discipline and efficiency across the MF industry.

Transparent statutory levies

Today, only STT on AMC fees is shown separately. SEBI proposes to show all statutory levies—STT, GST, CTT, stamp duty—outside TER. When these taxes are reduced, the benefit should flow directly to investors without delay.

  • Line-item visibility builds trust and simplifies comparisons.
  • Automatic pass-through when statutory rates are cut.

Brokerage cuts = fairer pricing

SEBI proposes to reduce equity brokerage on MF transactions from ~12 bps → ~2 bps and F&O brokerage from ~5 bps → ~1 bps. For investors, that’s lower friction and fewer chances of double-paying for research that’s already covered in fund management fees.

  • Leaner costs improve long-term outcomes for SIP and lump-sum investors alike.
  • Pushes intermediaries toward value-added, not volume-based, models.

Performance-linked TER (with guardrails)

Funds that consistently beat their benchmarks may be allowed a marginally higher TER. This rewards genuine skill and aligns costs with value delivered.

Important: Guardrails should focus on risk-adjusted outcomes (e.g., positive information ratio) to discourage excessive risk-taking.
  • Aligns manager incentives with investor outcomes.
  • Underperformance should translate into lower fees.

Key investor takeaways

  • Lower ongoing costs: 15–20 bps TER cuts compound into real money.
  • Full fee clarity: Statutory levies listed outside TER = clean comparisons.
  • Fairer execution costs: Brokerage bps slashed for equity & F&O legs.
  • Pay for performance: Slightly higher TER only when managers truly add value—ideally on a risk-adjusted basis.

Quick FAQs

Q. Does this apply to all funds?
A. Proposals cover equity and non-equity funds, with deeper cuts at higher AUM slabs.

Q. What changes on my statement?
A. Expect clearer line items: TER vs statutory levies (STT, GST, CTT, stamp duty).

Q. Will risk-taking go up due to performance-linked TER?
A. SEBI is expected to install guardrails emphasizing risk-adjusted outperformance, not raw returns.

Disclaimer: This post is for education and investor awareness only. It is based on proposals/consultation notes and may evolve post notification. ProStocks does not provide investment advice.

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Fintech major Paytm has launched a new feature that allows Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to use their international mobile numbers to make UPI payments directly on the Paytm app.

What’s new?
NRIs can now log in to the Paytm app using their international number and link it to their NRE or NRO bank account — no Indian SIM required.

How this helps NRIs

  • Pay at Indian shops and merchants via UPI QR codes when visiting India.
  • Transfer money to friends or family within seconds.
  • Shop on Indian e-commerce platforms using your linked NRE/NRO account.
  • Avoid juggling between Indian SIMs or currency conversion apps.

Supported Countries (Beta)

The feature currently supports users from 12 countries including the US, UK, UAE, Singapore, Australia, Canada, France, and Saudi Arabia. More regions will be added soon.

Integration with NPCI

This feature is powered by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), highlighting India’s growing fintech footprint and the global reach of the UPI ecosystem.

Additional Paytm Features for NRIs

  • Automatic spend tracking and analysis.
  • Downloadable UPI statements for compliance and records.
  • Balance visibility across multiple linked accounts.
Why this matters:
NRIs can now experience the full convenience of UPI payments, whether residing abroad or visiting India — without needing an Indian SIM or local number.

ProStocks Insight

At ProStocks, we view this as another strong step towards digital integration for NRI investors. With growing UPI accessibility, managing your Indian finances and investments continues to become simpler and more seamless.

Note: The rollout is in beta and may be gradually made available depending on the user’s country and participating bank.

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FPI Flows – First half of October sees FPI inflows of $413 Million

It may be too early to celebrate, but the good news is that Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) turned net buyers in the first fortnight of October 2025. The net inflows stood at $413 million. While the headline figure isn’t massive, clear trends are emerging in India’s equity market.

A major portion of these inflows was driven by IPO subscriptions, notably in Tata Capital. If IPO-related investments are excluded, FPIs were still net sellers in the secondary market — a reflection of ongoing asset reallocation as global investors look for value in India-centric themes.

Sector-wise FPI Flows (First Half of October 2025)

Sector (NSDL Classification) Equity Flows ($ Million) Sector (NSDL Classification) Equity Flows ($ Million)
Financial Services937Diversified-4
Automobile & Auto Components177Cement-11
Metals & Mining158Textiles-23
Power Generation & Distribution125Consumer Durables-24
Oil, Gas & Fuels123Chemicals-36
Others & Miscellaneous120Realty-91
Construction73Capital Goods-96
Services27Consumer Services-202
Media & Entertainment10Information Technology (IT)-218
Forest Materials9Healthcare-310
Telecommunication8FMCG Sector-339
Utilities0Grand Total413

Data Source: NSDL

Key Insights from the Data

The overall equity AUC (Assets Under Custody) of FPIs stood at $823.27 billion, while total AUC (including debt) was $903.55 billion — still below the September 2024 peak, highlighting the impact of earlier outflows.

In early October, large IPOs dominated FPI interest. Beyond that, the India-focused domestic growth story continues to appeal amid global tariff uncertainty. Conversely, export-driven sectors like IT and Healthcare saw persistent selling due to U.S. exposure.

Sectoral Themes Driving Flows

  • BFSI dominated inflows at $937 million, cementing its position as the key domestic growth proxy.
  • Most BFSI flows came via Tata Finance Ltd IPO, heavily subscribed by FPIs in anchor and QIB segments.
  • Auto sector inflows were driven by festive season demand and GST cuts supporting long-term consumption.
  • Metals & Mining attracted buying on hopes that China’s supply curbs will sustain commodity prices.
  • FMCG saw the sharpest selling (-$339 million) due to sluggish urban and rural demand.
  • IT and Healthcare remained weak on lower U.S. tech spending and tariff pressures.

Takeaway: The first half of October was IPO-driven, but the underlying trend favors India’s domestic growth story. As IPO momentum slows, the full-month data will reveal whether this green shoot of FPI interest can sustain beyond headline deals.

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Why Silver ETFs in India Are Trading at a Premium

A shortage of physical silver and strong investor demand push ETF prices above metal value across Indian markets

Published: 13 Oct 2025 | Category: Commodities & ETFs

Silver ETFs Outpace Spot Prices

Several Indian Silver ETFs are now trading at a 5–12 % premium to their net asset values (NAVs). The divergence reflects a confluence of limited supply, import delays, and heightened festive-season buying that has tightened availability in physical bullion markets.

In short: When silver is scarce but demand for paper exposure rises, ETF prices can drift higher than the actual metal they represent.

1. Physical Shortage in Bullion Markets

Bullion dealers report that silver bars and coins are in short supply. Imports have slowed, while jewellery and industrial demand surged ahead of the festive period. In some cities, physical silver trades at ₹15 000 – ₹20 000 per kg above the usual parity price — directly influencing ETF valuations.

2. Import Duties and Taxes Amplify the Gap

Domestic silver prices already include customs duty, GST, and transport costs. When supply tightens, additional mark-ups widen the spread between global LBMA rates and Indian market values. ETFs reflect these elevated costs in their portfolios, leading to a sustained premium.

3. ETF Creation Bottlenecks

Normally, authorized participants can create or redeem ETF units against physical silver, keeping ETF prices close to NAV. But when metal is scarce, creation slows and arbitrage breaks down — allowing prices to rise above intrinsic value.

4. Investor Momentum and Fund Restrictions

Investor appetite for precious-metal exposure has remained strong. With new inflows chasing limited ETF supply, prices inflate further. Some fund houses, including Kotak and UTI, have temporarily restricted lump-sum inflows into their Silver ETF FoFs to protect investors from excessive premiums.

Impact on Investors

  • Premium entry risk: Buying ETFs at inflated levels means paying above spot value.
  • Potential normalization: If supply eases, premiums may compress, affecting short-term performance.
  • Volatility watch: Dislocation between spot and ETF prices can swing sharply with import news or policy shifts.
  • Long-term outlook: Structural demand for silver in electronics, EVs, and green tech remains strong — supporting long-term themes.

Conclusion

The current premium on Silver ETFs reflects a temporary supply-demand mismatch rather than mis-pricing. As imports normalize and market liquidity returns, prices should realign with fundamentals. Investors are advised to compare ETF values against indicative NAVs before entry and adopt a patient approach during high-premium phases.

Disclaimer: Information is based on market data as of October 2025. Premium levels may vary across ETFs and regions.

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