SEBI Eyes Remote Video KYC for NRIs

SEBI collaborates with UIDAI & RBI to simplify KYC access for NRIs through secure digital verification

Status: Testing / Pilot | Timeline: Not Announced | Category: Regulatory Updates

Background

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), under Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey, has announced plans to enable remote and video-based KYC for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). The move aims to simplify access to Indian capital markets for overseas investors by allowing digital verification instead of physical presence in India.

Current Progress

SEBI is working closely with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to develop a secure, regulator-approved framework for video-based KYC. The initiative is currently in the testing and pilot stage, and no firm implementation timeline has been announced.

Expected Benefits

  • Seamless Access: NRIs will be able to complete KYC from their country of residence using secure video verification.
  • Reduced Documentation Burden: Eliminates the need for physical visits and attested paperwork in India.
  • Faster Onboarding: Account opening and compliance verification could be completed entirely online once implemented.
  • Enhanced Oversight: SEBI also plans to strengthen predictive market surveillance and data-driven compliance monitoring.

Conclusion

SEBI’s focus on remote KYC represents a forward-looking step toward inclusive, digital-first market access for the Indian diaspora. While the proposal is still in development, its eventual implementation could significantly streamline NRI participation in Indian equities and other regulated products.

Note: There is currently no confirmed rollout date for this initiative. Further details are expected once inter-agency coordination and testing are complete.

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New H-1B Rules: Implications for Equity Investors What investors should know about the new H-1B rule and the White House clarification — no buy/sell advice.

The U.S. administration announced changes to the H-1B visa program, including a one-time $100,000 fee for new petitions. Since Indian IT companies are major users of H-1B visas, investors should understand potential effects on sector margins, earnings visibility and market sentiment. The White House clarified this fee applies only to new petitions, not renewals.

Key Policy Highlights

  • $100,000 fee applicable from 21 Sep 2025 for new H-1B petitions.
  • No impact on existing visa holders or regular renewals.
  • Expected recalibration of prevailing wages; priority to higher-paid roles.
  • National interest waivers possible for critical roles.
Investor takeaway: This is an upfront, one-time cost for new hires. The lasting impact depends on how companies adjust staffing models, contract terms and delivery footprints.

What this means for Indian IT companies

Operating costs
Higher upfront visa expense; possible margin pressure if costs cannot be passed to clients.
Hiring strategy
More local U.S. hiring for client-facing roles; stronger reliance on offshore delivery centers in India.
Client contracts
Potential renegotiations or clauses that allocate immigration/compliance costs between vendor and client.
Sector sentiment
Short-term valuation volatility as markets price regulatory uncertainty; long-term effects depend on business model changes.

How this matters for equity investors

  • Expect short-term volatility for stocks with high onsite staffing models.
  • Firms with a higher offshore delivery mix may be relatively better positioned.
  • Watch for cost pass-through clauses in client contracts and management commentary during earnings calls.
  • Policy developments and India–U.S. diplomatic engagement will influence sentiment and risk premium.

Conclusion

The H-1B changes are a reminder of regulatory risk for sectors dependent on cross-border talent mobility. For equity investors, the focus should be on monitoring company disclosures, margin sensitivity to incremental costs, and management actions to mitigate exposure — rather than reacting hastily. This note is informational and does not provide investment advice.

ProStocks — Insights for Smarter Investing
Visit ProStocks.com for more updates.
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Applying for IPOs in India has become much simpler with the introduction of UPI. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has recently extended UPI facilities to Non-Resident Indian (NRI) clients, allowing them to use their NRE or NRO bank accounts with international mobile numbers linked to UPI.

From May 2025 onwards, NRIs can apply for IPOs up to ₹5,00,000 (₹5 lakh) through UPI. This development makes IPO participation faster and more convenient for global investors.

Step 1: Eligible Countries for UPI

NRIs residing in the following 12 countries can link their international mobile number to UPI for IPO applications and other transactions:

  • Australia (+61)
  • Canada (+1)
  • France (+33)
  • Hong Kong (+852)
  • Malaysia (+60)
  • Oman (+968)
  • Qatar (+974)
  • Saudi Arabia (+966)
  • Singapore (+65)
  • United Arab Emirates (+971)
  • United Kingdom (+44)
  • United States of America (+1)
Step 2: Banks Allowing UPI for NRE/NRO Accounts

The following 16 banks are live on UPI for NRIs with NRE/NRO accounts and international mobile numbers:

Sr. No. Bank Name
1AU Small Finance Bank
2Axis Bank
3Canara Bank
4City Union Bank
5DBS Bank Ltd
6Equitas Small Finance Bank
7Federal Bank
8HDFC Bank
9ICICI Bank
10IDFC First Bank
11IndusInd Bank
12Kotak Mahindra Bank
13Punjab National Bank
14South Indian Bank
15State Bank of India (SBI)
16Yes Bank
  • Most banks allow UPI mandate blocking for IPOs through NRO accounts.
  • For NRE accounts, UPI IDs can be created but IPO mandate support is still being rolled out. Confirm with your bank before applying.
Step 3: Creating a UPI ID
  1. Ensure your international mobile number is registered with your NRE/NRO bank account.
  2. Download any UPI-enabled app such as BHIM, Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, or your bank’s UPI app.
  3. Select your NRE or NRO account while setting up the UPI ID.
  4. Generate your UPI PIN and verify using OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
  5. Once activated, you can use the UPI ID for IPO applications.
Step 4: Applying for IPOs via ProStocks
  1. Login to ProStocks mobile application.
  2. Use the Bids option on the dashboard to access live IPOs.
  3. Click on the desired IPO and enter UPI ID, Quantity, and Price (cut-off price available).
  4. Applications of up to ₹5,00,000 can be applied through UPI. For higher amounts, use the ASBA option in your internet banking.
Final Note: With UPI enabled for NRE/NRO accounts, NRIs now have a faster and more convenient way to participate in Indian IPOs. At ProStocks, we are committed to helping NRI clients take advantage of these digital avenues while ensuring a smooth IPO application process.
© 2025 ProStocks. All rights reserved. | www.prostocks.com
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Infosys has announced a buyback at ₹1,800 per share, size ₹18,000 crore, up to 10 crore shares (~2.41%).
The entire amount received in buyback is taxed as deemed dividend (Income from Other Sources) at slab rates; your share’s cost becomes a capital loss that can be set off/carry-forward. Overall tax outgo is usually higher than capital gains tax. Record date & tender window: To be announced. Article updated when company publishes dates.

Price, Dates & Deemed Dividend Tax Explained

Corporate Action  |  ProStocks Client Communication  |  Last updated: 16 Sep 2025

Key Buyback Details

CompanyInfosys Limited
Buyback Size₹18,000 crore
Buyback Price₹1,800 per share
Maximum Shares10,00,00,000 equity shares (≈2.41% of paid-up equity)
RouteTender offer (proportionate acceptance; unaccepted shares remain in demat)
Record DateTo be announced
Tendering StartTo be announced
Tendering EndTo be announced
StatusBoard approved on 11 Sep 2025; detailed timelines pending.
We’ll update Record Date and Tender Window once Infosys releases the schedule.
Buyback Price
₹1,800
per share (tender offer)
Offer Size
₹18,000 cr
up to 10 crore shares
Equity %
~2.41%
of paid-up capital

Tax Treatment (Deemed Dividend)

  • Entire proceeds taxed as dividend: The full amount you receive in the buyback (₹1,800 per accepted share) is taxed as deemed dividend under the head Income from Other Sources, at your applicable slab rate.
  • Cost of acquisition becomes capital loss: Your original purchase cost of the accepted shares is treated as a capital loss. You may set it off against existing capital gains or carry it forward as per the Act.
  • TDS on payout: The company deducts tax at source on the gross payout (typically 10% for residents; for non-residents generally 20% + surcharge + cess, subject to DTAA relief). The exact TDS shown in your contract note/payout advice should be used while filing the return.
  • Slab-rate example (for illustration):
    • If 100 shares are accepted → Proceeds = 100 × ₹1,800 = ₹1,80,000.
    • This ₹1,80,000 is added to your total income and taxed per slab:
      Slab RateTax on ₹1,80,000
      10%₹18,000
      20%₹36,000
      30%₹54,000
  • Return filing — what to do:
    • Report buyback proceeds under Income from Other Sources.
    • Claim the TDS shown by the company against your final tax liability.
    • If your slab tax exceeds TDS, pay the balance; if TDS exceeds liability, claim a refund.
    • Report the capital loss (your cost of acquisition) for set-off/carry-forward as permitted.
  • Important: Deemed dividend taxation typically results in a higher effective tax than normal capital gains (15% STCG / 20% LTCG with indexation). Compare post-tax outcomes before deciding to tender.

This is a general educational summary; please consult your tax advisor for personalised guidance.

Should You Tender?

Pros: Fixed ₹1,800 price (often at a premium); proportionate acceptance; unaccepted shares remain with you.

Caution: Since the entire proceeds are taxed as deemed dividend at slab rates, your post-tax benefit may be lower than selling on NSE/BSE where capital gains tax applies.

Wait for the Record Date and Tender Window announcement. Re-check acceptance ratios and compute post-tax outcomes before taking a call.

© ProStocks. Infosys buyback details as per company disclosure (11 Sep 2025). Dates pending announcement. This blog is for educational purposes only and is not investment advice.

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