**Summary:**
SEBI Circular SEBI/HO/MIRSD/SEC/5/CIR/2023/0026, issued on February 8, 2023, addresses the use of eKYC Aadhaar authentication services of UIDAI in the securities market as sub-KUAs (KYC User Agencies). This circular updates the list of entities permitted to use Aadhaar authentication, referencing previous circulars SEBI/HO/MIRSD/DOP/CIR/P/2019/123 dated November 5, 2019, and SEBI/HO/MIRSD/DOP/CIR/2020/80 dated May 12, 2020, which initially detailed the eKYC authentication facility and listed entities undertaking Aadhaar authentication as KUAs, respectively.
The circular incorporates Gazette Notification No. S.O. 446(E) dated January 30, 2023, issued by the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, which notifies an additional 39 reporting entities authorized to use Aadhaar authentication services under Section 11A of the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act, 2002. These entities must enter into an agreement with a KUA, register with UIDAI as sub-KUAs, and adhere to the processes outlined in SEBI's November 5, 2019 circular and UIDAI guidelines. KUAs are responsible for facilitating the onboarding of these entities as sub-KUAs. The circular is issued under Section 11(1) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992, to protect investor interests, promote development, and regulate securities markets.
For further information, contact Sapna Sinha, Deputy General Manager, Market Intermediaries Regulation and Supervision Department, at 022-2644 9748 or via email at sapna.s@sebi.gov.in.
Key Entities Referenced
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI): Regulatory authority for securities markets in India.
Aadhaar: A 12-digit individual identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI): Statutory authority responsible for issuing Aadhaar numbers.
KYC User Agency (KUA): Agency allowed by UIDAI to use Aadhaar authentication for KYC purposes in the securities market.
Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002: Indian law enacted to prevent money laundering and to provide for confiscation of property derived from, or involved in, money laundering.
Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance: A department within the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, responsible for revenue collection and tax administration.
eKYC Aadhaar Authentication: Electronic Know Your Customer process using Aadhaar authentication for identity verification.
Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992: An Act of the Parliament of India to establish a board to protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote the development of, and to regulate the securities market.
CIRCULAR
SEBI/HO/MIRSD/SEC-5/P/CIR/2023/0026 February 08, 2023
To,
1. All Intermediaries registered with SEBI under Section 12 of the Securities
and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992
2. Stock Exchanges
Dear Sir/Madam,
Subject: Entities allowed to use e-KYC Aadhaar Authentication services of
UIDAI in Securities Market as sub-KUA
1. SEBI issued circular No. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/DOP/CIR/P/2019/123 dated November
05, 2019 detailing the e-KYC Authentication facility under section 11A of the
Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, by entities in the securities market for
Resident Investors.
2. Subsequently, SEBI vide its circular SEBI/HO/MIRSD/DOP/CIR/P/2020/80 dated
May 12, 2020 listed the entities who shall undertake Aadhaar Authentication service
of UIDAI as KYC user agency (KUA) in securities market. The KUA shall allow SEBI
registered intermediaries to undertake Aadhaar Authentication of their clients as
sub-KUA for the purpose of KYC.
3. Department of Revenue-Ministry of Finance, Government of India, vide Gazette
Notification No. S.O. 3187(E) dated July 13, 2022 has notified 155 reporting entities
to use Aadhaar authentication services of UIDAI under section 11A of the
Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002. The list of notified entities has been
annexed to SEBI Circular No.SEBI/HO/MIRSD/SEC-5/P/CIR/2022/99 dated July
20, 2022.
4. Department of Revenue-Ministry of Finance, Government of India, vide Gazette
Notification No. S.O. 446 (E) dated January 30, 2023 has notified another 39
reporting entities to use Aadhaar authentication services of UIDAI under section
11A of the Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002. A copy of the notification is
attached at Annexure A.
15. The above mentioned entities shall enter into an agreement with a KUA and get
themselves registered with UIDAI as sub-KUAs. The agreement in this regard shall
be as prescribed by UIDAI. Further, the Sub-KUAs shall follow the process as
detailed in SEBI circular dated Nov 05, 2019 and as may be prescribed by UIDAI
from time to time. The KUAs shall facilitate the onboarding of these entities as sub-
KUAs to provide the services of Aadhaar authentication with respect to KYC.
6. This circular is issued in exercise of powers conferred under Section 11(1) of the
Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 to protect the interests of
investors in securities and to promote the development of, and to regulate the
securities markets.
Yours faithfully,
Sapna Sinha
Deputy General Manager
Market Intermediaries Regulation and Supervision Department
Tel. no.:022 2644 9748
email id: sapnas@sebi.gov.in
2