RBI Eases KYC Documentation Rules For Foreign Portfolio Investors

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has made it easier for foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) to complete KYC documentation with Indian banks. Under an amendment issued on 18 September 2026, banks can accept original certified copies of specified documents from FPIs when the documents have been certified by recognised authorities overseas.

The facility was previously available to non-resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs). RBI has now extended the same provision to FPIs.

Who Can Certify FPI Documents?

The permitted certification channels include:

• Authorised officials of overseas branches of Scheduled Commercial Banks registered in India

• Branches of overseas banks that maintain relationships with Indian banks

• A Notary Public abroad

• A Court Magistrate or Judge

• An Indian Embassy or Consulate General in the investor's country of residence

This allows certification to be completed outside India before the documents are submitted to the Indian bank.

KYC Requirements Remain In Place

The amendment does not remove the requirement for banks to conduct KYC checks on FPIs. Instead, it changes the process through which specified documents can be certified and submitted.

RBI's existing framework continues to require banks to compare the submitted copy with the original document. An authorised bank official must record the comparison on the copy in accordance with the applicable rules.

For overseas investors, the practical change is that recognised certification can now be completed through eligible authorities in the country where the investor operates or resides, reducing the need for an India-based certification process.

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