Description

NSE forwards SEBI communication regarding UNSC amendment of 3 entries in the ISIL (Da'esh) & Al-Qaida Sanctions List under resolution 1988 (2011), directing members to scan accounts and ensure compliance with Section 51A of UAPA, 1967.

Summary

NSE’s Investor Services Cell has forwarded a SEBI communication regarding updates to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Sanctions List. The UNSC Note SC/16341 dated April 15, 2026 covers the amendment of 3 entries under resolution 1988 (2011). All NSE members are directed to comply with Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 by scanning existing and future accounts for sanctioned individuals and entities.

Key Points

  • UNSC Note SC/16341 (April 15, 2026) amends 3 entries in the 1988 (2011) sanctions list related to Taliban-linked individuals/entities
  • NSE Circular Ref. No: 23/2026; Download Ref No: NSE/ISC/73854
  • Members must scan all existing and future accounts against the updated UNSC Sanctions List
  • De-listing requests must be forwarded electronically to Joint Secretary (CTCR), MHA at jsctcr-mha@gov.in with a copy to MEA Joint Secretary (UNP) at jsunp@mea.gov.in
  • Individuals seeking removal from the ISIL/Al-Qaida Sanctions List may apply to the UN Ombudsperson at https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/ombudsperson/application
  • Updated sanctions list maintained on SEBI website under “Media and Notifications” > “UNSC Sanctions Committee List”

Regulatory Changes

  • Amendment of 3 entries in the UNSC 1988 (2011) Committee Sanctions List (Taliban-linked individuals/entities)
  • No changes to the procedural framework; existing Central Government Order dated February 02, 2021 continues to apply
  • Compliance obligations governed by SEBI AML/CFT Guidelines dated June 06, 2024 (clause 54) and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002

Compliance Requirements

  • Account Screening: Scan all existing client accounts to ensure no account is held by or linked to any sanctioned entity or individual from the updated list
  • Future Accounts: Apply the same screening process to all new accounts opened going forward
  • De-listing Forwarding: Any de-listing requests received must be forwarded electronically to:
  • Client Awareness: Inform clients seeking removal from ISIL/Al-Qaida Sanctions List of the UN Ombudsperson process
  • Regular Monitoring: Visit SEBI website regularly for further updates to UNSC Sanctions Committee List

Important Dates

  • April 15, 2026: UNSC Note SC/16341 issued — 3 entries amended in 1988 (2011) list
  • April 22, 2026: NSE circular issued; compliance actions effective immediately
  • February 02, 2021: Central Government Order on implementation of Section 51A UAPA (reference procedure)
  • June 06, 2024: SEBI AML/CFT Guidelines (reference document, clause 54)

Impact Assessment

This circular carries high regulatory importance but medium operational impact. Members are required to conduct account-level due diligence against the updated UNSC Sanctions List, which is a standard periodic compliance activity under the AML/CFT framework. The amendment of 3 entries is a routine update and does not signal a systemic shift in sanctions policy. No direct market, trading, or pricing impact is anticipated. Non-compliance with SEBI AML/CFT guidelines and UAPA provisions, however, carries significant legal and regulatory risk for members.

Impact Justification

High importance as it is a mandatory regulatory compliance directive under UAPA and SEBI AML/CFT guidelines requiring all members to actively scan accounts; medium impact as it is a procedural/operational requirement without direct market or trading implications.