SEBI allows digital PoA for FPIs
Analysis based on 23 articles · First reported Aug 20, 2026 · Last updated Aug 21, 2026
The regulatory easing is expected to reduce onboarding friction for foreign portfolio investors, potentially encouraging greater foreign investment flows into Indian capital markets. However, the immediate market impact is limited, as the change primarily affects administrative procedures rather than market fundamentals.
On August 20, 2026, the India — Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued a circular allowing foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) to submit Power of Attorney (PoA) documents executed with digital signatures in accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000. This eliminates the previous requirement for notarisation, apostillisation, or consularisation of the PoA, thereby reducing the time and documentation burden for FPI onboarding. The measure is part of SEBI's ongoing digitalisation efforts, which have included the Common Application Form, digital signature functionality, and acceptance of scanned copies. The change is effective immediately and applies to PoAs given to custodians. SEBI stated that the move aims to improve ease of doing business for foreign investors and streamline the registration process, while continuing to protect investor interests.
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