SEBI's Validated UPI Framework: Enhanced Security for HDFC SKY Customers Protecting Your Investments with Advanced UPI Verification

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched ground breaking measures to protect investors from fraud and ensure secure digital payments in the securities market. As your trusted investment platform, HDFC SKY is implementing these new security protocols to safeguard your financial transactions.

What’s New: Validated UPI Framework

Starting October 1, 2025, SEBI has mandated that all registered intermediaries, including brokers like HDFC Securities, must use validated UPI handles ending with “@valid” for all investor-facing transactions. This revolutionary step addresses the growing concern of fraudulent entities impersonating legitimate financial institutions.

Key Features of the New System:

Enhanced Security Protocol
⦁ All legitimate UPI IDs now end with “@valid” suffix
⦁ Standardized format for easy identification
⦁ Bank verification required before issuing “@valid” handles

How This Protects HDFC SKY Customers

The new framework directly combats several fraud tactics:

• Impersonation Prevention: Fraudsters can no longer create fake UPI IDs mimicking legitimate brokers
• Payment Routing Security: Ensures your money reaches only verified, SEBI-registered entities

What changes for you?

Nothing at all! The way you make payments today, will remain same.

Just to refresh, after you login to your HDFC SKY app/ web, go to funds section, and click on Add funds.

Post entering the amount of your desired choice, you will see the options to choose from UPI or Netbanking. When you select the mode as UPI, you will be redirected to the UPI app of your choice (Google Pay, PhonePE, Paytm, BHIM, Payzapp or so on)

While making your payments, you can check the format of the UPI handles on the payment app while making the payment!

This is how this will look like:

How to Verify Payment Authenticity

Step-by-Step Verification Process:

1.Check the UPI Handle Format

• Ensure it ends with “@validhdfc”
• The format will be businessname.rzpx.brk@validbank
• In our case, business name will be hdfcsecurities, rzp suffix as it is our payment aggregator we use for managing payments
• Followed by .brk as we lie in the intermediary category of ‘brokers’
• Followed by @validhdfc , as our banking account is HDFC BANK

2. Look for Visual Confirmation

• This appears in your payment app (Google Pay, PhonePE, Paytm, BHIM, etc. as shown in the picture above )

3. Use SEBI Check Tool

• Manually verify UPI IDs when in doubt

Important Security Reminders

Red Flags to Watch For:

• UPI IDs not ending with “@validhdfc”
• Absence of green thumbs-up verification icon
• Misspelled merchant names or suspicious formatting
• Unsolicited payment requests via social media or email
• Pressure tactics urging immediate payment

How to Stay Protected

Before Making Any Payment:

• Always Verify: Double-check UPI handles against our official list
• Look for Icons: Ensure the green verification triangle is visible
• Use Official Channels: Only initiate payments through HDFC SKY’s official platform
• When in Doubt: Contact our customer support for verification

Conclusion

SEBI’s validated UPI framework marks a significant milestone in investor protection. By implementing these advanced security measures, HDFC SKY continues to prioritize your financial safety while maintaining the convenience of digital payments.
Remember: when making payments to HDFC SKY, always verify the UPI handle ends with “@validhdfc” and look for the green verification triangle. Your vigilance, combined with these regulatory safeguards, creates a robust defense against fraud.
Stay secure, stay informed, and continue investing with confidence on HDFC SKY.

Need Help? Contact HDFC SKY customer support for any questions about the validated UPI framework or to verify payment details.

SEBI FAQs / Circular link: Link