Kotak Becomes India’s First to Enable Fully Digital FPI Registration | 10 Feb 2026

Why in News? 

Kotak Mahindra Bank has become the first custodian in India to facilitate the entire Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) registration and account opening process using electronic signatures, marking a major digital milestone in capital market access.  

Key Points: 

• Institution: The achievement was announced by Kotak Mahindra Bank. 
  • One of India’s leading private sector banks, when its custody arm enabled fully digital onboarding for FPIs.  
• Innovation: This is the first instance in India where an FPI licence and associated client account opening documentation have been executed entirely with electronic signatures (eSign) without requiring physical “wet signatures”. 
  • The move follows SEBI’s introduction of a unified digital workflow in January 2026, which allows digital signatures to be used within the Common Application Form (CAF) portal for FPI registration.  
• Purpose: The initiative aims to simplify and accelerate the process for foreign investors to enter the Indian market by reducing paperwork, lowering operational risks, and modernising the onboarding experience. 
• Benefits: Paperless onboarding significantly reduces time and logistical overhead for global investors. 
  • Enhances ease of doing business and supports India’s aspiration to attract greater foreign investment. 
  • Strengthens India’s digital infrastructure for capital markets. 
• Significance: This development reflects India’s shift toward digital transformation in financial markets and aligns with broader reforms by SEBI to streamline investor registration and compliance processes.