The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has taken another step toward fully digitising the Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) onboarding process by enabling a seamless Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) facility within the Common Application Form (CAF) portal.
As part of this initiative, a new DSC functionality issued by Indian DSC providers has been integrated directly into the CAF portal. The enhancement allows FPI applicants to complete both their registration application and DSC application through a single, unified process, significantly easing and speeding up onboarding.
Earlier, through a circular dated March 27, 2023, SEBI had permitted FPIs to use digital signatures for executing the CAF and other registration-related documents. The latest development builds on that framework by allowing applicants to apply for a DSC at the same time as submitting their CAF, removing the need for separate, parallel processes.
According to SEBI, this integration is expected to streamline registration timelines, reduce procedural friction, and improve overall efficiency for global investors seeking access to Indian markets.
Detailed process flows and frequently asked questions related to obtaining a DSC are available on the India Market Access Portal at https://indiamarketaccess.in/digital-signature-certificate.html. SEBI has encouraged FPI applicants to make full use of the enhanced digital functionality to ensure a smoother registration experience.
