What changed
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has removed AL-NUSRAH FRONT FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE LEVANT (including aliases like Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham) from its ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has informed regulated entities about this update, which affects their obligations under Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 and the RBI's Know Your Customer Directions, 2025 (dated November 28, 2025, as amended on December 29, 2025).
What it means for you
Banks must review their customer lists and ensure they do not have any accounts associated with AL-NUSRAH FRONT FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE LEVANT. This update impacts banks' compliance with Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and their obligations under the RBI's Know Your Customer Directions, 2025 (dated November 28, 2025, as amended on December 29, 2025), including the UAPA Order dated February 02, 2021 (amended on April 22, 2024).
What you must do
- Review customer lists for any association with AL-NUSRAH FRONT FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE LEVANT
- Update customer due diligence processes to reflect the delisting
- Ensure compliance with Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and RBI's Know Your Customer Directions, 2025 (dated November 28, 2025, as amended on December 29, 2025), including the UAPA Order dated February 02, 2021 (amended on April 22, 2024)
Who it affects
Commercial Banks, Small Finance Banks, Payment Banks, Urban Co-operative Banks, Rural Co-operative Banks, Regional Rural Banks, Local Area Banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies, Asset Reconstruction Companies, All India Financial Institutions
What is the impact of the UNSC's delisting of AL-NUSRAH FRONT FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE LEVANT on banks?
Banks must review their customer lists and ensure they do not have any accounts associated with AL-NUSRAH FRONT FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE LEVANT, and update their customer due diligence processes accordingly.
What RBI guidelines must banks comply with in relation to the UNSC sanctions list?
Banks must comply with the RBI's Know Your Customer Directions, 2025 (dated November 28, 2025, as amended on December 29, 2025), and Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, including the UAPA Order dated February 02, 2021 (amended on April 22, 2024).