The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed all regulated entities to act on the latest UNSC terror sanctions list updates, issued on October 19, 2026. The RBI circular references amendments made on October 15, 2026, affecting three entries on the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List. Banks and financial institutions must review these changes immediately.
Key Details of the UNSC Sanctions List Amendment
The United Nations Security Council amended two individual entries and one entity entry under resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011), and 2253 (2015). The first individual is Mounir El Motassadeq (QDi.082), a Moroccan national convicted in Germany for links to terrorism and later deported to Morocco in 2018. The second is Noor Wali Mehsud (QDi.427), the current leader of Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), based along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Additionally, the entity Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (QDe.132) itself received an updated listing. All three remain subject to an assets freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo.
These amendments align with UNSC press release SC/16480, dated October 15, 2026. The RBI has shared links to the updated sanctions list and narrative summaries on the UN Security Council’s official website. Regulated entities should consult these resources without delay.
What This Means for Banks and Financial Institutions
Under Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, all regulated entities must ensure they hold no accounts linked to listed individuals or organisations. Therefore, banks must screen their customer databases against the revised UNSC terror sanctions list right away. This obligation applies to commercial banks, small finance banks, payment banks, co-operative banks, NBFCs, and all other RBI-regulated entities.
Institutions must strictly follow the UAPA Order dated February 2, 2021, as amended in April 2024. Meanwhile, any de-listing requests received by banks must be forwarded electronically to the Joint Secretary (CTCR), Ministry of Home Affairs. However, individuals or entities seeking removal from the list may also apply directly to the UN Ombudsperson. As a result, compliance teams should update their internal processes to reflect both channels.
The RBI has emphasized meticulous compliance with Chapter IX of the RBI KYC Directions, 2025. For example, failure to act on UNSC terror sanctions list updates could expose institutions to serious regulatory and legal risk. The full circular and updated lists are available on the RBI and UN Security Council websites.
Source: RBI Notifications
