Current · Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2025-26/93 · issued 23 Oct 2025 · ~1 min read
Quick answerRBI mandates all regulated entities to update their screening databases with the latest UNSC 1267/1989 sanctions list amendment affecting one individual entry, as per circular dated October 23, 2025, referencing UNSC press release of October 16, 2025.
Sanctions-list safety note. This circular refers to a specific UN Security Council / UAPA designated-entities list update as it stood on the date above — sanctions lists change often, and a newer update almost certainly exists today. Never use this page, or any single dated circular, as your current screening list. Always screen against the live, current list at the official UAPA proscribed-organisations list and the UN Consolidated List, and confirm the obligations for your bank on the official rbi.org.in source below.
The rule, in the simplest words
Banks must update their computer systems with the new details of one person on the UN sanctions list (a list of people linked to bad groups).
The person's name is Ahmad Hussain Al-Sharaa (also known as Abu Mohammed Al-Jawlani), and his new passport number is Syria D00000256, issued on February 1, 2025.
Banks must check all their customer accounts and transactions to make sure they are not helping this person or anyone linked to him.
If banks do not follow this rule, they can get in trouble for breaking the law (Section 51A of UAPA, 1967).
How it plays out — a real example
A branch operations officer in Indore, Priya, receives the RBI circular about the updated UN sanctions list. She immediately opens her bank's screening system and adds the new passport number and aliases (like 'Shaykh al-Fatih') for Ahmad Hussain Al-Sharaa. Then, she runs a quick check on all recent gold-loan customers to ensure none match the updated details, keeping her branch safe and compliant.
What changed
The UNSC amended one entry on its ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List for individual QDi.317 (Ahmad Hussain Al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed Al-Jawlani). The amendment includes updated aliases (e.g., Shaykh al-Fatih, Al Fatih), passport number Syria D00000256 issued on February 1, 2025, and other identifying information. This change was communicated via MEA and RBI circular dated October 23, 2025.
What it means for you
Banks and other regulated entities must immediately update their KYC/AML screening systems to reflect the amended entry. Failure to comply with Section 51A of UAPA, 1967, and the RBI Master Direction on KYC could lead to regulatory non-compliance. This is a routine but critical update to ensure alignment with international sanctions.
What you must do
Update your sanctions screening database with the amended details for QDi.317 (Ahmad Hussain Al-Sharaa).
Cross-check existing customer accounts and transactions against the updated UNSC list.
Ensure no accounts or services are provided to the listed individual or associated entities.
Document compliance actions for audit and regulatory review.
Who it affects
All regulated entities (banks, NBFCs, payment systems, etc.), AML/KYC compliance teams, Branch operations and account opening teams
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2025-26/93
DOR.AML.REC.57/14.06.001/2025-26
October 23, 2025
The Chairpersons/CEOs of all the Regulated Entities
Madam/Dear Sir,
Implementation of Section 51A of UAPA,1967: Updates to UNSC’s 1267/ 1989 ISIL (Da'esh) & Al-Qaida Sanctions List: Amendments to 01 Entry
Please refer to paragraph 51 of the RBI Master Direction on Know Your Customer dated February 25, 2016 as amended on August 14, 2025 (MD on KYC), in terms of which “Regulated Entities (REs) shall ensure that in terms of Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) (UAPA) Act, 1967 and amendments thereto, they do not have any account in the name of individuals / entities appearing in the lists of individuals and entities, suspected of having terrorist links, which are approved by and periodically circulated by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).”
2. In this connection, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India has informed about the UNSC press release SC / 16193 dated October 16, 2025 wherein the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al‑Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities enacted the amendments specified with strikethrough and / or underline in the entry below on its ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List of individuals and entities subject to the assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo set out in paragraph 1of Security Council resolution 2734 (2024) and adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations.
A. Individuals
QDi.317 Name: 1: AHMAD 2: HUSSAIN 3: AL-SHARAA 1: ABU MOHAMMED 2: AL-JAWLANI 3: na 4: na
Name (original script): أبو محمد الجولاني احمد حسين الشرع
Title: na Designation: na DOB: 29 Oct. 1982 Between 1976 and 1980 POB: Syrian Arab Republic Good quality a.k.a.: a ) Abu Mohamed Al-Jawlani (of original script : الجولاني أبو محمد) , b) Abu Muhammad al-Jawlani c) Abu Mohammed al-Julani d) Abu Mohammed al-Golani
e) Abu Muhammadal-Golani f) Abu Muhammad Aljawlani g) Muhammad al-Jawlani ( formerly listed as ) h) AMJAD MUZAFFAR HUSSEIN ALI AL-NAIMI born 1980 in Syrian Arab Republic (Mother’s name: Fatma Ali Majour. Address: Mosul, Souq al-Nabi Yunis) Low quality a.k.a.: a) شيخ الفاتح ، الفاتح (transliterations: Shaykh al-Fatih; Al Fatih) (Translation: The Conqueror) (Nom de guerre) b) ABU ASHRAF Nationality: Syrian Arab Republic Passport no: Syria D00000256 (issued on 1 Feb. 2025) na National identification no: na
Address: (Active in Syria as at Jun. 2013 Jan. 2025 ) Listed on: 24Jul. 2013 (amended on 2 Jun. 2014, 10 Dec. 2015, 1 May 2019, 8 Nov.2022, 14 Nov. 2023,16 Oct. 2025) Other information: previously listed as Abu Mohamed Al-Jawlani Description: Dark complexion. Height: 1.70 m.Since Jan. 2012, he is the Leader of Al-Nusrah Front for the People of the Levant (QDe.137), a Syria-based group listed in May 2014, and previously listed as an alias of Al-Qaida in Iraq (AQI) (QDe.115) between 30 May 2013 and 13 May 2014. Associated with Aiman Muhammed Rabi al-Zawahiri (QDi.006). Wanted by the Iraqi security forces. Father’s name: Hussein; Mother’s name: Wedad . Photo available for inclusion in the INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice. Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 2253 (2015) was concluded on 21 Feb. 2019. Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 2610 (2021) was concluded on 8 November 2022. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link:
https://www.interpol.int/en/How-we-work/Notices/View-UN-Notices-Individuals .
3. In accordance with paragraph 58 of resolution 2610 (2021), the Committee has made accessible on its website the narrative summaries of reasons for listing of the above entries at the following URL:
www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries .
4. Press release dated October 16, 2025 regarding the above can be found at https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/content/sc16193
Further, the UNSC press releases concerning amendments to the list are available at URL: https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/press-releases
5. The details of the sanction measures and exemptions are available at the following URL: https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267#further_information
6. In view of the above, REs are advised to take appropriate action in terms of paragraph 51 of the MD on KYC and strictly follow the procedure as laid down in the UAPA Order dated February 02, 2021 (amended on April 22, 2024) annexed to the MD on KYC.
7. Updated lists of individuals and entities linked to ISIL (Da'esh), Al-Qaida and Taliban are available at:
www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list
https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1988/materials
8. Further, as per the instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), any request for de-listing received by any RE is to be forwarded electronically to Joint Secretary (CTCR), MHA for consideration. Individuals, groups, undertakings or entities seeking to be removed from the Security Council’s ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List can submit their request for delisting to an independent and impartial Ombudsperson who has been appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General. More details are available at the following URL:
https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/ombudsperson/application
9. REs are advised to take note of the aforementioned UNSC communications and ensure meticulous compliance.
Yours faithfully,
(Veena Srivastava)
Chief General Manager
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2025-26/93 · issued 23 Oct 2025. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
Example: if you are a Compliance officer at a bank this circular applies to (All regulated entities (banks, NBFCs, payment systems, etc.), AML/KYC compliance teams, Branch operations and account opening teams), your first concrete step on “UNSC Sanctions List Updated: One Entry Amended” is: “Update your sanctions screening database with the amended details for QDi.317 (Ahmad Hussain Al-Sharaa).” (RBI issued this 23 Oct 2025).
Circular: RBI/2025-26/93 -- UNSC Sanctions List Updated: One Entry Amended
Issued: 23 Oct 2025
Action required: Update your sanctions screening database with the amended details for QDi.317 (Ahmad Hussain Al-Sharaa).
Action required: Cross-check existing customer accounts and transactions against the updated UNSC list.
Action required: Ensure no accounts or services are provided to the listed individual or associated entities.
Action required: Document compliance actions for audit and regulatory review.
Owner: ____________ Target date: ____________
Board/committee approval needed? Y / N
Evidence filed in compliance register on: ____________
Built only from this circular’s own published fields — not legal advice; always confirm against the official RBI source.
💬 Banker Discussion
Discuss this circular with fellow bankers — reply, upvote what helps, report what doesn’t belong. Be professional; no client data. Views are the commenter’s own, not BankPulse’s.
BankPulse Compliance Evidence Pack — generated 03 Aug 2026 · status cross-checked against RBI’s official withdrawal register (refreshed weekly). Official RBI source: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=12917&Mode=0 — Plain-English summary by BankPulse (bankpulse.ai), reviewed by our expert reviewer, CA Amit Jain. Independent platform, not affiliated with the Reserve Bank of India; is our own plain-English paraphrase, not RBI’s original wording.
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