Citi Launches eFPI @ Citi to Fast-Track Foreign Portfolio Investor Registration

Citi has announced the launch of eFPI @ Citi, a first-to-market solution designed to dramatically reduce the registration timeline for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) in India from anywhere between several weeks and months down to just five business days. Unveiled on September 10, 2026, at India’s Global Fintech Fest where Citi serves as the Banking Innovation Partner the initiative targets international investors evaluating India as a strategic economic allocation.

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey welcomed the initiative, noting that it aligns with SEBI’s objective of leveraging technology to facilitate efficient market access. Furthermore, Mridula Iyer, Head of Services for Asia South at Citi, emphasized that market attractiveness relies heavily on ease of entry, making this digital-first solution an essential step toward simplification.

Transforming Onboarding Through Digital Infrastructure:
The initiative leverages digital tools and efficient processes to minimize turnaround times and deliver a frictionless onboarding experience for new FPI clients. Vijay Chandok, MD & CEO of The National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL), highlighted that the collaboration between NSDL and Citi utilizes API integration to establish a seamless, end-to-end digital connection between their systems, building upon previous successes in simplifying demat account creation.

Phased Rollout Plan:
The service is being rolled out in structured phases:

Phase I (Currently Live): Covers regulated public funds—including mutual funds and unit trusts originating from the United States, Ireland, and Luxembourg.

Phase II (Upcoming): Will expand to cover additional key jurisdictions, such as Singapore, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.