PFRDA circular PFRDA/2026/26/REG-POP/05 · 12 May 2026
Official title
Clarification on engagement of Pension Agents under the PFRDA (Point of Presence) Regulations 2018 and amendments thereof
Summary
Check the official recordThe Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority has issued guidelines to streamline the engagement of Pension Agents by Points of Presence (PoPs). To ensure proper identification and traceability, the Permanent Account Number (PAN) of Pension Agents is now mandated as the unique identifier across all PoPs. Central Recordkeeping Agencies (CRAs) are required to maintain this data, while PoPs must ensure the accuracy of information provided. Additionally, PoPs are required to publish an updated list of their engaged Pension Agents on their websites every six months and designate a Nodal Officer to handle inquiries from prospective agents. These measures are effective immediately to strengthen due diligence and monitoring within the National Pension System framework.
What you must do
Key dates
Who is affected
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PENSION FUND REGULATORY AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
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Circular No.: PFRDA/2026/26/REG-POP/05
Date: 12th May, 2026
To,
All Points of Presence (PoPs), Central Recordkeeping Agencies (CRAs) and Stakeholders under NPS
Subject: Clarification on engagement of Pension Agents under the PFRDA (Point of Presence) Regulations, 2018 and amendments thereof
In terms of the PFRDA (Point of Presence) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, a Pension Agent may be engaged, through appropriate agreement(s), with one or more PoPs for distribution of the pension schemes for which such PoPs are registered. In view of the possibility of such multiple engagements, it is considered necessary to ensure proper identification and traceability of Pension Agents across PoPs through a unique identifier.
(a) The Permanent Account Number (PAN) of Pension Agents shall serve as the unique identifier across all PoPs, with appropriate mapping to each PoP with which the Pension Agent is engaged.
(b) CRAs shall capture and maintain the PAN of Pension Agents as the unique identifier. PoPs shall ensure the accuracy and completeness of details shared with CRAs.
(c) PoPs shall place on their respective websites, under the NPS section, an updated list of Pension Agents engaged by them, on a half-yearly basis.
(d) PoPs shall designate a suitable senior-level official as the “Nodal Officer” to address queries from prospective Pension Agents regarding their probable engagement with the concerned PoP. The details of such Nodal Officer, including name, designation, address, email ID and contact number, shall be displayed prominently on the homepage of the PoP’s website for facilitating communication with prospective Pension Agents.
All PoPs and CRAs shall ensure compliance with the above instructions with immediate effect. All other provisions of the PoP Regulations and circulars issued thereunder shall remain unchanged.
This circular is issued in exercise of the powers conferred under Regulation 45 of the PFRDA (Point of Presence) Regulations, 2018 and Section 14 of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 2013.
Yours sincerely,
(Ashish Kumar) Chief General Manager
5th Floor, Tower E, World Trade Center, Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi – 110 029 Phone: 011 - 26517501, 26517503. website: www.pfrda.org.in
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