A number of financial changes are to come into effect on March 1, 2025, affecting different aspects of investment, taxation, and digital trade. Among them, the recent SEBI rules regarding mutual funds and demat accounts are a noticeable change that has been introduced with the aim of enhancing investors’ protection.

SEBI’s New Mutual Fund and Demat Account Rules

SEBI has issued new guidelines that require that mutual fund and demat accounts that are held individually should have a nominee to avoid the accumulation of unclaimed assets. In joint accounts, the survivorship provision will ensure that the assets will be transferred to the surviving account holders. Investors will also be allowed to nominate up to 10 persons for mutual fund and demat accounts.

UPI-Based Insurance Payments

From March 1, Bima-ASBA facility will allow UPI users to hold funds against the insurance premium payment. When an insurance proposal is accepted, the blocked amount will be deducted from the customer’s account; otherwise, it will be unblocked, which gives the policyholder more control over the payments.

Tax Adjustments and Fixed Deposit Rate Revisions

The tax brackets and TDS limits are likely to be changed, which will be a benefit to taxpayers. Some banks are also likely to change their FD interest rates, which will affect the rates of return on savings and investments.

LPG and Fuel Price Adjustments

Oil companies will announce new LPG cylinder prices from 6 am on March 1 after a monthly review. Changes in jet fuel, CNG and PNG prices are also expected.

Improved Security for the GST Portal

As a measure to enhance the digital security, the multi-factor authentication will be introduced on the GST portal. It is, therefore, important that businesses ensure that their IT systems are compliant with these new regulations.