RBI relaxes KYC norms for banks on data updation

Banks would now be required to update know-your-customer (KYC) data only once in two years for high risk entities, and just once in 10 years for low-risk clients, RBI said on Tuesday.

"The issue has been reviewed in the light of practical difficulties/constraints expressed by bankers/customers in obtaining/submitting fresh KYC documents at frequent intervals as the relative documents submitted earlier specially by low- risk customers have remained unchanged in most of the accounts," RBI said.

RBI has asked banks to exercise full KYC procedure at least every two years for high risk individuals and entities, from the earlier directive of not less than once in two years. For low risk individuals and entities, the KYC data updation has been relaxed to at least every 10 years from the requirement of not less than once in five years earlier. For medium risk individuals and entities it has been relaxed to at least every eight years, from not less than once in two years. It said banks might continue carrying out on-going due diligence with respect to business relationship with every client.

Also, banks should closely examine transactions to ensure its consistency with their knowledge of the client, about their business and risk profile and, wherever necessary, the source of funds.

RBI further asked banks positive confirmation regarding KYC norms through e-mail, letter, telephonic conversation and so on would be required to be completed at least every two years for medium risk and at least every three years for low risk individuals and entities.

Besides, it said banks would be required to get fresh photographs from minor customer on becoming major. "Banks may revise their KYC policy in the light of the above instructions and ensure strict adherence to the same," it said.