A Guide to Obtaining CKYC Registration for Financial Institutions in India

Introduction

In India, financial institutions are mandated to obtain Central Know Your Customer (CKYC) registration from the Central Registry of Securitisation Asset Reconstruction and Security Interest of India (CERSAI). This registration is essential for various entities falling under regulatory bodies like RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, and PFRDA. Here's a comprehensive guide to navigating the CKYC registration process.

Understanding CKYC Registration

CKYC, or Central Know Your Customer, is a crucial registration mandated by CERSAI for financial institutions operating under the purview of regulatory bodies such as RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, and PFRDA. It serves as a centralized repository for KYC records, streamlining the verification process and enhancing transparency.

The Registration Process

1. Online Application: Financial institutions can initiate the registration process by submitting an online application (FI Registration Form) through the CKYC Portal (https://www.ckycindia.in/). This portal also allows tracking the application status.
2. Admin Users: Institutions must appoint a minimum of two Admin Users, responsible for application submission and KYC data upload. These users must be Indian nationals and possess digital signatures.
3. Testing Environment: To familiarize institutions with the CKYC Portal, a testing environment (https://testbed.ckycindia.in/) is provided. Testing is mandatory, and institutions are advised to upload fake entries for practice.
4. Maker-Checker Policy: The data entry follows a Maker-Checker Policy, where one Admin User uploads data, and the other verifies and approves it.
5. Separate Login Credentials: Institutions receive separate login credentials for testing and live portals, communicated via email. Admin Users can only access the portal through digital signatures.

Document Checklist

For successful registration, institutions must compile a comprehensive document checklist including:

• Board Resolution favoring the Nodal/Compliance Officer
• Aadhar and PAN Card of Admin Users
• Registration Certificate from regulatory bodies
• Institution’s PAN Card and Incorporation Certificate
• Certified Photo ID Cards of Admin Users
• Authorization Letter for creating Admin Users for CKYC
• FI Registration Form
• Approval emails from CKYC for Testbed and FI Registration

Submission and Processing: All hard copies of documents should be delivered to the CERSAI Delhi Office. Within 7 working days, the institution receives communication regarding registration approval or deficiencies. The entire process must be completed within one year; failure to do so necessitates restarting the process.

Conclusion

Obtaining CKYC registration is a crucial step for financial institutions in India to comply with regulatory requirements and enhance customer due diligence. By following the prescribed process and ensuring document readiness, institutions can streamline their registration and contribute to a more robust financial ecosystem.

The author can also be reached at cs.parvsihag@gmail.com.