The Reserve Bank of India (RBl) has, by an order dated April 23, 2024, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹5.00 lakh (Rupees Five lakh only) on Lokmangal Co-operative Bank Limited, Solapur (the bank) for non-compliance with the directions issued by RBI on Know Your Customers (KYC). This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers vested in RBI, conferred under the provisions of section 47A(1)(c) read with sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2022. Based on supervisory finding of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions.

After considering the bank's reply to the notice, oral submissions made during the personal hearing and additional submission made by the bank, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charges were sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty. The bank had (i) not carried out periodic review of risk categorization of accounts; and (ii) not carried out periodic updation of KYC as per the risk categorisation of the customers.

This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

(Yogesh Dayal)        
Chief General Manager

Press Release: 2024-2025/233