RBI/2013-14/636
UBD.BPD (PCB) Cir. No. 69 /14.01.062/2013-14

June 10, 2014

The Chief Executive Officer
All Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks

Madam / Dear Sir,

Know Your Customer (KYC) Norms/Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Standards/ Combating of Financing of Terrorism (CFT) /Obligation of banks under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 – Clarification on Proof of Address - Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks (UCBs)

Please refer to paragraph 2.4 (e), paragraph 2.5 (vii) (a & b) and (xi) and Annex I of Reserve Bank of India Master Circular on Know Your Customer (KYC) Norms/Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Standards/Combating of Financing of Terrorism (CFT)/ Obligations under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, issued vide UBD.BPD.(PCB).MC.No.16/12.05.001/2013-14 dated July 1, 2013 regarding requirement of ‘proof of address’ while opening a bank account by individuals.

2. Reserve Bank of India has been receiving representations/references from various quarters’ especially migrant workers, transferred employees etc regarding problems faced in submitting a proof of current/ permanent address while opening a bank account. The matter has since been examined in the light of amendment to the Prevention of Money Laundering Rules (Maintenance of Records), 2005, and accordingly it has been decided to simplify the requirement of submission of ‘proof of address’ as follows:

1. Henceforth, customers may submit only one documentary proof of address (either current or permanent) while opening a bank account or while undergoing periodic updation. In case the address mentioned as per ‘proof of address’ undergoes a change, fresh proof of address may be submitted to the branch within a period of six months.

2. In case the proof of address furnished by the customer is not the local address or address where the customer is currently residing, the UCB may take a declaration of the local address on which all correspondence will be made by them with the customer. No proof is required to be submitted for such address for the purpose of correspondence. This address may be verified by the bank through ‘positive confirmation’ such as acknowledgment of receipt of (i) letters, cheque books, ATM card, (ii) telephonic conversation, (iii) visits etc. In the event of change in this address due to relocation or any other reason/s, customers may intimate the new address for correspondence to the UCB within two weeks of such a change.

3. UCBs may revise their KYC policy in the light of the above instructions and ensure strict adherence to the same.

4. The Principal Officer should acknowledge receipt of this circular to our Regional Office concerned

Yours faithfully,

(P.K. Arora)
General Manager