RBI banks use of agents to chase loans

INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Banks will have to change the way they chase retail loans
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has banned the use of direct selling agents (DSAs) to source retail loans and carry out physical
verification of documents of borrowers
This was communicated by the central bank in a response to queries raised by the banking industry, two senior bankers told ET. While the
regulatory decision is aimed at reducing incidents of data theft and minimising operational risk for banks, high-street lenders fear this
could slow down the growth in consumer loans and credit cards
Banks are planning to take up the matter with the regulator and the government. Under the current practices, a significant portion of retail
should play a limited role
norms followed by the 39-member club of Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
The FATF is an inter-governmental policy making body that was established at the 1928 Paris summit of G7 amid mounting concerns over money
for identity verification
issue of allowing BCs to carry out certification has been examined in detail in consultation with various stakeholders
However, in view of the perceived risks that emanate from allowing personal other than the authorised official of the regulated entity for
carrying out certification of officially valid documents, we are of the opinion that certification shall continue to be carried out by
allowed to submit the OVD of a relative
Banks have suggested that keeping in mind customers like migrant workers, this provision should be reinstated
proof
Deemed OVDs are restricted to utility bills not more than 2-month old, municipal tax receipt, letter of accommodation by central or state
departments, regulated or statutory bodies, scheduled banks and listed companies.