What is KYC? Full Form, Process, Types & Importance

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Key Takeaways

• KYC stands for Know Your Client or Know Your Customer.
• It is an authentication process mandated by the Reserve Bank of India.
• All financial institutions must ensure their customers are KYC compliant.
• The bank or NBFC will verify your identity and address proof documents.
• The objective of KYC is to prevent financial crimes like money laundering, terrorism financing, etc.

The finance sector is susceptible to crimes like money laundering, identity theft, terrorism financing, etc. The authorities in charge must constantly find ways to tackle such transgressions. To verify the authenticity of customers’ identities and addresses, the Reserve Bank of India established KYC guidelines. Now KYC is an integral part of all financial institutions. Let us understand what is KYC, how it works and its types.

What is KYC?

KYC full form is Know Your Client or Know Your Customer. KYC is an RBI-mandated identity and address authentication process. All financial institutions like banks, insurance companies, asset management companies, etc., must conduct the KYC process before onboarding new customers.

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Why KYC Is Important?

The importance of KYC lies in verifying the identity of customers to prevent fraud, money laundering, and identity theft. Completing KYC not only ensures secure banking but also allows customers to access a wide range of services, including loans, investment options, and seamless online bank account opening. It helps banks maintain compliance while providing a safer experience for every customer.

KYC Process – Step by Step

Besides knowing KYC full form in banking, let us understand how it works. KYC processes are fairly simple. You only need to provide your identity and address proof documents. You can complete the process online or offline. For example, when opening a Savings Account, the bank authenticates your ID and address proof details via KYC. Essentially, financial institutions follow the below KYC process.

Step 1: Submit KYC documents

The financial institution asks you to submit any of the following officially valid documents (OVD).

• Proof of Identity: PAN/Aadhaar/Passport/Driver’s License/Voter ID/Employee ID with photo, etc.
• Proof of Address: Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID/Latest Utility Bills/Lease Agreements/Bank Statements, etc.

Step 2: Complete KYC Compliance

The RBI penalises financial institutions for not complying with the anti-money laundering (AML) and KYC procedures. Therefore, they must conduct a thorough document verification process. This includes customer biometric verification, Aadhaar-based authentication, e-KYC, video-based KYC, etc. Financial companies may opt against offering their services if they find discrepancies in your KYC documents.

Step 3: Activation of Financial Services

You may avail services only when the financial institutions complete the KYC compliance process. As part of the ongoing due diligence, financial institutions may insist on doing KYC periodically.

Online KYC Verification: Step-by-Step

Online KYC verification allows customers to complete the identity verification process without visiting a branch. The KYC process typically involves these steps:

1. Visit the bank’s website or app and select the Online KYC option.
2. Upload scanned copies or photos of your identity and address documents.
3. Complete a video or live verification if required.
4. Submit the details and wait for confirmation from the bank.

This digital method is quick, secure, and convenient for accessing banking services.

Offline KYC Verification: Step-by-Step

Offline KYC verification involves visiting the bank branch to complete the KYC process in person. The steps include:

1. Fill out the KYC application form at the branch.
2. Submit valid identity and address proof documents.
3. Bank officials may verify your documents and capture your photograph and signature.
4. Once verified, you will receive confirmation, and your account or services will be activated.

Offline KYC is ideal for customers who prefer in-person assistance or do not have digital access.

Key KYC Documents Required

Completing the KYC process requires submitting valid KYC documents that confirm your identity and address. Providing accurate KYC documents ensures smooth verification and access to banking services, including account opening, loans, and investments.

Proof of Identity

To verify your identity, financial institutions typically require one of the following KYC documents: a passport, a driving license, a government-issued identity card, or a voter ID. These documents must be valid and contain your photo and signature.

Proof of Address

For address verification, accepted KYC documents include utility bills, bank statements, rental agreements, or any official government correspondence. The document should clearly display your name and current address and be recent, generally within the last three months.

Additional Accepted Documents

In some cases, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or income proof like salary slips or tax returns. These documents may be required to support verification processes or specific applications.

What is eKYC in Banking?

eKYC, or electronic Know Your Customer, is a digital process that enables banks and financial institutions to verify the identity and address of clients electronically. This streamlined method reduces paperwork, speeds up account opening procedures, and enhances security by using advanced technologies such as biometric authentication and digital signatures. eKYC ensures that compliance with regulatory requirements is met while providing a convenient and efficient experience for customers.

Types Of KYC

Having explained what is KYC in banking, let us understand the common KYC types. To accommodate changing times, the RBI, has allowed various KYC processes besides the conventional, offline KYC process. They include the following:

Paper-based KYC - Paper-based KYC involves submitting physical KYC documents at a bank branch for verification. Bank officials manually check the documents, record your details, and complete the verification process in person.

Digital KYC - Digital KYC allows customers to complete KYC verification online using scanned documents or video verification. This method is faster, secure, and can be done from anywhere without visiting a branch.

Biometric-based KYC: You must visit the branch or a KYC kiosk and submit hard copies of your KYC documents. A representative of the financial institution authenticates your details using biometrics. In some cases, the financial institution sends an executive to your home to carry out the biometric-KYC verification process.

Aadhaar OTP-based KYC: This is an online process wherein the financial institution sends you a link. To complete the KYC process, you must click on the link and enter your Aadhaar number, and the OTP received on the Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

Video-based KYC: A representative of the financial institution connects with you over a video call to authenticate your KYC documents.

Final Note

The RBI has asked financial institutions to carry out KYC processes compulsorily to aid risk management. As a customer, you must submit your proof of address and identity for the banks to carry out KYC. When you want to avail yourself of any financial services, KYC will be mandatory.

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*Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. We recommend you get in touch with your income tax advisor or CA for expert advice.

Frequently Asked Questions - KYC

1. Who is Responsible for KYC Compliance?

   Banks and financial institutions are responsible for ensuring KYC compliance. Customers must provide valid KYC documents and accurate information, while institutions verify and maintain records as per regulatory requirements.

2. Can KYC be Done Completely Online?

   Yes, digital KYC allows customers to complete the KYC process entirely online using scanned documents or video verification. This method is secure, convenient, and eliminates the need to visit a branch.