Overview

• The draft Digital Banking Channels Authorisation Directions, 2025, issued on July 21, consolidate over 15 legacy circulars and invite feedback through the RBI’s Connect 2 Regulate platform until August 11
• Banks must obtain prior RBI approval before launching full-scale transactional services such as fund transfers, loan applications and other online offerings
• View-only services including balance enquiries and statement downloads can operate without approval if banks meet core banking, IPv6-compliant infrastructure and a minimum net worth of ₹50 crore criteria
• Banks are required to secure explicit, documented customer consent with transparent disclosures on fees and risks and may not compel digital channel adoption for unrelated services like debit cards
• Financial institutions must submit a CERT-In empanelled auditor’s report on internal IT controls, implement risk-based transaction monitoring and fraud surveillance and obtain explicit RBI permission before displaying any third-party products