CKYC

What is a CKYC? What is Central KYC?

Central KYC (CKYC) is a government program aimed at centralizing the KYC (Know Your Customer) process for all financial companies. It simplifies and standardizes the KYC procedure across institutions, ensuring compliance with KYC standards for independent investors. Previously, each financial institution had its own KYC process, but with CKYC, customer data is consolidated into a centralized repository on a single platform.

What is CKYC Number in Bank?

In a bank, a CKYC number refers to the unique identification number assigned to an individual’s KYC documents registered in the Central KYC Registry. Instead of physically submitting KYC documents for financial transactions, individuals can quote their CKYC number as a reference. This number allows financial institutes to access and verify the individual’s KYC details from the centralized repository.

Central KYC or CKYC

Central KYC (CKYC) and Central Know Your Customer are different terms referring to the same government program. CKYC amalgamates customer data, creating a centralized repository of KYC processes on a single platform. The program was established by the Central Government to centralize all KYC procedures and ensure uniformity across financial institutions.

CKYC Database

The CKYC database is a centralized repository that holds and preserves all customer information gathered through the KYC process. It is part of the Central KYC Registry, which is administered by the Central Registry of Securitisation and Asset Reconstruction and Securities Interest of India (CERSAI). Approved financial institutions have access to this database and can use the stored data as required for their operations.

What is CKYC Number?

CKYC is a 14-digit number associated with the customer’s identification. It serves as a unique identifier for individuals in the Central KYC Registry. The CKYC number helps streamline the customer onboarding process for financial institutions and eliminates the need for repetitive paperwork.

What is Central KYC Registry?

The Central KYC Registry, also known as CKYC, is a centralized repository of customer information. It acts as a single window for financial institutions to access relevant details about their customers. The registry stores and maintains the KYC information of individuals, making it easily accessible to authorized organizations. This saves considerable time and effort for both customers and financial institutions.

CKYC features

The CKYC registry offers several key features that simplify the customer onboarding process and reduce paperwork. These features include:

Efficient User Onboarding: The CKYC registry allows financial institutions to verify and onboard customers more quickly helping avoid the time-consuming process. It makes all pertinent information about the consumer available in a single window, eliminating the need for repeated document submission during digital onboarding.
Time and Labor Saving: Before CKYC was introduced into the banking landscape, opening a new bank account was an extended process, that introduced customer churn and early drop-offs. Individuals had to gather various documents based on the requirements of each financial institution. This consumed a significant amount of time and effort. However, with CKYC, all the necessary information is stored in one place, saving both time and labour.
Paperwork Simplification: CKYC eliminates the need for customers to go through the same paperwork for multiple financial institutions. The information is securely stored and accessible to authorized organizations, allowing both customers and financial institutions to avoid the hassle of repetitive documentation.
Secure Electronic Storage: The customer information collected through CKYC is securely saved in electronic form. This ensures the privacy and integrity of the data, providing a reliable and convenient storage solution.
Information Validation: The supplied documents undergo validation with the issuer, ensuring the authenticity and accuracy of the information. This validation process adds an extra layer of security and reliability to the CKYC system.
Timely Updates: When there are changes in the customer’s KYC information, all relevant financial institutions are alerted. This ensures that the customer’s information remains up to date across different organizations, reducing the need for separate updates.

Overall, CKYC simplifies the customer onboarding process, saves time and effort, and enhances data security. It provides a centralized platform for storing and accessing customer information, benefiting both customers and financial institutions.

CKYC process

When purchasing financial products from RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, or PFRDA-regulated institutions, the CKYC process is essential. These institutions will register your KYC details with CERSAI, the Central Registry of Securitisation and Asset Reconstruction and Security Interest of India.

To complete the CKYC process, you need to provide the following documents:

CKYC application form*
PAN card
Identity and Address Proof
One recent passport-size photograph

After successful registration (using passport, driving licence, Aadhaar card, Voter’s Identity Card, NREGA job card, a letter from National Population Register, or other documents specified by the Central Government in consultation with the Regulator), you will receive a 14-digit KYC Identifier Number (KIN) from CERSAI. You will be notified via SMS/email on your registered mobile number once the KIN is generated.

Completing the central KYC process is now mandatory before making any investment. It helps in understanding the consumer better and ensuring investment security. By maintaining customers’ KYC records, financial institutions can prevent fraud and detect suspicious activities within the industry.

Before investing with any fund firm, customers must fill out the CKYC form and submit the required supporting documents. CERSAI validates the KYC documents to ensure compliance.

The validated KYC documents are securely stored on a single server by CERSAI. Customers are assigned a unique 14-digit number linked to their ID proof, which serves as their KYC verification.

Once the KYC process is completed, customers can invest in other funds without going through the verification again.

Fund Houses can request CERSAI to provide the customer’s documentation by using their CKYC number. All authorized financial institutions have access to this data, which can be utilized as per their requirements.

Types of CKYC Accounts

Central or CKYC Know Your Client was implemented in accordance with Ministry of Finance instructions to ensure proper identification and verification of customers. There are various types of CKYC accounts available to individuals:

Normal Account: A standard account is created when a customer submits any of the specified identification documents, such as a PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, Driving Licence, Passport, or NREGA Job Card. These documents serve as evidence of identification for opening a normal CKYC account.
Simplified Measured Account: This type of CKYC account, indicated by the prefix ‘L,’ is established when a customer provides additional valid documents as per RBI Circular RBI/2015-16/42. These documents, known as Officially Valid Documents (OVD), further enhance the verification process for opening the account.
Tiny Account: For customers who prefer a simplified process, a small CKYC account can be created by simply uploading their basic information and an image. These accounts, prefixed with ‘S’ by KYC Verification, provide a streamlined approach for opening an account.
OTP-Based eKYC Account: An online OTP-based KYC process allows customers to open an account by uploading a photograph and a PDF file of their Aadhaar card obtained from the UIDAI website. Upon successful verification using an OTP, these accounts are established. The prefix ‘O’ denotes such accounts in the KYC Verification system.

By offering these different types of CKYC accounts, individuals have flexibility in choosing the account type that aligns with their preferred documentation and convenience.

What is the Difference Between CKYC and KYC?

KYC (Know Your Customer) is a standard procedure implemented by financial companies to identify investors and verify their identity. When an investor wants to invest, they need to complete a form provided by the financial institution with their personal information. This information is then used for in-person verification (IPV) and stored with the KRA Registration Agency (KRA).

On the other hand, CKYC (Central Know Your Customer) is a project initiated by the Government of India in February 2017. Its purpose is to streamline the KYC process for investors. With CKYC, investors only need to undergo the KYC procedure once, allowing them to invest with any other fund firm without repeating the process.

The CKYC process is managed by CERSAI and enables investors to transact with any entity regulated by the Government of India, including RBI, SEBI, IRDA, or PFRDA-registered entities. This eliminates the need for multiple KYC procedures, resulting in a convenient digital onboarding process. CKYC facilitates increased market participation by investors, simplifying their financial journey and reducing the associated stress.

FAQs

How do I get my CKYC certificate?

To obtain your CKYC certificate, follow these steps:

Visit the web portal of the financial institution providing the CKYC check facility. Currently, Karvy and Central Depository Services Limited offer this service.
On the portal, enter your PAN (Permanent Account Number) for verification.
Complete the security/CAPTCHA code to authenticate your request.
Once the above steps are completed, the web portal will display your CKYC status and relevant details.

How do I check my CKYC number?

To check your CKYC number online, use the following procedure:

Visit the web portal of the financial institution offering the CKYC check facility. At the time, Karvy and Central Depository Services Limited deliver this service request.
Enter your PAN on the portal to proceed with the verification process.
Complete the security/CAPTCHA code to ensure the authenticity of your request.
After successfully following the above steps, the web portal will display your CKYC status and associated information.

How to check CKYC number online

To check your CKYC number online, perform the following steps:

Visit the web portal of the financial institution that offers the CKYC check facility, such as Karvy or Central Depository Services Limited.
Enter your PAN to initiate the verification process.
Complete the security/CAPTCHA code to validate your request.
Once you have successfully completed the above steps, the web portal will present your CKYC status and other relevant details.

How to get CKYC number online

To acquire your CKYC number online, adhere to the following guidelines:

Access the web portal of Karvy or Central Depository Services Limited, the financial institutions providing the CKYC check facility.
Provide your PAN as part of the verification process.
Verify your request by entering the security/CAPTCHA code.
Upon completing the aforementioned steps, the web portal will furnish your CKYC status and pertinent information.

How to use CKYC number

To make use of your CKYC number effectively, follow these instructions:

Ensure you have your CKYC number available.
Provide the CKYC number whenever requested by financial institutions, such as banks, mutual funds, or insurance companies.
Use the CKYC number for various financial transactions, including opening new accounts, investing, or purchasing insurance policies.
Always keep your CKYC number confidential and avoid sharing it with unauthorized individuals.

How to get a CKYC number online with Karvy

To obtain your CKYC number online through Karvy, follow these steps:

Visit the official web portal of Karvy (www.karvykra.com).
Enter your PAN to initiate the verification process.
Complete the security/CAPTCHA code to ensure the authenticity of your request.
After successfully completing the above steps, the web portal will display your CKYC status and relevant information provided by Karvy.