CKYC India – How to Complete Central KYC & Check CKYC Number

Tired of submitting the same KYC documents every time you open a new bank account or invest in a mutual fund? CKYC, is a revolutionary initiative by the Indian government which solves this issue.

What is CKYC?

CKYC, or Central Know Your Customer, is a centralized database of your KYC information across the financial sector with uniform KYC norms. CKYC is created with the intent to reduce the burden of submitting KYC documents for verification when starting a new financial relationship with a new finance company.

CKYC stores the KYC records of customers availing various financial services across institutions, such as insurance companies, banks, NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies), etc. Once you complete the CKYC process, you receive a unique 14-digit CKYC number. This number eliminates the need to submit physical documents for future financial transactions with participating institutions.

Background of CKYC

Section 73 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, gives the central government the authority to frame various rules and regulations to curb black money. With this authority, the Central Government introduced CKYC to ensure single KYC for individuals looking to buy or invest in financial instruments. The Central Registry of Securitisation Asset Reconstruction and Security Interest (CERSAI) is the governing body that manages the CKYC registry.

Features of CKYC

• CKYC is a 14-digit number linked with the ID proof.
• Customer’s data is safely stored in an electronic format.
• The documents submitted are verified with the issuer.
• All the concerned institutions are notified when there are changes in KYC details.
• CKYC facilitates inter-usability and uniformity of KYC records and processes across the financial sector.
• It facilitates KYC search, download, upload and update.
• It has advanced and secure user authentication mechanisms for system access.
• It facilitates seamless file exchange processes without needing manual intervention.
• The APIs for download and search allow for real-time account opening for CKYC-compliant customers.

How CKYC Works?

It’s inevitable that you undergo the process of CKYC if you are a stock market or mutual fund investor. When you approach a fund house to invest in, you would first be asked to fill the KYC form and submit the supporting documents. These documents would be sent to CERSAI and you would be allocated with a unique 14 digit CKYC number. If you wish to invest in another mutual fund house, then you would not be required to submit the documents again for verification. The mutual fund house would request CERSAI to furnish your documents by submitting your CKYC number. CKYC makes your process of investing easy and hassle-free.

Which Institutions can Register Customers for CKYC?

Financial institutions regulated by SEBI, RBI, IRDAI, and PFRDA can register your KYC details with CKYC. When you open a bank account, Demat account, purchase an insurance, or invest in mutual funds, these financial institutions will register your KYC details with CKYC. 

How to Complete the CKYC Process?

1. Find a participating financial institution: Banks, insurance companies, mutual funds, and other financial institutions registered with CKYC can help you complete the process.
2. Submit your documents: Provide required documents like PAN card, Aadhaar card, and proof of address.
3. Get verified: The financial institution will verify your documents with the issuing authorities.
4. Receive your CKYC number: On successful verification, you will receive a unique 14-digit CKYC number.

How to Check CKYC Number

You can check your CKYC number through various financial services company by following these steps:

1. Visit www.karvykra.com. Currently only Karvy and CDSL provide CKYC Check Facility.
2. Enter your PAN number.
3. Enter the CAPTCHA/security code displayed.
4. Your CKYC number and other details would be displayed. Review your details and download your CKYC report (if available).

Documents required for CKYC

The following documents are required for CKYC:

• Proof of Identity (POI)
• Proof of Address (POA)
• Passport size photograph
• Signature

Types of CKYC Accounts

There are four types of CKYC accounts, they are as follows:

• Normal Account: Normal accounts are opened when you submit any of the following six official documents as proof of identity: PAN, Aadhaar, Voter ID, Driving License, Passport, and NREGA Job Card.
• Simplified Measures Account: This type of CKYC account will be opened if you submit other officially valid documents (OVDs) that are allowed as per RBI circular RBI/2015-16/42. The KYC identifier for these accounts will be prefixed by ‘L’.
• Small Account: This type of account is opened when you submit only personal details along with a photograph. The KYC identifier for these accounts would be prefixed with ‘S’.
• OTP Based eKYC Account: This type of account is opened if you submit a photograph along with the Aadhaar PDF file downloaded from the UIDAI website, which is enabled by an OTP. The KYC identifier for these accounts would be prefixed with ‘O’.

Is CKYC Mandatory?

Yes, it is mandatory for financial institutions registered under SEBI, RBI, IRDAI or PFRDA to mandatorily register all their customers under CKYC.

Impact on Existing Mutual Fund Investors

The existing mutual fund investors are not required to undergo the process of CKYC. However, this might change in the future. If an existing mutual fund investor decides to invest with a new mutual fund house, then he/she must mandatorily undergo the CKYC process.

Benefits of Central KYC Registry

• CKYC registry enables financial companies to verify documents at ease.
• Investors need not submit KYC documents each time before starting a new financial relationship with a new financial company.
• Investors have access to update their details in the CKYC registry.
• You can use the CKYC number when buying or investing in various financial instruments such as an insurance policy, investing in mutual funds, and stock markets.

In today's fast-paced world, people expect things to happen quickly. The traditional way of beginning a financial relationship with a company used to be time-consuming, involving the submission of KYC documents. Thanks to the CKYC registry, the documentation process has now become easier, faster, and, most importantly, more secure.