What is CKYC?

The Central Know Your Customer or CKYC is a single customer identification system introduced by the Indian government in 2016. It brings together the KYC information of investors, making it easier to open financial accounts and access various services while reducing duplication for banks, mutual funds, insurance companies, and other institutions. 

In this article, we will explore what is CKYC, how it works, and why it's important. So let's dive into what CKYC is all about and how it can help you simplify your financial life.
 

All About CKYC

What is Central KYC (CKYC)?

Central KYC (CKYC) is an initiative by the Indian government to help streamline the Know Your Customer (KYC) process for investors and financial service providers. It provides a centralised KYC repository where customers can submit their necessary documents once and avail services from other financial institutions without repeating the same KYC process. The CKYC form must be filled out completely and accurately to register with CKYC successfully. 

The form collects relevant information such as personal details, PAN numbers, address proof, bank account details, etc. Once the customer’s records have been verified against existing documents submitted to the Central KYC repository, they will be assigned a unique 14-digit Aadhaar-based identification. This creates a centralised customer information database that all financial institutions can access.
 

Features of CKYC

Here are the main features of CKYC that make it a reliable and secure way to verify the identity of customers:

1. It provides customers with a single, unified KYC number (14 digits) linked to their ID proof. This ensures that all documents associated with an individual's identity can be easily accessed and verified using this unique identifier.

2. All customer details are electronically stored in the CKYC database for easy access by authorized institutions. This eliminates the need for physical storage and ensures only relevant individuals can access personal information.

3. Documents submitted with the issuer are thoroughly inspected, validated, and verified according to set standards before they’re accepted into the system.

4. Any changes in a customer’s KYC details are quickly reflected across all connected institutions, which helps keep the database up-to-date and reliable.
 

How Does it Work?

The Central KYC (CKYC) process allows investors in India to provide their Know Your Customer (KYC) information once and then use it for all further investments. Through CKYC, individuals can submit their KYC documents, such as identity and address proof, just once and get a unique 14-digit KYC number.

To undergo the CKYC process, potential investors must approach any financial institution or asset management company to invest. The institution will ask for the investor's KYC details and supporting documents like Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Passport, etc., which are then sent to the Central Registry of Securitisation Asset Reconstruction & Security Interest of India (CERSAI). CERSAI will then allocate a unique KYC number to the investor, which can be used for all further investments.

The CKYC form, available online, must be filled out to complete the KYC process. This form contains basic information such as name, address, and contact details. The investor must also provide proof of identity and address along with photographs. After submitting this form, the applicant's KYC status will be updated in the system after verification by CERSAI.

By providing their KYC information once through this process, investors can save time and effort when applying for new investments or opening accounts with different financial institutions or asset management companies.
 

Types of CKYC Accounts

1. Normal Account

A Normal Account is a CKYC account that is opened with an individual's completion of a KYC form. This type of account will be linked to the PAN Card, Aadhar Card & other essential documents.

2. Simplified/Low-risk Account

The Central KYC Registry (CKYC) simplifies opening accounts for low-risk customers by allowing them to open an account with a single KYC form which all banks and CKYC-registered entities accept.

3. Small Account

A Small Account is the most basic type of CKYC account. It allows individuals to open single accounts in multiple financial institutions without going through the KY.

4. OTP-based eKYC Account

An OTP-based eKYC account is a type of CKYC account that requires customers to provide a one-time password (OTP) to verify their identity. This OTP is generated after an applicant has submitted the required information and documents online.
 

Benefits of CKYC

The benefits of CKYC are as follows:

●    Streamlining the process of KYC by having a single form to follow, thus avoiding duplication of documents;
●    Accessing information quickly and securely through a central database;
●    Consolidation of KYC records across multiple entities;
●    Minimizing customer inconvenience as customers no longer need to submit their KYC documents separately each time they open an account with different financial institutions;
●    Reduction in costs and improved efficiency for the financial institution 
●    associated with customer onboarding processes.
 

How is it Different from KYC, eKYC & CKYC?

Process of Completing your CKYC Registration

The process of completing a CKYC registration is quite straightforward, but there are certain steps that you need to follow. Firstly, you must collect the necessary KYC documents, such as identity and address proof. The list of accepted documents for this purpose can be found on the official website of the Central KYC Registrars Agency (CRA). 

Once these are submitted along with details like your PAN number, mobile number, and email id, CRA will verify it within 15 days. After successful verification, your CKYC application number is generated and sent via SMS or email. This unique identification number must be shared while investing or opening accounts in different organizations.

Finally, the last step involves biometric authentication, which requires you to appear in person at a CRA center for verification. After successful authentication, your CKYC registration is completed.
 

How do I check my CKYC number online?

You can check your CKYC number online by visiting the Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL) website. You must enter your Permanent Account Number (PAN) on the website. Once you have provided this information, CDSL will display your CKYC number on screen. 

You should also receive an email from CDSL confirming your personal details and providing a link to download your e-KYC form containing your CKYC number. In addition, you may also contact the respective depository participant or mutual fund registrar through which you opened an account to obtain details of your CKYC number.
 

Conclusion

CKYC is an important and convenient way to regulate financial transactions in India. It simplifies verifying customers' identity and maintains and updates their records, thereby reducing frauds and money laundering activities. Therefore, implementing and complying with CKYC guidelines can help businesses enhance their transparency, compliance, and customer experience. 

By upholding these standards, organizations can ensure that their services are secure, reliable, and compliant with legal regulations.