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RBI's Financial Literacy Week 2026 Focuses on KYC for Secure Banking

The Reserve Bank of India is conducting Financial Literacy Week 2026 with a theme centered on KYC as a fundamental step for secure banking. The campaign, inaugurated by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, aims to educate the public on preventing fraud and simplifying the KYC update process, with a special focus in Gujarat and the Union Territories. Officials, including police representatives, highlighted coordinated efforts with banks and the use of the national cybercrime helpline to combat financial crimes like "Operation Mule Hunt". The initiative reinforces KYC as a critical component for a trustworthy financial ecosystem beyond just a regulatory requirement.

Key Points: RBI Financial Literacy Week 2026 Stresses KYC Awareness

  • Focus on KYC awareness
  • Prevent digital fraud & misuse
  • Simplify KYC re-registration
  • Highlight national cybercrime helpline 1930
2 min read

RBI's 'Financial Literacy Week' to stress KYC awareness in Gujarat and UTs

RBI's Financial Literacy Week 2026 focuses on KYC compliance to prevent digital fraud. Learn about the campaign in Gujarat and UTs.

"KYC -- Your First Step Towards Secure Banking - RBI Theme 2026"

Ahmedabad, Feb 10

Against the backdrop of rising incidents of digital fraud and the increasing misuse of bank accounts, the Reserve Bank of India is currently conducting "Financial Literacy Week-2026" from February 9 to 13, with a renewed focus on strengthening Know Your Customer compliance as a key safeguard for secure banking, officials said on Tuesday.

The programme has been organised annually by the RBI since 2016 to promote public awareness on important financial issues through a dedicated theme.

The theme for 2026, "KYC -- Your First Step Towards Secure Banking", was inaugurated in Mumbai by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, highlighting the central role of KYC in preventing fraud and ensuring the integrity of the financial system.

The theme builds on last year's gram panchayat-level financial inclusion campaign, which emphasised re-KYC of bank accounts to enable uninterrupted banking transactions.

In Gujarat, the RBI's Ahmedabad Regional Office is working closely with banks and other stakeholders across the state, as well as in the Union Territories (UTs) of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, to simplify and accelerate the KYC re-registration process.

During this week-long campaign, banks will focus on educating customers about the ease and importance of KYC compliance, the Central KYC (CKYC) system, and the risks associated with fraudulent calls and messages seeking KYC details.

Special attention will also be given to creating awareness about the danger of individuals being used as financial mules.

The state-level inaugural event was held at RBI Ahmedabad on Monday, where Regional Director Amresh Ranjan unveiled Financial Literacy Week posters in the presence of senior officials from leading banks.

Stakeholders at the event reiterated their commitment to strengthening safe and responsible banking practices.

The programme also featured a presentation by Sanjaykumar Keshwala, Superintendent of Police at the Gujarat Police Cyber Centre for Excellence, who highlighted the importance of the national cybercrime helpline '1930' and its online reporting portal.

He provided an update on "Operation Mule Hunt" and assured close coordination with banks throughout the KYC campaign to help counter cybercrime threats.

The RBI said that awareness and outreach activities will be conducted across the country in collaboration with banks and other stakeholders.

These initiatives will continue beyond the designated week, reinforcing the message that KYC is not merely a regulatory requirement but a crucial step towards a secure and trustworthy financial ecosystem.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good step, but the KYC update process itself is a headache. Last time I visited my branch in Ahmedabad, it took 2 hours and 3 different counters. RBI should first make the process truly simple and digital before asking for compliance.
A
Aman W
Operation Mule Hunt is a great name! Seriously though, young people in colleges need to be specifically targeted. Many students get tricked into becoming money mules for quick cash, ruining their financial future. Hope they conduct sessions in universities.
S
Sarah B
Working in the banking sector in Gandhinagar, I see daily how these frauds work. The collaboration with the Cyber Cell is key. The helpline 1930 actually works fast - people should save it. This literacy week should be a monthly campaign.
K
Karthik V
Including UTs like Daman and Diu is smart. These are often overlooked areas where digital literacy is low but mobile penetration is high - a perfect recipe for fraud. Hope they use local radio and community leaders to spread the message.
M
Michael C
The focus on 're-KYC' is crucial. Many think once done, it's forever. But with Aadhaar updates and address changes, keeping KYC current is vital for security. A gentle SMS alert from banks before an account gets frozen would be customer-friendly.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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