The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a fine of ₹61.95 lakh on Kotak Mahindra Bank for violating key banking regulations. The penalty was issued after an inspection of the bank’s financial position as of March 2024, which revealed lapses in managing Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) accounts and reporting borrower data to credit information companies. The RBI found that the bank had opened multiple BSBD accounts for individuals who already held such accounts, violating the one-account-per-person rule. Additionally, the bank allowed its business correspondents in rural areas to perform tasks outside their regulated scope, compromising the standardized oversight required to protect vulnerable consumers.
The bank was also found to have provided incorrect data to credit information companies, which can impact borrowers’ credit scores and future loan eligibility. The RBI issued a show-cause notice and finalized the penalty after reviewing the bank’s written and oral submissions. The penalty addresses statutory failures, but does not affect the validity of individual customer transactions or existing agreements. The RBI’s enforcement action highlights a broader regulatory push to ensure that large private lenders prioritize administrative precision and customer data protection.
The Logical Indian, a media outlet, has welcomed the RBI’s decision, stating that trust is the foundation of the relationship between a bank and its patrons. The outlet believes that the penalty is a necessary step towards corporate accountability and that no bank should be allowed to overlook protocols that safeguard the rights of everyday citizens. The RBI’s action is seen as a move towards ensuring that banks prioritize transparency and fairness in their operations, particularly with regards to vulnerable consumers.
The case highlights the importance of financial inclusion and the need for banks to comply with regulations that protect the rights of consumers. The BSBD accounts are designed to help economically weaker sections access formal banking services without the burden of minimum balance requirements. However, the bank’s actions compromised the integrity of these accounts and put vulnerable consumers at risk. The RBI’s penalty is a reminder that banks must prioritize the needs of their customers and comply with regulations that protect their rights.