Mint Explainer | New RBI digital banking rules kick in 2026—here’s what it means
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. MUMBAI: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued guidelines for how banks can offer services through digital channels, following industry feedback on the draft guidelines issued in July. Coming into force on 1 January 2026, these rules tighten approvals for banks, raise compliance and customer-protection requirements, and strengthen disclosure and grievance-redressal standards.
The new guidelines are a response to increasing complaints against banks for pushing customers to download bank mobile applications to avail internet banking services or to activate cards. These rules come at a time when the regulator has been focussing on customer experience and cracking down on banks to stop bundling of services. “RBI’s Digital Banking Channels Directions mark a decisive tightening in digital governance while placing customer protection at the centre," Pratik Shah, partner and national leader - financial services at EY India said, calling the circular “progressive".
Mint examines the implications of the new framework for banks and their digital banking customers. Digital banking channels are the modes through which banks offer services via internet banking, mobile banking and other electronic platforms. These channels enable financial, banking and related transactions, supported by significant process automation and cross-institutional service capabilities.
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