RBI Floats Draft Rules To Standardise Account Blocking In Cyber Fraud Cases

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed draft rules aimed at standardising account blocking procedures in cases of cyber fraud. The new framework, named the Reserve Bank of India (Know Your Customer) Amendment Directions, 2026, aims to establish uniform standard operating procedures (SOPs) for banks dealing with accounts suspected of being linked to cyber frauds.

The draft norms, which will take effect from April 1, 2027, invite public comments until October 2. Key provisions include the use of automated transaction-monitoring tools, including AI and machine learning systems, to flag suspected mule transactions of ₹1,000 and above. Upon detection, banks will be required to immediately place a temporary debit hold on the flagged account, with a maximum duration of 60 days in the absence of explicit statutory orders.

Nodal accounts, escrow accounts, and special-purpose accounts are exempt from these measures. The draft rules also impose strong grievance redressal measures, requiring banks to appoint designated nodal officers to resolve customer grievances within 30 days.

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