CAMS KYC Validation is a crucial step in the onboarding process for financial institutions. It helps to verify the identity of customers and assess their risk profile.
The KYC process involves collecting and verifying customer information, including their name, address, and date of birth. This information is then used to create a unique identifier for the customer, which is linked to their KYC records.
CAMS KYC Validation is designed to be a secure and efficient process, reducing the risk of identity theft and other financial crimes. It uses advanced technology to verify customer information and flag any potential issues.
The CAMS KYC Validation process typically involves multiple checks, including address verification, document verification, and identity verification. These checks help to ensure that the customer's information is accurate and up-to-date.
What Is the Regulation?
The regulation that Mutual Funds need to follow is issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) under The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA).
The regulation requires Mutual Funds to follow enhanced Know Your Customer (KYC) norms.
Types of KYC Validation
There are two main types of KYC validation: Aadhar-based KYC and In-Person based KYC.
Aadhar-based KYC is a convenient online verification process that allows customers to upload a scanned copy of their original Aadhar card. This process is limited to ₹50,000 in mutual fund investments per year.
In-Person based KYC is required for customers who want to invest more than ₹50,000 in mutual funds per year. This offline verification process involves visiting a KYC kiosk or having an executive visit their home or office to authenticate their identity using Aadhar biometrics.
To summarize, the two types of KYC validation are:
- Aadhar-based KYC: online verification with a ₹50,000 investment limit
- In-Person based KYC: offline verification for higher investment limits
Steps for Verification
To start the KYC validation process, you'll need to download and fill up the revised KYC form. For individuals, you can click here for the new form, and for non-individuals, click here for the new form.
You'll need to attach documents evidencing proof of identity and proof of address. These documents are listed in the revised KYC application form, which you can find with the form download links.
To complete the in-person verification, you can visit any of the Investor Services Centre or other intermediaries of KRA's as mandated by SEBI. Upon receipt and verification of your documents, you'll receive a KYC acknowledgement.
Here are the key steps for KYC verification:
- Download and fill up the revised KYC form
- Attach proof of identity and proof of address documents
- Complete in-person verification at an Investor Services Centre or other intermediaries
- Submit your form and documents for verification
- Receive a KYC acknowledgement once verification is complete
Offline
If you prefer offline processes to digital ways, you can visit a CAMS service centre with your documents. Your KYC will be validated within days.
You'll need to fill in the details and attach your identity proof, such as a PAN card, Aadhaar card, or passport, and address proof, like a utility bill, Aadhaar card, or rental agreement.
To complete the In-Person Verification, you can go to a CAMS service centre or through a registered distributor. Recent passport-sized photo is also required.
Here are the documents you'll need for the offline KYC process:
- Proof of Identity: PAN card, Aadhaar card or passport.
- Proof of Address: Utility bill, Aadhaar card or rental agreement.
- Recent passport-sized photo.
Checking My Status
Checking your KYC status is a straightforward process. You can do it on various websites like CVL KRA, NSDL KRA, CAMS KRA, NSE KRA (DotEx), and Karvy KRA.
To check your KYC status on CAMS KRA, visit their website and go to the "Check KYC Status" section. This is where you can enter your PAN number and view your KYC status, which can be "Under Process", "Validated", or "On Hold."
You can also check your KYC status on CAMS KRA online within minutes by visiting their website and checking the "Check KYC Status" section. Here, you can enter your PAN number and see the status of your KYC.
Here are the steps to check your KYC status on CAMS KRA:
- Visit the CAMS KRA website
- Go to the “Check KYC Status” section
- Enter your PAN number
- View your KYC status
Benefits and Advantages
CAMS KRA offers a one-stop shop for mutual fund KYC registration, updation, and in-person verification through its network of service centers across the country.
Having a single point of contact for all KYC-related services makes the process much more convenient and efficient for investors.
CAMS KRA's stringent KYC process ensures that investor details are genuine, preventing fraudulent activities in the investment business.
This benefits not only the investors but also the entire investing community and parties involved.
By ensuring that investor KYC details are updated as per SEBI requirements, CAMS KRA helps investors stay compliant with the law.
Data security is a top priority for CAMS KRA, which maintains robust protocols to prevent any breach and safely keep personal documents.
The CAMS KRA platform offers easy and swift connectivity, allowing records to be quickly added and reflected across its pan-India service centers.
Modification Form
The Modification Form is a crucial part of the CAMS KYC validation process. It's used to update or modify any KYC information already furnished in an investor's profile.
To use the Modification Form, you'll need to submit the form with relevant proof to update any incorrect information. This ensures that your KYC details are updated and there's no obstruction in the investment process.
The Modification Form is specifically designed to amend any incorrect information provided, making it a vital tool for investors who need to make changes to their KYC profile.
Here are the types of information that can be updated using the Modification Form:
- Change in name
- Update in address
By using the Modification Form, you can ensure that your KYC details are accurate and up-to-date, allowing you to invest in mutual funds and capital market securities with confidence.
Digital Accessibility
Investors can complete their KYC process entirely online, reducing paperwork and speeding up the verification process.
This online process is a significant improvement over traditional methods, making it more convenient for investors.
The online KYC process is now seamless, allowing investors to upload or email clearly scanned copies of their required documents.
This digital accessibility has made it easier for investors to comply with KYC regulations, saving them time and effort.
Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)
The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) is a crucial piece of legislation that forms the core of India's legal framework to combat money laundering. It was created under the aegis of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in 2002.
The PMLA requires banking companies, financial institutions, and intermediaries to administer KYC and other reporting requirements such as suspicious transactions reporting. This includes the use of KYC Registration Agency (KRA) effective January 01, 2012.
To clarify, the KRA is responsible for centralizing KYC records and avoiding duplication of the KYC process across intermediaries in the securities market. This was introduced by SEBI vide Circular No. MIRSD/SE/Cir-21/2011 dated October 5, 2011, and Circular No. MIRSD/ Cir-26/ 2011 dated December 23, 2011.
For your reference, here are the categories of investors and their corresponding KYC norms:
You can also call 1800 270 7000 within India for more information.
Mutual Funds and NRI
As an NRI, investing in mutual funds can be a great way to grow your wealth, but first, you need to complete the KYC process. This involves validating and verifying your details against original documents to make investments in financial instruments regulated by SEBI.
The NRI KYC process is straightforward and can be completed both offline and online through video calling. You can also schedule a convenient time for the In-Person Verification (IPV) video call with the agency.
To complete the KYC process, you'll need to upload or email scanned copies of your required documents, including your PAN card, KYC verification form, canceled cheque leaf, and foreign address proof. You may also need to provide a certified English translation if any of your documents are in a foreign language.
Here are the documents you'll need to submit for KYC:
- PAN card
- KYC verification form with latest colour passport size photo
- Canceled cheque leaf of your NRO, NRE, or FCNR bank account
- Certified Foreign Address Proof
- Indian address proof
- Passport – first two and last two pages
- Foreign Country Tax File Number
Note that you can get your documents attested at Indian Consulates or overseas branches of banks registered in India.
Nri Mutual Fund
As an NRI, you have the option to invest in mutual funds, but before making your first investment, you must complete the Central Know Your Customer (CKYC) requirements.
To complete the CKYC requirements, you need to validate and verify the details submitted by you in your investment application against original documents. This is a centralized procedure, so if you get your KYC done from one Asset Management Company (AMC), you don't need to repeat the process with any other AMC for future investments.
The NRI KYC process is straightforward and can be completed both offline and online through Video Calling. You can also schedule a comfortable date and time for the In-Person Verification (IPV) video call with the agencies.
To do KYC for HDFC Mutual fund from the United States of America, you can complete the online KYC process, which involves uploading or emailing clearly scanned copies of your required documents and then going through the In-Person Verification (IPV) via video call.
The documents required for NRI KYC include a PAN card, KYC verification form with a latest colour passport size photo, canceled cheque leaf of your NRO, NRE, or FCNR bank account, certified Foreign Address Proof, Indian address proof, passport, and Foreign Country Tax File Number.
Here are the documents required for NRI KYC:
- PAN card
- KYC verification form with latest colour passport size photo
- Canceled cheque leaf of your NRO, NRE, or FCNR bank account
- Certified Foreign Address Proof
- Indian address proof
- Passport
- Foreign Country Tax File Number
Note: If any of the documents are in a foreign language, they must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
Importance of Mutual Fund Investors
As a mutual fund investor, especially if you're an NRI, it's essential to understand the importance of KYC (Know Your Customer) for your investments. KYC is a mandatory process that ensures your identity and address are verified, and transactions remain secure and compliant.
The online KYC process has become seamless, allowing you to upload or email scanned copies of your documents and complete the In-Person Verification (IPV) via a video call. You can schedule a convenient time and date for the IPV video call with the agencies using tools like Skype, Zoom, or Google Meet.
KYC ensures that your transactions are secure and compliant, which is especially crucial for NRIs who may be investing from abroad. By maintaining a unified KYC record, you can avoid undergoing the KYC process every time you invest in a new instrument or via a different platform.
Here are the benefits of a streamlined KYC process:
- Single Point Access: Your KYC record is maintained by a KRA (Know Your Customer Registration Agency), making it easily accessible to various intermediaries for verification.
- Data Security: KRAs follow stringent data security norms to keep your investor data safe, secure, and private.
- Digitised Process: Your KYC records are maintained and accessible online, saving you time and hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to validate KYC online?
To validate KYC online, visit www.cvlkra.com and enter your 10-digit PAN and Captcha to check your status. Your KYC status will be displayed as 'KYC Validated / KYC Registered / KYC On-Hold
What does it mean when KYC is validated?
KYC validation confirms that your submitted documents are genuine and verified by the issuing authority, ensuring their authenticity
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