E-Banking.

E-Banking

History of banking sector in India

The “Presidency Banks”
The Bank of Bengal obtained its charter with a capital base of Rs 50 lacs in the year 1809. It was given the power of note issue in 1823 and in 1839 the power to open branches and to deal in inland exchange. On the same line two other Presidency Banks , the Bank of Bombay and the Bank of Madras , which were subsequently merges to form the Imperial Bank of India- the predecessor of the present State Bank of India. Constituted under the State Bank of India Act ,

Classification of banking development in India

Foundation phase ( ) The need of the hour was to reorganize and to consolidate the prevailing banking network. Enactment of Banking Regulations Act,1949. Impetus given to both heavy and SSI. Credit extended to agriculture and small borrowers. Branches were expanded at an annual growth of 1.6% during the period from , with deposit and credit growth of 6.9% and 8.2% respectively. The population served per branch was as high as 65,000 as at the end of foundation phase.

Rapid expansion phase (1970-1984)
Two historic events took place in the year 1969 that revolutionized the entire banking scenario in the country. Social control on banking companies. Nationalization of 14 major Indian banks During , the branch expansion was 12% per annum and during , it was around 8.8% per annum. On 15 April 1980, the second dose of nationalization of six more commercial banks was affected taking the number of nationalized banks to 20 out of 28 PSU banks including SBI and its subsidiaries.

Consolidation phase (1985-1990)
This was a phase of consolidation, which marked slow down in branch expansion. During this period ,expansion of bank branches came to a halt. Profit, which was the major thrust area during the consolidation phase, grew significantly.

Reforms phase (1991 onwards)
In 1991 the Government appointed a high level committee headed by M.Narsimhan to examine the existing Indian Financial System. Out of 28 PSU Banks , New Bank of India was merged with PNB in 1993 reducing the number of PSU to 27. Guidelines in terms of the Narsimhan Committee recommendations for setting up of new Private Sector Banks in India. Bank of Punjab, HDFC bank, ICICI bank, IDBI bank, UTI bank, Centurion bank…

1955 : Nationalization of State Bank of India.
1959 : Nationalization of SBI subsidiaries. 1969 : Nationalization of 14 major banks. 1980 : Nationalization of seven banks with deposits over 200 crores.

Central Bank of India Bank of Maharashtra Dena Bank Punjab National Bank Syndicate Bank Canara Bank Indian Bank Indian Overseas Bank Bank of Baroda Union Bank Allahabad Bank United Bank of India UCO Bank Bank of India

INDIAN BANKING : the changing scenario

Commercial banks have diversified in three different ways:

Horizontal diversification
Wherein banks have added new products & services that appeal to their existing customers and have spread into new geographical areas. The areas in which commercial banks have diversified includes: - consumer credit, credit card business and housing finance.

Concentric diversification
Wherein banks have diversified their business to some other activity, which is related to existing one. Like providing financial support to meet term capital needs of industrial enterprisers and extending medium and long term loans to farmers, and to industrialist.

Conglomerate diversification
Wherein banks adds new products that are entirely different from present product line or markets and technologies different from present one. Like diversification in non banking functions such as merchant banking, leasing and mutual funds.

Merchant Banking Activities – PNB
The Bank is registered with SEBI as Category – I Merchant Banker for providing all the major Merchant Banking services. Our gamut of Merchant Banking services includes:

Issue Management Services – to act as Book Running Lead Manager/Lead Manager for the IPOs/FPOs/Right issues/Debt issues Project appraisal Corporate Advisory Services Underwriting of equity issues Banker to the Issue/Paying Banker

Refund Banker Monitoring Agency Debenture Trustee Marketing of the issue through a strong network of QIBs/HNIs/Corporates and Retail investor. The Bank itself is one of the major investor in the market having a treasury of crores.

The following are the Scheduled Banks in India (Public Sector):
State Bank of India State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur State Bank of Hyderabad State Bank of Indore State Bank of Mysore State Bank of Saurashtra State Bank of Travancore Andhra Bank

Allahabad Bank Bank of Baroda Bank of India Bank of Maharashtra Canara Bank Central Bank of India Corporation Bank Dena Bank Indian Overseas Bank Indian Bank

Oriental Bank of Commerce
Punjab National Bank Punjab and Sind Bank Syndicate Bank Union Bank of India United Bank of India UCO Bank Vijaya Bank

The following are the Scheduled Banks in India (Private Sector):
ING Vysya Bank Ltd Axis Bank Ltd Indusind Bank Ltd ICICI Bank Ltd South Indian Bank HDFC Bank Ltd Centurion Bank Ltd Bank of Punjab Ltd IDBI Bank Ltd

The following are the Scheduled Foreign Banks in India:
American Express Bank Ltd. ANZ Gridlays Bank Plc. Bank of America NT & SA Bank of Tokyo Ltd. Banquc Nationale de Paris Barclays Bank Plc Citi Bank N.C.

Deutsche Bank A.G. Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Standard Chartered Bank. The Chase Manhattan Bank Ltd. Dresdner Bank AG.

Reasons for diversification of banking functions:

1) The branch expansion policy coupled with target –oriented credit policies have brought about dimensional and geographical diversifications.

2) The refinement in rural lending policies such as evolution of the concept of direct lending, liberalization of norms and simplifications of lending procedures.

3) Fast changes in the environment and revolution in the computer and telecommunications technology have led to geographical and functional integration of financial markets beyond the national boundaries.

4) Deregulations and intensification of competition among banks as also with non – banking financial sectors have led to the emergence of a more diversified and unified financial systems.

5) The search for new profit opportunities and the desire to diversify to new areas.

6) The emergence of highly attractive non banking deposit instruments and large scale entry of prime corporate borrowers in the new issue market has compelled banks to diversify.

7) The financial disinter mediation process whereby the corporate borrowers have preferred to raise resources directly from the market rather than to borrow from banks resulting in decline in profitability led the banks to embark on diversification.

The major services apart from traditional banking functions:

Issue of bank guarantees

Tender/Bid Guarantee Supports the Principal/Applicant’s obligation to execute a contract if the Principal/Applicant is awarded a bid.

Advance Payment Guarantee
Supports an obligation to account for an advance payment made by the Beneficiary to the Principal/Applicant. an Advance Payment Guarantee contain a clause that the guarantee is inoperative until the Advance Payment has been received by the Principal/Applicant, as well as a clause allowing for reductions of the guarantee amount.

Bill of Lading-/Steamship Guarantee
Supports the shipping company for any financial damages caused by the goods being delivered without the bill of lading. The guarantee is valid until the bill of lading is presented, or until the shipping company releases the bank from its liability.

Maintenance Guarantee
Supports remedies and any defects which become apparent after delivery of the goods or after completion of a plant.

Performance Guarantee
Supports an obligation to pay for losses which may arise as a consequence of the Principal/Applicant failing to fulfill his obligations under the contract

Retention Guarantee Supports an obligation to account for retention money paid by the Beneficiary to the Principal/ Applicant. the Retention Guarantee explicitly stipulates that is does not come into effect until the retention money has been received by the Principal/Applicant.

Warranty Guarantee Supports the Beneficiary’s costs should the Principal/Applicant fail to meet his warranty obligations as per the contract terms.

Payment Guarantee Supports the payment obligation of the Beneficiary for goods/services delivered by the Principal/ Applicant.

Loan Guarantee Supports the repayment of a credit or credit facility including amortization and interest. The guarantee applies from the date the loan is made until it has been repaid.

What should a bank guarantee contain?
A definition of the parties involved A reference to The guarantee amount Effective clause The period of validity Documentation A reduction clause

Additional points to consider before signing
a contract • Who pays the Issuing Bank’s charges/ commission/fees? • How should the guarantee be drafted? • Which law and jurisdiction should apply?

Letter of credit

Letter of credit A standard, commercial letter of credit is a document issued mostly by a financial institution, used primarily in trade finance, which usually provides an irrevocable payment undertaking. The LC can also be the source of payment for a transaction, meaning that redeeming the letter of credit will pay an exporter. Letters of credit are used primarily in international trade transactions of significant value, for deals between a supplier in one country and a customer in another.

Almost all letters of credit are irrevocable, i. e
Almost all letters of credit are irrevocable, i.e., cannot be amended or canceled without prior agreement of the beneficiary, the issuing bank and the confirming bank, if any. In executing a transaction, letters of credit incorporate functions common to giros and Traveler's cheques. Typically, the documents a beneficiary has to present in order to receive payment include a commercial invoice, bill of lading, and documents proving the shipment was insured against loss or damage in transit.

After a contract is concluded between buyer and seller, buyer's bank supplies a letter of credit to seller.

Seller consigns the goods to a carrier in exchange for a bill of lading.

Seller provides bill of lading to bank in exchange for payment
Seller provides bill of lading to bank in exchange for payment. Seller's bank exchanges bill of lading for payment from buyer's bank. Buyer's bank exchanges bill of lading for payment from the buyer.

Buyer provides bill of lading to carrier and takes delivery of goods.

Trade Online Features Submit an online application for a Letter of Credit View details of all letter of credit and bank guarantees opened by the bank and status of the same. View the details of inward and outward bills discounted with ICICI Bank. Track outstanding forward contracts entered with the ICICI Bank.

The main instruments of remittance are:
Demand drafts Mail transfers Telegraphic transfer Electronic fund transfer Traveler cheques Gift cheques

Merchant banking Management of customer’s securities
Portfolio management Credit syndication Acceptance credit Counseling Insurance etc.

Dr Rangarajan committee report (1989)
A 16 member committee with Dr C Rangarajan was formed in 1988 to make recommendations for computerization in banking industry in general and Nationalized banks in particular.

Major recommendations:
Regional office/ zonal office / head office should be computerized. All branches located in top 30 centers should be computerized. Branches having average 750 vouchers per day should be computerized. Banknet and Swift to be used by banks. Online terminals should be given at the premises of corporate customers.

Total branch automation (TBA)
In contrast to partial automation which involves computerization of front offices ( i.e. SB,CD, Term deposit) or back office ( i.e. day book , GL ,MIS etc.) total branch automation involves computerization of all operations in the branch.

Main features: Server : it is the main device , which stores data of large capacity and process the request of all users. Work stations: in a TBA branch all operations can be done from any terminals as they are connected to each other and also to the server. A customer desiring to operate his SB account can to so from any counter and not necessarily from SB counter.

Networking Networking means linking computers with each other by means of cable so that they can share information and resources and can communicate with each other.

LAN LOCAL AREA NETWORK When a network serves a small area, such as one building or a group of building. You might have a LAN for example on a University campus or between office blocks in an office park.

WAN WIDE AREA NETWORK When computers located in far off distances are networked .

RBINET Connects all offices of RBI and corporate headquarters of commercial banks became functional in December 1994

SWIFT Founded in Brussels in 1973, the Society for the Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) is a co-operative organization dedicated to the promotion and development of standardized global interactivity for financial transactions Swift's original mandate was to establish a global communications link for data processing and a common language for international financial transactions.

The Society operates a messaging service for financial messages, such as letters of credit, payments, and securities transactions, between member banks worldwide. Swift's essential function is to deliver these messages quickly and securely -- both of which are prime considerations for financial matters Member organizations create formatted messages that are then forwarded to SWIFT for delivery to the recipient member organization. SWIFT operates out of its Brussels headquarters and processes data at centers in Belgium and the United States.

How is the SWIFT network accessed?
Users can either enter the network via a leased line, dial-up connection or Public Data Network connection to regional processors that link up to the SWIFT network. Each user site has its own terminal for entering the network and entering messages once connected. Access normally requires both a username and password to be entered, and uses Smart Card technology.

Can anyone become a member of SWIFT?
No, the organization must hold a Banking License in order to become a member. Members pay a joining fee and are then charged for each message they send.

Why was SWIFT created? Because of the limitations of the then used system, Telex. Telex was considered too slow, too insecure and didn't have a standardized format for the data it transferred, all of which added up to an inefficient system. Access normally requires both a username and password to be entered, and uses Smart Card technology. As a result seven major international banks met in 1974 to discuss a suitable replacement for Telex. A society was formed in 1977 and 230 banks from five countries went live with the system. SWIFT currently has around 7,000 members from nearly 200 countries.

How many messages does SWIFT handle a day?
Since its inception in the late 1970s, SWIFT has had to increase the number and type of messages it handles to cope with the expansion in the type of financial transactions that are possible. It now handles around five million messages a day.

ISO 9362 (also known as SWIFT-BIC, BIC code, SWIFT ID or SWIFT code) is a standard format of Bank Identifier Codes approved by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It is the unique identification code of a particular bank. These codes are used when transferring money between banks, particularly for international wire transfers, and also for the exchange of other messages between banks. The codes can sometimes be found on account statements.

The SWIFT code is 8 or 11 characters, made up of:
4 characters - bank code (only letters) 2 characters - ISO alpha-2 country code (only letters) 2 characters - location code (letters and digits) (if the second character is '1', then it denotes a passive participant in the SWIFT network) 3 characters - branch code, optional ('XXX' for primary office) (letters and digits)

SWIFT BIC Code BANK US [XXX] Institution Country Location Branch Code code code code

Deutsche Bank is an international bank, with its head office in Frankfurt, Germany. The SWIFT code for its primary office is DEUTDEFF: DEUT identifies Deutsche Bank DE is the country code for Germany FF is the code for Frankfurt

Deutsche Bank uses an extended code of 11 digits and has assigned branches or processing areas individual extended codes. This allows the payment to be directed to a specific office. For example, DEUTDEFF500 would direct the payment to an office of Deutsche Bank in Bad Homburg.

Mumbai SWIFT Code: SBININBB110
Delhi SWIFT Code: SBININBB104 PUNBINBB DIB

Advantages of SWIFT message
Security Cheaper cost Speed Side access

SWIFT for banks SWIFT was formed more than 35 years ago by, 239 banks in 15 countries. Today, meeting the operational requirements of banks remains a core focus for us.

1) The need to reduce costs: payment and cash management businesses (except in Asia) are growing slowly and revenue per transaction is declining. SWIFT provides reach, reusability and standardization to help reduce your costs.

2) The need to reduce fraud and risk: you are facing new regulation and industry initiatives such as SEPA and TARGET2 which demand high investments and squeeze margins. SWIFT can help with the regulation and we offer security and reliability to help you reduce your operational risk.

Real time gross settlement systems (RTGS) are a funds transfer mechanism where transfer of money takes place from one bank to another on a "real time" and on "gross" basis. Settlement in "real time" means payment transaction is not subjected to any waiting period. The transactions are settled as soon as they are processed. "Gross settlement" means the transaction is settled on one to one basis without bunching with any other transaction

RTGS systems covering multiple countries:
TARGET resp. TARGET2 (Trans-European Automated Real-time Gross Settlement Express Transfer System) in 26 countries of the European Union

A Single Euro Payments Area - SEPA
SWIFT is actively supporting its members and customers in their implementation of SEPA by developing standards and providing a set of products and services to facilitate operation and interoperability across the industry. The Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) is the area where citizens, companies and other economic players will be able to make and receive payments in euros (whether between or within national boundaries) under the same basic conditions, rights and obligations, regardless of their location.

Every citizen, merchant, public administration and corporation with a banking relationship in the euro-area ultimately will be impacted by SEPA, as will everyone in the payments supply chain.

3) The ability to create new revenue streams: as commoditization continues, one way you can distinguish yourself in the market is through superior customer service. SWIFT supports this with solutions like Exceptions and Investigations and Workers’ Remittances.

4) Globalization of the supply chain: you need cross border payments and trade finance solutions. SWIFT offers both, including the industry-leading Trade Service Utility.

What can I do with my SWIFT connection?

a) For payments Bulk Payments Harmonizing bulk payment practices across communities Cash Reporting Supporting your real-time account information needs Exceptions and Investigations Making investigations pay Workers' Remittances Fast, efficient, and cost-effective clearing and settlement of person-to-person payments

b) For treasury Accord Enabling real-time matching and exception handling for foreign exchange, money market and derivative confirmations. Affirmations Providing a cost-effective way of enhancing STP across the treasury and derivative markets. Swift's CLS Third Party Service Providing a global FX settlement solution for non-CLS members

Cont.. STP Straight Through Processing (STP)
"The processing of a trade, whose data is compliant with internal and external requirements, through systems from post-execution through settlement without manual intervention".

c) For trade Trade Services Utility Helping banks meet the supply chain challenge

Automated teller machine
An automated teller machine (ATM) is a computerized telecommunications device that provides the customers of a financial institution with access to financial transactions in a public space without the need for a human clerk or bank teller.

On most modern ATMs, the customer is identified by inserting a plastic ATM card with a magnetic stripe or a plastic smartcard with a chip, that contains a unique card number and some security information, such as an expiration date or CVVC (CVV). Security is provided by the customer entering a personal identification number (PIN).

ATMs rely on authorization of a financial transaction by the card issuer or other authorizing institution via the communications network. This is often performed through an ISO 8583 messaging system.

An ATM is typically made up of the following devices:

a) Hardware CPU (to control the user interface and transaction devices) Magnetic and/or Chip card reader (to identify the customer) PIN Pad (similar in layout to a Touch tone or Calculator keypad), often manufactured as part of a secure enclosure. Secure crypto processor, generally within a secure enclosure. Display (used by the customer for performing the transaction)

Function key buttons (usually close to the display) or a Touch screen (used to select the various aspects of the transaction) Record Printer (to provide the customer with a record of their transaction) Vault (to store the parts of the machinery requiring restricted access)

b) Software

Financial networks in ATMs
Most ATMs are connected to inter bank networks, enabling people to withdraw and deposit money from machines not belonging to the bank where they have their account or in the country where their accounts are held (enabling cash withdrawals in local currency). Some examples of inter bank networks include PULSE, PLUS, Cirrus, Interac, Inters witch, STAR (inter bank network), and LINK.

Cirrus is a worldwide inter bank network operated by MasterCard Worldwide, and was founded in It links MasterCard, Maestro, Diners Club credit, debit and prepaid cards to a network of over 1,000,000 ATMs in 93 countries Pulse is an inter bank electronic funds transfer (EFT) network in the United States PLUS (also known as Visa PLUS) is an inter bank network that covers all VISA credit, debit, and prepaid cards, as well as ATM cards issued by various banks worldwide. Currently, there are one million PLUS-linked ATMs in 170 countries worldwide

Growth in Internet Banking
Some of the market factors that may drive a bank’s strategy include the following:

1) Competition — Studies show that competitive pressure is the chief driving force behind increasing use of Internet banking technology, ranking ahead of cost reduction and revenue enhancement, in second and third place respectively. Banks see Internet banking as a way to keep existing customers and attract new ones to the bank.

2) Cost Efficiencies — National banks can deliver banking services on the Internet at transaction costs far lower than traditional brick-and-mortar branches. The actual costs to execute a transaction will vary depending on the delivery channel used. For example, according to Booz, Allen & Hamilton, as of mid- 1999, the cost to deliver manual transactions at a branch was typically more than a dollar, ATM and call center transactions cost about 25 cents, and Internet transactions cost about a penny. These costs are expected to continue to decline.

3) Geographical Reach — Internet banking allows expanded customer contact through increased geographical reach and lower cost delivery channels. In fact some banks are doing business exclusively via the Internet — they do not have traditional banking offices and only reach their customers online. Other financial institutions are using the Internet as an alternative delivery channel to reach existing customers and attract new customers.

4) Branding — Relationship building is a strategic priority for many national banks. Internet banking technology and products can provide a means for national banks to develop and maintain an ongoing relationship with their customers by offering easy access to a broad array of products and services.

5) Customer Demographics — Internet banking allows national banks to offer a wide array of options to their banking customers. Some customers will rely on traditional branches to conduct their banking business. For many, this is the most comfortable way for them to transact their banking business. Those customers place a premium on person-to-person contact. Other customers are early adopters of new technologies that arrive in the marketplace. The demographics of banking customers will continue to change. The challenge to national banks is to understand their customer base and find the right mix of delivery channels to deliver products and services profitably to their various market segments.

Types of Internet Banking

1) Informational — This is the basic level of Internet banking
1) Informational — This is the basic level of Internet banking. Typically, the bank has marketing information about the bank’s products and services on a stand-alone server. The risk is relatively low, as informational systems typically have no path between the server and the bank’s internal network. This level of Internet banking can be provided by the bank or outsourced. While the risk to a bank is relatively low, the server or Web site may be vulnerable to alteration. Appropriate controls therefore must be in place to prevent unauthorized alterations to the bank’s server or Web site.

2) Communicative — This type of Internet banking system allows some interaction between the bank’s systems and the customer. The interaction may be limited to electronic mail, account inquiry, loan applications, or static file updates (name and address changes). Because these servers may have a path to the bank’s internal networks, the risk is higher with this configuration than with informational systems. Appropriate controls need to be in place to prevent, monitor, and alert management of any unauthorized attempt to access the bank’s internal networks and computer systems. Virus controls also become much more critical in this environment.

3) Transactional — This level of Internet banking allows customers to execute transactions.
Since a path typically exists between the server and the bank’s or outsourcer’s internal network, this is the highest risk architecture and must have the strongest controls. Customer transactions can include accessing accounts, paying bills, transferring funds, etc.

Convenience or inconvenience banking

Risk : it is the possibility that an intruder may be successful in attempting to access your local area network. Threat : threat is posed when anyone with the motivation , attempts to gain unauthorized access to a network or anyone has authorized access to your network.

Internet Banking Risks

1) Credit Risk Credit risk is the risk to earnings or capital arising from an obligor’s failure to meet the terms of any contract with the bank or otherwise to perform as agreed. Credit risk is found in all activities where success depends on counterparty, issuer, or borrower performance. It arises any time bank funds are extended, committed, invested, or otherwise exposed through actual or implied contractual agreements, whether on or off the banks balance sheet.

Internet banking provides the opportunity for banks to expand their geographic range.
Customers can reach a given institution from literally anywhere in the world. In dealing with customers over the Internet, absent any personal contact, it is challenging for institutions to verify the bonafides of their customers, which is an important element in making sound credit decisions. Verifying collateral and perfecting security agreements also can be challenging with out-of-area borrowers. Unless properly managed, Internet banking could lead to a concentration in out-of-area credits or credits within a single industry. Moreover, the question of which state’s or country’s laws control an Internet relationship is still developing.

2) Interest Rate Risk Interest rate risk is the risk to earnings or capital arising from movements in interest rates. From an economic perspective, a bank focuses on the sensitivity of the value of its assets, liabilities and revenues to changes in interest rates. Evaluation of interest rate risk must consider the impact of complex, illiquid hedging strategies or products, and also the potential impact that changes in interest rates will have on fee income.

3) Liquidity Risk Liquidity risk is the risk to earnings or capital arising from a bank’s inability to meet its obligations when they come due, without incurring unacceptable losses. Liquidity risk includes the inability to manage unplanned changes in funding sources. Liquidity risk also arises from the failure to recognize or address changes in market conditions affecting the ability of the bank to liquidate assets quickly and with minimal loss in value.

Internet banking can increase deposit volatility from customers who maintain accounts solely on the basis of rate or terms. Increased monitoring of liquidity and changes in deposits and loans may be warranted depending on the volume and nature of Internet account activities.

4) Price Risk Price risk is the risk to earnings or capital arising from changes in the value of traded portfolios of financial instruments. This risk arises from market making, dealing, and position taking in interest rate, foreign exchange, equity, and commodities markets. Banks may be exposed to price risk if they create or expand deposit brokering, loan sales, or securitization programs as a result of Internet banking activities. Appropriate management systems should be maintained to monitor, measure, and manage price risk if assets are actively traded.

5) Foreign Exchange Risk
Foreign exchange risk is present when a loan or portfolio of loans is denominated in a foreign currency or is funded by borrowings in another currency. In some cases, banks will enter into multi-currency credit commitments that permit borrowers to select the currency they prefer to use in each rollover period. Foreign exchange risk can be intensified by political, social, or economic developments. The consequences can be unfavorable if one of the currencies involved becomes subject to stringent exchange controls or is subject to wide exchange-rate fluctuations.

Banks may be exposed to foreign exchange risk if they accept deposits from non-U.S. residents or create accounts denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars. Appropriate systems should be developed if banks engage in these activities.

6)Transaction Risk Transaction risk is the current and prospective risk to earnings and capital arising from fraud, error, and the inability to deliver products or services, maintain a competitive position, and manage information. A high level of transaction risk may exist with Internet banking products, particularly if those lines of business are not adequately planned, implemented, and monitored Banks that offer financial products and services through the Internet must be able to meet their customers’ expectations

Banks must also ensure they have the right product mix and capacity to deliver accurate, timely, and reliable services to develop a high level of confidence in their brand name. Customers who do business over the Internet are likely to have little tolerance for errors or omissions from financial institutions that do not have sophisticated internal controls to manage their Internet banking business. Likewise, customers will expect continuous availability of the product and Web pages that are easy to navigate.

7) Compliance Risk Compliance risk is the risk to earnings or capital arising from violations of, or nonconformance with, laws, rules, regulations, prescribed practices, or ethical standards. Compliance risk also arises in situations where the laws or rules governing certain bank products or activities of the bank’s clients may be ambiguous or untested. Compliance risk exposes the institution to fines, civil money penalties, payment of damages, and the voiding of contracts. Compliance risk can lead to a diminished reputation, reduced franchise value, limited business opportunities, reduced expansion potential, and lack of contract enforceability.

Most Internet banking customers will continue to use other bank delivery channels.
Accordingly, national banks will need to make certain that their disclosures on Internet banking channels, including Web sites, remain synchronized with other delivery channels to ensure the delivery of a consistent and accurate message to customers.

8) Strategic Risk Strategic risk is the current and prospective impact on earnings or capital arising from adverse business decisions, improper implementation of decisions, or lack of responsiveness to industry changes. This risk is a function of the compatibility of an organization’s strategic goals, the business strategies developed to achieve those goals, the resources deployed against these goals, and the quality of implementation. The resources needed to carry out business strategies are both tangible and intangible. The organization’s internal characteristics must be evaluated against the impact of economic, technological, competitive, regulatory, and other environmental changes.

Management must understand the risks associated with Internet banking before they make a decision to develop a particular class of business. In some cases, banks may offer new products and services via the Internet. It is important that management understand the risks and ramifications of these decisions. Sufficient levels of technology and MIS are necessary to support such a business venture. Because many banks will compete with financial institutions beyond their existing trade area, those engaging in Internet banking must have a strong link between the technology employed and the bank’s strategic planning process.

Before introducing a Internet banking product, management should consider whether the product and technology are consistent with tangible business objectives in the bank’s strategic plan. The bank also should consider whether adequate expertise and resources are available to identify, monitor, and control risk in the Internet banking business. The planning and decision making process should focus on how a specific business need is met by the Internet banking product, rather than focusing on the product as an independent objective.

9) Reputation Risk Reputation risk is the current and prospective impact on earnings and capital arising from negative public opinion. This affects the institution’s ability to establish new relationships or services or continue servicing existing relationships. This risk may expose the institution to litigation, financial loss, or a decline in its customer base. Reputation risk exposure is present throughout the organization and includes the responsibility to exercise an abundance of caution in dealing with customers and the community.

A bank’s reputation can suffer if it fails to deliver on marketing claims or to provide accurate, timely services. This can include failing to adequately meet customer credit needs, providing unreliable or inefficient delivery systems, untimely responses to customer inquiries, or violations of customer privacy expectations.

Risk Management

1) The risk planning process is the responsibility of the board and senior management. They need to possess the knowledge and skills to manage the bank’s use of Internet banking technology and technology-related risks. The board should review, approve, and monitor Internet banking technology-related projects that may have a significant impact on the bank’s risk profile. They should determine whether the technology and products are in line with the bank’s strategic goals and meet a need in their market.

Senior management should have the skills to evaluate the technology employed and risks assumed.
Periodic independent evaluations of the Internet banking technology and products by auditors or consultants can help the board and senior management fulfill their responsibilities

2) Implementing the technology is the responsibility of management.
Management should have the skills to effectively evaluate Internet banking technologies and products, select the right mix for the bank, and see that they are installed appropriately. If the bank does not have the expertise to fulfill this responsibility internally, it should consider contracting with a vendor who specializes in this type of business or engaging in an alliance with another provider with complementary technologies or expertise.

3) Measuring and monitoring risk is the responsibility of management.
Management should have the skills to effectively identify, measure, monitor, and control risks associated with Internet banking. The board should receive regular reports on the technologies employed, the risks assumed, and how those risks are managed. Monitoring system performance is a key success factor. As part of the design process, a national bank should include effective quality assurance and audit processes in its Internet banking system.

Internal Controls Consistency of technology planning and strategic goals, including efficiency and economy of operations and compliance with corporate policies and legal requirements. Data availability, including business recovery planning. Data integrity, including providing for the safeguarding of assets, proper authorization of transactions, and reliability of the process and output. Data confidentiality and privacy safeguards. Reliability of MIS.

The three control categories can be found in the basic internal controls discussed above.
Preventive Controls — Prevent something (often an error or illegal act) from happening. An example of this type of control is logical access control software that would allow only authorized persons to access a network using a combination of a user ID and password. Detective Controls — Identify an action that has occurred. An example would be intrusion detection software that triggers an alert or alarm. Corrective Controls — Correct a situation once it has been detected. An example would be software backups that could be used to recover a corrupted file or database.

Examples of these controls could include:
Monitoring transaction activity to look for anomalies in transaction types, transaction volumes, transaction values, and time-of-day presentment. Monitoring log-on violations or attempts to identify patterns of suspect activity including unusual requests, unusual timing, or unusual formats. Using trap and trace techniques to identify the source of the request and match these against known customers.

Regular reporting and review of unusual transactions will help identify:
Intrusions by unauthorized parties. Customer input errors. Opportunities for customer education.

Issues in Internet Banking

1) Security is an issue in Internet banking systems.
Some national banks allow for direct dial-in access to their systems over a private network while others provide network access through the Internet. Although the publicly accessible Internet generally may be less secure, both types of connections are vulnerable to interception and alteration.

2) Authentication is another issue in a Internet banking system.
Transactions on the Internet or any other telecommunication network must be secure to achieve a high level of public confidence. In cyberspace, as in the physical world, customers, banks, and merchants need assurances that they will receive the service as ordered or the merchandise as requested, and that they know the identity of the person they are dealing with.

3) Trust is another issue in Internet banking systems.
As noted in the previous discussion, public and private key cryptographic systems can be used to secure information and authenticate parties in transactions in cyberspace. A trusted third party is a necessary part of the process. That third party is the certificate authority.

4) Nonrepudiation is the undeniable proof of participation by both the sender and receiver in a transaction. It is the reason public key encryption was developed, i.e., to authenticate electronic messages and prevent denial or repudiation by the sender or receiver.

5) Privacy is a consumer issue of increasing importance.
National banks that recognize and respond to privacy issues in a proactive way make this a positive attribute for the bank and a benefit for its customers.

6) Availability is another component in maintaining a high level of public confidence in a network environment. All of the previous components are of little value if the network is not available and convenient to customers. Users of a network expect access to systems 24 hours per day, seven days a week.

Significance of computerization in banks
Any time banking Anywhere banking Home banking Corporate banking Mobile banking Mobile payment Security Technology

Finance portals for the banking industry
User interface Contents and services Backend transactions Enabling functions

Constraints in e banking
Start up cost Initial cost Connection cost of internet Cost of hardware and software Cost of setting up organizational activities Training and maintenance Lack of skilled personnel Restricted clientele and technical problem Security Controls Authenticity control Accuracy control Completeness control Redundancy control Privacy control Firewall control Encryption control

Legal issues in e banking
Considering the legal position prevalent, there is an obligation on the part of banks not only to establish the identity but also to make enquiries about integrity and reputation of the prospective customer. Therefore, even though request for opening account can be accepted over Internet, accounts should be opened only after proper introduction and physical verification of the identity of the customer. From a legal perspective, security procedure adopted by banks for authenticating users needs to be recognized by law as a substitute for signature.

Under the present regime there is an obligation on banks to maintain secrecy and confidentiality of customers‘ accounts. In the Internet banking scenario, the risk of banks not meeting the above obligation is high on account of several factors. ss

Despite all reasonable precautions, banks may be exposed to enhanced risk of liability to customers on account of breach of secrecy, denial of service etc., because of hacking/ other technological failures. The banks should, therefore, institute adequate risk control measures to manage such risks.

In Internet banking scenario there is very little scope for the banks to act on stop-payment instructions from the customers. Hence, banks should clearly notify to the customers the timeframe and the circumstances in which any stop-payment instructions could be accepted.

The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 defines the rights of consumers in India and is applicable to banking services as well. Currently, the rights and liabilities of customers availing of Internet banking services are being determined by bilateral agreements between the banks and customers. Considering the banking practice and rights enjoyed by customers in traditional banking, banks’ liability to the customers on account of unauthorized transfer through hacking, denial of service on account of technological failure etc. needs to be assessed and banks providing Internet banking should insure themselves against such risks

Regulatory and Supervisory Issues
As recommended by the Group, the existing regulatory framework over banks will be extended to Internet banking also. In this regard, it is advised that:

Only such banks which are licensed and supervised in India and have a physical presence in India will be permitted to offer Internet banking products to residents of India. Thus, both banks and virtual banks incorporated outside the country and having no physical presence in India will not, for the present, be permitted to offer Internet banking services to Indian residents. The products should be restricted to account holders only and should not be offered in other jurisdictions. The services should only include local currency products.

The ‘in-out’ scenario where customers in cross border jurisdictions are offered banking services by Indian banks (or branches of foreign banks in India) and the ‘out-in’ scenario where Indian residents are offered banking services by banks operating in cross-border jurisdictions are generally not permitted and this approach will apply to Internet banking also.

The existing exceptions for limited purposes under FEMA i. e
The existing exceptions for limited purposes under FEMA i.e. where resident Indians have been permitted to continue to maintain their accounts with overseas banks etc., will, however, be permitted. Overseas branches of Indian banks will be permitted to offer Internet banking services to their overseas customers subject to their satisfying, in addition to the host supervisor, the home supervisor.

Evolution of Payment Systems in India
Payment instruments and mechanisms have a very long history in India. The earliest payment instruments known to have been used in India were coins, which were either punch-marked or cast in silver and copper. While coins represented a physical equivalent, credit systems involving bills of exchange facilitated inter-spatial transfers.

Another instrument in use during the Muslim period was the Pay order.
Pay orders were issued from the Royal Treasury on one of the District or Provincial treasuries. They were called Barattes and were akin to present day drafts or cheques

The most important class of credit Instruments that evolved in India were termed Hundis.
Their use was most widespread in the twelfth century, and has continued till today. In a sense, they represent the oldest surviving form of credit instrument. Hundis were used : * as remittance instruments (to transfer funds from one place to another) * as credit instruments (to borrow money [IOUs]) * for trade transactions (as bills of exchange)

Paper money, in the modern sense, has its origin in the late 18th century with the note issues of private banks as well as semi-government banks. Amongst the earliest issues were those by the Bank of Hindoostan, the General Bank in Bengal and Behar, and the Bengal Bank. Later, with the establishment of three Presidency Banks, the job of issuing notes was taken over by them. Each Presidency Bank had the right to issue notes within certain limits The private banks and the Presidency Banks introduced other payment instruments in the Indian money market. Cheques were introduced by the Bank of Hindoostan, the first joint stock bank established in 1770.

Payment Instruments in India
The NI Act, 1881, defines a Negotiable Instrument as a promissory note, Bill of Exchange or cheque. A Bill of Exchange is an instrument in writing containing an unconditional order, signed by the maker, directing a certain person to pay a certain sum of money only to, or to the order of, a certain person or to the bearer of the instrument. A Hundi is a Bill of Exchange in an Indian language, governed by customs and local usage. The NI Act, however, does not govern Hundis. A Bill of Exchange may therefore, include a Hundi, but Hundi may not be a Bill of Exchange.

A cheque is a Bill of Exchange drawn on a specified banker and not expressed to be payable otherwise than on demand. The maker of a cheque is called the 'drawer', and the person directed to pay is the 'drawee'. The person named in the instrument, to whom or to whose order the money is, by the instrument directed, to be paid, is called the 'payee'. A cheque is a Negotiable Instrument, which can be further negotiated by means of endorsement and is payable on demand.

The Demand Draft is a pre-paid Negotiable Instrument, wherein the drawee bank undertakes to make payment in full when the instrument is presented by the payee for payment. The demand draft is made payable on a specified branch of a bank at a specified centre. In order to obtain payment, the beneficiary has to either present the instrument directly to the branch concerned or have it collected by his / her bank through the clearing mechanism.

In essence, the payment systems are required for the following purposes:
1. For protecting key existing assets of the banking system: 2. For strengthening the customer base: 3: For Reducing existing costs and generating new income:

Institutional Arrangements

Clearing Process: The clearing process begins with the deposit of a cheque in a bank. The cheque (along with other cheques) is delivered to the bank/branch where it is drawn. The cheque is passed for payment if the funds are available and the banker is satisfied about the genuineness of the instrument. The cheques that are unpaid are returned to the presenting bank through another clearing called the Return Clearing. The realization of the funds occurs after the completion of return clearing and by the absence of an unpaid cheque.

Settlement of Funds: The settlement of funds in clearing occurs at several levels. The aggregate amount or value of cheques presented by a bank on other banks represents the claim by that bank on other banks. Similar claims are made by all the banks on every other bank in the clearing. A net settlement is arrived at the clearing house and the debit or credit position of the bank is determined. These are booked in their current accounts maintained by the settling bank. This represents the interbank settlement. The settlement of funds between the service branch and the branch concerned represents the transfer of funds to the branch level.

The payment process is completed only when the funds are debited from the drawer's account and credited to the payee's account. This occurs after the completion of the return clearing mentioned earlier.

Return Clearing Realization of a cheque i.e. payment occurs after the cheque that is returned unpaid takes place in this clearing. The aggregate of all items unpaid is debited to the original presenting bank and credited to the drawee bank. The same process is mirrored in the inter-branch settlement at the service branch of a bank. The credit given to the payee on account of the cheque is reversed.

Inter-branch clearing
Cheques presented by customers drawn on different branches of the same bank need not be sent to the clearing house as the transfer of funds is internal to the bank. The service branch usually acts as a settlement branch for the branches and the instruments are sent to the drawee branches while the inter-branch accounts are credited or debited internally

Notational Money While notes are considerably more convenient than gold coins, they are still difficult to exchange in large amounts, and transport or store securely. Currently, most money consists not of pieces of paper currency, but rather of notations in the ledgers of depository institutions such as banks. We refer to this as notational money to distinguish it from token money or currency. Exchanges based on notational money require the debiting of one party's account and the crediting of another party's account.

Today, the amount of money which exists solely in the records of depository institutions vastly exceeds the value of currency in circulation A variety of instruments are used to instruct a bank to transfer notational money between accounts; the most common is a check. A complex system involving the Federal Reserve as a clearinghouse supports check clearing when accounts are held at different banks. Institutions accepting demand deposits are required by law to be prepared to convert these notational deposits into currency on demand, thus providing convertibility between demand deposits and currency.

In the last several decades, instructions to transfer notational money between accounts are increasingly sent electronically: wire transfers, ATM transactions, or more generally, Electronic Funds Transfer. Notational and token currency are boundary conditions. For example, cashiers checks are notational money, but they share some of the properties of token money. There are also interfaces between the two: ATM machines and bank tellers exchange notational currency for token currency.

Cash: Physical Token Money
Checks: Physical Transfers of Notational Money Credit and Debit Cards: Electronic Transfers of Notational Currency Digicash: Electronic Token Money

Payment methods Cash EFT ATMs
Plastic money – Debit cards, credit cards & smart cards ECS – credit and debit clearing

Electronic Cash (Ecash)
An anonymous electronic cash system; equivalent to "cash" or "printed bank notes" except that it is transferred through networks with bits of information, in essence it is just another representation of monetary value; anonymity is preserved through public key cryptography, digital signatures, and blind signatures.

Electronic Cash Payment Systems
A short list of providers: Pay Pal - A U.S.-based system that allows individuals in the United States to send money to each other via . First-E - A European, Internet-only bank. Mondex - Electronic cash that is made available via "smart card." eCash (formerly Digi Cash) - One of the early developers of electronic payment systems.

How it is used: Ecash is used over the Internet, , or personal computer to other workstations in the form of secured payments of "cash" that is virtually untraceable to the user. It is backed by real currency from real banks. The way ecash works is similar to that of electronic fund transfers done between banks. The user first must have an ecash software program and an ecash bank account from which ecash can be withdrawn or deposited. The user withdraws the ecash from the account onto her computer and spends it in the Internet without being traced or having personal information available to other parties that are involved in the process. The recipients of the ecash send the money to their bank account as with depositing "real" cash.

Example- What is Mondex®?
Mondex, part of the MasterCard Worldwide suite of smart card products, enables cardholders to carry, store and spend cash value using a payment card. It is faster than handling conventional currency, and in many cases safer. It behaves exactly like cash, offering immediate transfer of value while requiring no signature, PIN or transaction authorization. The unique Mondex platform allows its use in multiple channels where cash cannot be used including: Internet Mobile phones Interactive television

How it Works Mondex stores value as electronic information on a microchip, rather than as physical notes and coins. Value is exchanged securely from the chip on the card to a chip in a terminal/card reader.

Key Benefits Security - Above all, Mondex is a safe way to carry money. A lock function, available on the card with a Mondex device, enables the cardholder to prevent unauthorized access. The code is chosen by the cardholder, and it can be changed at any time. Convenience - Mondex offers cardholders a quick and easy method of payment. There is no need to fumble for change or search for a pen, no need to wait for authorization, no need even to go to a bank or ATM. Flexibility - Mondex cash can be used for purchases of any size, from a chocolate bar to a suit of clothes. Technically, there is no practical limit to the amount of cash which could be held in and transferred from a Mondex card, but there will be limits set within each country consistent with local regulation and market demand. Control - With Mondex, cardholders can only spend what is on their card, so there is no risk of going into debt. The 'purse' keeps an up-to-the-minute record of the amounts and places of expenditure.

EFT EFT is short for Electronic Funds Transfer.
An EFT is a method of transferring money from one bank account directly to another account without any paper money actually changing hands. The two accounts do not have to be in the same bank. One of the most common EFT programs that are used is Direct Deposit. This program allows an employee’s paycheck to be directly deposited into their bank account.

However, EFT is more than simply direct deposit
However, EFT is more than simply direct deposit. EFT refers to any direct transfer of funds that are initiated through any terminal, such as credit card, ATM, Fed wire, and point of sale (POS) transactions. It is used for both credit transfers, such as a payroll payment, and for debit transfers, such as a mortgage or credit card payment.

ATM Applications of ATM

Plastic money Plastic money are the alternative to the cash or the standard 'money'. Plastic money is used to refer to the credit cards or the debit cards that we use to make purchases in our everyday life. Be it credit cards, debit cards, add-on cards, charge cards, co-branded cards, affinity cards or Diners Club cards. More and more Indians are using them as a convenient mode of payment.

What is a credit card? A credit card is plastic money that is used to pay for products and services at over 20 million locations around the world. All you need to do is produce the card and sign a charge slip to pay for your purchases. The institution which issues the card makes the payment to the outlet on your behalf; you will pay this 'loan' back to the institution at a later date.

What is a debit card? Debit cards are substitutes for cash or check payments, much the same way that credit cards are. However, banks only issue them to you if you hold an account with them. When a debit card is used to make a payment, the total amount charged is instantly reduced from your bank balance.

What is a charge card? A charge card carries all the features of credit cards. However, after using a charge card you will have to pay off the entire amount billed, by the due date. If you fail to do so, you are likely to be considered a defaulter and will usually have to pay up a steep late payment charge. When you use a credit card you are not declared a defaulter even if you miss your due date. A 2.95 per cent late payment fees (this differs from one bank to another) is levied in your next billing statement.

What is an Amex card? Amex stands for American Express and is one of the well-known charge cards. This card has its own merchant establishment tie-ups and does not depend on the network of MasterCard or Visa. This card is typically meant for high-income group categories and companies and may not be acceptable at many outlets. There are a wide variety of special privileges offered to Amex cardholders.

What are MasterCard and Visa?
MasterCard and Visa are global non-profit organizations dedicated to promote the growth of the card business across the world. They have built a vast network of merchant establishments so that customers world-wide may use their respective credit cards to make various purchases.

What is a smart card? A smart card contains an electronic chip which is used to store cash. This is most useful when you have to pay for small purchases, for example bus fares and coffee. No identification, signature or payment authorization is required for using this card. The exact amount of purchase is deducted from the smart card during payment and is collected by smart card reading machines. No change is given. Currently this product is available only in very developed countries like the United States and is being used only sporadically in India.

What is the Diners Club card?
Diners Club is a branded charge card. There are a wide variety of special privileges offered to the Diners Club cardholder. For instance, as a cardholder you can set your own spending limit. Besides, the card has its own merchant establishment tie-ups and does not depend on the network of MasterCard or Visa. However, since this card is typically meant for high-income group categories, it may not be acceptable at many outlets. It would be a good idea to check whether a member establishment does accept the card or not in advance.

What is a co-branded card?
Co-branded cards are credit cards issued by card companies that have tied up with a popular brand for the purpose of offering certain exclusive benefits to the consumer. For example, the Citi-Times card gives you all the benefits of a Citibank credit card along with a special discount on Times Music cassettes, free entry to Times Music events, etc.

What is an affinity card?
The card issuer ties up with popular organizations/ institutions which are often non-profit organizations (Citi-WWF card or the Stanchart-Cricket cards) to offer an affinity card. When the card is used, a certain percentage is contributed to the organization /institution by the card issuer.

What is an add-on card? An add-on card allows you to apply for an additional credit card within the overall credit limit. You can apply for this card in the name of family members like your father/ mother/ spouse/ brother/ sister/ all children above 18 years of age. Your billing statement would reflect the details of purchases made using the add-on card. You are liable to make good all the payments for the purchases made using the add-on card's).

What is Electronic Clearing Service (ECS)?
It is a mode of electronic funds transfer from one bank account to another bank account using the services of a Clearing House. This is normally for bulk transfers from one account to many accounts or vice versa. This can be used both for making payments like distribution of dividend, interest, salary, pension, etc. by institutions or for collection of amounts for purposes such as payments to utility companies like telephone, electricity, or charges such as house tax, water tax, etc or for loan installments of financial institutions/banks or regular investments of persons.

Types of ECS ECS (Credit) is used for affording credit to a large number of beneficiaries by raising a single debit to an account, such as dividend, interest or salary payment. ECS (Debit) is used for raising debits to a number of accounts of consumers/ account holders for crediting a particular institution

Working of ECS Credit System

Who can initiate an ECS (Credit) transaction?
ECS payments can be initiated by any institution (called ECS user) who have to make bulk or repetitive payments to a number of beneficiaries. They can initiate the transactions after registering themselves with an approved clearing house. ECS users have also to obtain the consent as also the account particulars of the beneficiary for participating the ECS clearings.

The ECS user's bank is called as the sponsor bank under the scheme and the ECS beneficiary account holder is called the destination account holder. The destination account holder's bank or the beneficiary's bank is called the destination bank.

How does the ECS Credit system work?
The ECS users intending to effect payments have to submit the data in a specified format to one of the approved clearing houses. The list of the approved clearing houses or the list of centre where the ECS facility has been provided is available at The clearing house would debit the account of the ECS user through the account of the sponsor bank on the appointed day and credit the accounts of the recipient banks, for affording onward credit to the accounts of the ultimate beneficiaries.

What are the advantages to the ultimate beneficiary?
The end beneficiary need not make frequent visits to his bank for depositing the physical paper instruments. He need not apprehend loss of instrument and fraudulent encashment. The delay in realization of proceeds after receipt of paper instrument.

How does the scheme benefit the ECS user-like corporate bodies/ institutions?
The ECS user saves on administrative machinery for printing, dispatch and reconciliation. Avoids chances of loss of instruments in postal transit. Avoids chances of frauds due to fraudulent access to the paper instruments and encashment. Ability to make payment and ensure that the beneficiaries' account gets credited on a designated date.

What are the advantages to the banks?
Banks handling ECS get freed of paper handling. Paper handling also creates lot of pressure on banks as they have to encode the instruments, present them in clearing, monitor their return and follow up with the concerned bank and customers. In ECS banks simply get the payment particulars relating to their customers. All they need to do is to match the account particulars like name, a/c number and credit the proceeds Wherever the details do not match, they have to return it back, as per the procedure

How can the customer track-down these payments?
Banks have been advised to ensure that the pass-books/statements given to the customers reflect the particulars of the transaction provided by the ECS users. Customers can match these entries with the advice received by them from the payment institution

What is ECS (Debit) scheme?
It is a scheme under which an account holder with a bank can authorize an ECS user to recover an amount at a prescribed frequency by raising a debit in his account. The ECS user has to collect an authorization which is called ECS mandate for raising such debits. These mandates have to be endorsed by the bank branch maintaining the account

How does the scheme work?
Any ECS user desirous of participating in the scheme has to register with an approved clearing house. The list of approved clearing houses is available at RBI web-site He should also collect the mandate forms from the participating destination account holders, with bank's acknowledgement. A copy of the mandate should be available with the drawee bank.

The ECS user has to submit the data in specified form through the sponsor bank to the clearing house. The clearing house would pass on the debit to the destination account holder through the clearing system and credit the sponsor bank's account for onward crediting the ECS user. All the unprocessed debits have to be returned to the sponsor bank within the time frame specified. Banks will treat the electronic instructions received through the clearing system on par with the physical cheques.

What are the advantages to the ultimate beneficiary?
Trouble free- Eliminates the need to go to the collection centre/banks by the customers and no need to stand in long ‘Q’s for payment Peace of mind- Customers also need not track down payments by last dates. The debits would be monitored by the ECS users.

How does the scheme benefit the ECS user-like corporate bodies/ institutions?
The ECS user saves on administrative machinery for collecting the cheques, monitoring their realization and reconciliation Better cash management. Avoids chances of frauds due to fraudulent access to the paper instruments and encashment. realize the payments on a single date instead of fractured receipt of payments.

What are the advantages to the banks?
Banks handling ECS get freed of paper handling. Paper handling also creates lot of pressure on banks as they have to encode the instruments, present them in clearing, monitor their return and follow up with the concerned bank and customers. In ECS banks simply get the mandate particulars relating to their customers. All they need to do is to match the account particulars like name, a/c number and debit the accounts. Wherever the details do not match, they have to return it back, as per the procedure.

Which are the institutions eligible to participate in the ECS Debit scheme?
Utility service providers such as telephone companies, electricity supplying companies, electricity boards, credit card collections, collection of loan installments by banks and financial institutions, and investment schemes of Mutual funds, etc.

Online & call centre banking
To cut cost Attract new customers Unprofitable Marketing personally Call centre Classification Voice call centre Web based Regional Global call centre Benefits Customer base Economical means Focused attention Round the clock

Para banking Coffee pub banking E lobby Mobile vans Narrow banking

Financial networks in India
RBI – INFINET SWADHAN, the shared payment network service BANKNET SWIFT

RTGS Concepts and Working of the RTGS System
An RTGS payment system is one in which payment instructions between banks are processed and settled individually and continuously throughout the day. This is in contrast to net settlement systems (such as paper-based clearing houses and their more modern electronic equivalents), where payment instructions are processed ("cleared") throughout the day but Inter-bank settlement (i.e. the movement of the funds between the banks) takes place only afterwards, typically at the end of the day. The attraction of the RTGS systems is that payee banks and their customers receive funds with certainty, or so-called finality, during the day, enabling them to use the funds immediately without exposing themselves to risk.

A lag between the time at which information is made available to receiving banks and the time at which settlement takes place may have important risk implications in large-value funds transfer systems. Even in the RTGS environment, where both processing and final settlement are made in real-time, several circumstances can be identified in which the treatment of payment messages or the associated information could be a source of risk.

To initiate a funds transfer, the sending bank dispatches a payment message which is subsequently routed to the central bank and to the receiving bank as the system processes and settles the transfer. Arrangements for routing payment messages in the majority of RTGS systems are based on a so-called V-shaped message flow structure. In this structure the full message with all the information about the payment (including, for example, the details of the beneficiary) is initially passed to the central bank and is sent to the receiving bank only after the transfer has been settled by the central bank.

Some RTGS systems, and particularly those that use the S. W. I. F. T
Some RTGS systems, and particularly those that use the S.W.I.F.T. network, apply an alternative structure, known as a Y-shaped structure. In this case, the payment message is transmitted by the sending bank to a central processor. The central processor takes a subset of information that is necessary for settlement from the original message and routes this core subset to the central bank (the original message being kept in the central processor). Upon receipt of the core subset, the central bank checks that the sending bank has sufficient covering funds on its account and informs the central processor of the status of the transfer, for instance, queued or settled.

Once settled, the full message containing the confirmation of settlement is rebuilt by the central processor and sent to the receiving bank. The business information exchanged between the sending and receiving bank is, therefore, not known by the settlement agent

A third structure (so far adopted only by CHAPS) is L-shaped structure, which is conceptually similar to a Y-shaped structure. The payment message dispatched by the sending bank is held at a system "gateway" attached to the sending bank's internal processing system and a subset of information contained in the original message (a settlement request) is sent to the central bank. If the sending bank has sufficient covering funds on its account, settlement is completed and the central bank sends back a confirmation message to the sending bank's gateway. Upon receipt of this confirmation (and only then), the original payment message is released automatically from the gateway of the sending bank and sent to the receiving bank.

These different structures reflect differences in both the network configuration of the system and the operational role of the central bank. In both the V and Y-shaped structures, all messages from the sending bank are routed first to a central entity (S.W.I.F.T., a central processor or the central bank itself) and, after settlement; all messages to the receiving bank are sent by that central entity. By contrast, there is no central entity for delivering messages in the L-shaped structure, where message routing is based on the bilateral exchange of information between banks, reflecting the decentralized architecture of the CHAPS system.

In terms of its operational role in the system, the central bank is directly involved in both the settlement and processing of payment messages in the V-shaped structure, while in the Y and L-shaped structures the process of message routing can be handled by the network operator or the banks themselves, with the central bank only acting as the settlement agent

These above three types of structure share the common feature that the receiving bank will receive the full payment message only after the transaction has been settled by the central bank. In these structures, therefore, the message flow structure per se cannot give rise to the possibility that the receiving bank will act upon unsettled payments

Alternatively, RTGS systems could apply a T-shaped structure, in which the sending bank routes payment messages directly to the receiving bank (through the message carrier), with copies (made by the message carrier) sent simultaneously to the central bank. This means that the receiving bank will first receive the full, unsettled payment message immediately after the sending bank has dispatched it and will subsequently also receive a confirmation message from the central bank once settlement has taken place. The T-shaped structure has generally been viewed as being incompatible with the basic principle of RTGS that a funds transfer should be passed to a receiving bank, if and only if, it has been settled irrevocably and unconditionally by the central bank

Reserve Bank of India has chosen Y – shaped structure to meet strategic objectives i.e. possibility to hive-off the Inter-bank Funds Transfer Processor (IFTP), which strips and retains the customer-related information and forwards the payment and settlement particulars to the RTGS, to an independent industry service provider.

Benefits of RTGS

For the economy Reduces systematic risk
Provides confidence of outside agencies like World Bank on Indian economy It enables efficient settlement and avoids settlement days

For the banks It offers immediate and irrecoverable settlement
It provides high value intra bank and inter bank fund transfer It provides new opportunities for formulation of innovative products

For the customers It provides sophisticated online banking services
It offers reliable high value funds transfer It improves personal image with beneficiary

How RTGS is different from Electronic Fund Transfer System (EFT) or National Electronics Funds Transfer System (NEFT)? EFT and NEFT are electronic fund transfer modes that operate on a deferred net settlement (DNS) basis which settles transactions in batches. In DNS, the settlement takes place at a particular point of time.

All transactions are held up till that time.
For example, NEFT settlement takes place 6 times a day during the week days (9.30 am,10.30 am, noon pm, 3.00 pm and 4.00 pm) and 3 times during Saturdays (9.30 am, am and noon). Any transaction initiated after a designated settlement time would have to wait till the next designated settlement time. Contrary to this, in RTGS, transactions are processed continuously throughout the RTGS business hours.

Is there any minimum / maximum amount stipulation for RTGS transactions?
The RTGS system is primarily for large value transactions. The minimum amount to be remitted through RTGS is Rs.1 lakh. There is no upper ceiling for RTGS transactions. No minimum or maximum stipulation has been fixed for EFT and NEFT transactions

What is the time taken for effecting funds transfer from one account to another under RTGS?
Under normal circumstances the beneficiary branches are expected to receive the funds in real time as soon as funds are transferred by the remitting bank. The beneficiary bank has to credit the beneficiary's account within two hours of receiving the funds transfer message.

Would the remitting customer receive an acknowledgement of money credited to the beneficiary's account? The remitting bank receives a message from the Reserve Bank that money has been credited to the receiving bank. Based on this the remitting bank can advise the remitting customer that money has been delivered to the receiving bank.

Would the remitting customer get back the money if it is not credited to the beneficiary's account? When? Yes. It is expected that the receiving bank will credit the account of the beneficiary instantly. If the money cannot be credited for any reason, the receiving bank would have to return the money to the remitting bank within 2 hours. Once the money is received back by the remitting bank, the original debit entry in the customer's account is reversed.

Till what time RTGS service window is available?
The RTGS service window for customer's transactions is available from 9.00 hours to hours on week days and from 9.00 hours to noon on Saturdays i.e. to accept the customer transactions for settlement at the RBI during 9.00 hours to hours on week days and between 9.00 hours and noon on Saturday. However, the timings between these hours would vary depending on the customer timings the branches have. For inter-bank transactions, the service window is available from 9.00 hours to hours on week days and from 9.00 hours to hours on Saturdays.

What is the essential information that the remitting customer would have to furnish to a bank for the remittance to be effected? The remitting customer has to furnish the following information to a bank for effecting RTGS remittance: 1. Amount to be remitted 2. His account number which is to be debited 3. Name of the beneficiary bank 4. Name of the beneficiary customer 5. Account number of the beneficiary customer 6. Sender to receiver information, if any 7. The IFSC code of the receiving branch

How much volume and value of transactions are routed through RTGS on a typical day?
On a typical day, RTGS handles about transactions a day for an approximate value of Rs.1,50,000 crore.

Pros & Cons and comparison with other settlement systems

Operating Concept : The distinction between Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) systems and deferred (or designated-time) net settlement systems (DNS) concerns the form and timing of settlement, not the way that payment messages are processed or transmitted. DNS systems can handle payment messages in real time but they settle in batches on a net basis at designated times, which could be during the operating day or, more typically, at the end of the day. RTGS systems, on the other hand, settle payments on a transaction-by-transaction basis as soon as they are accepted by the system.

Risk: At the designated time, DNS systems settle multiple payments that have already been accepted by the system for settlement. This causes the system’s participants to be exposed to financial risks for the period during which settlement is deferred. If not sufficiently controlled, these risks can affect not only direct counterparties but also other participants, because one participant’s inability to settle could cause the positions of other participants to change, opening up the possibility that they too might fail to meet their altered obligations.

RTGS systems, however, do not create credit risk for the receiving participant because they settle each payment individually, as soon as it is accepted by the system for settlement. For any payments not accepted, liquidity risks remain, as well as the possibility of risks being shifted outside the system.

Intraday Liquidity Requirements:
RTGS systems can require relatively large amounts of intraday liquidity because participants need sufficient liquidity to cover their outgoing payments. Liquidity can come from various sources, including opening balances, or reserve balances at the central bank, incoming payments and intraday credit (which is usually provided by the central bank). Adequate liquidity, relative to the value and distribution of payments, makes a smooth flow of payments possible through such systems, helping to avoid delays to individual payments and minimizing liquidity risks.

What is the role of RBI in payment systems?
The RBI, apart from the role of regulator and supervisor of payment systems, plays the role of a Settlement Bank apart from being a catalyst, an operator and a user. The RBI has been taking initiatives in introducing new modes of more efficient and safe means of effecting payments in the country on a continuous basis. The RBI introduced the system of Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) based cheque clearing during late 80's for four metropolitan cities (Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata). During mid 90s, electronic payment systems like ECS and EFT were introduced. During , RTGS was introduced.

Besides introducing these newer mechanisms or systems, the RBI has also been constantly ensuring that the existing systems are upgraded / refined to increase their efficiency and to meet the requirements of customers. Taking advantage of advancements in technology, the RBI has brought in additional safety measures in these systems to make them secure and also to maintain the integrity of such transactions.

Besides operating the various components of payments systems, RBI also participates in these systems as a user. RBI acts as a service provider and after the system stabilizes, the responsibility is handed over to other banks / institutions for further development. RBI also has the role of regulating and supervising the various payment systems.

How does RBI regulate payment systems?
The Board for regulation and supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems (BPSS) is a sub-committee of the Central Board of the RBI and is the highest policy making body on payment system. The Board is assisted by a technical committee called National Payments Council (NPC) with eminent experts in the field as members. The Board as well as the council are assisted by a newly created department the Department of Payment and settlement Systems (DPSS). The Board has been entrusted with the responsibility to authorize, prescribe policies and set standards for all existing and future payment systems in the country. The Board also has the powers to determine membership criteria to these systems and related policies.

Emerging new instruments
Electronic payment media Electronic money Digital money Smart cards Pseudo – cash Digital cheques

International standards on payment systems
The Committee on Payment and Settlement Systems (CPSS) contributes to strengthening the financial market infrastructure through promoting sound and efficient payment and settlement systems It serves as a forum for central banks to monitor and analyze developments in domestic payment, settlement and clearing systems as well as in cross-border and multicurrency settlement schemes. The CPSS undertakes specific studies in the field of payment and settlement systems at its own discretion or at the request of the G10 Governors. Working groups are set up as required. In recent years the Committee has developed relationships with other central banks, particularly those of emerging market economies, in order to extend its work outside the G10.

Core banking solutions

Core Banking Core Banking is normally defined as the business conducted by a banking institution with its retail and small business customers. Many banks treat the retail customers as their core banking customers, and have a separate line of business to manage small businesses. Larger businesses are managed via the Corporate Banking division of the institution. Core banking basically is depositing and lending of money. Normal core banking functions will include deposit accounts, loans, mortgages and payments. Banks make these services available across multiple channels like ATMs, Internet banking, and branches.

Core Banking Solutions
Core Banking solutions are banking applications on a platform enabling a phased, strategic approach that lets people improve operations, reduce costs, and prepare for growth. Implementing a modular, component-based enterprise solution ensures strong integration with your existing technologies. An overall service-oriented-architecture (SOA) helps banks reduce the risk that can result from multiple data entries and out-of-date information, increase management approval, and avoid the potential disruption to business caused by replacing entire systems.

Core Banking Solutions is new jargon frequently used in banking circles.
The advancement in technology, especially internet and information technology has led to new ways of doing business in banking. These technologies have cut down time, working simultaneously on different issues and increasing efficiency. The platform where communication technology and information technology are merged to suit core needs of banking is known as Core Banking Solutions.

Here computer software is developed to perform core operations of banking like recording of transactions, passbook maintenance, interest calculations on loans and deposits, customer records, balance of payments and withdrawal are done. This software is installed at different branches of bank and then interconnected by means of communication lines like telephones, satellite, internet etc. It allows the user (customers) to operate accounts from any branch if it has installed core banking solutions. This new platform has changed the way banks are working.

Core banking Core banking is all about knowing customers' needs. Provide them with the right products at the right time through the right channels 24 hours a day, 7 days a week using technology aspects like Internet, Mobile ATM.'

The CBS is an online customer centric transaction processing system , which provides-
Central accounting Customer information system Real time processing of core banking operations

The CBS automates core aspects of banking operations and enables
24 hours banking, 7 days a week Anytime, anywhere, any mode banking Integration of multi service delivery channels- ATMs, internet, phone and mobile banking. Efficiency in operations Integration with strategic areas like Trade finance, treasury, ALM, corporate balance sheet. Strengthening of MIS Clean and consistent data at one place which can become input for other information system. Change in business processes – value addition to bank and customers

The CBS is centralized at Bank – level rather than at Branch level and is the fundamental platform for all banking benefits.

To customers: Anytime ,anywhere banking Multiple channel access
Cost reduction in transactions with the bank A single view of all their accounts Speedy remittances across the country A one stop shop for all their banking needs Entire bank’s service at their disposal

In sum, EMPOWERMENT THROUGH IMPROVED SERVICE QUALITY

To branches Modern communication with customers
Better lay - out and in - branch facilities Reduced back office work – quality time for business development Daily snapshots of operations

In sum, BRANCHES WOULD DO LESS AND LESS OF BACK OFFICE WORK ANF FOCUS ATTENTION ON MARKETING AND CROSS SELLING

To bank Group synergy – cross – selling and market expansion bank balance sheet Single view of the customer Pricing / segmentation on the basis of relationship – value added services. Rationalization of fees and charges and customer profitability Quicker response to changes in environment Funds management – banks and customer’s ALM / treasury – risk and asset management

Steps to acquire CBS Analysis 80:20 rule Network plan Basic solution
Back –office MIS Flexibility Government banking E channels Response time Document management

Data warehousing solutions
Archival and purging solutions Ease of use Extendibility Plug on modules Central bank reporting Version control and migration Scalability Security

E-Banking.

Similar presentations

Presentation on theme: "E-Banking."— Presentation transcript:

Similar presentations

About project

Feedback

Log in

Auth with social network:

E-Banking.

Similar presentations

Presentation on theme: "E-Banking."— Presentation transcript:

Similar presentations

About project

Feedback