RRBs must update UN Al-Qaida sanctions list for new accounts
Current · Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2011-12/339 · issued 05 Jan 2012 · ~2 min read
Quick answerRBI directs RRBs to update the UN Al-Qaida sanctions list using six new notes from the UN Security Council. Before opening any account, verify the customer's name against this list. Also, scan all existing accounts for matches and follow the UAPA freezing procedures from earlier circulars.
Sanctions-list safety note. This circular refers to a specific UN Security Council / UAPA designated-entities list update as it stood on the date above — sanctions lists change often, and a newer update almost certainly exists today. Never use this page, or any single dated circular, as your current screening list. Always screen against the live, current list at the official UAPA proscribed-organisations list and the UN Consolidated List, and confirm the obligations for your bank on the official rbi.org.in source below.
The rule, in the simplest words
Before opening any new account, check the customer's name against the UN Al-Qaida sanctions list (a list of bad people and groups linked to Al-Qaida).
Update your bank's sanctions list using six new notes from the UN Security Council (dated Oct 5, Oct 17, Nov 30, Dec 13, Dec 28, and Dec 30, 2011).
Scan all existing accounts to see if any match the updated list, and tell your Compliance Officer (the person who makes sure rules are followed).
If you find a match, freeze (lock) the account's money and assets following the steps in paragraph 6 of the November 5, 2009 circular.
Send a receipt of this circular to your RBI Regional Office through your Compliance or Principal Officer.
How it plays out — a real example
A payments & clearing officer in Indore is opening a new account for a customer. Before approving, she checks the customer's name against the updated UN Al-Qaida sanctions list from the six new notes. She also reviews her existing accounts and finds one that matches the list, so she freezes that account's funds as per the November 5, 2009 circular and reports it to her Compliance Officer.
What changed
RBI has forwarded six new UN Security Council notes (dated Oct 5, Oct 17, Nov 30, Dec 13, Dec 28, and Dec 30, 2011) that update the Al-Qaida Sanctions List. RRBs must now incorporate these changes into their customer screening process. This supersedes the previous list circulated in the January 2, 2012 circular.
What it means for you
RRBs must immediately update their internal sanctions lists to include the newly designated individuals and entities. Failure to screen new and existing accounts against this list could lead to regulatory action. The freezing of assets must follow the detailed procedures in the November 5, 2009 circular, specifically paragraph 6.
What you must do
Update your internal sanctions list with the six new UN notes (Annex I to VI) provided in this circular.
Before opening any new account, verify the proposed customer's name against the updated Al-Qaida Sanctions List.
Scan all existing accounts to identify any matches with the updated list and report findings to your Compliance Officer.
For any matched accounts, freeze funds and assets as per paragraph 6 of the November 5, 2009 circular.
Acknowledge receipt of this circular to your respective RBI Regional Office through your Compliance/Principal Officer.
Who it affects
All Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Compliance Officers and Principal Officers of RRBs, Branch managers handling account opening and KYC
Built from our lineage records — each fact carries its provenance; missing history simply is not shown (never guessed).
Where can I find the full consolidated sanctions list?
The complete list is available on the UN website at http://www.un.org/sc/committees/1267/aq_sanctions_list.shtml. The six new notes are enclosed with this RBI circular.
What should I do if an existing account matches the list?
You must freeze the funds, financial assets, or economic resources in that account, following the procedure detailed in paragraph 6 of the November 5, 2009 circular. Also, ensure no further transactions are permitted.
Do I need to report back to RBI after updating the list?
Yes, the Compliance Officer or Principal Officer must acknowledge receipt of this letter to the concerned RBI Regional Office. No other reporting is specified in this circular.
📜 This document’s life story (1 recorded event, each backed by RBI’s own words)
RBI’s words: “and RPCD.CO.RRB.AML.No.6723/03.05.28(A)/2011-12 dated January 5, 2012”
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2011-12/339
RPCD.CO RRB.AML.No. 6723 /03.05.28(A)/2011-12
January 5, 2012
The Chairmen
All Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
Dear Sir,
Implementation of Section 51-A of UPA, 1967
Updates of the UNSCR 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) Committee's Al Qaida Sanctions List
Please refer to our circular letter RPCD.CO.RRB.AML.BC.NO.51 /03.05.33 (E)/2011-12 dated January 2, 2012 . We have since received from Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs, UNP Division copies of notes forwarded by the Chairman of UN Security Council's 1267/ 1989 Committee (copy enclosed) regarding changes made in the “Al-Qaida Sanctions List”, i.e. list of Individuals and entities linked to Al-Qaida, as detailed below:
Note dated October 5, 2011 ( Annex I )
Note dated October 17, 2011 ( Annex II )
Note dated November 30, 2011 ( Annex III )
Note dated December 13, 2011 ( Annex IV )
Note dated December 28, 2011 ( Annex V )
Note dated December 30, 2011 ( Annex VI )
2. RRBs are required to update the list of individuals/entities as circulated by the Reserve Bank and before opening any new account, it should be ensured that the name/s of the proposed customer does not appear in the list. Further, RRBs should scan all existing accounts to ensure that no account is held by or linked to any of the entities or individuals included in the list.
3. RRBs are advised to strictly follow the procedure laid down in the UAPA Order dated August 27, 2009 enclosed to our circular RPCD . CO. RRB. No. 39 / 03.05.33(E) /2009-10 dated November 05, 2009 and ensure meticulous compliance to the Order issued by the Government.
4. As far as freezing of funds, financial assets or economic resources or related services held in the form of bank accounts of the designated individuals/entities are concerned, action should be taken as detailed in paragraph 6 of the circular dated November 05, 2009, mentioned above.
5. The complete details of the said consolidated list are available on the UN website:
http://www.un.org/sc/committees/1267/aq_sanctions_list.shtml
6. Compliance Officer/Principal Officer should acknowledge receipt of this letter to our Regional Office concerned.
Yours faithfully
(I.S.Negi)
General Manager
Encls: As above
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2011-12/339 · issued 05 Jan 2012. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
Example: if you are a Compliance officer at a bank this circular applies to (All Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Compliance Officers and Principal Officers of RRBs, Branch managers handling account opening and KYC), your first concrete step on “RRBs must update UN Al-Qaida sanctions list for new accounts” is: “Update your internal sanctions list with the six new UN notes (Annex I to VI) provided in this circular.” (RBI issued this 05 Jan 2012).
Circular: RBI/2011-12/339 -- RRBs must update UN Al-Qaida sanctions list for new accounts
Issued: 05 Jan 2012
Action required: Update your internal sanctions list with the six new UN notes (Annex I to VI) provided in this circular.
Action required: Before opening any new account, verify the proposed customer's name against the updated Al-Qaida Sanctions List.
Action required: Scan all existing accounts to identify any matches with the updated list and report findings to your Compliance Officer.
Action required: For any matched accounts, freeze funds and assets as per paragraph 6 of the November 5, 2009 circular.
Action required: Acknowledge receipt of this circular to your respective RBI Regional Office through your Compliance/Principal Officer.
Owner: ____________ Target date: ____________
Board/committee approval needed? Y / N
Evidence filed in compliance register on: ____________
Built only from this circular’s own published fields — not legal advice; always confirm against the official RBI source.
💬 Banker Discussion
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BankPulse Compliance Evidence Pack — generated 03 Aug 2026 · status cross-checked against RBI’s official withdrawal register (refreshed weekly). Official RBI source: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=6924&Mode=0 — Plain-English summary by BankPulse (bankpulse.ai), reviewed by our expert reviewer, CA Amit Jain. Independent platform, not affiliated with the Reserve Bank of India; is our own plain-English paraphrase, not RBI’s original wording.
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