HomeCirculars › RBI/2012-13/443

FATF AML/CFT Update for RRBs and Co-op Banks

No longer current — withdrawn, no replacement on file yet
Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2012-13/443 · issued 15 Mar 2013 · ~1 min read
Quick answerRBI directs RRBs and co-op banks to consider FATF's February 2013 update on high-risk jurisdictions. This does not block legitimate trade but requires enhanced awareness of AML/CFT deficiencies in certain countries.

What changed

FATF issued an updated public statement and compliance document on February 22, 2013, replacing its earlier version. RBI now requires RRBs and state/central co-operative banks to factor this new information into their AML/CFT risk assessments.

What it means for you

Banks must stay current with FATF's evolving list of jurisdictions with weak AML/CFT regimes. While no transactions are banned, lenders should apply enhanced due diligence for any exposure to these countries. The circular reinforces that compliance is an ongoing process, not a one-time check.

Historical instruction — do not use for current compliance. This is what was required at the time; it no longer reflects current RBI requirements. If no replacement rule is linked above, that only means none is recorded on our register yet — it does not prove no later applicable rule exists. Confirm on the official RBI source below.

What banks were required to do at the time

Who it affects

Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), State Co-operative Banks, Central Co-operative Banks, Principal Officers of these banks

❓ Common questions

Regulatory timeline

Built from our lineage records — each fact carries its provenance; missing history simply is not shown (never guessed).

Does this circular prohibit transactions with the listed jurisdictions?

No. The circular explicitly states it does not preclude legitimate trade and business transactions with those countries. However, banks must consider the FATF information for enhanced due diligence.

What is the source of the updated AML/CFT information?

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) issued its updated public statement and 'Improving Global AML/CFT Compliance: On-Going Process' document on February 22, 2013. RBI has enclosed a copy and provided URLs for access.

Who needs to acknowledge receipt of this circular?

The Principal Officer of each RRB and state/central co-operative bank must acknowledge receipt to the concerned RBI Regional Office.

📜 This document’s life story (1 recorded event, each backed by RBI’s own words)
Repealed by RBI/2025-26/100 — Consolidation of Regulations — Withdrawal of circulars (28 Nov 2025)
RBI’s words: “Official withdrawal register entry #1167: RPCD.RRB.RCB.AML.No.9753/07.51.018/2012-13 — "Anti-Money Laundering (AML) / Combating of Financing of Terrorism (CFT) - Standards" dated March 15, 2013”
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2012-13/443 RPCD.RRB.RCB.AML.No. 9753/07.51.018/2012-13 March 15, 2013 The Chairmen / CEOs of all Regional Rural Banks / State and Central Co-operative Banks Dear Sir, Anti-Money Laundering (AML)/Combating of Financing of Terrorism (CFT) - Standards Please refer to our letter RPCD.CO.RRB.RCB.AML.No. 6163/07.51.018/2012-13 dated December 17, 2012 on risks arising from the deficiencies in AML/CFT regime of certain jurisdictions. 2. Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has updated its Statement on the subject and document ‘Improving Global AML/CFT Compliance: On-Going Process’ on February 22, 2013 ( copy enclosed ). The statement / document can be accessed from the following URLs also: http://www.fatf-gafi.org/documents/documents/fatfpublicstatement22february2013.html and http://www.fatf-gafi.org/topics/high-riskandnon-cooperativejurisdictions/documents/improvingglobalamlcftcomplianceon-goingprocess-22february2013.html 3. All Regional Rural Banks and State / Central Co-operative Banks are accordingly advised to consider the information contained in the enclosed statement. This, however, does not preclude Indian banks or financial institutions from legitimate trade and business transactions with these countries and jurisdictions. 4. Please advise Principal Officer of your bank to acknowledge receipt of this circular letter to our Regional Offices concerned. Yours faithfully, (Madhavi Sharma) Chief General Manager Encl: As above
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2012-13/443 · issued 15 Mar 2013. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
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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=7894&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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