HomeCirculars › RBI/2020-21/72

RBI Grants Perpetual Validity to Payment System Operators

No longer current — replaced by Master Directions on Authorisation to operate a Payment System
Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2020-21/72 · issued 04 Dec 2020 · ~2 min read
Quick answerRBI now issues perpetual Certificates of Authorisation to all payment system operators, replacing the earlier 5-year renewal cycle. This reduces licensing uncertainty and lets PSOs focus on business, subject to ongoing compliance with entry norms, grievance redressal, and no major supervisory concerns.

What changed

Previously, RBI granted authorisation to payment system operators for fixed periods up to five years, requiring periodic renewals. Now, both new and existing PSOs will receive perpetual validity, subject to conditions. Existing PSOs will be assessed for perpetual CoA at their next renewal, provided they meet all compliance, capital, networth, and grievance redressal requirements.

What it means for you

For banks and non-bank PSOs, this eliminates the administrative burden and uncertainty of frequent renewals, allowing longer-term business planning. However, perpetual validity is conditional—any non-compliance can lead to restrictions or revocation. Lenders should note that PSOs with perpetual CoA still face rigorous ongoing supervision, and those failing conditions get only one-year renewals before possible withdrawal.

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

All authorised non-bank payment system operators, Banks with payment system operations, New entities applying for payment system authorisation, RBI supervisory teams handling PSO oversight

❓ Common questions

Regulatory timeline

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

What happens if an existing PSO does not meet all conditions for perpetual validity?

Such PSOs will receive a one-year renewal to enable compliance. If they fail to comply within a reasonable time, their authorisation may be withdrawn.

Can a PSO lose its perpetual CoA after receiving it?

Yes. If an entity becomes non-compliant with any condition, RBI may impose restrictions or revoke the CoA under the PSS Act.

Does this circular apply to new PSO applicants as well?

Yes. Both new and existing PSOs will now be granted authorisation on a perpetual basis, subject to usual conditions.

📜 This document’s life story (2 recorded events, each backed by RBI’s own words)
Superseded by Master Directions on Authorisation to operate a Payment System
Consolidated into RBI Master Directions
RBI’s words: “Master Directions on Authorisation to operate a Payment System which consolidates instructions issued through following circulars/ guidelines”
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2020-21/72 DPSS.CO.AD.No.724/02.27.005/2020-21 December 4, 2020 The Chairman / Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer Authorised Non-bank Payment System Operators Madam / Dear Sir. Perpetual Validity for Certificate of Authorisation (CoA) issued to Payment System Operators (PSOs) under Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (PSS Act) This has reference to the Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies dated October 9, 2020 wherein Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had announced granting of authorisation for all PSOs under PSS Act on a perpetual basis, subject to certain conditions. 2. Currently, RBI grants authorisation to new entities desirous of operating a payment system for specified periods up to five years. Similar approach is adopted for renewal of validity of authorisation to existing entities. To reduce licensing uncertainties and enable PSOs to focus on their business as also to optimise utilisation of regulatory resources, it has been decided to, hereafter, grant authorisation for all PSOs (both new and existing) on a perpetual basis, subject to the usual conditions. 3. For existing authorised PSOs, grant of perpetual validity shall be examined as and when the CoA becomes due for renewal subject to their adherence to the following: Full compliance with the terms and conditions subject to which authorisation was granted; Fulfilment of entry norms such as capital, networth requirements, etc.; No major regulatory or supervisory concerns related to operations of the PSO, as observed during onsite and / or offsite monitoring; Efficacy of customer grievance redressal mechanism; No adverse reports from other departments of RBI / regulators / statutory bodies, etc. 4. Existing PSOs who do not satisfy all conditions will be given one-year renewals to enable them to comply; if any entity fails to do so in a reasonable time, its authorisation may be withdrawn. 5. If an entity becomes non-compliant with any of the conditions of authorisation, RBI may undertake action as deemed fit under the provisions of PSS Act, including imposition of restrictions on payment system operations and / or revocation of CoA. 6. This directive is issued under Section 10(2) read with Section 18 of Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (Act 51 of 2007). Yours faithfully, (P Vasudevan) Chief General Manager
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2020-21/72 · issued 04 Dec 2020. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
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Official RBI source: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=12000&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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