Mumbai: In a move to enhance public awareness and promote financial literacy, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched a verified WhatsApp channel under its ongoing ‘RBI Kehta Hai’ initiative.
This latest step by the RBI aims to deliver crucial financial information directly to citizens in a simple and accessible manner.
Expanding Public Outreach
The RBI has been conducting public awareness campaigns through various platforms, including text messages, television and digital advertisements.
With the introduction of the WhatsApp channel, the RBI plans to strengthen its outreach efforts and ensure that important financial messages reach people across different regions of the country.
The central bank stated that the WhatsApp channel would share updates on financial literacy, fraud prevention, and secure banking practices. This initiative is expected to increase accessibility, strengthen public trust, and promote safer banking habits among users.
Promoting Secure Digital Transactions
The rise of digital payments has also led to growing risks of financial fraud. To address this, the RBI’s WhatsApp initiative aims to educate the public on best practices for safe and secure digital transactions.
During the inauguration ceremony of Digital Payments Awareness Week 2025 in Mumbai, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that the RBI will continue to ensure innovation in digital payment systems across the country. He added that nearly 40 per cent of India’s adult population still lacks access to digital payment facilities, highlighting the need for targeted awareness campaigns and enhanced security measures.
Strengthening Payment Security Framework
Last year, the RBI introduced a draft framework focused on strengthening the security of digital payments.
According to the framework, all digital transactions, excluding card-present transactions, must use a dynamically generated authentication factor unique to each transaction. This move is intended to prevent fraud and enhance the safety of online payments.
Through its verified WhatsApp channel and ongoing reforms, the RBI aims to build a safer, more inclusive, and digitally empowered financial ecosystem in India.
