Enhancement of Core Banking Solution (CBS) for Suspect Registry Verification of mobile number in Indian Bank
To combat the escalating threat of cybercrime, a centralized Suspect Registry has been established. This database integrates critical suspect identifiers—including mobile numbers, PAN, and Aadhaar data—shared across financial, mercantile, and regulatory institutions.
A new validation feature is now integrated into the CBS to cross-reference mobile numbers during the onboarding of new customers or when updating mobile records for existing Customer Information Files (CIFs). By selecting the “Verify” button, the system performs a real-time check against the Suspect Registry. If a match is found, the system triggers a mandatory alert for the processing officer (Maker) to guide further action based on the risk category.
The Blog: Safeguarding Digital Finance: The Rise of India’s Central Suspect Registry
In an era where digital transactions happen in the blink of an eye, the speed of financial fraud has often outpaced traditional security measures. However, a significant shift is occurring within the Indian banking landscape. With the integration of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) Suspect Registry into Core Banking Solutions (CBS), financial institutions are moving from reactive recovery to proactive prevention.
The Evolution of Cyber Defense in Indian Banking
The battle against cybercrime reached a turning point with the establishment of the I4C under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Historically, banks operated in silos; a fraudster blocked at one bank could easily open an account at another using the same credentials. The Suspect Registry shatters these silos by creating a unified, “living” database of 1.4 million known offenders and suspicious identifiers.
As of early 2026, this registry has become the backbone of “Digital India’s” security architecture. By sharing data such as PAN, Aadhaar, and mobile numbers in real-time, the registry has already saved an estimated ₹5,100 crore by blocking over 1.3 million fraudulent transactions.
Understanding the New CBS Functionality
The recent update to the Core Banking Solution (CBS) introduces a mandatory “Verify” protocol. This isn’t just a routine check; it is a multi-layered diagnostic tool. When a bank official enters a mobile number for a new account or a modification, the system queries the registry and returns specific risk indicators:
S.No Mobile number available in suspect
data from:
Pop-up message
1 i) I4C (Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center)
ii) FRI (Fraud Risk Indicator shared by
DoT)-Medium risk
iii) MNRL (Mobile Number Revocation
List shared by DoT) for reasons:
a) DoT Reported Fake or
forged cases.
b) Subscriber Verification
Non-Compliant Cases
c) TSP’s Internal Analysis
d) Disconnection due to zero
usage or Non-Payment
e) Others
“Mobile number exists in Suspect Registry. Exercise
extra caution before on-boarding!”
2 MNRL for reason: LEAs reported
Cybercrime.
“Mobile number reported by LEA.
Creation/amendment not allowed.”
3 FRI- High risk. “Mobile number reported as High risk by DOT.
Creation/amendment not allowed.”
4 FRI- Very High risk. “Mobile number reported as Very High risk by DOT.
Creation/amendment not allowed.”
The Critical Role of DoT and the FRI
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced two vital tools: the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) and the Mobile Number Revocation List (MNRL).
- FRI: A dynamic score (Medium, High, Very High) generated by the Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU). It analyzes patterns such as geographical anomalies and rapid-fire SMS bursts.
- MNRL: A list of numbers disconnected due to identity forgery, non-payment, or direct involvement in “digital arrest” scams.
Why This Matters: Beyond Just Compliance
For banking professionals, this functionality is about more than following circulars—it’s about protecting the institution’s integrity. The use of “Mule Accounts” (accounts used to launder stolen money) has plummeted since these real-time checks were mandated. In 2024-2025 alone, over 8.6 lakh mule accounts were frozen across India due to these integrated registries.
Furthermore, this system aligns with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines issued in 2025, which mandate that banks utilize the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) to ensure that the “seeded” mobile number in a bank account is authentic and still held by the original subscriber.
Conclusion: A Collective Shield
The integration of the Suspect Registry into the CBS marks a new chapter in banking security. By empowering branch-level “Makers” and “Checkers” with the same intelligence available to Law Enforcement Agencies, the financial system becomes a hostile environment for fraudsters.
Branches are directed to strictly adhere to these system-generated alerts. The “Verify” function is not a suggestion but a critical safeguard. Every alert ignored is a potential gateway for systemic fraud. Bank officials must exercise professional skepticism and ensure that “High Risk” flags result in immediate cessation of the onboarding process to maintain the sanctity of the financial ecosystem.