Introduction
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed Bank of Baroda (BoB) to suspend, with immediate effect, any further onboarding of their customers onto the ‘bob World’ mobile banking application. This action is based on certain material supervisory concerns observed in the manner of onboarding their customers onto this mobile application. The bank has been further directed to ensure that already onboarded ‘bob World’ customers do not face any disruption on account of this suspension. Any further onboarding of customers of the bank on the ‘bob World’ application will be subject to rectification of the deficiencies observed and strengthening of the related processes by the bank to the satisfaction of RBI.
What is BOB World?
BOB World is a mobile banking application by Bank of Baroda, one of the leading public sector banks in India. It offers a range of features and services to its customers, such as digital savings account, wealth management, loans, bill payments, flight and hotel bookings, credit card management, and more. It also allows customers to compare and shop for various products and services from different merchants and earn reward points and discounts. BOB World is designed to provide a seamless and secure banking experience to its customers.
BOB World Features and Services
BOB World is a mobile banking application by Bank of Baroda, one of the leading public sector banks in India. It offers a range of features and services to its customers, such as:
- Digital savings account with 24/7 banking at your fingertips. You can open a B3 digital savings account instantly with video KYC procedure and enjoy zero balance or low balance account options.
- Wealth management with Baroda Wealth, your one-stop wealth management solution. You can invest in government schemes such as PPF, SSA, APY or mutual funds in a single click.
- Loans for your personal or professional needs. You can apply for home loan, personal loan, auto loan or education loan online and get instant approval.
- Shopping for various products and services from different merchants. You can compare and shop for merchandise, travel solutions, bill payments, recharge and more. You can also earn reward points and discounts on your purchases.
- Credit card management for your convenience and security. You can apply for credit card, set limit, PIN, block or unblock your card, view statement and pay bills online.
- Outward remittance for sending money abroad. You can transfer funds to any foreign country using SWIFT or wire transfer.
- Account aggregator for consolidating your financial information. You can link your accounts from different financial institutions and get a holistic view of your finances.
- Credit score for checking your creditworthiness. You can get your free credit report and score from CIBIL and improve your financial health.
- ATM/Branch locator for finding the nearest Bank of Baroda branch or ATM. You can also get directions and contact details of the branch or ATM.
Some of the pros and cons of BOB World application are:
Pros:
- It provides 24/7 banking at your fingertips with a simple and user-friendly interface.
- It offers 190+ banking services to its users, such as funds transfer, tax payment, IPO subscription, debit card issuance and management, outward remittance, account aggregator, credit score, etc.
- It gives access to Baroda Wealth, a one-stop wealth management solution that helps customers take informed investment decisions and invest in government schemes or mutual funds.
- It enables customers to apply for digital loans such as home loan, personal loan, auto loan or education loan online and get instant approval.
- It allows customers to compare and shop for merchandise, travel solutions, bill payments, recharge and more from different merchants and earn reward points and discounts on their purchases.
- It has a quick fund transfer feature that allows customers to transfer funds without adding and waiting for beneficiary to be listed.
- It has an invite your friends feature that allows customers to earn benefits by inviting their friends to use the app.
Cons:
- It has a capping of 5K reward points per month on bonus points earned through online spends.
- It may not suit high spenders who want to avail higher benefits or offers through the app.
- It may face security and privacy risks if there are any loopholes or deficiencies in the app or the bank’s system that could be exploited by fraudsters or hackers.
- It may lose trust and confidence of the customers if there are any material supervisory concerns observed by the RBI in the manner of onboarding of customers onto the app.
Why Reserve Bank of India Restricted Bank of Baroda from Adding New Customers to BOB World?
The RBI has taken this step because it has observed certain material supervisory concerns in the manner of onboarding of customers onto the ‘bob World’ mobile application. According to some reports, the bank’s officials had linked bank accounts to unrelated mobile numbers as they were under pressure to achieve high targets. This could pose a risk to the security and privacy of the customers and the bank. The RBI has directed the bank to rectify the deficiencies and strengthen the related processes before resuming the onboarding of customers on the ‘bob World’ app.
What steps customer should take on this BOB issue?
If you are a customer of Bank of Baroda and you have been using the ‘bob World’ mobile application, you should take the following steps:
- Do not panic. The RBI has directed the bank to ensure that already onboarded ‘bob World’ customers do not face any disruption on account of this suspension. You can still access your account and perform transactions through the app as usual.
- Check your account details and transaction history regularly. If you notice any unauthorized or suspicious activity, report it immediately to the bank through the customer support channels1. You can also block or freeze your account or debit card if needed.
- Do not share your confidential information such as OTP, CVV, PIN, card details, etc. with anyone. The bank or its agents will never ask for such information. Beware of fake calls or messages that may try to trick you into revealing your personal or financial information.
- Wait for further updates from the bank or the RBI regarding the resumption of customer onboarding on the ‘bob World’ app. The bank has been asked to rectify the deficiencies and strengthen the related processes before resuming the service. You can also visit the bank’s website or follow their social media handles for more information.
There is any financial loss to the customer who were already onboarded on this app?
There is no direct loss to the customers who are already onboarded on the ‘bob World’ app as per the RBI’s directive. The bank has been instructed to ensure that these customers do not face any disruption or inconvenience on account of this suspension. They can still access their accounts and perform transactions through the app as usual.
However, there may be some indirect or potential losses to the customers due to this issue. For example:
- The customers may lose trust and confidence in the bank and its digital services, especially if they find out that their accounts were linked to unrelated mobile numbers without their consent or knowledge.
- The customers may face security and privacy risks if their personal or financial information is compromised or misused by fraudsters or hackers who may exploit the loopholes in the app or the bank’s system.
- The customers may miss out on some benefits or offers that the bank may provide to its new customers through the ‘bob World’ app, such as discounts, rewards, cashbacks, etc.
- The customers may face difficulties or delays in availing some services or products that are exclusively available through the ‘bob World’ app, such as digital savings account, wealth management, loans, etc.
There is any risk to the customer?
There is some risk to the customers who are already onboarded on the ‘bob World’ app due to the RBI’s action. As I mentioned earlier, the customers may face security and privacy risks if their personal or financial information is compromised or misused by fraudsters or hackers who may exploit the loopholes in the app or the bank’s system. They may also lose trust and confidence in the bank and its digital services, especially if they find out that their accounts were linked to unrelated mobile numbers without their consent or knowledge. Therefore, I would advise the customers to be vigilant and cautious while using the app and report any suspicious or unauthorized activity to the bank immediately.
Conclusion
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed Bank of Baroda (BoB) to suspend, with immediate effect, any further onboarding of their customers onto the ‘bob World’ mobile banking application. This action is based on certain material supervisory concerns observed in the manner of onboarding their customers onto this mobile application. The bank has been further directed to ensure that already onboarded ‘bob World’ customers do not face any disruption on account of this suspension. Any further onboarding of customers of the bank on the ‘bob World’ application will be subject to rectification of the deficiencies observed and strengthening of the related processes by the bank to the satisfaction of RBI.
Frequently Asked Question
1. What is the reason behind Bank of Baroda’s decision to stop onboarding new customers through BOB World?
- Bank of Baroda has taken this step in compliance with a directive from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which has placed restrictions on the onboarding of new customers via the BOB World app.
2. When did this restriction come into effect?
- The restriction on new customer onboarding through BOB World app was initiated on October 10th, as per RBI’s directive.
3. Will existing BOB World customers be affected by this decision?
- No, existing BOB World customers will not be affected by this decision. They can continue to use the app as usual.
4. Can existing customers still access all the features and services offered by BOB World?
- Yes, existing customers will continue to have access to all the features and services provided by BOB World without any disruption.
5. What should new customers do if they want to join Bank of Baroda’s digital banking platform?
- New customers who wish to join Bank of Baroda’s digital banking platform are advised to visit a Bank of Baroda branch or contact the bank’s customer service for alternative onboarding methods.
6. Is this restriction permanent, or will it be lifted in the future?
- The duration of this restriction and the possibility of it being lifted in the future will depend on RBI’s assessment and guidelines. Bank of Baroda will follow RBI’s instructions in this regard.
7. How will this restriction affect the growth and expansion of Bank of Baroda’s digital banking services?
- This restriction may temporarily slow down the onboarding of new customers to BOB World but is implemented to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Bank of Baroda remains committed to providing quality digital banking services.
8. Where can customers get more information or updates regarding this situation?
- Customers can visit the Bank of Baroda website or contact the bank’s customer service for the latest updates and information regarding this situation.
9. Is this restriction related to any specific concerns or issues with BOB World app’s operations?
- The specific concerns or reasons behind this restriction have not been disclosed publicly. Bank of Baroda is cooperating with RBI to address any issues and ensure compliance.
10. Are other banking services of Bank of Baroda affected by this directive from RBI? –
- The directive primarily pertains to the onboarding of new customers through the BOB World app. Other banking services of Bank of Baroda remain unaffected by this directive.
