RBI has asked the CEOs of UCBs to conduct a self-assessment of their existing outsourcing arrangements and bring the same in line with RBI’s guidelines within a period of six months.
RBI however cautions that such outsourcing also exposes the UCBs to the external risks and thus the need for these guidelines.
Co-operative banks shall not outsource core management functions including policy formulation, internal audit and compliance, compliance with KYC norms, credit sanction and management of investment portfolio.
RBI clarifies that these guidelines are not applicable to technology-related issues as also activities not related to financial services like usage of courier, catering of staff, housekeeping and janitorial services, security of the premises, movement and archiving of records, etc.
However, where required, experts, including former employees, could be hired on a contractual basis subject to the Audit Committee of Board/Board being assured that such expertise does not exist within the audit function of the bank.
Any conflict of interest in such matters shall be recognised and effectively addressed. Ownership of audit reports in all cases shall rest with regular functionaries of the internal audit function.
Co-operative banks have to take steps to ensure that the service provider employs the same high standard of care in performing the services as would be employed by them, if the activities were conducted by the banks and not outsourced. Accordingly, co-operative banks should not engage in outsourcing that would result in their internal control, business conduct or reputation being compromised or weakened.
During Inspections RBI or NABARD will review the implementation of these guidelines to assess the quality of related risk management systems particularly in respect of material outsourcing. Material outsourcing arrangements are those, which if disrupted, have the potential to significantly impact the business operations, reputation or profitability of co-operative banks.
Material outsourcing arrangements include the potential impact of the outsourcing by the co-operative bank on various parameters such as earnings, solvency, liquidity, funding capital and risk profile.
A co-operative bank intending to outsource any of its financial activities shall put in place a comprehensive outsourcing policy, approved by its Board. The Board, and CEO along with the Senior Management shall be ultimately responsible for outsourcing operations and for managing risks inherent in such outsourcing relationships.
The Board and CEO along with the Management shall have the responsibility to institute an effective governance mechanism and risk management process for all outsourced operations.
