Why in news? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has apprised to drive ATM penetration in the country with a greater focus on Tier III to VI cities

Highlights:

• Non-bank companies have been permitted to set up, own and operate White Label ATMs (WLAs) in the country.
• WLAs provide banking services to the customers of banks in India, based on the cards (debit/credit/prepaid) issued by banks.
• In addition to dispensing cash, WLAs may offer many other services / facilities which inter-alia include:
  • Account Information
  • Cash Deposit
  • Regular Bill Payment
  • Mini / Short Statement Generation
  • PIN Change
  • Request for Cheque Book
• Four authorised non-bank entities are operating White Label ATMs in the country. Tata Communications Payment Solutions Limited (TCPSL) was the first company authorized by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to open White Label ATMs in the country. It got launched under the brand name ‘Indicash’.

About White Label ATM:

• Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) set up, owned and operated by non-banks are called White Label ATMs.
• Non-bank ATM operators are authorised under the Payment & Settlement Systems Act, 2007 by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Such non-bank entities should have a minimum net worth of Rs 100 crore as per the latest financial year’s audited balance sheet, which is to be maintained at all times.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), up to 100 per cent, is allowed under the automatic route in the activity of White Label ATM (WLA) Operations.