Securepay Grievance Policy
Direct2pay Devraaj Payments and Tech Solutions Private Limited, a company duly incorporated under the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, and having its registered office at 4th Floor, CPL Tower 2, 44B, IT Park, Shahastradhara road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248001, (hereinafter referred to as “SecurePay”), is engaged in the business of providing comprehensive payment solutions, including payment aggregator and gateway services, with the objective of facilitating the efficient collection and disbursement of payments for commercial enterprises across diverse sectors.
Through its robust, scalable, and custom-designed digital payment infrastructure, SecurePay enables a wide range of business entities (hereinafter referred to as “Merchants”) to seamlessly collect payments from their end customers. The platform is equipped to process transactions and is supported by a suite of proprietary products that allow Merchants to accept payments in a manner that is secure, transparent, cost-effective, and user-friendly.
As an organization operating in the domain of financial technology services, SecurePay places utmost importance on the satisfaction and trust of both its Merchants and the customers who engage with its platform. SecurePay is committed to cultivating long-term commercial relationships founded upon transparency, accountability, and efficiency, and seeks to promote the adoption of safe and reliable digital payment practices.
In furtherance of this commitment, SecurePay has established the present Customer Grievance Redressal Policy, which has been duly approved by its Board of Directors. This Policy has been instituted to define the mechanisms through which SecurePay shall ensure that all Merchants and Customers are treated equitably and without discrimination, and to provide an accessible and effective avenue through which they may raise concerns or complaints pertaining to SecurePay’s services. It further sets out the process for addressing and resolving such grievances both within SecurePay’s internal redressal framework and, where appropriate, through external regulatory or legal channels.
Objective and scope
This Policy sets out the framework for grievance redressal and dispute resolution at SecurePay in its capacity as a Regulated Entity, and underscores SecurePay’s commitment to operate in full compliance with the regulatory directives issued by the Reserve Bank of India (“RBI”), as well as all other applicable laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines issued by competent authorities from time to time.
The primary objective of this Policy is to define and institutionalize the principles and procedures governing the redressal of grievances and resolution of disputes arising out of, or in connection with, the services and products provided by SecurePay. It seeks to ensure that grievances and complaints raised by Merchants and Customers are addressed in a fair, transparent, consistent, and expeditious manner, in accordance with applicable regulatory mandates and the highest standards of ethical business conduct.
This Policy also delineates the internal protocols and review mechanisms to be implemented by SecurePay for the effective handling of grievances, and it formalizes the obligations of SecurePay to facilitate a responsive and accessible grievance redressal infrastructure. Furthermore, it establishes a structured process through which Customers may report concerns relating to suspected or actual instances of fraud, deception, misconduct, or unethical practices allegedly perpetrated by any Merchant affiliated with SecurePay.
In accordance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, this Policy also affirms SecurePay’s obligation to compensate Customers in a timely and appropriate manner in cases where such restitution is warranted.
This Policy is applicable to SecurePay, including all of its operations, business lines, and product offerings, whether domestic or cross-border in nature. It extends to and governs the conduct of SecurePay’s Merchants, business Partners, Employees, Customers, and any other Agents or intermediaries transacting or interacting with SecurePay in the course of its business operations.
Definitions
For the purposes of this Customer Grievance Redressal Policy, the following terms shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them hereinbelow, unless the context otherwise requires:
“Customer(s)” shall mean and refer to any individual or legal entity that purchases goods and/or services from a Merchant, and who makes payments to such Merchant using one or more payment instruments facilitated through the payment solutions offered by SecurePay.
“Merchant(s)” shall mean and refer to any individual, firm, or legal entity that is registered with SecurePay for the purpose of utilizing its services in order to accept payments from Customers through various permitted payment instruments, in fulfilment of the Customers’ payment obligations for goods and/or services rendered.
“Complaint(s)” shall mean and include any expression of dissatisfaction, dispute, or grievance - whether written, oral, or electronic - lodged by a Merchant or a Customer, which arises due to any act of omission or commission on the part of SecurePay in rendering its services, or any non-conformance, deficiency, or failure in relation to SecurePay’s products, services, systems, or processes. Complaints may pertain to but are not limited to, the following illustrative scenarios:
Instances wherein a Customer experiences an inordinate delay (beyond the expected or promised delivery date) or a complete failure on the part of a Merchant to deliver the goods or services for which the payment was processed via SecurePay’s platform, and where the Merchant fails to respond to or support the Customer in resolving the issue;
Situations where a Customer identifies an unauthorised debit from their account and alleges that such funds were utilised to process a transaction on SecurePay’s platform, and the Customer has formally approached SecurePay through appropriate legal or regulatory channels;
Cases involving unjustified or excessive delay by a Merchant in processing a refund after a confirmation has been communicated to the Customer, particularly when such delay exceeds the time period originally represented by the Merchant;
Non-compliance with, or deviation from, any applicable laws, rules, regulations, circulars, notifications, or guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India or any other competent authority, by either SecurePay or any of its affiliated Merchants, that directly or indirectly affects the Customer or Merchant experience;
Complaints from Merchants concerning SecurePay’s failure to deliver the agreed services, including but not limited to issues related to system downtimes, payment gateway outages, or performance deficiencies that adversely impact the Merchant’s operations;
Any other grievance, concern, or dispute directly arising out of, or in connection with, a transaction processed through SecurePay’s systems or services.
Grievance redressal and escalation matrix
a) Grievance Redressal Framework
Merchants and Customers who have any query, feedback, or complaint in connection with transactions processed or attempted via Direct2pay Devraaj Payments and Tech Solutions Private Limited’s (“SecurePay”) platform, or in relation to any product or service offered by SecurePay, may lodge such concerns directly with SecurePay through the available official channels.
Merchants and Customers may first access SecurePay’s Support Portal, which contains a comprehensive repository of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to assist with common concerns, at: ____________ [insert SecurePay support URL].
Customers may also check the status of their transaction using the transaction reference number provided by SecurePay via the transaction tracker portal available at: _____________ [insert URL].
Should the complainant be dissatisfied with the resolution provided, or where the response is not received within the prescribed timeline, the grievance may be escalated in accordance with the escalation matrix provided below.
Furthermore, Customers may also seek redressal through alternative channels including, but not limited to, their issuing banks in cases involving non-delivery of goods or services by a Merchant, or through appropriate law enforcement authorities in cases of unauthorised or fraudulent transactions, in accordance with applicable legal procedures.
b) Escalation Matrix and Timelines for Resolution
Level 1 – Primary Escalation
If the Merchant or Customer is dissatisfied with the initial response or resolution, they may escalate the matter by writing to:
Email: risk@securepays.co.in
SecurePay shall endeavour to respond within five (5) business days from the date the grievance is escalated. Throughout the lifecycle of a complaint, SecurePay shall provide the Merchant or Customer with the ability to track the status of their grievance via email correspondence and/or the Merchant dashboard.
In the event that the complaint cannot be resolved within the specified timeline, SecurePay shall proactively provide interim updates regarding the status of the resolution to the complainant until final closure is achieved.
Level 2 – Escalation to the Grievance Redressal Officer
Should the Merchant or Customer remain dissatisfied with the outcome at Level 1, or where no response is received within the prescribed timeline, the matter may be further escalated to SecurePay’s designated Grievance Redressal Officer. The contact details are as follows:
Grievance Redressal Officer: Jatin Baghel
Address: 4th Floor, CPL Tower 2, 44B, IT Park, Shahastradhara road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248001
Email: JatinB@securepays.co.in
The Grievance Redressal Officer shall aim to address the complaint and provide a formal response within five (5) business days from the date of escalation. Ongoing communication regarding the status of the complaint shall be maintained in the event that additional time is required to resolve the issue.
Level 3 – External Escalation to the Reserve Bank of India
In circumstances where the complainant is not satisfied with the final resolution provided by SecurePay, or where no response has been received within thirty (30) calendar days from the date the complaint was first lodged, the complainant may approach the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the Integrated Ombudsman Scheme. The relevant contact details are as follows:
Online Complaint Portal: https://cms.rbi.org.in/
Toll-Free Number: 14448
Email: crpc@rbi.org.in
Address: Centralised Receipt and Processing Centre,
Reserve Bank of India,
4th Floor, Sector 17, Chandigarh – 160017
Further information regarding the RBI’s Integrated Ombudsman Scheme is available at: https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/content/pdfs/RBIOS2021_121121.pdf.
Dispute management / chargebacks mechanism
A dispute, also referred to as a "chargeback," arises when a Customer lodges a claim with the Issuing Bank in respect of a transaction or purchase that was executed on their account. Card networks, along with regulatory bodies such as the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), confer upon cardholders and consumers the right to initiate a chargeback under certain specified conditions, which include, but are not limited to:
Fraudulent or unauthorized transactions;
Non-receipt of goods or services from the Merchant;
Delivery of defective or substandard products or services;
Instances of duplicate charges or multiple debits for the same transaction.
The permissible timeframe within which such disputes may be raised is governed by the dispute resolution rules of the respective card networks or payment systems, and may accordingly vary from one card association to another.
Chargeback resolution
In the event of a chargeback, the case may culminate in one of the following outcomes, depending on the response provided by the Merchant within the prescribed timelines.
Where the Customer’s chargeback request is found to be valid, the Merchant may elect to accept the chargeback. Upon such acceptance, the disputed amount shall be credited to the Customer’s account in accordance with the timelines prescribed by the relevant card network, and a corresponding and irreversible debit shall be made to the Merchant’s account.
If the Merchant disputes the chargeback on the grounds that the goods or services in question were duly delivered or rendered, the Merchant may submit relevant supporting documentation such as proof of delivery or evidence of service fulfilment. These documents shall be reviewed and, if deemed appropriate, forwarded to the acquiring bank for further representation to the issuing bank and the applicable card network.
In circumstances where the Merchant fails to either accept or contest the chargeback within the stipulated timeframe, the chargeback shall be deemed to have been accepted. This deemed acceptance shall carry the same financial consequence as an express acceptance, resulting in a permanent and non-reversible debit to the Merchant’s account with SecurePay.
Refunds
Customers may seek a refund from the Merchant for reasons including, but not limited to, non-delivery of goods or services, delivery of defective or damaged goods, or unsatisfactory service quality. In such cases, the Merchant may initiate a refund in respect of the original transaction processed through SecurePay’s payment gateway services. Unless expressly agreed otherwise by the Customer, refunds shall be credited to the original method of payment used by the Customer at the time of the transaction.
All such refunds or reversals, including those arising from chargebacks or other forms of transaction reversals as detailed in preceding sections, shall be processed through SecurePay’s Payment Aggregator (PA) escrow account in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.
Refund processing timelines
Refund requests shall not be entertained beyond a period of 120 (one hundred and twenty) days from the date of the original transaction, unless supported and permitted by the acquiring bank and other relevant financial partners.
Upon initiation of the refund by the Merchant through SecurePay, and subsequent processing by the bank, the refunded amount typically reflects in the Customer’s bank account or card statement within a period of five (5) to seven (7) working days. However, these timelines are indicative and may vary depending on the operational timelines and processes of various stakeholders involved, including but not limited to acquiring banks, issuing banks, card networks, and other intermediaries.
S.NO
Payment Mode
Minimum TAT
Maximum TAT
1. Credit/Debit Cards
2. UPI
3. Net Banking
4. Wallets
Failed Transactions and Reversals
In accordance with the Reserve Bank of India’s Notification on Harmonisation of Turnaround Time (TAT) and Customer Compensation for Failed Transactions, a "failed transaction" shall be construed as any transaction that is not successfully completed due to reasons not attributable to the Customer. Such reasons may include, but are not limited to, failure of communication links, unavailability of funds at an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), system timeouts, or technical errors at any stage of the transaction processing cycle.
Failed transactions shall also include instances where credit to the beneficiary’s account could not be effected due to incomplete or inaccurate information, or delays in initiating a reversal of the transaction. The said guidelines are applicable to domestic transactions, wherein both the originator and the beneficiary are located within the territory of India.
SecurePay shall ensure that all such failed transactions are reversed within the turnaround time (TAT) prescribed under the applicable regulatory guidelines, based on the payment instrument or channel used. In the event that the reversal is not completed within the prescribed TAT, SecurePay shall be liable to provide compensation to the Customer, in accordance with the standards laid down by the Reserve Bank of India or any other competent authority.
Fraud Alerts from law enforcement agencies (LEA)
In the event SecurePay receives an alert or communication from a Law Enforcement Agency (LEA) including, but not limited to, notifications via the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP), or official correspondence from the Income Tax Department, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), or any other competent authority pertaining to an unauthorised or suspicious transaction involving a Customer’s account, SecurePay shall take all reasonable and necessary steps to restrict further movement of funds at the Merchant’s end.
Such steps may include initiating fund recovery procedures or obtaining documentary evidence from the Merchant to establish that the goods or services in question were duly provided in good faith.
SecurePay shall also adhere to all lawful directions and instructions issued by the relevant LEA in connection with such matters. A dedicated internal team, under the supervision of a designated Nodal Officer, has been established to manage and respond to such LEA requests promptly and in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
The contact details of the Nodal Officer for LEA support are as follows:
Nodal Officer ________________
Address: __________________
Email: _________________
Details of the Nodal Officer shall also be made available and kept up to date on SecurePay’s official website.
Review
This Policy shall be subject to periodic review by the Board of Directors of SecurePay, as and when deemed necessary, to ensure its continued relevance, effectiveness, and alignment with applicable regulatory requirements and industry best practices. The Board shall, at a minimum, conduct an annual review of the functioning and efficacy of the grievance redressal mechanism established under this Framework.
Obligation of secrecy
SecurePay shall maintain strict confidentiality with respect to all information pertaining to its Merchants and Customers that arises from, or is incidental to, the contractual relationship between SecurePay and the respective parties. Such information shall be safeguarded in accordance with applicable laws and the principles of data protection and banking secrecy.
In evaluating requests for disclosure of data or information from governmental authorities or other external agencies, SecurePay shall ensure that any such disclosure does not contravene the statutory provisions governing the confidentiality of banking transactions. Information shall be disclosed only where such disclosure is:
Mandated by law or legal process;
Necessary in the public interest;
Required to protect the legitimate interests of SecurePay; or
Made with the express or implied consent of the Customer.
SecurePay shall not disclose or utilise Customer information for purposes such as cross-selling or any other commercial use without obtaining the Customer’s prior explicit consent.
Applicable regulations / Guidelines
This Policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, guidelines, directives, and instructions issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and other competent authorities, as amended from time to time. This Policy supersedes all prior versions and shall include, without limitation, compliance with the following regulatory provisions:
RBI Guidelines on Regulation of Payment Aggregators and Payment Gateways, as amended from time to time;
RBI Notification on Harmonisation of Turnaround Time (TAT) and Customer Compensation for Failed Transactions using Authorised Payment Systems;
RBI Notification on the Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2021;
Regulations pertaining to Payment Aggregator – Cross Border (PA-Cross Border), as amended from time to time.
Any subsequent amendments, modifications, or supplements to the applicable laws or regulatory requirements relating to the establishment and maintenance of an appropriate grievance redressal mechanism shall be deemed to be incorporated herein by reference, and this Policy shall be deemed to have been amended and revised accordingly without the need for separate approval or notification.
If you have any inquiries or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please reach out to our Grievance Officer.
Email: JatinB@securepays.co.in
Policy on Know Your Customer (KYC) & Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Standards
This Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Policy (the “Policy”) has been formulated in accordance with the Master Direction – Know Your Customer (KYC) Direction, 2016, issued by the Reserve Bank of India (“RBI”), as amended from time to time, and pursuant to the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (“PMLA”), the Prevention of Money Laundering (Maintenance of Records) Rules, 2005 (“PMLR”), and all other applicable laws, rules, regulations, circulars, and notifications issued by competent authorities, as amended or re-enacted from time to time.
This Policy outlines the minimum standards that SecurePay shall adhere to in the identification and verification of merchants, and in conducting due diligence prior to establishing an account-based relationship or processing transactions. Merchant Due Diligence is a core component of the Company’s efforts to ensure that merchants are accurately identified, are not listed on any restricted or prohibited service lists, and are appropriately assessed for risk. This process is fundamental to mitigating the risks associated with money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illicit financial activities.
KYC and AML measures are essential not only for legal and regulatory compliance but also for upholding the Company’s ethical standards, preserving its reputation, and fostering the trust of stakeholders. Robust implementation of these measures ensures the integrity of the Company’s operations and supports the broader financial ecosystem in combating financial crimes.
Failure to adhere to AML obligations, including KYC requirements, may result in severe regulatory sanctions, including suspension or revocation of licenses, significant financial penalties, and reputational harm. Recognizing these risks, the Board of Directors of Direct2pay Devraaj Payments and Tech Solutions Private Limited (“Direct2pay” or the “Company”, operating under the brand name “SecurePay”) has adopted this comprehensive Policy framework governing its AML and KYC practices, in alignment with RBI directives and best industry practices.
The Company is committed to continuously adopting evolving best practices as prescribed by regulatory authorities and shall, where necessary, revise and adapt this Policy to remain consistent with prevailing legal and regulatory standards. This Policy is applicable to all business verticals, departments, and employees of the Company. It must be read in conjunction with any internal operating procedures or guidelines issued from time to time.
This Policy is a dynamic document and shall be reviewed periodically, at a minimum on an annual basis, or earlier if warranted by changes in applicable laws, regulations, or internal risk assessments. Any revisions arising from such reviews shall be incorporated into the Policy following formal approval by the Board of Directors.
Definitions
This Policy is a dynamic document and shall be reviewed periodically, at a minimum on an annual basis, or earlier if warranted by changes in applicable laws, regulations, or internal risk assessments. Any revisions arising from such reviews shall be incorporated into the Policy following formal approval by the Board of Directors.
Aadhaar Number
Means an identification number issued to an individual by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) upon submission of demographic and biometric information, in accordance with the provisions of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, as amended from time to time. Aadhaar serves as a valid document for the purposes of both identity and address verification.Act and Rules
Refer respectively to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 ("PMLA") and the Prevention of Money Laundering (Maintenance of Records) Rules, 2005 ("PMLR"), as amended from time to time.Authentication
Shall have the meaning assigned under Section 2(c) of the Aadhaar Act and refers to the process wherein the Aadhaar number, together with demographic and/or biometric information, is submitted to the Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR) for verification, which then confirms or denies the authenticity based on its stored data.Beneficial Owner (BO)
Shall be determined as follows:In the case of a company: The natural person(s) who, either individually or collectively, or through one or more juridical persons, holds a controlling ownership interest (i.e., more than 10% of shares/capital/profits), or exercises control through other means.
In the case of a partnership firm: The natural person(s) holding more than 10% ownership or entitlement to capital/profits, or exercising control by any means.
In the case of an unincorporated association or body of individuals (including societies): The natural person(s) owning or entitled to more than 15% of the property, capital, or profits.
In the case of a trust: The BO includes the author of the trust, trustees, beneficiaries with 10% or more interest, and any other individual exercising ultimate effective control over the trust.
Where no natural person is identified under the above, the beneficial owner shall be deemed to be the relevant natural person who holds the position of senior managing official.
Biometric Information
Includes photograph, fingerprint, iris scan, or any other biological attribute of an individual as specified under the Aadhaar (Authentication) Regulations.Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR)
Means the centralized database maintained by UIDAI containing Aadhaar numbers and associated demographic and biometric information of Aadhaar number holders.Central KYC Records Registry (CKYCR)
Refers to the entity defined under Rule 2(1)(aa) of the PMLR, established to receive, store, safeguard, and retrieve KYC records of clients in digital form.Customer
Means the end user or client of the services provided by a Merchant with whom the Company has entered into a contractual arrangement for the provision of Payment gateway (PG) services.Demographic Information
Comprises the name, date of birth, address, and other relevant personal details of an individual, as prescribed for issuance of an Aadhaar number, but excludes sensitive personal information.Designated Director
Denotes the individual appointed by the Company to ensure compliance with the obligations imposed under the PMLA and the PMLR.Enrollment Number
Means the 28-digit Enrollment Identification Number issued to an individual at the time of Aadhaar enrollment.E-KYC Authentication Facility
Refers to a mode of Aadhaar authentication where biometric information and/or OTP along with the Aadhaar number is securely submitted by a consenting Aadhaar holder through a requesting entity for real-time verification, with a digitally signed response containing e-KYC data returned by the UIDAI.Group
Shall have the same meaning as under the Income-tax Act, 1961, and includes entities required to be consolidated for financial reporting purposes (i.e., parent companies, subsidiaries, and associates).Identity Information
Includes an individual’s Aadhaar number, biometric information, and demographic information as defined under the Aadhaar Act.Key Controller
Refers to individuals who govern or manage the affairs of a legal entity:In the case of a company: The natural person(s) who, either individually or collectively, or through one or more juridical persons, holds a controlling ownership interest (i.e., more than 10% of shares/capital/profits), or exercises control through other means.
In the case of a partnership firm: The natural person(s) holding more than 10% ownership or entitlement to capital/profits, or exercising control by any means.
In the case of an unincorporated association or body of individuals (including societies): The natural person(s) owning or entitled to more than 15% of the property, capital, or profits.
In the case of a trust: The BO includes the author of the trust, trustees, beneficiaries with 10% or more interest, and any other individual exercising ultimate effective control over the trust.
KYC Templates
Means standard formats prescribed for the submission of KYC data to the CKYCR, applicable to both individuals and legal entities.Merchant
Means any individual or legal entity based in India that has entered into a contractual arrangement (Merchant Agreement) with the Company for the purpose of availing PA services.Merchant Due Diligence (MDD)
Refers to the process of identifying and verifying the Merchant and its ultimate beneficial owner(s) during onboarding and ongoing review. MDD includes:Collection and validation of identity and background information of the Merchant.
Risk assessment and classification of the Merchant.
Application of simplified, standard, or enhanced due diligence depending on the risk profile.
Merchant Identification
Means the process undertaken to complete Merchant Due Diligence.Officially Valid Document (OVD)
Includes:Aadhaar Card
Passport
Driving License
Voter Identity Card issued by the Election Commission of India
Job card issued by NREGA duly signed by a State Government officer
Letter issued by the National Population Register containing name and address details.
On-going Due Diligence
Means continuous monitoring of transactions to ensure alignment with the Merchant’s profile and source of funds.Periodic Updating
Refers to the periodic review and updating of documents, data, or information collected during the MDD process to ensure their relevance and accuracy.Person
Shall have the meaning ascribed in the PMLA and includes:an individual
a company
a firm
Voter Identity Card issued by the Election Commission of India
an association of persons or a body of individuals, whether incorporated or not and
any agency, office, or branch owned or controlled by any of the aforementioned.
Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs)
Means individuals who are or have been entrusted with prominent public functions in a foreign country, including heads of state/government, senior politicians, senior government/judicial/military officials, executives of state-owned corporations, and key political party officials.Principal Officer
Means a senior management-level officer nominated by the Company, responsible for overseeing the implementation of the AML, KYC, and CFT measures specified under this Policy.Resident
Means an individual who has resided in India for a total period of 182 days or more during the twelve months immediately preceding the date of application for Aadhaar enrolment.Senior Management
Refers to personnel who are part of the Company’s core management team (excluding the Board of Directors), and includes all individuals at one level below the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director/Whole-Time Director, including the Company Secretary and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), if not members of the Board.Suspicious Transaction
Means a transaction, including attempted or incomplete transactions, whether conducted in cash or otherwise, which:gives rise to a reasonable suspicion that it involves proceeds of a scheduled offence under the PMLA
appears to be conducted under suspicious or unjustifiable circumstances
lacks apparent economic rationale or legitimate purpose; or
gives rise to suspicion of involvement in terrorist financing.
Transaction
Means any activity involving the opening of an account, or transfer of funds by electronic or other means, including any purchase or sale of goods or services.
Objectives and Key Elements of the Policy
The principal objective of this Policy is to establish a robust framework of internal controls, procedures, and systems aimed at mitigating the risks of financial fraud, identifying and deterring money laundering and other unlawful financial activities, and ensuring that the Company is adequately protected against being used, intentionally or otherwise, for any illicit or criminal purpose.
This Policy seeks to institutionalize a comprehensive approach to merchant onboarding and transaction monitoring, including procedures for the accurate identification and verification of merchants, the scrutiny of transactional behavior, and the reporting of suspicious activities. The framework further ensures that all relevant personnel are appropriately trained in Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC), and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) protocols.
In furtherance of the above objectives, the Company is committed to full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and directives issued by regulatory and enforcement authorities.
The Policy is structured around seven key elements, which collectively underpin the Company’s AML/CFT compliance architecture:
Merchant Acceptance Policy (MAP): Establishes the criteria and risk parameters for accepting merchants, ensuring that only those entities that meet the Company’s legal, ethical, and risk standards are onboarded.
Merchant Identification Procedures (MIP): Sets out the procedural requirements for the collection, verification, and validation of information to establish the identity and address of merchants in accordance with applicable regulatory norms.
Monitoring of Transactions: Implements mechanisms for the ongoing surveillance of merchant transactions to detect patterns or activities that may be indicative of money laundering, fraud, or other suspicious behaviour.
Record Retention: Prescribes the standards and timeframes for maintaining records of customer identification data, transactional history, and other relevant documents, in line with statutory requirements.
Reporting of Suspicious Transactions: Establishes protocols for the identification and timely reporting of suspicious transactions to the Financial Intelligence Unit India (FIU-IND) or other designated authorities, in compliance with PMLA and PMLR provisions.
Risk Management: Provides a risk-based approach for classifying merchants and transactions based on their risk profile, and applying enhanced due diligence where warranted.
Training and Awareness: Ensures that employees, particularly those in sensitive or compliance-related functions, receive regular and effective training on AML/KYC/CFT policies, procedures, and emerging risks.
Compliance with the AML/KYC Policy
The Company is committed to ensuring full and effective compliance with its Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Policy through a structured and accountable governance framework. To this end, the following mechanisms and oversight responsibilities have been established:
Responsibility for the oversight and enforcement of AML/KYC compliance is vested in designated members of the Senior Management, who are entrusted with ensuring that the relevant policies and procedures are implemented rigorously and consistently across the organization. Senior Management is also responsible for ensuring that all functional units adhere to applicable legal and regulatory requirements and that the Company’s AML/KYC protocols remain aligned with the evolving regulatory landscape.
To maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the compliance framework, the Company subjects its AML/KYC functions, policies, and procedures to periodic independent evaluations. These evaluations assess both operational adherence and the adequacy of internal controls in meeting statutory obligations.
In addition, a robust internal/concurrent audit system is in place to regularly assess compliance with AML and KYC requirements. Audit findings and compliance status reports are submitted to the Audit Committee of the Board for their review and oversight, ensuring transparency and institutional accountability.
Importantly, the Company retains full control and accountability over all decision-making functions relating to AML and KYC compliance. No such functions are outsourced, thereby preserving the sanctity, confidentiality, and effectiveness of the compliance process.
Appointment of Key Personnel
In furtherance of its commitment to full compliance with the Know Your Customer (KYC) Master Directions, the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), and the Prevention of Money Laundering (Maintenance of Records) Rules, 2005 (PMLR), SecuePay shall designate two key compliance personnel: A Principal Officer and a Designated Director. These positions shall be held by distinct individuals in order to preserve functional independence, enhance oversight capabilities, and ensure clear lines of accountability.
Principal Officer
The Principal Officer shall serve as the nodal officer responsible for the implementation and operational oversight of the Company’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT), and KYC frameworks. The Principal Officer’s core responsibilities shall include:
Ensuring the Company’s day-to-day compliance with all applicable statutory, regulatory, and supervisory requirements pertaining to AML, KYC, and CFT.
Establishing, maintaining, and overseeing a robust system for transaction monitoring designed to detect, investigate, and escalate suspicious activities in a timely manner.
Serving as the primary liaison with regulatory and enforcement authorities, including but not limited to the Financial Intelligence Unit India (FIU-IND), and ensuring the prompt and accurate submission of information, reports, and disclosures as mandated under applicable legal frameworks.
Designated Director
The Designated Director shall assume overall responsibility for the Company’s compliance with all obligations under the PMLA, PMLR, and any associated directives issued by the Reserve Bank of India or other competent authorities. The Designated Director shall:
Exercise oversight over the Company’s enterprise-wide AML/KYC/CFT compliance posture.
Ensure the formulation and enforcement of governance structures, policies, and procedures necessary to fulfil statutory and regulatory obligations.
Be accountable for the Company’s adherence to the broader compliance framework and for fostering a culture of compliance across all levels of the organization.
MERCHANT IDENTIFICATION PROCEDURE (MIP)
A fundamental objective of the Company's Know Your Customer (KYC) framework is the proper and reliable identification of all Merchants. This process encompasses the verification of official identification documents, supporting proof of address such as utility bills, and biometric authentication, where applicable. These procedures are designed to ensure the integrity of the onboarding process and to uphold the Company’s commitment to compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.
The Merchant Identification Procedure forms an integral part of the Company’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance program, developed in accordance with the requirements of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), along with the associated rules and notifications issued thereunder. Under this framework, the Company is required to verify, to the extent reasonably practicable, the identity of any person or entity engaging in financial transactions with it. Furthermore, the Company is obligated to maintain comprehensive records of the data and documents used to verify each Merchant’s identity, including identifying information such as name, address, and other relevant details. In addition, the Company shall consult applicable watch lists and sanctions registers particularly those identifying known or suspected terrorists or terrorist organizations issued by competent governmental authorities, to ensure that no Merchant is listed therein.
In line with its risk-based approach, the Company shall undertake appropriate due diligence to establish and verify the identities of its Merchants. Where warranted by the risk profile or nature of the business relationship, the Company will apply Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) measures to mitigate potential exposure to money laundering, terrorist financing, or other unlawful activities.
The Company may, in certain cases, rely on Merchant Due Diligence (MDD) performed by third-party entities. Such reliance shall be permissible only where the third party is subject to regulatory supervision in accordance with the obligations set forth under the PMLA and is not established in a jurisdiction identified as high-risk. It is further required that all records and information pertaining to the MDD process be readily accessible to the Company, whether directly from the third party or through the Central KYC Records Registry (CKYCR), and that such records be provided without delay upon request. Despite any reliance placed on a third party, the Company shall retain full and ultimate responsibility for conducting MDD and implementing any necessary EDD measures.
REQUIRED KYC DUE DILIGENCE
The Merchant Due Diligence (MDD) process undertaken by SecurePay is designed to ensure compliance with the Reserve Bank of India’s KYC Master Direction, the RBI Guidelines for Payment Gateways, the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), and all other applicable legal and regulatory requirements. This process is structured into a six-stage framework to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes.
At the core of the MDD process is the identification and verification of the Merchant’s identity, supported by documentary evidence or data obtained from reliable and independent sources. Where the Merchant is a legal entity, the process includes verification of the entity itself as well as its legal representatives. SecurePay further identifies the ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) being natural persons who ultimately own or control the Merchant and verifies their identities through reasonable measures. Adverse media screening, sanctions checks, and Politically Exposed Person (PEP) assessments are conducted in respect of the Merchant, its UBOs, and legal representatives. Information concerning the purpose and intended nature of the proposed business relationship is obtained, and the Merchant’s industry and legal structure are examined in order to contextualize the risk profile.
The first stage of the MDD involves verification through both documentary and non-documentary means. For individual Merchants such as sole proprietors, SecurePay verifies identity using Officially Valid Documents (OVDs) including Aadhaar, PAN, passport, or driver’s license, and obtains proof of address where necessary. Additional documents to assess financial or business standing may be requested with the individual’s explicit consent. For corporate entities, the process entails verification of incorporation documents (e.g., certificate of incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association), governance records (e.g., board resolutions or powers of attorney), and operational licenses. Business PAN, GST verification for address confirmation, and UBO identification and verification are also performed. Non-documentary verification methods may include contacting or visiting the Merchant, independent identity verification from other sources, references from financial institutions, or reviewing financial statements.
At the second stage, the identities of the Merchant, its UBOs, and legal representatives are screened against domestic and international sanctions and watch lists, including those relating to terrorism and PEPs. Screening is conducted against lists issued by the Financial Intelligence Unit of India (FIU-IND), the Reserve Bank of India, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, SEBI, the Enforcement Directorate, and international bodies such as the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). If a match is found, a Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) will be filed with the FIU-IND without alerting the Merchant. Industry classification, the Merchant's legal structure, and the purpose of the business relationship are also evaluated at this stage.
The third stage comprises the Merchant onboarding process, which is governed by an internal Merchant Onboarding Policy. This includes antecedent and background checks to establish the authenticity and legitimacy of the Merchant’s operations. SecurePay undertakes reviews of licenses, registrations, financial health (including profit and loss statements and balance sheets), and publicly available data such as websites, product offerings, customer reviews, and social media activity. Merchants are also assessed for compliance with applicable technical standards, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS), where relevant.
Following this, the fourth stage involves Merchant profiling and risk categorization. Based on a risk assessment that considers geographical location, the nature of goods or services offered, transactional behavior, and delivery channels, Merchants are classified into low, medium, high, or unacceptable risk categories. The degree of due diligence to be applied corresponds to the assessed risk level. SecurePay employs Simplified, Standard, or Enhanced Due Diligence (SDD, CDD, or EDD) processes accordingly. High-risk businesses, including those involved in pharmaceuticals, matrimony, gaming, and virtual assets, are subject to heightened scrutiny and increased monitoring. Certain sectors, such as those dealing with weapons or hacking tools, are outright prohibited.
Simplified Due Diligence (SDD) is applied to Merchants assessed as low-risk, for whom only basic identity and transactional information is collected and verified. Publicly listed companies and their wholly owned subsidiaries generally fall into this category unless other high-risk indicators are present.
Standard Customer Due Diligence (CDD) is applied to medium-risk Merchants, including non-listed companies and associations. In such cases, both the corporate identity and the identities of UBOs and legal representatives are verified, subject to applicable laws and regulations.
Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) is required where the Merchant presents a high risk. In such cases, the Company will perform in-depth transactional scrutiny, assess delivery mechanisms for goods and services, conduct quarterly account reviews, collect source of funds information, and verify associated documents such as invoices and proof of delivery. Additionally, the initial transaction must originate from a KYC-compliant bank account. Field verification may be conducted where necessary. When a Merchant or its beneficial owner is identified as a PEP, further EDD measures are implemented, including management approval prior to onboarding, detailed wealth and source of funds assessments, and continuous monitoring. If an existing Merchant is subsequently classified as a PEP, renewed senior management approval is required to continue the relationship.
Stage five pertains to ongoing due diligence, which includes continual monitoring of the Merchant’s behavior, transactional activity, and any changes in risk factors. The Company will utilize sanctions screening tools and may adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques to identify anomalies such as website alterations or the introduction of high-risk products.
Finally, stage six mandates periodic updating of KYC and risk profiles. In compliance with regulatory timelines, SecurePay will update KYC documentation every ten years for low-risk Merchants, every eight years for medium-risk Merchants, and every two years for high-risk Merchants. Aadhaar-based OTP e-KYC may be used for periodic updates, though positive confirmation is not required for address changes verified through OTP-based mechanisms. Merchants are obligated to notify the Company of any material changes and submit updated documents within thirty days.
MONITORING OF TRANSACTIONS
Ongoing monitoring constitutes a critical and indispensable component of an effective Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance framework. SecurePay shall continuously monitor Merchant transactions in a manner that is commensurate with the risk profile and sensitivity associated with each Merchant account. The objective of such monitoring is to develop an informed understanding of the Merchant’s typical transactional behavior and business activities, thereby enabling the identification of any transactions that deviate materially from established patterns or norms.
In particular, the Company shall pay heightened attention to transactions that are unusually large, complex, or lack an apparent economic or lawful purpose. Transactions that are inconsistent with the known profile of the Merchant, or that raise reasonable grounds for suspicion, shall be flagged for further scrutiny.
Securepay shall maintain appropriate mechanisms and controls to detect and evaluate such anomalous activity in real-time or through periodic reviews, depending on the assessed level of risk. The nature, frequency, and depth of monitoring shall be directly proportional to the risk categorization of the Merchant.
In accordance with Section 12 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), the Company shall ensure that any transaction or series of transactions suspected of being related to money laundering, terrorist financing, or other unlawful activity is promptly reported to the appropriate authority, including but not limited to, the Financial Intelligence Unit - India (FIU-IND), through the filing of a Suspicious Transaction Report (STR), in the manner and format prescribed under applicable law. Such reports shall be filed without tipping off the concerned Merchant or disclosing the existence or nature of the investigation.
The Company shall also retain records of monitored transactions and any internal escalations or reports for the prescribed statutory period, and shall ensure that all relevant staff are trained and equipped to identify and escalate suspicious activity in accordance with internal procedures and regulatory requirements.
RECORDS RETENTION
SecurePay shall establish, document, and implement robust procedures to ensure the retention and availability of all records relating to Know Your Customer (KYC) due diligence and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance, in accordance with the requirements prescribed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, and applicable regulatory guidelines.
The Company shall maintain a secure and auditable system for recordkeeping, which shall include:
Transactional Records: Preservation of all relevant transaction records between SecurePay and its Merchants for a minimum period of five (5) years from the date of the respective transaction. Such records shall be sufficient to permit reconstruction of individual transactions to provide, if necessary, evidence for prosecution or regulatory review.
Identification and Due Diligence Records: Retention of all records obtained for the purposes of identifying Merchants, including those collected during onboarding and throughout the course of the business relationship. These records shall be preserved for a minimum period of five (5) years following the termination of the business relationship with the Merchant.
Availability to Authorities: All identification documents, updated due diligence records, and transaction data shall be made readily available to regulatory and law enforcement authorities, including but not limited to the Financial Intelligence Unit – India (FIU-IND) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), upon request and without undue delay.
All employees of SecurePay involved in the Merchant Due Diligence (MDD) process and compliance functions shall be fully informed of their obligation to maintain and preserve such records in accordance with the prescribed retention periods. Internal compliance audits shall periodically verify adherence to these requirements, and appropriate disciplinary measures shall be taken in the event of non-compliance.
These recordkeeping measures are critical to supporting SecurePay’s AML/KYC framework, enabling effective monitoring, investigation, and reporting of suspicious activity, and ensuring full cooperation with competent authorities as required under applicable law.
REPORTING OF SUSPICIOUS TRANSACTIONS
SecurePay adheres to the statutory obligations set forth under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) and the applicable rules and regulatory directives, including those issued by the Financial Intelligence Unit – India (FIU-IND), with respect to the identification and reporting of suspicious transactions.
The Company adopts a risk-based approach to ongoing monitoring and transaction screening, designed to detect patterns of activity that deviate from a Merchant’s known or expected business profile. Where such monitoring gives rise to suspicion, additional information may be requested to assess the nature and legitimacy of the transaction or Merchant activity in question. If a reasonable basis for suspicion is established, such transactions shall be subject to reporting requirements.
The Company adopts a risk-based approach to ongoing monitoring and transaction screening, designed to detect patterns of activity that deviate from a Merchant’s known or expected business profile. Where such monitoring gives rise to suspicion, additional information may be requested to assess the nature and legitimacy of the transaction or Merchant activity in question. If a reasonable basis for suspicion is established, such transactions shall be subject to reporting requirements.
Indicators or “red flags” that may trigger internal investigation include, but are not limited to:
Incomplete, inaccurate, or misleading information provided by the Merchant;
Inconsistencies between the Merchant’s business profile and the type or volume of transactions being processed;
The use of agents or financial intermediaries acting without appropriate legal authority (e.g., in the absence of a valid power of attorney);
Submission of documents indicating an unclear, overly complex, or opaque ownership structure;
Use of suspicious identification documents or refusal to produce originals or required documentation;
Reluctance to disclose the nature of business operations or to provide financial statements;
Requests for funds to be transferred to offshore accounts without legitimate explanation;
Attempts to evade reporting or record-keeping requirements by discussing or questioning such obligations.
Upon identification of a suspicious transaction, SecurePay will initiate a comprehensive internal review. If the findings confirm the transaction as suspicious, the Company’s Principal Officer will prepare and file a Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) with the Director of the FIU-IND within a maximum of seven (7) working days from the date of determination.
The filing of an STR shall not, in itself, trigger restrictions on the Merchant’s account, unless such measures are legally mandated. In such cases, appropriate action shall be taken without notifying the Merchant.
SecurePay strictly prohibits all forms of “tipping off,” which is defined as directly or indirectly informing a Merchant or any related party that their account or activity is under scrutiny or has been reported. This prohibition applies to all employees, officers, and agents of the Company. However, routine requests for information or documentation in the course of due diligence shall not constitute tipping off, provided such requests are made in accordance with standard procedures and without disclosing the purpose.
The Company is duly registered with the FIU-IND and complies with its obligation to submit mandatory monthly reports, including STRs, in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory timelines. Details of the Company’s Principal Officer and Designated Director are submitted to both the FIU-IND and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and are kept up to date.
SecurePay shall preserve, for the prescribed statutory period, all information pertaining to the reported transactions, including the nature and value of the transaction, the currency involved, the date of execution, and the identities of the transacting parties.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Board of Directors of the Company shall ensure that an effective KYC programme is established by implementing appropriate procedures and ensuring their diligent execution. This framework shall encompass adequate management oversight, robust systems and controls, segregation of duties, staff training, and other related aspects. Responsibilities for the enforcement of the Company’s policies and procedures shall be explicitly assigned. In consultation with the Board, the Company shall develop procedures to create Risk Profiles for both existing and new Merchants and apply Anti-Money Laundering measures commensurate with the risks associated with the transaction, account, or business relationship.
The Company shall adopt a risk-based approach under which Merchants are categorised as low, medium, or high risk based on the Company’s assessment. Such categorisation shall consider factors including, but not limited to, the Merchant’s identity, social and financial status, nature of business activities, business information, and geographical location.
TRAINING
Training and education of all SecurePay employees are essential to effectively implement and comply with the requirements set forth in this Policy and the applicable local AML and Merchant Due Diligence (MDD) programs. Such training shall cover, and assess understanding of, relevant laws and regulations, SecurePay’s policies and procedures, and prohibited conduct. SecurePay and its subsidiaries shall maintain a comprehensive local AML and MDD training program that addresses jurisdiction-specific requirements and circumstances.
RISK ASSESSMENT OF MONEY LAUNDERING AND TERRORIST FINANCING
SecurePay shall establish a comprehensive and structured framework to proactively assess and manage risks related to money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF). This framework shall include conducting a thorough evaluation of all relevant risk factors to determine the overall risk exposure and implementing appropriate mitigation measures. The assessment process will incorporate sector-specific vulnerabilities as identified by regulatory and supervisory authorities.
Risk assessments will be aligned with SecurePay’s operational scale, geographic presence, organizational complexity, and business model. All such assessments shall be documented in detail, with findings formally submitted to the Board of Directors or a designated committee. These records shall be maintained and made available to competent authorities upon request.
The Board or its designated committee shall have the responsibility to determine the frequency of these assessments, which shall be conducted at least annually.
SecurePay will adopt a risk-based approach to effectively manage and mitigate identified ML/TF risks. To this end, the Company shall implement and maintain a Board-approved Risk Management Policy alongside robust operational procedures to address these risks comprehensively.
SECRECY OBLIGATIONS
SecurePay shall uphold the highest standards of confidentiality with respect to all information obtained through its contractual relationships with Merchants. In the event of requests for data or information by governmental or regulatory authorities, SecurePay shall ensure that any disclosure is made strictly in accordance with applicable legal provisions governing the confidentiality of transactions and customer information.
Disclosure of such information shall be permitted only under the following exceptional circumstances:
Where disclosure is mandated by law;
Where there exists a legal obligation to inform the public;
Where disclosure is necessary to protect SecurePay’s legitimate interests; or
Where the Merchant has provided express or implied consent to such disclosure.
CKYCR COMPLIANCE
SecurePay shall register with the Central KYC Records Registry (CKYCR) for the purpose of receiving, storing, safeguarding, and retrieving Merchant KYC records in digital format. The Company shall ensure strict adherence to the Master Direction, Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines, including the timely and accurate uploading of KYC data in accordance with the Operational Guidelines issued by the Central Registry of Securitisation Asset Reconstruction and Security Interest of India (CERSAI).
In this regard, SecurePay shall undertake the following actions:
Collect and record KYC information using CERSAI-prescribed templates applicable to both “Individuals” and “Legal Entities,” and ensure submission of such data to the CKYCR in the prescribed format and manner, as stipulated under applicable laws and regulations.
Upload KYC records to the CKYCR within ten (10) days of establishing an account-based relationship with the Merchant.
Communicate the KYC Identifier generated by the CKYCR to the concerned Merchant without undue delay.
Retrieve KYC records from the CKYCR using the Merchant’s KYC Identifier and, where necessary, request additional documentation in the following circumstances:
Any changes in the Merchant’s information as recorded in the CKYCR;
Deficiencies or non-compliance in KYC records with current regulatory requirements;
Communicate the KYC Identifier generated by the CKYCR to the concerned Merchant without undue delay.
Communicate the KYC Identifier generated by the CKYCR to the concerned Merchant without undue delay.
Furnish updated or corrected KYC data to the CKYCR within seven (7) days of receiving new information, or within any alternate period as may be notified by the Central Government or regulatory authorities from time to time.
ADOPTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES
Prior to the introduction or deployment of any new technologies, products, or services, SecurePay shall undertake the following measures:
Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify and evaluate potential money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF) risks associated with the proposed innovation;
Implement a risk-based mitigation plan to address the identified risks, which may include the application of Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) measures and the strengthening of transaction monitoring mechanisms, as deemed appropriate.
These practices shall be integrated into SecurePay’s overarching compliance and risk management framework to ensure that technological advancements remain consistent with regulatory obligations and the Company’s internal governance standards.
GENERAL
The Company shall ensure strict compliance with all applicable laws, including relevant provisions of governing statutes and the rules and regulations framed thereunder.
In any instance where the Company is unable to apply adequate KYC measures, it shall, after issuing due notice and providing an explanation to the concerned Merchant, proceed to close the account or terminate the business relationship. Such determinations shall be made at an appropriately senior level of authority.
The Company shall adhere to all applicable guidelines, directives, instructions, and advisories issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as amended from time to time. The contents of this Policy shall be interpreted and applied in conjunction with such RBI directions and any other applicable regulatory framework.