RBI Strengthens Grievance Redressal via Internal Ombudsman
- Blog|News|FEMA & Banking|
- < 1 minute
- By Taxmann
- |
- Last Updated on 17 January, 2026

Circular No. CEPD.PRD.No.S1027/13.01.019/2025-26, Dated: 14.01.2026
1. Introduction
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has notified the Internal Ombudsman Directions, 2026 to strengthen the internal grievance redressal framework across banks and select regulated entities.
2. Entities Covered Under The Directions
The Directions apply to commercial banks, payments banks, small finance banks, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), non-bank prepaid payment instrument (PPI) issuers, and credit information companies, ensuring uniform grievance handling standards.
3. Appointment And Tenure Of Internal Ombudsman
The framework lays down provisions relating to the appointment, tenure, and independence of the Internal Ombudsman. This aims to ensure impartial review of customer complaints within regulated entities.
4. Review Of Rejected Or Partially Resolved Complaints
Under the Directions, complaints that are partially resolved or proposed to be rejected must be reviewed by the Internal Ombudsman before final rejection. Timelines have been prescribed to ensure faster and more effective grievance resolution.
5. Conclusion
The Internal Ombudsman Directions, 2026 reinforce RBI’s focus on consumer protection and accountability. By strengthening internal grievance mechanisms, the Directions seek to improve transparency, trust, and timely resolution of customer complaints across the regulated ecosystem.
Click Here To Read The Full Circular
Disclaimer: The content/information published on the website is only for general information of the user and shall not be construed as legal advice. While the Taxmann has exercised reasonable efforts to ensure the veracity of information/content published, Taxmann shall be under no liability in any manner whatsoever for incorrect information, if any.

Taxmann Publications has a dedicated in-house Research & Editorial Team. This team consists of a team of Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries, and Lawyers. This team works under the guidance and supervision of editor-in-chief Mr Rakesh Bhargava.
The Research and Editorial Team is responsible for developing reliable and accurate content for the readers. The team follows the six-sigma approach to achieve the benchmark of zero error in its publications and research platforms. The team ensures that the following publication guidelines are thoroughly followed while developing the content:
- The statutory material is obtained only from the authorized and reliable sources
- All the latest developments in the judicial and legislative fields are covered
- Prepare the analytical write-ups on current, controversial, and important issues to help the readers to understand the concept and its implications
- Every content published by Taxmann is complete, accurate and lucid
- All evidence-based statements are supported with proper reference to Section, Circular No., Notification No. or citations
- The golden rules of grammar, style and consistency are thoroughly followed
- Font and size that’s easy to read and remain consistent across all imprint and digital publications are applied

CA | CS | CMA