Regulatory Alerts2021-09-09
Accepting the Digital ID on Absher Platform and Tawakklna Application
The Saudi Central Bank requires all supervised financial institutions to accept the Digital ID issued via the Absher platform and Tawakklna application as valid identity verification for existing customers in transactions that do not mandate a physical copy. Institutions must continuously evaluate risks associated with electronic ID reliance and implement appropriate mechanisms to retrieve digital copies when necessary. This directive, effective immediately, aligns the acceptance of QR-enabled digital IDs with existing Civil Status System regulations to streamline customer verification processes.
Saudi Central Bank
Ref. No.: 43010538 Date: 1443/02/02 Attachments: None
Circular
To: Respected,
Peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you,
Subject: Accepting the Digital ID from Absher Platform and Tawakklna Application.
I refer to the Ministry of Interior's launch of an electronic version of the National ID in the (Absher/Individuals) application, named the Digital ID, in cooperation with the National Data Management Office (NDMO), to facilitate citizens' identity verification by enabling beneficiaries to view their National ID data electronically. The Digital ID for citizens from the Absher platform, which includes a QR Code, is adopted as an identity card subject to the same provisions as the Digital ID document under the Civil Status System and its Executive Regulations regarding proving the holder's identity, as well as its adoption in the Tawakklna application.
Please be informed that financial institutions are required to accept the electronic ID for existing customers in transactions that do not require a copy thereof, with the necessity of continuously evaluating and reviewing risks arising from reliance on the electronic ID, and establishing an appropriate mechanism to obtain a copy of the ID electronically in transactions requiring a copy.
For information and action as of its date.
Yours sincerely,
Fahd bin Ibrahim Al-Shathri Deputy Governor for Supervision
Distribution Scope: All financial institutions under the supervision of the Saudi Central Bank.