CERT-In Empanelled | Achieve full regulatory alignment with the latest RBI IT Governance Master Direction 2023.
Let's be straightforward about this. The Reserve Bank of India has made it clear—information security audits are non-negotiable for regulated entities. The RBI Master Direction on IT Governance, Risk, Controls, and Assurance Practices (2023) is the document that sets the standard for how banks, NBFCs, and payment systems must manage their IT infrastructure and security.
The Regulatory Context: Why RBI Audits Are Mandatory
And here's the thing about non-compliance. It's not just about paperwork. It can lead to:
- Heavy penalties – We've seen RBI impose significant fines on institutions for IT governance failures.
- Operational restrictions – Regulators can limit your business activities until you're back in compliance.
- Reputational damage – Public enforcement actions make customers and investors nervous.
- Increased regulatory scrutiny – Past issues mean more frequent exams.
Our RBI information security audit helps you meet these requirements and stay ahead of regulatory expectations.
Our Audit Framework (Based on 2023 Master Direction)
We align our audit methodology with the specific requirements of the RBI Master Direction. Here's what we cover:
IT Governance & Strategy
We look at whether your IT governance structure meets regulatory expectations—board-level oversight, IT strategy aligned with business goals, and clear roles for IT and security functions.
Information Security Policy Framework
We review your information security policies to ensure they address RBI requirements, are board-approved, and are implemented consistently across your organization.
Cyber Resilience & Security Operations
We evaluate your cybersecurity controls—SOC capabilities, threat detection and response, vulnerability management, and patch management practices. Learn more about CERT-In empanelled auditor requirements and how they apply to your organization.
Third-Party Risk Management
We assess your vendor risk management program, including due diligence, contractual security requirements, and ongoing monitoring of third-party providers.
Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery
We verify that your BCP and DR plans are documented, tested, and capable of keeping critical operations running during disruptions.
Our Service Modules
Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing (VAPT)
We conduct comprehensive VAPT of your IT infrastructure, applications, and APIs. Our testing covers internal and external networks, web applications, mobile apps, and cloud environments. For specific guidance, explore our VAPT requirements for NBFCs and how they align with RBI expectations.
Data Localization & Protection Review
We verify that customer data is stored in compliance with RBI's data localization requirements. We review data classification, encryption controls, and data retention and disposal practices.
Core Banking System (CBS) Security Assessment
We assess the security of your core banking systems—access controls, transaction processing integrity, audit logging, and privileged access management.
Vendor Risk & Third-Party Assessment
We evaluate your third-party risk management program, including due diligence, contractual security clauses, and ongoing monitoring. This is critical if you work with fintech partners, cloud providers, or outsourced IT.
BCP & Disaster Recovery Validation
We review your business continuity and disaster recovery plans, test recovery procedures, and verify that RTOs and RPOs are achievable.
Pre-Audit Gap Assessment: Your Safety Net
Here's a common worry we hear from clients. What if we fail the formal RBI audit? That's exactly why we offer a pre-audit gap assessment. It's a proactive review that identifies compliance gaps before the formal audit even begins.
This service includes:
- A comprehensive review of your current security and governance controls against RBI Master Direction requirements.
- Identification of specific gaps and non-compliant areas.
- Prioritized remediation recommendations.
- Support to close gaps before the audit.
Think of it as a safety net. It helps you avoid negative findings and the last-minute scramble to fix issues.
Why ARM Innovations?
CERT-In Empanelled Auditor
Our empanelled status means our audit reports are accepted by regulators. We understand the regulatory landscape and what auditors and examiners are looking for. Schedule your mandatory RBI IS audit assessment with a trusted CERT-In partner.
QSA-Led Team
Our team includes Qualified Security Assessors (QSAs), Certified Information Systems Security Professionals (CISSPs), and Certified Ethical Hackers (CEHs) with deep BFSI experience.
Years of BFSI Experience
We've worked with banks, NBFCs, payment aggregators, and fintech companies across India. We understand your business context, not just the regulatory checklist.
RBI Master Direction Specialists
We don't just know the rules—we understand how to implement them practically. We help you build sustainable compliance programs, not just pass an audit.