The Reserve Bank of India

Central Office Building,

Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg, Fort,

Mumbai - 400001

Subject: Audit is not an Expense, it’ an Investment to Protect Future Loss.
Request to issue direction for 100% Audits of bank branches

Dear Sir,

I am writing to bring to your esteemed attention a matter of critical importance concerning the banking sector in our country. As a concerned citizen, I firmly believe that robust audit practices are indispensable for ensuring the stability and integrity of financial institutions. Hence, I am proposing a comprehensive approach to bank audits, emphasizing the imperative need for 100% audit coverage across all bank branches.

Audits conducted by qualified Chartered Accountants play a pivotal role in maintaining transparency, accountability, and trust within the banking system. Enhancing audit practices can further optimize their effectiveness in addressing the complexities and risks inherent in modern banking operations. In light of this opportunity, I propose that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) takes proactive measures to ensure that thorough and rigorous audits by Chartered Accountants are consistently conducted across all bank branches.

• As our Hon’ble Past President APJ Abdul Kalam acknowledged the role of Chartered Accountants and mark CA as: “Partner in Nation Building”.
• Our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi acknowledged that “In Financial System the Signatures of CA’s are more powerful than for Prime Ministers.”

Bank need to understand that Audit is not an Expense, it’ an Investment to Protect Future Loss.

Specifically, I advocate for the following actions:

• Mandatory 100% Audit Coverage: RBI should mandate all banks to conduct 100% audits of their entire branch network annually. This comprehensive approach will mitigate the risks of fraud, mismanagement, and operational inefficiencies that could jeopardize the stability of the banking sector.
• Enhanced Scrutiny and Oversight: RBI should strengthen its oversight mechanisms to ensure that audits are conducted diligently and in accordance with prescribed standards. Regular monitoring and evaluation of audit processes will help identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Investment in Audit Practices: It is imperative to recognize that audits are not merely an expense for banks but rather an investment in safeguarding their future and protecting the interests of depositors and stakeholders. RBI should encourage banks to allocate adequate resources towards enhancing their audit capabilities, including the adoption of advanced technology and training programs for audit professionals.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: RBI should launch public awareness campaigns to educate stakeholders about the importance of bank audits in maintaining financial stability and protecting the economy. Emphasizing the role of audits by Chartered Accountant’s as a preventive measure against potential losses will foster greater confidence in the banking system.

In conclusion, I urge the Reserve Bank of India to prioritize the implementation of these measures to strengthen the audit framework within the banking sector. By ensuring thorough and effective audits, we can mitigate risks, enhance transparency, and uphold the integrity of our financial institutions. As the custodian of India's monetary stability, RBI's proactive intervention in this regard is paramount for safeguarding the interests of depositors, investors, and the economy at large.

Thank you for considering this proposal. I remain optimistic that with concerted efforts, we can achieve a resilient and trustworthy banking system that serves the best interests of our nation.

Yours sincerely,

CA Lokesh Kasat
Membership No.: 408308
calokeshkasat@gmail.com