Pre-Onboarding Checks

Top-7-Customer-Onboarding-Solutions-In-India-blog-image

Top 7 Customer Onboarding Solutions In India

What Is Customer Onboarding?

Customer onboarding guides a new customer from the point of sign-up to the moment they see value in your product or service. Effective onboarding is critical in regulated sectors like banking, insurance, and fintech, including identity checks, document verification, and compliance with KYC and AML regulations.

Done well, onboarding builds trust, shortens time to value, and reduces drop-offs. Done poorly, it can cause frustration and churn before the relationship begins.

Key Points To Remember In Customer Onboarding

  • Compliance comes first – In India, customer onboarding must meet regulatory requirements like e-KYC, Video KYC, CKYC registry checks, AML, and sanctions screening.
  • Frictionless experience – Customers expect fast, digital-first experiences: pre-filled forms, mobile-friendly design, and minimal document re-submission.
  • Trust and security – Liveness detection, consent capture, and secure storage are essential to protect the business and the customer.
  • Time to value (TTV) – The sooner a customer experiences value, the more likely they are to stay. Automated workflows and guided onboarding reduce delays.
  • Analytics and tracking – Drop-off rates, completion times, and error rates must be measured to improve continually.

How To Choose Customer Onboarding Software In India

When evaluating platforms, businesses should consider the following:

  • Regulatory coverage
    Seek support for Aadhaar-based e-KYC (where applicable), PAN verification, GSTIN checks, Video KYC, and AML/sanctions screening.
  • Workflow flexibility
    Ensure the software can handle straight-through processing as well as exception handling. Project-style templates and client portals are often required.
  • Integration ecosystem
    A strong onboarding platform integrates with CRMs, core banking or insurance systems, payment gateways, and e-signing tools.
  • Scalability and security
    Cloud-native solutions with ISO or SOC certifications, data residency compliance, and strong encryption practices are critical.
  • Customer experience features
    Guided flows, multilingual support, mobile responsiveness, and automated reminders enhance adoption.
  • Commercial clarity
    Understand whether pricing is per API call, per user, or per project, and check for add-on costs like storage or premium connectors.
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7 Best Customer Onboarding Solutions In India

Customer onboarding is no longer just a box-ticking exercise. It has become a critical differentiator for businesses in India, especially in regulated industries like banking, insurance, and fintech. Choosing the right onboarding platform can mean the difference between a seamless, compliant journey and one riddled with delays, drop-offs, and risks.

Below are seven of the best customer onboarding solutions available in India today, in no particular order:

1. AuthBridge

AuthBridge offers one of India’s most comprehensive onboarding platforms, designed to balance regulatory compliance with a smooth customer experience. The company combines digital identity verification, document management, due diligence, and automation at scale.

Key Capabilities:

  • Digital KYC & Video KYC (V-CIP):
    Real-time facial recognition, liveness detection, OCR, and geo-tagging. Video-based KYC is designed to cut turnaround times by up to 90% and reduce costs by as much as 70%.

  • AML & Risk Screening:
    Anti-Money Laundering checks, adverse media monitoring, and reputation screening through proprietary databases like Vault and Negative Image Search.

  • Third-Party Onboarding (OnboardX):
    A dedicated platform for onboarding vendors, distributors, gig workers, and other third parties with multi-channel initiation, progress monitoring, and due diligence powered by over a billion proprietary records.

  • Document Execution (SignDrive):
    Digital signing workflows that eliminate the friction of physical paperwork, with secure, auditable e-signatures.

  • Financial Data Intelligence:
    Bank Statement Analyser for automated classification of income, expenses, and potential fraud indicators, helping insurers and lenders speed up underwriting.

  • Insurance-Specific Accelerators:
    Tailored solutions for insurers, including real-time policyholder verification and Pre-Issuance Verification Calls (PIVC), with AI-led calls reducing PIVC turnaround times by up to 80%.

  • Integration & APIs:
    Plug-and-play APIs for PAN, Aadhaar DigiLocker, GSTIN and other verifications, plus integrations with HRMS, CRMs, and ERPs.

2. TrackWizz

TrackWizz focuses heavily on regulated financial sectors, offering an integrated suite for client lifecycle management.

Services Offered:

  • Central KYC (CKYC) submission and management.

  • AML and sanctions screening with transaction monitoring.

  • Automated onboarding workflows for high-net-worth and institutional clients.

  • Insider trading compliance and regulatory reporting (FATCA, CRS).

3. KYC Hub

KYC Hub is a global onboarding platform with solutions built for compliance-heavy markets, including India.

Services Offered:

  • Automated Digital KYC and Video KYC.

  • Perpetual KYC with ongoing risk assessment.

  • AML screening, fraud prevention, and dynamic risk scoring.

  • Document verification powered by AI and APIs.

  • Customisable workflows to adapt to business requirements.

4. Salesforce Financial Services Cloud

Salesforce provides a powerful onboarding module within its Financial Services Cloud, which is trusted globally and adapted for Indian institutions.

Services Offered:

  • Digital client onboarding with guided journeys.

  • Automated document collection and e-signatures.

  • CRM integration to unify customer data during onboarding.

  • Workflow automation for account origination and compliance checks.

5. Newgen Software

Newgen delivers AI-driven customer onboarding solutions designed for banks and financial institutions.

Services Offered:

  • End-to-end digital account opening (deposits and loans).

  • Video KYC for remote onboarding.

  • AI and ML-driven risk assessment for faster approvals.

  • Account maintenance automation, including re-KYC and updates.

6. OnRamp

OnRamp is built for businesses looking to provide structured and transparent onboarding experiences.

Services Offered:

  • A customer-facing portal for clear visibility of steps.

  • Internal project dashboards for teams to manage tasks and timelines.

  • Ready-to-use templates and playbooks to accelerate onboarding.

7. FlowForma

FlowForma is a no-code workflow automation tool that helps enterprises digitise their onboarding journeys.

Services Offered:

  • Customisable onboarding workflows with dynamic forms.

  • Deep integration with Microsoft 365 applications.

  • AI Copilot supports building and managing workflows.

  • Mobile-ready experiences for distributed teams.

Conclusion

For enterprises that value both compliance and customer experience, AuthBridge offers a proven, future-ready solution. Other platforms such as TrackWizz, KYC Hub, Salesforce, Newgen, OnRamp, and FlowForma also deliver strong capabilities, each excelling in specific domains. The choice ultimately depends on your industry, scale, and integration needs.

Businesses that adopt the proper solution now will win customer trust faster and build long-term resilience in an increasingly regulated market.

By Abhinandan, ago
Vendor Management Software/Platform best

Top 9 Vendor Management Platforms & How To Choose One

Behind every successful enterprise lies a network of suppliers, partners, and contractors. Yet, the very relationships that power growth also expose businesses to risks like financial, reputational, and regulatory. A weak link in a vendor chain can stall operations, trigger compliance breaches, or worse, compromise trust with customers.

This is why Vendor Management Platforms (VMPs) have become central to modern business. No longer just procurement add-ons, these platforms now sit at the heart of governance, enabling companies to verify vendors, track performance, and maintain compliance without slowing down day-to-day business.

In this article, we’ll explore what a vendor management platform is, how to choose one, and the Top 9 vendor management platforms.

What Is A Vendor Management Platform?

A Vendor Management Platform is a software system that governs the lifecycle of a third-party relationship. It begins with onboarding, capturing company details, verifying statutory IDs, and collecting compliance documents. It extends into contract management, risk checks, ongoing performance monitoring, and eventually, vendor renewal or exit.

The logic is simple: without a central system, vendor management becomes fragmented, files live in inboxes, risk checks are delayed, and compliance officers spend weeks preparing for audits. A VMP consolidates these steps into a single, traceable workflow.

But the best platforms go further. They integrate with ERP systems like SAP and Oracle, link to identity and SSO tools such as Azure AD, plug into e-signature solutions for faster contracting, and feed data into BI dashboards for strategic decision-making. The outcome is not only efficiency but confidence that every vendor is who they claim to be, and that every risk is being monitored.

How To Choose The Right Vendor Management Platform

The selection of a VMP should never be about chasing the most features. It should be about aligning the tool with your business model, your regulatory environment, and your technology ecosystem.

Key considerations include:

  • Regulatory fit: Does the platform understand your compliance needs? For instance, an Indian bank must be able to verify the GSTIN, PAN, and Aadhaar. A European subsidiary, on the other hand, will prioritise GDPR compliance.

  • Workflow flexibility: Can non-technical teams adjust forms, approval paths, or risk scoring without waiting for IT? Agility here often determines adoption.

  • Integration readiness: How well does the system talk to your ERP, finance, or identity stack? Poor integrations often derail the promise of automation.

  • Security credentials: Look for SOC 2 and ISO certifications, clear data retention policies, and alignment with India’s DPDP Act alongside global standards.

  • Scalability: Can it handle thousands of vendors as easily as it handles hundreds? Growth should not break the system.

  • True cost of ownership: Beyond licence fees, factor in usage costs for verifications, onboarding volumes, and support.

Ultimately, the right VMP is one that makes life easier for your compliance team while giving procurement and finance leaders the data they need to make sharper decisions.

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Top 9 Vendor Management Platforms

1. AuthBridge

If vendor risk is one of the biggest challenges facing Indian enterprises today, AuthBridge is one of the few platforms built specifically to address it. While global suites tend to assume uniform regulatory landscapes, AuthBridge recognises the complexity of operating in India, with its mix of GST registrations, Udyog Aadhaar numbers, and sector-specific rules.

Why AuthBridge Leads:

  • Digital-first onboarding: Vendors can be onboarded in hours rather than weeks, with automated collection of GSTIN, Udyog Aadhaar, PAN, and bank verification.

  • Comprehensive due diligence: From financial health to adverse media screening, AuthBridge ensures that no red flag is missed.

  • Seamless integrations: Compatible with ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, Tally, and Microsoft Dynamics, ensuring clean financial workflows.

  • Compliance at its core: SOC 2 Type 2 and ISO certifications, with design principles that align with the DPDP Act.

  • Performance monitoring: Tools to track SLAs and vendor scorecards, ensuring relationships are measured and improved over time.

Best suited for: Regulated industries such as BFSI, telecom, and healthcare, as well as multinationals expanding into India. AuthBridge brings credibility and speed, making it an invaluable partner where compliance cannot be compromised.

2. SAP Ariba

SAP Ariba remains one of the most recognised names in procurement and vendor management. It offers a vast supplier network, contract management, risk analysis, and integration with SAP ERP. Its strength lies in scale, perfect for enterprises running complex, global operations.

Best suited for: Large enterprises that want procurement, vendor risk, and contract management deeply integrated with their SAP environment.

3. Coupa

Coupa combines spend management with supplier oversight. Its vendor management capabilities allow businesses to monitor supplier performance while gaining visibility into costs. With strong analytics, it appeals to CFO-led organisations that demand transparency.

Best suited for: Enterprises seeking tighter control over spend alongside vendor risk insights.

4. GEP SMART

A unified procurement platform, GEP SMART offers sourcing, contract management, and supplier collaboration. Its cloud-native design makes it accessible, while its analytics help procurement leaders make data-led decisions.

Best suited for: Organisations looking for a single platform to manage sourcing and vendor performance in one place.

5. Jaggaer

Jaggaer has long been associated with vendor risk and supplier performance. Its platform allows for detailed supplier assessments and integrates well into global procurement processes.

Best suited for: Organisations with global supply chains that require rigorous vendor assessments and visibility across categories.

6. Oracle Procurement Cloud

Oracle’s procurement suite includes strong vendor onboarding, contract management, and compliance features. Its tight integration with Oracle ERP is the obvious advantage for enterprises already invested in Oracle’s ecosystem.

Best suited for: Oracle ERP customers seeking to extend their stack into vendor management without introducing new vendors.

7. Zycus

Zycus, with its AI-driven “Merlin” suite, brings automation to supplier management, contract analysis, and risk monitoring. It has carved a reputation for balancing usability with intelligence.

Best suited for: Enterprises that want a mix of automation and AI-powered insights across procurement and vendor management.

8. Kissflow Procurement Cloud

Kissflow offers no-code procurement and vendor management workflows, enabling rapid setup and easy adoption. Its vendor portals are simple, making it attractive for mid-sized firms that value agility.

Best suited for: Mid-market firms that want to digitise vendor management quickly without heavy IT dependence.

9. Tipalti

Tipalti approaches vendor management through the lens of payables. Its strength is in onboarding suppliers globally, managing tax/KYC compliance, and automating payments. For finance leaders, it reduces the friction of global payments while maintaining compliance.

Best suited for: Finance-led teams dealing with a large volume of international supplier payments.

Closing Thoughts

Vendor management is not just about reducing cost, but also about building trust, ensuring compliance, and maintaining resilience. The right platform is the one that helps your business strike that balance. Among the many choices, AuthBridge stands out not simply for its technology, but for its understanding of the Indian market and its ability to combine compliance rigour with business agility.

By Abhinandan, ago
FSSAI Food Business Verification

FSSAI Verification For Food Businesses: Complete Guide

Introduction To FSSAI Verification And Its Importance For Food Businesses

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the regulatory body responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of food products in India. Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, FSSAI is critical in maintaining food safety standards, implementing laws, and regulating the food industry. It ensures that food businesses adhere to health and hygiene protocols, ultimately protecting public health.

For any food business in India, whether you’re involved in food production, distribution, or retailing, obtaining FSSAI registration or a license is an essential step towards gaining the trust of your customers. FSSAI certification is considered a mark of credibility, confirming that your business meets the stringent food safety standards the government sets.

The FSSAI verification process involves two key stages: first-time registration and ongoing compliance. While registering for FSSAI for the first time may seem daunting, ongoing compliance ensures that businesses meet food safety standards even after obtaining the initial certification. Neglecting these regulations can lead to hefty penalties and, in some cases, business shutdowns.

This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of obtaining an FSSAI registration or license, ongoing compliance measures, and everything you need to know to ensure your food business adheres to the FSSAI’s stringent requirements.

Types Of FSSAI Licenses And Registration

FSSAI offers three license categories depending on a food business’s size, nature, and turnover. It’s important to understand which category your business falls into because the registration or licensing process and the associated requirements vary accordingly.

1. FSSAI Registration for Small Food Businesses (Basic Registration)

For small food businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh, the FSSAI provides a Basic Registration. This registration type is ideal for small-scale operators like food vendors, small eateries, and low-scale food processors. The process is more straightforward and quicker than obtaining a license, making it the entry-level certification for food businesses in India.

2. FSSAI State License

The State License is required for medium-sized food businesses with an annual turnover ranging from ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore. It applies to companies that handle larger operations, such as manufacturing units, large restaurants, and wholesale food suppliers. This license type ensures that food businesses adhere to specific state-level regulations, with the state food safety department taking the lead in inspection and monitoring.

3. FSSAI Central License

Businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore, or those operating across multiple states, must apply for a Central License. This license applies to large manufacturers, importers, exporters, and large-scale food businesses that must comply with national regulations. The FSSAI’s Central Licensing Authority governs the issuance of this license and conducts inspections to ensure food safety standards are met across regions.

How To Apply For FSSAI Registration And License

Applying for FSSAI registration or a license is a straightforward process. Below, we outline the step-by-step process for first-time registration and applying for State or Central licenses.

1. Basic Registration Process (For Small Businesses)

Suppose your food business falls under the Basic Registration category. In that case, the process is relatively simple and can be done online through the official FSSAI website or the FSSAI Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) platform. Here’s how:

  1. Create an Account on FoSCoS: Visit the official FSSAI website and create an account on FoSCoS. Fill in your business details, including the type of business, address, and nature of food products.

  2. Provide Documentation: For basic registration, you will need to submit minimal documentation, such as:

    • A photo ID proof of the business owner

    • Proof of business address

    • Details about the food safety supervisor (if applicable)

  3. Submit Application: After completing the details and uploading the necessary documents, submit your application for review. The FSSAI will process the application and grant the registration, typically within 7 days.

  4. Receive Registration Number: Once approved, you will receive your FSSAI registration number. Display this number on your food products or packaging.

2. State and Central License Application Process

For businesses that require a State License or a Central License, the process is more detailed and involves more documentation. Here’s how to apply:

  1. Create an Account on FoSCoS: Just like the basic registration, create an account on the FoSCoS platform. However, in this case, you must select either the State or Central License option, depending on your business’s turnover and nature.

  2. Fill in the Application Form: Complete the application form with detailed business information, including:

    • Food category and description of the food products manufactured or sold

    • Details of the manufacturing unit, if applicable

    • Proof of business address

    • List of equipment used in food processing or packaging

  3. Submit Supporting Documents: You will need to provide additional documents for State or Central licenses, such as:

    • Food safety management system certification (e.g., ISO 22000, HACCP)

    • Details of food safety supervisors

    • Plant layout and process flow chart

    • Proof of ownership or rental agreement of the business premises

    • No objection certificate (if required)

  4. Inspection and Verification: After the application is submitted, an FSSAI inspector will visit your facility to verify the information provided and ensure that it complies with the standards set by FSSAI. The inspection focuses on food hygiene, quality control, and safety protocols.

  5. Receive License Number: Once your business passes the inspection and all documents are verified, you will receive your FSSAI license number, which must be displayed on food products and packaging.

3. Important Considerations for FSSAI Application

  • Accuracy is Key: Ensure that all the details in your application are accurate and match the supporting documents. Any discrepancies could delay the approval process or lead to rejection.

  • Timely Renewal: FSSAI registrations and licenses must be renewed before expiry. Renewal applications should be submitted 30 days before the current registration/license expires.

  • Additional Certifications: Depending on the type of food business and the scope of operations, you may be required to apply for additional certifications such as organic certification, halal certification, or export/import certifications.

Ongoing FSSAI Compliance For Food Businesses

The responsibility doesn’t end there once your food business has successfully registered or obtained its FSSAI license. FSSAI compliance is an ongoing requirement to ensure that companies continue to meet the safety, hygiene, and quality standards mandated by the FSSAI. Regular adherence to these standards is essential to maintaining your registration/license and avoiding penalties or shutdowns.

1. Maintaining Food Safety Standards

FSSAI sets stringent guidelines for food safety management that businesses must adhere to consistently. These include:

  • Hygiene and Sanitation: Ensure your premises, staff, and equipment are always clean and hygienic. This includes regularly cleaning manufacturing units, storage areas, and transport vehicles. Proper waste disposal and pest control measures should also be in place.

  • Quality Control Measures: Implement strict quality control systems to ensure food products meet safety standards. This involves monitoring the raw materials used, testing the products at different stages of production, and maintaining proper storage conditions.

  • Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS): Many businesses are required to implement an FSMS. Systems such as HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) or ISO 22000 help businesses identify potential hazards, prevent contamination, and improve food safety.

2. Regular Inspections and Audits

FSSAI conducts periodic inspections of food businesses to ensure they comply with food safety standards. Companies should be prepared for both scheduled and surprise inspections. The inspections typically cover:

  • Compliance with food hygiene regulations

  • Adequate documentation of food safety measures

  • Labelling of food products (ensuring accurate nutritional information and expiry dates)

  • Traceability systems to track raw materials, production processes, and final products.

During an inspection, the FSSAI inspector will also assess whether the business complies with any additional standards, including those set by international food safety organisations (such as HACCP).

3. Reporting and Record Keeping

Maintaining thorough records is an integral part of ongoing FSSAI compliance. These records include:

  • Daily production logs: Track the quantity, type, and details of food produced.

  • Supplier details: Maintain records of raw materials and packaging suppliers, ensuring they also meet FSSAI compliance standards.

  • Inspection and audit reports: Keep copies of previous inspections, internal audits, and any corrective actions taken.

  • Employee training records: Document the food safety training sessions provided to staff, which should be conducted regularly to ensure all employees are up-to-date with food safety practices.

Failure to maintain adequate records can result in penalties, fines, or revocation of your FSSAI license.

4. Renewal and Updates

FSSAI registrations and licenses are not permanent; they must be renewed periodically to ensure continued compliance. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Renewal Timeline: You must submit your renewal application at least 30 days before your registration or license expires.

  • Updating Business Information: If any changes in your business operations, such as a change in ownership, address, or the nature of your business, these changes must be reported to FSSAI and updated in your license.

It’s crucial to keep track of the expiration date of your license and begin the renewal process well in advance to avoid any registration lapses.

5. Labelling and Packaging Compliance

FSSAI requires that food products meet specific labelling and packaging standards. Businesses must ensure that:

  • Product labels mention the FSSAI registration or license number.

  • Nutritional information, including ingredients, allergens, and calorie count, is accurate and easy to understand.

  • Best-before or expiry dates are displayed as per FSSAI guidelines.

  • Manufacturing and batch numbers are included to ensure product traceability in case of a recall.

Non-compliance with labelling regulations can result in fines or the confiscation of goods.

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Penalties For Non-Compliance With FSSAI Regulations

While obtaining FSSAI registration or a license is a crucial step for food businesses, it is equally essential to maintain continuous compliance with FSSAI regulations. Failing to adhere to these standards can lead to serious consequences, including hefty penalties, fines, and even the suspension or cancellation of your FSSAI registration or license. Below are some common penalties that food businesses in India may face for non-compliance with FSSAI regulations.

1. Monetary Fines and Penalties

FSSAI imposes monetary penalties for a wide range of non-compliance issues, including:

  • Failure to Obtain Registration or License: If your food business operates without the necessary registration or license, you may be subject to a fine of up to ₹5 lakh.

  • Failure to Maintain Hygiene and Safety Standards: Any violation of hygiene, sanitation, or food safety regulations can lead to fines ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹5 lakh, depending on the severity of the breach.

  • Incorrect Labelling or Misleading Claims: If food products are found to have incorrect labelling, including misleading claims about nutritional content, allergens, or expiry dates, fines of up to ₹5 lakh may be imposed. Repeated offences can lead to more severe penalties.

2. Suspension or Revocation of FSSAI License

In cases of severe violations, FSSAI has the authority to suspend or revoke the registration or license of a food business. Reasons for suspension or revocation include:

  • Failure to Comply with Inspection Requirements: If your food business fails to comply with the mandatory inspections or does not take corrective actions when required, FSSAI may suspend or revoke your license.

  • Repeated Violations: Businesses that repeatedly fail to comply with FSSAI regulations, even after warnings and fines, may have their registration or license permanently revoked.

  • Contamination or Unsafe Food Products: In cases where a food business produces or distributes unsafe food products that pose a risk to public health, FSSAI can revoke the license to protect consumers.

3. Imprisonment for Serious Offences

In certain circumstances, food business operators may face criminal charges under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Serious violations that could result in imprisonment include:

  • Selling Contaminated or Substandard Food: Selling food that is contaminated, adulterated, or not fit for consumption can lead to imprisonment for up to 6 months for the first offence, with the possibility of a fine of up to ₹5 lakh. Subsequent violations can result in a jail term of up to 1 year.

  • Selling Misbranded or Misleading Food Products: Businesses found guilty of selling food for sale with false or misleading information can face imprisonment of up to 1 year, along with a fine of up to ₹3 lakh.

4. Compensation to Affected Consumers

In cases where non-compliance harms or injures consumers, the food business may be required to compensate affected individuals. For instance, if contaminated food causes foodborne illnesses, the company may be required to pay medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.

5. Seizure of Goods

FSSAI also has the authority to seize food products that do not comply with food safety standards. This includes:

  • Contaminated or Unsafe Food Products: Products not meeting the safety requirements can be seized and destroyed.

  • Products with Incorrect Labels: Food products with misleading or incorrect labelling may be confiscated, especially if they mislead consumers about ingredients, allergens, or nutritional information.

How To Avoid Penalties And Maintain FSSAI Compliance

The best way to avoid penalties and maintain compliance with FSSAI regulations is to:

  • Regularly review food safety standards and ensure your business meets the latest FSSAI requirements.

  • Conduct internal audits to verify that your records, hygiene practices, and safety systems are current.

  • Provide staff training on food safety, hygiene practices, and regulations.

  • Stay updated with FSSAI notifications and any changes to the law that might affect your business.

  • Implement a strong FSMS (Food Safety Management System) like HACCP to prevent safety breaches.

Resources And Important Links For FSSAI Compliance

Staying informed and current with the latest FSSAI regulations is crucial for any food business in India. FSSAI provides a range of official resources that food businesses can refer to for guidance, updates, and compliance assistance. These resources are invaluable for ensuring that your company adheres to food safety standards and remains in good standing with the regulatory authorities.

1. Official FSSAI Website

The FSSAI website is the primary source for all regulatory information related to food safety in India. It provides detailed guides, notices, and instructions for food businesses on obtaining registration, complying with regulations, and renewing licenses. You can access the website here:
www.fssai.gov.in.

Some of the essential sections of the FSSAI website include:

  • Food Safety and Standards Regulations: A complete list of all food safety regulations, rules, and guidelines for food businesses.
    Food Safety and Standards Regulations

  • Licensing and Registration: A dedicated section for food business owners to learn about the different types of licenses and how to apply for them.
    Licensing and Registration

  • Inspection Matrices: Guidelines for inspections and the standards that food businesses must meet to ensure compliance.
    Inspection Matrices

  • Food Safety Display Boards: Regulations regarding the display of food safety information in food businesses.
    Food Safety Display Boards

2. FSSAI Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS)

FoSCoS is the online platform FSSAI provides for the registration, licensing, and compliance monitoring of food businesses in India. This system allows businesses to apply for registration or licenses, track the status of applications, and maintain their compliance records online. The platform is user-friendly and helps streamline the regulatory process.

To access FoSCoS, visit:
www.fssai.gov.in/foscos

3. FSSAI Compendium of Licensing Regulations

FSSAI regularly updates its Compendium of Licensing Regulations to provide businesses with the most current rules and regulations regarding food safety. This document is an essential resource for food business owners to understand their obligations and ensure they comply.

You can download the latest Compendium of Licensing Regulations from:
 FSSAI Compendium of Licensing Regulations

4. Training and Certification Programs

FSSAI offers various training and certification programs for food business operators to ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills to maintain compliance. These programs are aimed at both food safety supervisors and business owners.

The training programs cover food safety management, hygiene practices, quality control, and legal requirements. These certifications are often required for businesses involved in food processing and handling.

Visit the FSSAI website for more information on training and certification:
 Training Programs

5. FSSAI Helpline and Support

FSSAI provides a helpline for businesses seeking assistance with registration, compliance, and other regulatory matters. This support can be invaluable when navigating complex food safety standards or needing clarification on specific regulations.

Contact FSSAI at:

  • Helpline: 1800-11-2080 (Toll-free)

  • Email: info@fssai.gov.in

Conclusion

FSSAI compliance is a critical element in the success and sustainability of food businesses in India. Understanding the regulatory requirements, applying for the correct licenses, and ensuring ongoing compliance are all vital steps to maintaining food safety and building consumer trust. By following the guidelines set by FSSAI and utilising the resources available, food businesses can not only avoid penalties but also foster a reputation for delivering safe, high-quality food products to consumers.

By Abhinandan, ago
Motor vehicles aggregator guidelines 2025

Motor Vehicles Aggregator Guidelines 2025: All You Need To Know

Introduction To The Motor Vehicles Aggregator Guidelines 2025

The Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways, in July 2025, introduced the new Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2025, providing much-needed updates to the regulations for vehicle aggregators in India. These guidelines are designed to govern the operations of vehicle aggregators, including ride-hailing platforms, food delivery services, and operators of two-wheeler and four-wheeler vehicles. If you are from the ride-hailing/ride-sharing industry or want to venture into this space, here is all you need to know about these guidelines.

Indian DL Frauds

In 2020, MoRTH first introduced the Motor Vehicles Aggregator Guidelines (MVAG) to provide a regulatory structure for India’s fast-growing shared mobility industry. With increased demand for more diverse and flexible mobility options, including electric vehicles (EVs), auto-rickshaws, and bike-sharing systems, the 2025 guidelines were updated to ensure they align with the latest trends in technology and consumer preferences.

Key Highlights Of The 2025 Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines:

  1. Adaptation to Industry Evolution: Reflects significant developments in the shared mobility ecosystem, including introducing electric vehicles, two-wheeler services, and environmentally-friendly transport solutions.
  2. Focus on Safety and Welfare: Prioritises the safety of passengers and the welfare of drivers, ensuring protection for both while enabling seamless mobility.
  3. Sustainability Initiatives: Encourage the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), contributing to a greener mobility solution and reducing carbon footprints.
  4. State-Level Adaptation: States have been given three months to implement these guidelines, allowing room for local adaptations where needed.

Important Definitions Under The Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2025

Aggregator

An aggregator is any entity providing a digital platform for connecting passengers and vehicles. Through a mobile app, these platforms allow passengers to book vehicles, whether for ride-hailing, food delivery, or other services involving motor vehicles.

App

App refers to the digital application developed and maintained by the aggregator. This platform is the interface through which passengers book rides, and drivers can offer their services.

Fare

Fare refers to the total amount payable by a passenger for availing services through the aggregator’s app. This includes the cost of tolls, taxes, parking fees, and any additional charges as specified in the agreement between the passenger and the aggregator.

Driver Fare

The Driver Fare is the portion of the total fare the driver receives for services rendered. It includes all costs, such as tolls and parking fees, that the driver incurs while providing the service.

Dynamic Pricing

Dynamic pricing refers to the adjustment of fares based on demand and supply. When ride demand exceeds supply (e.g., during peak hours), the pricing algorithm may increase the fare. However, the maximum dynamic pricing cannot exceed two times the base fare, ensuring some level of price control and fairness.

Induction Training Program

An Induction Training Program is a mandatory training that all drivers must undergo before being onboarded by the aggregator. The program includes training on:

  • How to use the app.
  • Key traffic regulations.
  • First responder training for emergencies (such as road accidents).
  • Sensitivity training, including gender sensitivity and Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) sensitivity.

Additional Key Definitions:

  • Licence: A license issued to the aggregator by the competent authority under Section 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
  • Security Deposit: The amount the aggregator must provide to ensure compliance with the guidelines may be a bank guarantee or an insurance surety bond.
  • Grievance Officer: The officer appointed by the aggregator to address any complaints or grievances raised by passengers or drivers.
  • Onboarding: The process of registering drivers and their vehicles on the digital platform provided by the aggregator.
  • Off-boarding: Removing drivers and their vehicles from the aggregator’s platform.

Applicability Of The Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2025

The Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2025 apply to all aggregators operating in India. The following section outlines the scope and exclusions of these guidelines.

To whom do the MVA 2025 guidelines apply?

These guidelines apply to any aggregator operating within a state that:

  • Offers a platform for connecting drivers with passengers for ride-hailing or delivery services.
  • Aggregates two-wheelers, four-wheelers, auto-rickshaws, or any vehicle offering mobility or delivery services.

Aggregators must comply with these guidelines to operate legally and maintain a valid license issued by the state Competent Authority.

Entities Not Covered Under The Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2025

Certain entities are excluded from these guidelines:

  1. Entities providing interoperable networks: These businesses facilitate networking among licensed aggregators but do not directly onboard drivers or vehicles onto their platform. They do not perform functions like fare management, driver-passenger interactions, or vehicle registrations.
  2. Public transport ticket aggregators: Businesses selling tickets for public service vehicles (like buses or trains) are not subject to these regulations.

Key Points to Note:

  • The guidelines apply to all types of aggregated motor vehicles, including but not limited to ride-sharing and food delivery services.
  • State Governments can adopt additional provisions, provided they align with the central framework.
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Designated Portal By The Central Government

Under the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2025, the Central Government is tasked with developing and designating a single-window portal for the following purposes:

  • Granting and renewing licenses for aggregators.
  • Processing application fees, license fees, and security deposits required for operation.
  • Allowing real-time updates of the aggregator’s compliance status and license validity.

This centralised portal will streamline the licensing process, making it easier for aggregators to apply for and renew their licenses, pay fees, and stay updated on their compliance status. Once operational, this portal will simplify state-level processes by providing a single, unified access point for aggregators to meet regulatory requirements.

Eligibility For Obtaining A Motor Vehicle Aggregator Licence

Under the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2025, the eligibility criteria for obtaining a licence are laid out to ensure that only qualified and capable entities can operate as aggregators. Here are the specific and detailed eligibility requirements:

1. Legal Entity Requirement

  • The applicant must be a legal entity registered as one of the following:
    • A company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013.
    • Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) or Cooperative Society formed under applicable laws.
    • A partnership firm, provided it meets the compliance criteria under relevant laws.

2. Operational Compliance

Aggregators must meet operational standards outlined in the guidelines:

  • They must ensure all vehicles they manage adhere to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Central Motor Vehicles Rules.
  • Vehicle roadworthiness should be checked via a fitness certificate issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
  • The aggregator must have a functioning app that is compliant with data privacy and cybersecurity standards under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
  • Vehicles must have GPS tracking devices, panic buttons, and emergency contact systems integrated into the app for real-time vehicle tracking.

3. Financial Standing

  • The applicant must show sufficient financial standing to operate at scale. This includes:
    • Proof of Financial Capability: Aggregators must submit financial statements or other documents showing their ability to cover operational costs, such as driver welfare, vehicle maintenance, and insurance.
    • Net Worth Requirements: Depending on the scale of operations (number of vehicles), the financial capacity must be sufficient to cover security deposits and operational expenses.

4. Fleet Size and Coverage

  • To be eligible for a licence, the aggregator must demonstrate its capacity to manage a minimum fleet size (this varies by state). This includes:
    • Two-wheeler aggregators must manage at least 50 vehicles to be eligible for a licence.
    • Four-wheeler aggregators must manage at least 100 vehicles.
    • Aggregators must provide a breakdown of the types of vehicles they intend to operate (e.g., electric cars, two-wheelers, four-wheelers).

5. Compliance with Passenger Safety Standards

  • The aggregator must ensure the following safety measures are in place:
    • Vehicle Location Tracking Devices: Vehicles must have real-time tracking systems connected to the aggregator’s operations control room.
    • Panic Button: All vehicles must have a functioning panic button, which must be easily accessible by both the driver and the passenger and linked to emergency services.
    • First-Aid Kit: Each vehicle must carry a basic first-aid kit.
    • Insurance: Vehicles must be insured with a third-party liability policy and driver protection insurance.

6. Data Protection and Cybersecurity

  • The aggregator must ensure that all user data collected via the app complies with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. This includes:
    • Encrypted communication for sensitive passenger and driver data.
    • Clear privacy policies that ensure users are aware of data collection practices.
    • Cybersecurity measures are used to safeguard against data breaches and ensure secure transactions.

7. No Previous Violation or Cancellation of Licence

  • The applicant must not have had its licence revoked or cancelled within the last 12 months due to violations of the previous guidelines or regulatory non-compliance.
  • Disciplinary Actions: The aggregator’s compliance record is reviewed, and any penalties or previous infractions must be disclosed. Repeated violations may disqualify the applicant from obtaining a new licence.

8. Driver Welfare and Compliance

Aggregators must demonstrate that they have a robust driver welfare program that includes:

  • Health Insurance: Aggregators must provide health insurance to drivers, with a minimum coverage of ₹5 lakh per driver.
  • Training Program: All drivers must complete an Induction Training Program before being onboarded, which must cover:
    • Traffic rules and regulations.
    • Safety protocols for emergencies.
    • Gender sensitivity and disability awareness are essential to ensure inclusive service for all passengers.
  • Driver Background Verification: Aggregators must conduct thorough background checks, including:

9. Technological Capacity

  • The aggregator must have the necessary technological infrastructure to:
    • Process online payments securely.
    • Offer ride booking and fare management through a fully functional app.
    • Ensure real-time monitoring of trips for safety and route optimisation.
    • Provide customer support and grievance redressal through a dedicated system.

10. Environmental Compliance

  • Aggregators must integrate environmentally-friendly vehicles into their fleet, particularly electric vehicles (EVs), as part of the government’s push for sustainability. The guidelines specify that:
    • Aggregators should transition to EVs and green vehicles as part of the fleet, per state-specific EV policies.

Application For Grant Or Renewal Of Licence And Matters Connected Therewith

Grant Of Licence

The application for a new licence as a motor vehicle aggregator must be submitted on the designated portal (once operational). The application includes several essential components, as outlined below:

  1. Application Details:
    • Form I must be submitted by the aggregator, including key details like:
      • Business information (name of the aggregator, registered address, etc.)
      • Number of vehicles proposed for operation.
      • Details of key personnel in the company.
      • Details of branch offices (if applicable).
      • Certification of the company’s legal standing, such as a certificate of incorporation under the Companies Act or equivalent for a limited liability partnership or cooperative society.
  2. Required Fees:
    • Application Fee: A fee set by the respective State Government must be paid online during the application process.
    • Security Deposit: Aggregators must submit a security deposit, which will be held to guarantee compliance with the regulations. The amount of the deposit depends on the fleet size and type:
      • Up to 100 vehicles: ₹10,00,000
      • Up to 1000 vehicles: ₹25,00,000
      • More than 1000 vehicles: ₹50,00,000
  3. Application Review:
    • The state’s competent authority will review the application within 90 days of submission. The authority will check for compliance with all the eligibility conditions specified in the guidelines, including fulfilling the application requirements (details, fees, etc.).
    • If the Competent Authority finds the application incomplete or fails to meet requirements, the application may be rejected. A formal hearing will address the reasons for rejection, and the applicant will be allowed to address the deficiencies.
  4. Issuance of Licence:
    • Suppose the Competent Authority is satisfied with the application and all the necessary conditions have been met. In that case, a licence will be issued within 15 days after paying the required security deposit and license fee.
    • The licence is issued for five years and is valid across the entire territorial jurisdiction of the state where the licence is granted.

Renewal of Licence

Licences issued to aggregators are valid for five years. To maintain their operations, aggregators must apply for their licence renewal. Here’s how the process works:

  1. Application for Renewal:
    • The renewal application must be made at least 90 days before the current licence expires. The renewal application is made using Form II.
    • The renewal application must include:
      • Provide proof of compliance with the guidelines from the previous period.
      • Records of any penalties or punitive actions the Competent Authority took during the licence period.
  2. Review and Renewal:
    • The Competent Authority will review the application, focusing on the aggregator’s compliance with the guidelines and any previous infractions.
    • If the aggregator has met all conditions and has not violated key regulations, the licence will be renewed for another five years.
    • Renewal Fee: The renewal fee is ₹25,000 as specified in the guidelines.
  3. Failure to Renew:
    • If the application for renewal does not meet the renewal conditions or if the aggregator has failed to comply with the guidelines during the initial license period, the Competent Authority may deny the renewal and require the aggregator to apply for a new license.

Key Points For Aggregators To Remember:

  • One Licence per Aggregator: Aggregators need only one licence for all types of vehicles they operate (e.g., two-wheelers, four-wheelers, electric cars, etc.).
  • Timely Application: Applications for new licences and renewals must be made on time to avoid disruptions in operations.
  • Hearing and Rejection: In case of discrepancies or incomplete applications, the Competent Authority will conduct a hearing and provide the aggregator an opportunity to address the issues.

Important Timelines:

  • 90 Days: This is for reviewing new applications and renewal applications.
  • 15 Days: The license will be issued after paying the security deposit and license fee.
  • 90 Days: Period for State Governments to process applications for granting a new licence.

Obligations Of Aggregators Under The 2025 Motor Vehicles Aggregator Guidelines

The Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2025 impose specific obligations on aggregators to ensure passenger safety, driver welfare, vehicle compliance, and operational transparency. These obligations are essential for maintaining legal and ethical standards within the shared mobility ecosystem.

Passenger Safety and Driver Welfare

Aggregators must ensure that all vehicles have real-time GPS tracking systems and a panic button, essential for passenger safety. This tracking system must be connected to the aggregator’s control room to allow for real-time monitoring of vehicles. In addition, aggregators are responsible for ensuring that drivers undergo mandatory Induction Training Programs, which include safety protocols, first-response procedures, and gender and disability sensitivity training. Aggregators must also provide their drivers with adequate health and accident insurance, with minimum coverage of ₹5 lakh and ₹10 lakh, respectively.

Vehicle Compliance

All vehicles operated under an aggregator’s platform must meet stringent safety standards. This includes possessing valid fitness certificates from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates. Aggregators must also ensure that third-party and comprehensive insurance policies cover all vehicles. To comply with government mandates on sustainability, aggregators are encouraged to transition their fleet to electric vehicles (EVs), which will become a progressively larger part of their fleets over time.

Grievance Redressal and Reporting

Aggregators must establish a grievance redressal mechanism, appointing a dedicated officer to resolve complaints within 15 working days. They must also submit periodic reports on their fleet, driver compliance, and accident records to the Competent Authority, which will conduct periodic inspections to ensure adherence to the guidelines.

Penalties For Non-Compliance With MVAG 2025

The Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2025 outline penalties for aggregators who fail to comply with the established regulations. These penalties are designed to ensure that aggregators operate within the legal framework and maintain high safety, transparency, and operational integrity standards.

Types of Violations and Penalties

Aggregators found in violation of any key requirements, such as vehicle compliance, driver welfare, data protection, or operational safety, may face the following penalties:

  • Monetary Fines: Penalties range from ₹1 lakh to ₹1 crore, depending on the severity of the violation. This can include violations related to the failure to maintain proper insurance, driver verification, or safety equipment.
  • Suspension of Licence: In case of repeated non-compliance or serious violations, the Competent Authority may suspend the aggregator’s licence until corrective actions are taken.
  • Revocation of Licence: The aggregator’s licence may be permanently revoked for continuous or severe violations, barring them from operating in the state.

Obligations For Aggregators Regarding Data Collection And Privacy

Data Protection and Security

Aggregators must comply with data protection regulations under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. They are required to:

  • Collect minimal data to provide services, including only essential personal information for drivers and passengers.
  • Store data securely: All personal and transaction data must be encrypted and stored on secure servers. Aggregators must implement cybersecurity measures to prevent data breaches.
  • Privacy Policy: Aggregators must maintain a clear privacy policy outlining the types of data collected, collection purposes, and user rights.

User Consent

Before collecting data, aggregators must obtain explicit consent from users (drivers and passengers) via the app interface. This consent should include:

  • Informed consent regarding the collection, use, and sharing of personal data.
  • Precise opt-in mechanisms for users to agree to data collection policies, including location data for ride tracking.

Data Sharing and Third Parties

Aggregators must ensure that user data is not shared with third parties without explicit consent unless required by law. Any data shared must be:

  • Limited to what is necessary for the third party to perform its functions (e.g., insurance verification, payment processing).
  • Monitored: Aggregators are responsible for ensuring that third-party service providers comply with data protection standards.

Inspection And Monitoring Of Aggregators’ Operations

Periodic Inspections

To ensure compliance with the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2025, aggregators will be subject to periodic inspections by the Competent Authority. These inspections are aimed at verifying:

  • Vehicle compliance with safety and emission standards.
  • Driver welfare measures include insurance, training, and background checks.
  • Data security and privacy compliance.

Surprise Audits

The Competent Authority may conduct surprise audits without prior notice to ensure that aggregators adhere to the regulatory standards. These audits may include:

  • On-site checks of vehicles and driver documentation.
  • App reviews to ensure compliance with data protection laws and operational transparency.

Monitoring of Operational Data

Aggregators must provide the Competent Authority with access to real-time operational data, which includes:

  • Ride data (e.g., vehicle locations, ride duration).
  • Financial transactions (e.g., fare collection, commissions).
  • Accident and incident reports.
     This data will be used to monitor aggregator operations and compliance continuously.

Non-Compliance Penalties

If an aggregator fails an inspection or audit, the Competent Authority may impose:

  • Fines are based on the severity of the violation.
  • Suspension of operations until corrective measures are taken.
  • Revocation of the licence in case of repeated or severe non-compliance.

Stay Compliant With The 2025 Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines With Authbridge

Compliance with the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2025 is important for ensuring operational and legal adherence. AuthBridge, a leader in background verification, KYC solutions, and end-to-end third-party risk management services, offers an extensive suite of AI-driven services that effortlessly help aggregators meet regulatory requirements. From real-time driver verification and health assessments to vehicle compliance checks (RC, PUC, insurance), AuthBridge streamlines every step of the compliance process. Their automated solutions, such as AML screening, negative due diligence, and data security tools, ensure that aggregators maintain the highest safety, security, and transparency standards, protecting drivers and passengers while staying aligned with the latest legal frameworks.

Leveraging AuthBridge’s innovative platforms, such as OnboardX and iBRIDGE, aggregators can comply with KYC, data privacy, and grievance redressal regulations and significantly enhance operational efficiency. Real-time monitoring, automated reporting, and integrated grievance handling ensure businesses stay ahead of compliance requirements, reduce risks, and foster trust with their customers and regulatory authorities. AuthBridge has successfully helped some of the top ride-hailing platforms and food delivery services in India by providing solutions to reduce manual effort, improve compliance accuracy, and build a safer, more transparent mobility ecosystem.

Conclusion

As the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2025 shape shared mobility space in India, compliance with these laws is necessary for businesses looking to grow. By leveraging AuthBridge’s comprehensive suite of solutions, aggregators can effortlessly navigate regulatory challenges, ensuring complete adherence to the guidelines. From seamless driver background checks and vehicle compliance verifications to robust data protection and grievance redressal systems, AuthBridge empowers businesses to stay compliant while enhancing operational efficiency. With the expertise and technology AuthBridge provides, aggregators can focus on scaling their operations confidently, knowing they are meeting the highest safety, transparency, and legal compliance standards.

By Abhinandan, ago
BGV for FMCG/FMCD

Why Is Background Verification Crucial In The FMCG/FMCD Industry

The FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) and FMCD (Fast-Moving Consumer Durables) sectors face unique challenges in an industry driven by speed, high-volume sales, and constant operational pressure. From the factory floor to product distribution, every link in the supply chain has the potential to create significant risk for your company. Whether it’s hiring employees, managing third-party vendors, or vetting gig workers, failing to conduct comprehensive background verification (BGV) at every level can result in financial loss, damage to reputation, legal penalties, and operational disruptions. Do note that we will be using the terms BGV and Background Verification interchangeably, and both convey the same meaning.

Take the recent warehouse license cancellation due to food safety violations or another q-commerce firm’s dark store suspension for failing to meet regulatory requirements. These examples showcase the severe consequences of failing to conduct thorough checks. In FMCG and FMCD, BGV becomes a necessity to ensure that every aspect of your business operates safely, securely, and in compliance with industry regulations.

In this blog, we will walk through the crucial role of BGV in FMCG and FMCD operations, focusing on how background verification mitigates risks and protects your company’s brand reputation.

The Importance Of BGV In The FMCG & FMCD Industries

The FMCG and FMCD sectors are filled with potential risks at multiple stages of the value chain. From recruitment and hiring to vendor management, each part of the process is vulnerable if background checks are not conducted properly.

1. Managing Vendor Risks in FMCG & FMCD

In FMCG and FMCD, vendors and third-party partners play a crucial role in the entire supply chain. Whether they are providing raw materials, manufacturing goods, or distributing products, vendors directly influence the quality of the end product and the smoothness of business operations. But how do you ensure these vendors aren’t a liability?

Without conducting proper vendor background checks, you expose your company to the following risks:

  • Regulatory Non-compliance: Vendors failing to meet regulatory standards (e.g., FSSAI for food, ISO for quality) can result in fines and operational shutdowns.

  • Fraud or Financial Instability: A vendor with questionable financial practices could lead to delayed deliveries, shoddy workmanship, or potential fraud.

  • Reputation Damage: A vendor involved in unethical practices (e.g., forced labour, unsafe working conditions) can severely tarnish your company’s brand image and customer trust.

Example: The Maharashtra q-commerce warehouse incident, where non-compliance with safety and hygiene standards resulted in license suspension, could have been prevented with a thorough vendor compliance check at the outset.

What Vendor Risk Checks Should Be Done To Prevent Compliance Issues?

  • Compliance Verification: Ensure vendors meet industry regulations (e.g., FSSAI, ISO).

  • Financial Background: Assess their financial stability to ensure they can maintain a long-term relationship without disruption.

  • Continuous Quality Audits: Conduct regular facility inspections to ensure their operations align with your product quality standards.

2. Employee Background Verification

Your employees, especially those working in sensitive roles, are crucial to your company’s success. Whether they’re working on the production line, handling customer data, or managing finances, each role carries its risks.

The key issues that can arise from neglecting employee BGV include:

  • Fraud and Theft: Employees with a history of financial fraud or unethical behaviour may misuse their access to products, money, or confidential data.

  • Safety Violations: A worker with an unreported criminal history or a history of workplace accidents could create unsafe work environments, especially in manufacturing or logistics.

  • Regulatory Violations: Non-compliant employees could inadvertently cause violations related to labour laws, product safety, or quality assurance.

Example: If an employee in a warehouse has undisclosed criminal convictions, they could pose a safety risk or may be involved in theft or tampering. This could severely impact the integrity of your supply chain.

What BGV Checks Should Be Done?

  • Criminal Record Check: Particularly important for employees in security-sensitive roles.

  • Employment History: Confirm past roles and ensure candidates have relevant experience and skills.

  • Health and Safety Screening: Ensure employees in high-risk roles (e.g., handling machinery, driving) pass health checks and drug screenings.

3. Gig Workers

The gig economy in FMCG and FMCD, especially in delivery, logistics, and temporary retail roles, is growing rapidly. While gig workers bring flexibility and agility to the business, they also present new risks. Gig workers typically don’t undergo the same background checks as full-time employees, but this shouldn’t mean they are any less reliable.

The risks of neglecting gig worker BGV include:

  • Product Mishandling: Unvetted gig workers can accidentally damage products or deliver wrong orders, impacting consumer satisfaction.

  • Safety Incidents: Gig workers operating machinery or driving vehicles without proper screening could cause accidents, leading to legal consequences.

  • Data Breaches: Gig workers handling customer data or proprietary information need to be thoroughly vetted to ensure there’s no risk of data theft.

What BGV Checks Should Be Done?

  • Identity Verification: Confirm the authenticity of their identity to prevent impersonation or providing access to key locations to unauthorised personnel.

  • Criminal History: Screen for previous crimes related to theft or fraud, particularly for delivery drivers and warehouse workers.

  • Health Checks: Ensure gig workers who handle sensitive materials or machinery are physically fit for their tasks.

The Risks of Ignoring Background Verifications In The FMCG/FMCD Space

Let me put up a simple question: What happens if you skip Background Verification?

Well, this question may sound like a pretty easy one. However, the consequences may be a lot more dire than one can imagine. 

  • Reputational Damage: A vendor violating safety protocols or an employee caught in fraud can severely damage the trust your customers place in you.

  • Legal Liability: Non-compliant employees or vendors can result in heavy fines, lawsuits, or even complete operational shutdowns.

  • Operational Disruption: An unvetted vendor or worker can create supply chain disruptions, affecting delivery times, product quality, and ultimately, your bottom line.

Example: If a vendor involved in food packaging fails to adhere to FSSAI standards, and you don’t check them properly, it could lead to a product recall. This scenario would cause not only financial loss but also irreparable damage to your brand’s trust and consumer confidence.

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AuthBridge’s Tailored BGV Solutions For FMCG & FMCD

At AuthBridge, we specialise in providing tailored background verification solutions specifically designed for the FMCG and FMCD sectors. We understand the unique challenges these industries face, from managing high-volume workforce needs to ensuring vendor compliance and gig worker integrity.

Our BGV Services for FMCG & FMCD Include:

  • Employee Verification: From entry-level positions to senior management, we provide comprehensive checks to ensure your workforce is reliable, qualified, and compliant.
  • Vendor & Supplier Compliance: We help you screen and vet third-party vendors and suppliers to ensure they meet all regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of operational disruptions and compliance violations.
  • Gig Worker Screening: With the rise of the gig economy, we offer streamlined solutions to verify temporary and contract workers, ensuring that your temporary workforce meets your company’s standards and more.

By partnering with AuthBridge, you gain access to cutting-edge technology that provides fast, accurate, and secure background checks, enabling you to protect your brand, mitigate risks, and maintain operational efficiency.

Conclusion

For FMCG and FMCD companies, background verification is now a strategic safeguard. Whether it’s verifying vendors, ensuring employee safety, or checking gig workers, BGV provides the foundation for a secure, compliant, and trusted operation. Don’t wait for a crisis to highlight the importance of BGV; take action now to protect your business from potential risks and ensure operational integrity. Get in touch with AuthBridge today to implement comprehensive background verification solutions designed specifically for your industry.

By Abhinandan, ago
Employee Onboarding automation AI

Benefits Of Automated Employee Onboarding With AI

There’s an uncomfortable truth every HR leader knows but rarely admits openly: the quality of your employee onboarding sets the tone for everything that follows. You can invest heavily in attracting top talent, run sophisticated recruitment campaigns, craft compelling job descriptions, and build an impeccable employer brand, but if the onboarding experience falls flat, that hard-won talent can quickly drift away.

Employee onboarding is an experience that shapes an employee’s perception of their new organisation. When done well, it makes new joiners feel valued, seen, and genuinely welcomed, increasing their chances of staying engaged and committed over the long term. But when done poorly, it leads to disengagement, lost productivity, and costly early attrition.

New hires, particularly Gen Z, come with higher expectations. They expect personalised communication, smooth digital experiences, and meaningful interactions from the very moment they accept the offer. An outdated, manual onboarding process filled with redundant paperwork, inconsistent communications, and unnecessary delays can drive them out the door before they’ve even settled in.

Research consistently supports what seasoned HR leaders have long recognised: good onboarding pays off. Studies suggest that companies with a thoughtful onboarding approach experience a 60% increase in employee productivity. In comparison, another research study reveals a 50% improvement in retention among new hires who have a positive onboarding experience. Simply put, getting onboarding right is business critical.

Now, with remote and hybrid workplaces becoming increasingly preferred, HR teams face a lot more challenges. Managing consistent onboarding experiences across various locations and time zones has become a logistical headache, particularly when relying on manual processes. The pre-onboarding stage, beginning right from the moment a candidate accepts an offer, often sets the tone. A delay in paperwork, a missed communication, or a cumbersome background check can quickly erase the initial excitement and trust a candidate had in the company.

This is precisely where many industries, like Fintech, IT services, and Healthcare, have turned to artificial intelligence (AI)-powered onboarding. These solutions are about enhancing the human element in HR. By automating administrative tasks, streamlining compliance, personalising communications, and proactively identifying issues, AI-powered onboarding enables HR professionals to focus on building relationships, nurturing talent, and reinforcing company culture.

The question for HR leaders is how long they can afford to stick with processes that no longer serve their people or their organisations. As competition for talent heats up and employee expectations rise, embracing AI-powered onboarding is quickly becoming essential.

What Is AI-Powered Automated Employee Onboarding?

AI-powered onboarding is a smarter way for HR teams to manage the entire onboarding journey, from the moment a candidate applies for the job, right through their early weeks on the job. It uses automation, data-driven insights, and intelligent digital tools to streamline processes, reduce manual workloads, and enhance the new-hire experience.

Unlike traditional onboarding, AI-driven onboarding integrates seamlessly with your existing HR tech stack, beginning right from your Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

Starting With The ATS

Modern onboarding begins even before the employee’s official first day, right at the recruitment stage. AI-enabled ATS platforms quickly identify top candidates based on criteria such as experience, skill set, cultural fit, and hiring manager preferences. From here, AI can automatically move successful candidates into pre-onboarding workflows, dramatically reducing turnaround time (TAT) from job acceptance to actual start date.

Pre-onboarding Efficiency

As soon as a candidate is sent/accepts an offer, AI-powered platforms trigger automated workflows for critical tasks such as background verification, identity checks, and paperwork completion. Documents like employment agreements, tax forms, and compliance acknowledgements are automatically dispatched, digitally signed, and securely stored, often within hours (in certain cases, instantly) rather than days. This means HR no longer needs to chase down documents manually or risk candidates disengaging due to delays.

Real-Time Communication and Support

AI-powered chatbots or virtual assistants answer candidate queries immediately, whether related to company policies, benefits, or technical setup. This instant communication eliminates delays, enhances candidate confidence, and significantly reduces drop-off rates before day one.

Intelligent Task Management

Once onboard, AI continues to manage tasks, nudging both new hires and managers to complete crucial activities. HR gains visibility through real-time dashboards highlighting onboarding progress and potential bottlenecks, allowing them to proactively address issues rather than reacting too late.

Predictive Analytics For Early Intervention

AI-driven analytics can track early indicators of disengagement, flagging potential issues such as incomplete training modules or delayed interactions. This insight allows HR professionals to step in early and ensure new hires receive the support needed for a successful start.

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Features Of AI-Powered Automated Employee Onboarding

Today’s AI-driven onboarding solutions offer HR professionals intelligent, adaptive capabilities that simplify onboarding processes, create personalised employee experiences, and deliver measurable business outcomes.

  • Automated Document And Compliance Management

Onboarding involves extensive paperwork, from employment contracts and tax documents to mandatory policy acknowledgements and right-to-work verifications. AI-powered onboarding systems automate this entire documentation process, significantly reducing manual effort and errors. Documents are instantly dispatched, digitally signed, securely stored, and automatically verified, ensuring regulatory compliance and greatly reducing administrative turnaround times (TAT).

  • Personalised Learning Paths And Training Modules

Every employee has unique skills, experience, and learning preferences. AI-driven onboarding platforms create adaptive training programmes tailored specifically to each new hire’s role, skill level, and individual learning style. By analysing employee interactions, AI intelligently recommends relevant training content, videos, and modules, cutting training completion time and making onboarding engaging rather than overwhelming.

  • AI-Powered Virtual Assistants (Chatbots)

New hires often have immediate, practical questions, whether about workplace policies, technology setup, or onboarding logistics. AI-powered virtual assistants provide instant, accurate answers around the clock, delivering timely support without adding workload for HR teams. This consistent, responsive interaction enhances the new-hire experience, reduces confusion, and builds trust from day one.

  • Real-Time Engagement And Feedback Analytics

One major challenge in traditional onboarding is knowing how new hires truly feel about their early experiences. AI-driven analytics capture real-time data on employee engagement, training progress, and onboarding satisfaction. Dashboards provide HR teams with clear visibility of each employee’s journey, helping them proactively address issues before they become serious concerns or contribute to early turnover.

  • Predictive Analytics And Data-Driven Insights

Predictive analytics within AI-powered onboarding tools identify patterns and early warning signs of employee disengagement. For instance, if a new hire’s interaction or progress suddenly slows, HR teams receive immediate notifications, allowing them to provide personalised interventions early enough to prevent disengagement or attrition.

  • Scalable And Flexible Onboarding Processes

In a hybrid or remote-first world, consistency across locations and employee groups is critical but challenging. AI onboarding tools create standardised yet adaptable onboarding workflows that easily scale with company growth or changing workplace dynamics. Whether hiring locally or globally, AI ensures that every new hire receives a consistent, engaging onboarding experience, aligning closely with the organisation’s culture and compliance requirements.

Benefits of AI-Powered Automated Employee Onboarding For HR And Employees

AI-powered onboarding streamlines how HR teams and employees experience the critical early stages of employment. By intelligently automating administrative tasks, personalising experiences, and offering valuable insights, AI brings distinct advantages for both HR professionals and new hires.

  • Improved New-Hire Engagement and Retention

Onboarding is the foundation of employee engagement. AI-powered solutions personalise each employee’s experience from the very beginning, ensuring new hires feel valued, understood, and effectively supported. Studies consistently show that employees who experience meaningful onboarding are significantly more engaged, perform better, and stay longer. In short, thoughtful onboarding leads directly to higher retention and reduced attrition costs.

  • Reduced HR Administrative Burden

Traditional onboarding often burdens HR professionals with repetitive manual tasks, chasing paperwork, arranging logistics, and managing compliance. AI-driven onboarding automates these routine processes, reducing manual workload significantly. This allows HR teams to focus more on strategic activities such as talent development, culture-building, and employee wellness initiatives, transforming their role from administrators to strategic partners within the organisation.

  • Faster Time to Employee Productivity

The quicker employees settle into their roles, the faster they contribute to organisational success. AI onboarding shortens the time-to-productivity significantly, often reducing onboarding timelines by up to 50%. Through personalised learning paths, automated task assignment, and continuous real-time support, new hires rapidly gain confidence, competence, and clarity, enabling them to deliver value far sooner than traditional onboarding methods allow.

  • Enhanced Compliance and Reduced Risk

Compliance is critical but often complex, with numerous checks, verifications, and documentation required. Manual compliance management creates risks through oversight and human error. AI-driven onboarding platforms automate compliance workflows, ensuring thorough and consistent completion of identity checks, policy acknowledgements, right-to-work verifications, and data management. This dramatically lowers compliance risks, reduces errors, and keeps organisations prepared for audits and regulatory scrutiny.

  • Scalability Across Global and Remote Teams

Today’s work environment demands flexible solutions that scale easily and consistently, regardless of geography or working model. AI onboarding platforms offer a standardised yet flexible onboarding process that ensures consistent experiences for remote, hybrid, or geographically dispersed teams. HR leaders no longer need to juggle varying onboarding practices; instead, AI solutions deliver uniform quality experiences, reinforcing a cohesive organisational culture no matter where employees are located.

AI-powered onboarding positions HR teams as strategic enablers of talent success, delivering measurable, meaningful improvements in employee engagement, efficiency, compliance, and scalability. 

The Human Element In AI-Powered Onboarding

Despite the power and sophistication of AI technology, effective onboarding is fundamentally human. AI, instead of diminishing this human element, amplifies it.

When AI handles the routine, repetitive administrative tasks, HR professionals are freed up to concentrate on what matters most: the people. Rather than being bogged down in paperwork or logistics, HR teams become true enablers of culture and engagement.

Organisations in sectors such as technology, financial services, and healthcare have successfully leveraged this human-AI collaboration in onboarding. They report stronger employee-manager relationships, improved cultural alignment, and increased employee satisfaction scores, direct results of strategically pairing AI efficiency with human empathy.

Guide To Implementing AI-Powered Onboarding Automation For HR Leaders

Bringing AI into your onboarding processes doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require thoughtful planning. Here’s a straightforward, practical guide to help HR teams successfully adopt AI-powered onboarding solutions.

  • Assessing Your Organisation’s Onboarding Needs

Start by clearly identifying the specific pain points in your current onboarding process. Consider aspects like administrative overload, time delays, compliance gaps, or employee disengagement. A focused assessment helps you pinpoint exactly where AI solutions can deliver the most impact.

  • Selecting The Right AI Onboarding Solution

Not all AI solutions are equal. When choosing a platform, prioritise ease of integration with your existing HR systems, like your ATS or HRIS. Look for solutions offering strong personalisation features, compliance automation, intuitive user interfaces, and robust analytics capabilities. User-friendly platforms ensure quicker adoption and higher engagement from employees and HR teams alike.

  • Overcoming Implementation Challenges

Introducing new technology often meets with initial resistance. Clearly communicate the benefits and ease of use to stakeholders upfront. Provide training sessions for your HR teams to build confidence and familiarity with the platform. Start with pilot programmes involving smaller groups, gathering feedback, and adjusting before rolling out more broadly.

Key Metrics To Track In AI-Powered Onboarding Automation

To ensure the success of your AI-powered onboarding, track clear, meaningful metrics such as:

  • Reduction in onboarding turnaround time (TAT)
  • Improvements in employee satisfaction and engagement scores
  • Decreases in early employee attrition rates
  • HR hours saved due to reduced administrative tasks
  • Enhanced compliance rates and fewer audit concerns

Regularly reviewing these metrics allows HR teams to demonstrate measurable ROI and continuously improve onboarding effectiveness.

Elevate Your Onboarding Experience With AuthBridge’s AI-Powered Solution

At AuthBridge, we understand that exceptional onboarding is at the heart of employee success. Our AI-powered onboarding solution is specifically designed to streamline processes, enhance candidate experiences, and empower HR teams to build genuine connections with new hires.

Our platform seamlessly integrates with your existing HR tech stack, automating critical tasks from document management and compliance checks to personalised training pathways and real-time analytics. By reducing administrative workload, improving compliance accuracy, and delivering meaningful insights, we enable HR professionals to focus more on strategic, high-value activities.

Organisations across diverse sectors trust AuthBridge’s innovative solutions to transform their onboarding journeys, creating consistent, engaging experiences that resonate with employees from day one.

Discover how AuthBridge can help your organisation unlock the full potential of AI-powered employee onboarding:

By Abhinandan, ago
How to avoid deepfake scam user onboarding

5 Ways To Avoid Deepfake Scam In Customer Onboarding

Introduction

Deepfake technology has emerged as a significant threat to digital security, particularly during customer onboarding. Fraudsters increasingly use this technology to impersonate genuine customers, bypassing traditional identity verification systems. In this blog, we’ll explore how deepfake scams are impacting customer onboarding and the best strategies to counter these threats using advanced detection technologies, process optimisations, and security best practices.

What Are Deepfake Scams?

Understanding Deepfake Technology

Deepfakes are a type of synthetic media generated using artificial intelligence and machine learning models, particularly Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). These technologies allow fraudsters to create incredibly realistic fake media, videos, images, and even audio that mimic real people with near 100% accuracy.

In customer onboarding, deepfakes are used to deceive identity verification systems by creating fake videos of individuals that closely resemble their real counterparts. With advancements in AI, these deepfakes are becoming harder to detect, making it easier for fraudsters to bypass traditional verification mechanisms.

How Deepfake Scams Target Customer Onboarding

The primary vulnerability lies in digital onboarding systems that rely heavily on video-based verification, such as those used in Know Your Customer (KYC) processes. Fraudsters use deepfake technology to create convincing fake videos, often bypassing facial recognition, liveness detection, or other biometric checks.

Deepfake scams pose a significant threat in India, where digital onboarding processes are becoming increasingly important, especially with services like Aadhaar linking. Fraudsters could create fake identities, using manipulated videos to bypass security systems, leading to fraudulent account creation, financial theft, and important data breaches.

The Risks Of Deepfake Scams In Customer Onboarding

Financial Losses

Deepfake scams directly expose businesses to financial risks. Fraudsters who get access to accounts via deepfake manipulation can perform illegal activities such as money laundering, fraudulent loan applications, or unauthorised transactions. In India, the rise in digital banking and mobile payments makes financial fraud using deepfakes a serious concern. Financial institutions, e-commerce platforms, and fintech companies could face major financial losses if their security systems aren’t up to the challenge. Moreover, Indian banks and financial institutions face strict KYC/AML regulations, making it even more important to prevent fraud. 

Reputational Damage

The reputational risk is one of the most damaging repercussions of deepfake scams. If a company allows deepfake videos to bypass their onboarding system, it will damage the trust customers place in their brand. As digital onboarding is becoming the norm, especially in sectors like banking, insurance, and e-commerce, the public perception of a company’s security protocols plays a critical role in retaining customers.

For instance, if a fintech company in India allows deepfake fraud to occur, the public backlash could be severe. News of such incidents can go viral, causing a loss of customer confidence, reduced user engagement, and a negative impact on the company’s stock value or market position.

Legal And Compliance Risks

India has stringent laws around data privacy and financial fraud. The Personal Data Protection Act aims to regulate how businesses collect and handle personal data. Companies operating in sectors like banking and e-commerce must also adhere to KYC and AML regulations. Deepfake scams can bypass these identity checks, resulting in a breach of compliance obligations. If deepfake fraud occurs and is linked to an institution’s failure to comply with KYC regulations, the company could face lawsuits, regulatory scrutiny, and hefty penalties from the RBI.

Increased Operational Costs

As deepfake scams become more prevalent, businesses will need to invest more in advanced detection technologies, such as AI-powered deepfake detection systems and liveness detection tools. These technologies, while effective, can be expensive to implement and maintain, increasing operational costs for companies.

Moreover, businesses will need to allocate resources for manual reviews of flagged cases, which could further increase the workload on customer service and fraud prevention teams. This additional overhead can detract from the overall efficiency of the onboarding process.

Intellectual Property Theft And Identity Fraud

Deepfake technology allows fraudsters to impersonate not only customers but also high-level executives or key stakeholders in the company. In a sophisticated scam, fraudsters could create fake videos of executives to perform social engineering attacks, such as requesting confidential information or authorising financial transfers.

For example, an employee could be tricked into revealing sensitive company data after receiving a video message from a CEO or senior executive that appears entirely legitimate. In India, where digital platforms are heavily used for business communication, these types of scams can lead to intellectual property theft and severe corporate security breaches.

Impact On Customer Experience

Customer experience is pivotal in any industry, but particularly in sectors like fintech, banking, and e-commerce, where trust and security are integral to success. Deepfake scams that bypass customer verification can frustrate legitimate customers, leading to lengthy account verification processes or even account freezes, as companies scramble to address the fraud.

In India, where digital literacy is still growing in certain regions, these complications can deter users from completing their onboarding or even cause them to abandon the process altogether. The negative user experience could reduce conversion rates, leading to lost business and revenue.

5 Tips To Prevent Deepfake Scams In Customer Onboarding

1. Implement Video KYC with Liveness Detection

Using video KYC along with liveness detection is the first line of defence against deepfake scams. Liveness detection ensures that customers are physically present during the onboarding process, making it harder for scammers to use deepfake videos or images.

2. Use AI-Powered Deepfake Detection Tools

AI-based deepfake detection tools can automatically scan video content for discrepancies, such as unnatural lighting, facial movement irregularities, or mismatched audio. Tools like Sensity AI and Deepware Scanner are designed to detect deepfake videos and flag them for further review.

3. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) in addition to video KYC. Using two or more forms of verification, like facial recognition, OTPs, and fingerprint scanning, adds another layer of security, making it much harder for fraudsters to bypass the system using deepfake technology.

4. Cross-Platform User Verification

By cross-referencing data submitted during onboarding with other trusted platforms, companies can verify the authenticity of the person. This cross-checking process adds an extra layer of validation and is essential for preventing deepfake fraud in India, where government IDs are widely used for verification.

5. Collaborate With An Industry-Leading Customer Onboarding Service Provider

Working with a provider like AuthBridge means that businesses benefit from the expertise and ongoing support of an experienced team. They will help implement, maintain, and update the latest technologies designed to prevent deepfake fraud, offering best practices and assistance to navigate any challenges that arise during the onboarding process. This partnership ensures that businesses remain proactive in adapting to emerging security threats, offering customers a seamless and secure experience.

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Utilising Advanced Technology For Enhanced Security

AI And Blockchain For Secure Onboarding

Combining AI and blockchain can provide an extremely effective and secure onboarding process. While AI helps detect deepfake fraud through facial recognition and video analysis, blockchain can ensure that the entire verification process is recorded in an immutable and transparent ledger. This combination makes it incredibly difficult for fraudsters to manipulate records.

In India, where Aadhaar-based identity systems are frequently used for verification, blockchain can serve as an additional layer of security by providing a tamper-proof audit trail of the customer onboarding process. Blockchain technology ensures that every action taken during the onboarding process is securely recorded, reducing the chances of fraudulent manipulation.

  • AI detects fraudulent activities by analysing visual and auditory cues.
  • Blockchain records all actions, making it nearly impossible to alter records.

Real-Time Video Analysis

Real-time video analysis tools can detect deepfake fraud as it happens. Using machine learning models, these tools continuously scan video data for inconsistencies, such as facial movements or lighting issues that deepfakes commonly exhibit. With the rapid advancements in computer vision and AI, these tools can now detect deepfakes in real-time during video-based onboarding processes.

This process helps businesses instantly flag suspicious activities without needing to manually review the entire video. This is particularly crucial in sectors where time-sensitive decisions are made, such as banking, lending, and insurance in India, where real-time processing is critical to maintain operational efficiency.

Legal And Compliance Considerations For Preventing Deepfake Scams

Ensuring Regulatory Compliance

In India, businesses must comply with various data protection and financial regulations. Companies are legally obligated to protect their customers’ data, and preventing fraud is a key component of this responsibility.

Deepfake scams not only expose businesses to fraud but also to compliance risks. If a company allows deepfake fraud to slip through its onboarding system, it could face severe legal consequences for breaching privacy laws or failing to meet regulatory requirements. Regulatory bodies such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) impose strict penalties for non-compliance, which can include fines and even the suspension of operations.

To stay compliant:

  • Regular audits should be performed to ensure deepfake detection measures are robust and up to industry standards.
  • Businesses should continuously update their systems in line with the evolving regulatory landscape.

Maintaining Data Privacy

Data privacy is a significant concern when handling sensitive customer information. Deepfake detection tools, especially those powered by AI, should be carefully evaluated to ensure that they do not violate data privacy regulations such as GDPR or India’s PDPB. These tools must be integrated in a way that respects user consent and ensures that data is processed securely.

  • User Consent: Ensure customers are informed about the use of AI in the verification process.
  • Data Protection: Implement encryption and secure storage methods to protect data from breaches.

Conclusion

As deepfake technology advances, businesses must take proactive steps to secure their customer onboarding processes from fraud. The risks of financial loss, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties are significant, especially in India, where digital transformation is rapidly evolving. By integrating AI-powered detection tools, multi-factor authentication, blockchain for audit trails, and real-time video analysis, companies can safeguard against deepfake scams, ensuring both compliance and customer trust. Implementing these strategies now is essential to stay ahead of emerging threats and protect your business and customers from fraud.

By Abhinandan, ago
QCommerce FDA case

Ensuring Regulatory Compliance In The Quick Commerce Space

The fast-growing quick-commerce industry, characterised by ultra-fast deliveries from dark stores, has undoubtedly moulded the e-commerce space. However, as with all these sectors, it is not immune to scrutiny from regulatory bodies. In recent months, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ramped up inspections of quick-commerce facilities, uncovering significant non-compliance issues, particularly in food safety.

Government inspections have revealed a concerning pattern of operational failures. Key violations have included the lack of proper food business licenses, expired stock being stored next to fresh items, and unhygienic storage conditions. In some cases, inspections found that dark stores, small, unstaffed facilities designed for rapid order fulfilment, had failed to meet even the most basic health and safety standards required by food safety regulations. 

With such serious violations surfacing, the FDA has immediately suspended operations at affected facilities. Any failure to meet compliance requirements could result in severe penalties, business shutdowns, and long-term reputational damage.

The Issue At Hand: Regulatory Crackdown In Quick-Commerce

The quick-commerce sector, known for its promise of ultra-fast deliveries, has faced increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies in recent weeks. In a recent incident, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took immediate action after discovering significant lapses in the food safety practices at a dark store in Pune. The store, which operated as part of a well-known quick-commerce platform, was found to violate multiple food safety and operational regulations.

Following a surprise inspection, the FDA uncovered significant findings. The store lacked the necessary food business license, a key requirement for any facility engaged in the sale or distribution of food. In addition to this, inspectors discovered several health and safety violations, including the storage of expired products alongside fresh stock. The facility’s storage conditions were deemed unhygienic, and in some areas, the lack of proper temperature control posed a risk to food safety.

These findings were a direct violation of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines, which regulate food handling and storage in India. The FDA’s response was swift, suspending the food business license of the dark store and halting its operations. This move by the FDA has significant implications, not only for the brand involved but for the entire quick-commerce sector, which is under increasing pressure to adhere to food safety and operational regulations.

How To Ensure Compliance In Quick-Commerce Operations

The quick-commerce industry, due to its fast-paced nature, requires rigorous attention to operational and regulatory compliance. To avoid incidents like the recent suspension of a dark store in Pune, companies in the sector must implement strong measures to ensure they meet all food safety and regulatory requirements. This can be accomplished by adopting comprehensive verification processes and continuous monitoring systems.

1. Secure the Necessary Licenses

The first and most fundamental step in ensuring compliance is obtaining the necessary licenses and certifications. As revealed in this case, operating without an FSSAI license can lead to severe consequences, including suspension and forced closures. Every business handling food products, even in a quick-commerce setting, must secure proper licensing from the relevant food safety authorities. This includes:

  • FSSAI License: Required for any food business operator involved in the storage, distribution, or sale of food products.

  • Other Sector-Specific Licenses: Depending on the nature of the products, businesses may require additional certifications (e.g., GSTIN, import/export licenses).

Maintaining up-to-date and valid licenses is critical, as non-compliance in this area can lead to immediate shutdowns by regulatory authorities.

2. Implement Hygienic Storage and Handling Practices

The inspection in Pune revealed several lapses in hygiene and food storage practices, including food items found on the floor and improper pest control. These violations not only breach regulatory standards but also directly compromise consumer safety. To ensure compliance, quick-commerce companies must establish and enforce the following practices:

  • Proper Storage Systems: Food products should be stored in clean, temperature-controlled environments that meet FSSAI guidelines. This includes using calibrated cold storage units and ensuring that food is stored on clean, non-dusty surfaces.

  • Regular Cleaning and Sanitisation: Dark stores and warehouses must be regularly cleaned, with a clear protocol for waste disposal and pest control.

  • Health and Safety Standards: Personnel handling food should undergo regular health checks, including mandatory medical examinations, to ensure they are fit for food handling.

3. Adhere to Regulatory Standards and Guidelines

Each quick-commerce operation must comply with industry regulations outlined by authorities such as FSSAI, the Maharashtra FDA, and other regulatory bodies. These include general hygiene standards, as stipulated in FSSAI Schedule 4, which sets out the necessary sanitary and operational practices for food businesses. Compliance with these guidelines ensures that operations meet both local and national standards, preventing violations such as those uncovered during the FDA’s recent inspection.

4. Conduct Regular Internal Audits and Inspections

Continuous monitoring is vital for ensuring that dark stores and fulfilment centres remain compliant with safety protocols. Routine internal audits and inspections help identify potential risks and ensure the business operates within regulatory frameworks. Audits should cover:

  • Product quality checks: Ensuring that expired or damaged stock is regularly identified and discarded.
  • Temperature control checks: Verifying that cold storage units are functioning properly and are calibrated as per industry standards.
  • Pest control and cleanliness: Regular inspections to maintain hygiene levels and prevent contamination.
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AuthBridge’s Solutions For Preventing Non-Compliance In Quick-Commerce

AuthBridge offers a comprehensive suite of verification solutions designed to help businesses stay compliant, mitigate risks, and protect their reputation.

1. Warehouse Audits and Risk Mitigation

AuthBridge conducts thorough warehouse audits to proactively identify operational lapses, including:

  • Inventory Reconciliation: Verifying stock against records to identify discrepancies.
  • Security & Access Review: Assessing access controls and CCTV effectiveness.
  • Compliance & Process Adherence: Ensuring adherence to SOPs for inbound, storage, and outbound activities.
  • Loss Prevention: Strengthening measures to deter theft and tampering.

These audits reduce risks of non-compliance, financial loss, and reputational damage.

2. Vendor Onboarding and KYC Solutions

We provide comprehensive vendor onboarding solutions that ensure compliance by:

  • KYC Verification: KYC, powered by Digital Identity checks, to verify vendor legitimacy.
  • FSSAI License Verification: Ensuring vendors hold the required licenses.
  • Food Safety Document Verification: Digitally verifying essential food safety documents.

These checks ensure your vendor ecosystem is compliant and trustworthy.

3. Continuous Compliance Monitoring

Ongoing compliance is essential. AuthBridge’s monitoring services include:

  • Automated Alerts: Flagging expired licenses, overdue audits, and potential compliance breaches.
  • Regular Audits: Conducting periodic inspections to maintain operational standards.

This monitoring keeps businesses ahead of compliance issues.

4. Third-Party Auditing and Risk Assessment

We help businesses ensure their third-party vendors meet compliance standards by offering:

  • Third-Party Vendor Audits: Verifying licenses and conducting background checks.
  • Risk Scoring: Using data to assess vendor risk and performance.
By Abhinandan, ago
Driver Onboarding End to End

Why Getting Driver Onboarding Right Is Essential For Your Business

India’s ride-hailing, last-mile delivery, and quick commerce sectors are growing rapidly. The drivers and delivery partners are at the heart of this growth, the faces your customers interact with daily. But rapid expansion comes with a tough challenge: onboarding these partners quickly without compromising safety, compliance, or authenticity.

However, some pressing issues are even more concerning. According to government data, nearly 30% of driving licences in India are fake or fraudulent. This alarming figure highlights a widespread problem that directly impacts the safety and reliability of these platforms and sectors.

To operate legally and safely, platforms must verify key documents such as:

Indian DL Frauds

Failing to verify these documents thoroughly risks platforms to regulatory fines under the Motor Vehicles Act, potential lawsuits, and damage to brand reputation.

Beyond legal risks, poor onboarding opens the door to fraud, safety hazards, and operational inefficiencies. Fake or forged licences, cloned vehicle papers, and GPS spoofing schemes have become common, costing platforms millions annually in losses and customer trust.

An inefficient onboarding process also delays driver activation, causing unmet demand and increased cancellations, directly hitting revenue and customer experience.

Given these challenges, a fast, rigorous, and technology-driven onboarding solution that verifies both driver credentials and vehicle documents in real time is essential. Such systems reduce fraud, ensure regulatory compliance, and enable platforms to scale confidently in India’s highly competitive market.

Why Verifying Drivers/Riders Is Essential?

A significant portion of drivers and delivery agents are third-party or gig workers, often operating through aggregators or multiple platforms. This decentralised model poses unique challenges for verification:

1. Complexity of Multi-Platform and Gig Worker Verification

Third-party drivers frequently work across multiple platforms or switch jobs rapidly, making it hard to maintain accurate, up-to-date verification records. Without a centralised verification system, platforms risk onboarding individuals with questionable employment histories or fraudulent documents repeatedly.

2. Higher Fraud Risk with Third-Party Workers

Because third-party workers may have less direct accountability, the incidence of forged documents, fake identities, or misuse of credentials is higher. Fraudulent drivers can exploit gaps in verification, causing financial loss and safety risks.

3. Regulatory Compliance Complexity

Platforms are responsible for ensuring compliance even when onboarding third-party drivers. This requires more stringent verification processes and frequent re-validation to meet evolving legal standards under the Motor Vehicles Act and gig worker protections.

4. Operational Efficiency and Customer Trust

Proper third-party onboarding reduces operational friction caused by driver churn and cancellations. It also enhances rider and customer confidence, knowing that all drivers, regardless of employment status, meet rigorous verification standards.

The Brand And Customer Loyalty Cost Of Poor Driver Verification

Weak driver onboarding and verification have direct, measurable consequences on a business’s viability, compliance, and growth.

1. Substantial Financial Leakage from Fraud

Nearly 30% of driving licences in India are fraudulent. This translates into millions lost through fake trips, inflated deliveries, and false claims, impacting profitability by an estimated 10-15% annually for many platforms. Fraudulent drivers increase chargebacks, penalties from payment processors, and operational overhead in dispute resolution.

2. Regulatory Risks That Can Halt Operations

Failure to verify drivers and vehicles in line with the Motor Vehicles Act and local transport regulations risks heavy fines, legal sanctions, and license suspensions. Regulatory crackdowns are increasing, with several Indian states conducting audits and blacklisting non-compliant platforms. This creates operational uncertainty, disrupts market presence, and increases compliance costs.

3. Erosion of Customer Trust and Brand Equity

Safety incidents linked to unverified drivers or unfit vehicles lead to negative media coverage and social media backlash, a reputation risk that’s hard to recover from. In highly competitive markets like ride-hailing platforms and logistics, customers/businesses quickly switch to competitors promising safer, verified services. Retaining and growing customer bases requires demonstrable, transparent verification standards.

4. Operational Inefficiencies and Capacity Constraints

Slow, manual, or error-prone onboarding delays driver activation, leading to service gaps and unmet demand during peak periods. This results in higher cancellation rates, longer wait times, and diminished customer satisfaction. Platforms incur extra costs managing onboarding backlogs and rework on verification errors.

Alongside verifying identity and vehicle documents, discrepancies in education and employment backgrounds among drivers and delivery partners add another layer of risk. Data from our annual trend report shows education-related discrepancies at 3.7%, with forged certificates increasingly common, while employment verification reveals about 1.7% discrepancies due to falsified records or workers juggling multiple platforms.

What Makes An Effective Driver Onboarding Solution?

The difference between a good and a great driver onboarding solution boils down to three things: accuracy, speed, and trust. Today, companies need onboarding systems that don’t just verify documents, but do it quickly and flawlessly, so they can grow without risking compliance or reputation.

A top onboarding solution combines deep local knowledge with cutting-edge technology to ensure every driver and vehicle is thoroughly vetted, onboarding times are minimal, and fraud is caught before it impacts business.

1. Comprehensive Verification of All Critical Documents

Verifying the authenticity and validity of essential documents like the Driving Licence, Vehicle RC, Insurance, PUC, and Fitness Certificate can’t be ignored. The system must cross-check these against government and proprietary databases to detect forged, expired, or manipulated documents immediately.

2. Rapid Turnaround Times (TAT) Without Sacrificing Quality

Effective solutions deliver verifications within hours, enabling platforms to activate drivers quickly and meet customer needs without delay, all while maintaining high verification standards.

3. AI-Driven Fraud Detection Tailored to Indian Market Realities

Fraud tactics evolve constantly. Solutions must deploy AI algorithms trained on local data to identify fake identities, duplicate profiles, GPS spoofing, and subtle document manipulations that human checks might miss.

4. Real-Time Integration with Authoritative Data Sources

Connecting directly with government databases and trusted third-party sources allows instant validation of documents and data, reducing manual errors and ensuring full regulatory compliance.

5. Expert Human Oversight for Complex Cases

Automation can’t catch everything. Skilled verification professionals handle discrepancies, flagged cases, and edge situations, guaranteeing decisions are accurate, compliant, and fair.

6. Full Compliance and Audit Readiness

The onboarding process should generate detailed audit trails and compliance reports tailored for Indian regulations, simplifying internal reviews and facilitating smooth government audits.

7. Scalable and Flexible Infrastructure Supporting Diverse Regional Needs

India’s varied documentation standards and languages require a system that scales seamlessly across regions and volumes without compromising quality or turnaround time.

AuthBridge’s Indigenous, Scalable & End-to-End Driver Onboarding Solution

AuthBridge’s driver onboarding solution leverages its proprietary Vault database, one of the largest in India, combined with real-time government integrations and AI-powered analytics.

Driver Onboarding Info 2

This combination ensures unparalleled accuracy and compliance tailored for ride-hailing, logistics, and supply chain platforms.

1. Driving Licence Verification Via Government Database

Validates licences against the mParivahan/Sarathi database, detecting forged, expired, or fake licences. This ensures drivers are legally authorised to operate specific vehicle categories, complying with the Motor Vehicles Act.

2. Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC) Verification via Vahan Database

Cross-verifies vehicle details from the Vahan database and Vault, confirming ownership, registration status, vehicle class, and fitness. This prevents the onboarding of cloned or fake vehicles or ones with hefty unpaid challans or impounded.

3. Stolen Vehicle and Criminal Record Checks Through Vault and NCRB Data

Checks vehicles against National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) listings and other proprietary databases for stolen or blacklisted vehicles. This mitigates the risk of unknowingly onboarding illegal or criminally flagged vehicles.

4. Compliance with Motor Vehicles Act and Related Regulations

Enforces mandatory document validations, including Insurance Certificates, Pollution Under Control (PUC), and Fitness Certificates, ensuring compliance with central and state laws.

5. AI-Driven Fraud Detection and Multi-Level Quality Checks

Uses proprietary AI algorithms tailored to Indian fraud patterns to detect synthetic identities, document tampering, duplicate accounts, and GPS spoofing. Multi-level quality checks reduce false positives and improve accuracy.

6. Dedicated 24×7 Operations Team and Surge Absorption at Zero Additional Cost

Provides round-the-clock operations with dedicated resources trained on client-specific SOPs, ensuring a P90 TAT under 3 hours (in specific cases) even during volume surges. Absorbs unexpected spikes or dips in onboarding volumes without extra cost, ensuring smooth scalability.

How AuthBridge Helped A Leading Ride-Hailing Platform

  • Delivered over 1 crore verifications for a leading ride-hailing platform with 90+ lakh cases closed within the agreed TAT.
  • Maintained 99.99% data coverage with multiple layers of quality control.
  • Achieved 14% case conversion from discrepant to clear, significantly reducing false positives and operational overhead.
Driver Onboarding Info 1

AuthBridge provides a scalable, integrated verification platform capable of handling the complexity of third-party onboarding. By leveraging AI, deep data integrations, and a strong operational team, AuthBridge ensures that third-party workers are vetted with the same rigour and speed as white-collar workers.

Conclusion

In a market where fraud, compliance, and operational speed define success, AuthBridge turns driver onboarding from a complex challenge into your platform’s strongest asset, delivering unmatched accuracy, lightning-fast verifications, and scalable support to keep your business safe, trusted, and ready to grow across India.

By Abhinandan, ago

Redo KYC Before June 30: FIU-IND’s Mandate

Introduction

The Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) has recently issued a notification that could change the compliance environment for cryptocurrency exchanges operating in India. In alignment with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the FIU has mandated that all crypto exchanges must redo Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures for their users before June 30, 2025.

This directive highlights a larger regulatory push to ensure that Virtual Digital Asset (VDA) platforms implement robust identity verification mechanisms and manage financial risks effectively.

What FIU’s Notification Means For Crypto Exchanges

Under the new guidelines:

  1. Exchanges must update user details comprehensively.

  2. Fresh KYC must be conducted for accounts older than 18 months.

  3. Enhanced due diligence is required for high-risk accounts, demanding additional documentation and information.

This move signals the government’s intent to tighten oversight on crypto transactions and ensure platforms are not used for money laundering, fraud, or other illicit activities.

The Increasing Importance Of Seamless Digital KYC

The need for quick, reliable, and compliant KYC processes has never been more pressing. Crypto exchanges must rethink their onboarding and verification processes to meet these stringent demands without compromising user experience.

Traditional manual KYC methods are time-consuming, error-prone, and costly. Digital verification solutions, powered by advanced APIs and real-time data validation, offer a scalable and secure alternative.

At AuthBridge, we have been at the forefront of enabling enterprises to achieve faster, safer, and compliant identity verification across industries, and the crypto sector is no exception.

By integrating AuthBridge’s verification solutions, exchanges can not only comply with the FIU’s directives but also build greater trust with users and regulators alike.

Conclusion: Compliance As A Competitive Advantage

As India sharpens its regulatory frameworks around cryptocurrencies, compliance will no longer be a back-end function — it will become a core competitive differentiator.

Exchanges that invest early in AI-powered, API-first verification platforms like AuthBridge’s will be better positioned to scale sustainably, avoid penalties, and foster greater confidence among users and investors.

At AuthBridge, we remain committed to partnering with organisations to help them stay ahead of regulatory changes with innovative, reliable, and secure digital verification technologies.

By Siddharth, ago

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