Updated for 2026 Syllabus Detailed Explanations High-Yield Core Concepts

Bank Promotion Exam Guide

Banking Awareness | Banking Knowledge | for all Bank Exams

Module: General Practice

Q64: Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and RBI’s Master Direction on KYC, what is the mandatory preservation period for records of transactions and identity (KYC) documents maintained by an Authorized Person?

A
3 years from the date of transaction.
B
5 years from the date of transaction or end of business relationship.
C
8 years from the date of transaction.
D
10 years from the date of cessation of the transaction.
✅ Correct Answer: B
1. The Rule: All Authorized Persons (APs) are "Reporting Entities" under PMLA.
They must preserve records of: Transactions: For at least 5 years from the date of the transaction.
Identity (KYC): For at least 5 years from the date of cessation of the business relationship (e.g., closing the account). 2. Harmonization: Earlier, some banking regulations required 8 years, but the PMLA amendment harmonized this to 5 years to align with global FATF standards.
3. Scope: This applies to all vouchers, ledgers, and identification documents (Passport copies/PAN).