Further to SAMA's instructions related to identification and verification of individual customers' identity using documents, data, or information from a reliable and independent source at the initiation/establishment of the relationship "remotely", and stemming from SAMA's commitment to enhancing the quality of practices and procedures followed by the financial institutions under its supervision and mitigating risks.

Accordingly, and based on the development conducted by the relevant authorities to enhance the verification mechanism for users of the (Nafath) application through Biometric Authentication, I inform you that financial institutions are required to adopt this feature when initiating/establishing a relationship "remotely", with a high level of verification or above. Additionally, financial institutions are required to complete the integration procedures with the approved service provider before 31/01/2023. They should inform SAMA and contact it in the event of any challenges or inquiries regarding this matter before the specified date via the email address.

For your information and to act accordingly, effective from this date.

SAMA emphasizes the obligation to refrain from initiating any "remote" relationships through various channels without using biometric authentication with a high level of verification or higher. Please note that SAMA will take regulatory actions in case of non-compliance.