The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has issued a directive prohibiting local banks from using instant messaging applications such as WhatsApp for customer communications, citing reliability concerns.
According to a report by the Saudi Gazette, SAMA’s decision stems from its regulatory powers and aims to “enhance the quality of practices and procedures followed by financial institutions subject to its supervision, in a way bringing the risks to the minimum.”
Financial institutions have been instructed to implement alternative secure channels, including Live Chat or ChatBot services within their applications or websites, while ensuring compliance with personal data protection requirements, the report said.
SAMA prohibits instant messaging apps for banking communications in Saudi Arabia
SAMA has directed banks to educate employees about these instructions and conduct assessments to verify compliance, particularly targeting branch, customer service and marketing staff.
This announcement comes as the Media and Awareness Committee at Saudi Banks warns of increasing fraud cases where criminals impersonate charitable institutions or public figures, claiming to provide financial assistance through social media.
Official bodies do not announce or search for beneficiaries for donations through social media sites or instant messaging programs, the committee stated, according to the report.
Rima Al-Qahtani, head of the fraud control department at Arab National Bank, emphasised that “there is no official body that requests fees or adding a beneficiary or an invoice or paying amounts in exchange for obtaining donations.”
The committee recommends using the SADAD system available through Saudi banks for secure payments of bills or service fees, advising customers to notify their bank immediately of any suspected fraud incidents.
These warnings form part of ongoing efforts by Saudi banks to combat financial fraud through national awareness campaigns and educational initiatives.
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