The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is pushing commercial and microfinance banks to immediately upgrade their security and surveillance systems at branches and ATMs. By doing so, SBP aims to boost public safety and assist law enforcement in combating terrorism, fraud, and other crimes.
Banks Move to Strengthen Surveillance Amid New SBP Security Guidelines
Banks are revising their internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to meet SBP’s new guidelines for installing Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras. The updated SOPs outline clear instructions for camera placement, footage storage durations, and camera quality standards. Banks must ensure 24/7 surveillance, providing constant monitoring across all locations.
At ATMs, banks now need to position cameras to capture clear footage of users’ activities. This approach enables banks and law enforcement to identify individuals involved in fraud, terrorism, or disputed transactions using facial recognition technology.
A major change in SBP’s regulations reduces the minimum required resolution for CCTV cameras from six megapixels (MPs) to five. Banks also need to upgrade all supporting equipment, including storage devices and wiring, to meet these new standards.
SBP has set March 31, 2025, as the deadline for banks to install the upgraded cameras at critical points in branch premises located in Tier 1 cities. Banks must also pinpoint high-risk areas in their SOPs and prioritize those for camera installations. These guidelines apply to all new branches and those under renovation in 2024, as long as the banks have not yet placed their CCTV procurement orders.
SBP urges banks to expedite the installation process across their networks. Banks will submit their implementation plans to the Banking Supervision Department to confirm compliance with the new regulations.
By implementing these measures, banks will strengthen their security systems and enhance surveillance across their branch networks, ensuring they meet the standards outlined by SBP.
