The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has issued a Direction mandating phase-wise adoption of the 1600-numbering series by entities regulated by RBI, SEBI and PFRDA. The new framework aims to improve consumer trust and reduce fraudulent calls by ensuring that service and transactional communications from financial institutions are easily identifiable.

The 1600 series, allocated by the Department of Telecommunications for government and BFSI use, has already been adopted by around 485 entities, accounting for over 2,800 numbers. TRAI has now formalised timelines following consultations with sector regulators through the Joint Committee of Regulators.

SEBI-regulated mutual funds and AMCs must adopt the series by mid-February 2026, while Qualified Stockbrokers have until mid-March. For RBI-regulated entities, commercial banks must onboard by January 2026, followed by large NBFCs, Payments Banks and Small Finance Banks by February, and all remaining NBFCs and smaller banks by March. PFRDA-regulated CRAs and Pension Fund Managers must comply by mid-February.

Timelines for insurance entities will be finalised separately. TRAI expects the structured rollout to significantly strengthen consumer safety and reduce impersonation-based financial fraud.