Privacy Policy

Artha Cash is a digital lending platform developed and operated by SHIKSHA FINANCIAL SERVICES INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) registered Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC). The company is the direct lender responsible for providing financial services through the Artha Cash mobile application.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you use the Artha Cash app. By using this app, you agree to the practices described below.

1. About the Lending Partner

Artha Cash is powered by SHIKSHA FINANCIAL SERVICES INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, a registered Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) with the following details:

Direct Lender: SHIKSHA FINANCIAL SERVICES INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

CIN: U74900TN2014PTC094623

2. Information We Collect

To deliver a smooth, secure, and personalized experience, we collect certain information directly from you and through permissions you grant to our app. These permissions help support identity verification, fraud prevention, and improved service delivery. Below is the information we may collect:

Basic Personal Information

We may ask for your name, age, gender, address, contact number, email, and nationality for identity and eligibility verification.

Financial and Employment Data

To assess your loan application, we may collect income details, employment status, occupation, and bank account information. If you already have loans, we may request information such as loan amounts, repayment history, or credit score.

KYC and Identity Verification

To confirm your identity, we may request you to upload identification documents (like PAN or Aadhaar) and a live photo.

Emergency Contact

We may collect contact details of a reference person to help us reach you if needed.

Device and App Usage Information

We collect technical information from your device, such as operating system, network type, IP address, and app usage patterns. This helps us detect fraudulent activity and optimize your experience.

Camera:

Allows the app to capture photos for identity verification purposes, ensuring a secure and accurate authentication process.

Location:

Used to provide location-based services, verify your address, detect potentially fraudulent activity, and recommend loan products relevant to your region.

IDFA (Identifier for Advertisers):

Helps us understand user behavior to deliver tailored loan offers and relevant content. This enhances your experience by making product recommendations more personalized. This permission is optional and does not affect your access to the core app features.

Contacts:

Enables the app to autofill reference information during the loan application process, which can assist with credit assessment and identity verification. This access is optional; you may choose to enter this information manually.

3. How We Use Your Data

Verify Your Identity and Financial Profile

We use the information you provide, such as personal details, financial data, and documents, to verify your identity and assess your financial profile. This helps us ensure that you are who you say you are and that you meet the criteria for the loan application process. This step is crucial for preventing identity theft and fraud.

Process and Evaluate Your Loan Application

The information you share is used to process your loan application, which includes evaluating your creditworthiness, loan eligibility, and determining the loan amount and repayment terms. This helps us assess your ability to repay the loan and ensures that we are offering a loan product that best suits your financial situation.

Disburse and Collect Loan Payments

We use your personal and financial information to disburse loan amounts directly to your bank account and facilitate loan repayment. This includes processing payments, sending reminders, and assisting with any issues related to repayment or loan adjustments. We ensure that all financial transactions are completed securely and on time.

Improve and Personalize the App Experience

The information you provide, including usage patterns and preferences, allows us to personalize the app experience for you. This includes offering loan products that are tailored to your needs, providing relevant content, and improving the overall user experience based on your interactions with the app.

Prevent Fraud and Unauthorized Use

We use your information to monitor for suspicious activity and detect potential fraud. This includes using data analytics and monitoring patterns that may indicate fraudulent behavior, such as identity theft, unauthorized transactions, or unusual loan applications. Our goal is to protect your account and ensure that the app remains secure for all users.

Comply with Applicable Legal and Regulatory Requirements

We use your information to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines set by financial regulatory authorities. This includes verifying your identity as part of the KYC (Know Your Customer) process, reporting certain transactions to the authorities, and adhering to anti-money laundering (AML) policies. We ensure that all data processing activities are aligned with the legal and regulatory frameworks in place.

4. How We Protect Your Data

We implement industry-standard security measures to safeguard your data from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. Your personal information is stored securely and is only accessed by authorized personnel.

5. Sharing of Information

For Credit Risk Assessment and KYC Verification

We may share your information with trusted credit bureaus, financial institutions, and authorized third-party service providers to assess your creditworthiness and verify your identity as part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) process. This ensures that we are in compliance with financial regulations and that your loan application is evaluated accurately and responsibly.

To Comply with Legal Obligations or Court Orders

We may be required to share your information with authorities or third parties if mandated by law, such as in response to legal obligations, regulatory requirements, or court orders. This could include situations where we need to provide information to law enforcement agencies, comply with tax reporting requirements, or fulfill obligations related to anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.

With Service Providers Involved in Loan Processing or Data Storage

Your information may be shared with service providers who assist us in various aspects of loan processing and management, such as payment processing, data storage, customer support, fraud detection, and software maintenance. These service providers are carefully selected and are bound by contracts that ensure they handle your information securely and in accordance with our privacy policy.

We Do Not Sell Your Data

We do not sell your personal data to advertisers, marketing firms, or any third parties for commercial purposes. Your information is used solely for the services we provide and is only shared when necessary to support your loan application, enhance service delivery, or comply with legal requirements. We respect your privacy and are committed to keeping your data safe.

6. Data Storage and Transfer

Your data may be stored on secure servers within India. If we ever need to transfer your data outside India, we ensure it is done in line with applicable laws and with adequate protection measures.

7. Contact Us

If you have questions about this privacy policy or want to raise a concern, you can contact us at:

Email: contact@shikshafinanceiosapp.com

Address: 497, 3rd Floor, Kattima Isana Mall, Poonamalee High Road, Arumbakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600106

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. If changes are made, they will be posted within the app. Continued use of the app after an update means you accept the revised terms.