Customer trust in financial communication is at an all-time low and the data reflects it. At the same time, most BFSI organizations are still relying on standard 10-digit mobile numbers for outbound calls, making it difficult for customers to distinguish between genuine service calls and potential scams.

• Users are increasingly ignoring unknown calls, even from legitimate banks and NBFCs
• Most consumers rely on spam labels and apps, not number recognition
• Awareness of fraud is high, but awareness of secure calling frameworks is still low
• Only ~485–570 BFSI entities have adopted 160 series so far
• Around 2,800–3,000 numbers have been allocated, while thousands are still transitioning

This gap is critical: customers know there’s a fraud problem, but they don’t yet know that 160 series numbers represent trusted BFSI communication.

To address this, the 160 number series has been introduced by DoT & TRAI as a regulatory initiative for rollout between 2025 and 2026, marking a major shift in how financial institutions connect with customers. Read this detailed blog to understand understand 160 number series compliances, BFSI migration deadline and how it affects BFSI entities and why migration is crucial.

What is the 160 Number Series?

The 160 number series is a dedicated number series introduced by TRAI for transactional and service calls from regulated entities, including banks, NBFCs, insurance companies, SEBI regulated entities and other financial service providers.

Unlike regular 10-digit numbers, 1600 series numbers are:

• Standardized and identifiable for financial communication
• Designed to reduce fraud and impersonation risks
• Intended to create a trusted calling ecosystem

This initiative is part of a broader push to bring secure, compliant, and transparent communication to India’s financial sector.

Why Compliance with 160 Series is Critical for BFSI & Regulated Entities

The shift to 160 series is not just a regulatory checkbox, it directly impacts business outcomes.

Key benefits:

• Improved call answer rates → Customers are more likely to pick trusted numbers
• Reduced spam tagging → Lower chances of being flagged as spam
• Stronger customer trust → Clear identification as a financial institution
• Fraud prevention → Minimizes phishing and scam risks
• Regulatory compliance → Aligns with upcoming mandatory guidelines

With the TRAI deadline for 160 approaching, early adoption can also provide a competitive advantage in customer communication.

Why Choose Go2Market for 160 Series Implementation

Go2Market simplifies the entire transition to 160 series with a complete, compliance-ready solution built for BFSI.

What you get:

• VNO-Licensed CPaaS Provider → Reliable and compliant communication infrastructure
• BFSI-Specialized Expertise → Deep understanding of financial communication needs
• Faster Onboarding, Lower Risk → Quick setup with minimal operational disruption
• 160 Series Voice Calling Infrastructure → Built for scalable outbound communication
• Regulatory & DLT Support → End-to-end compliance management
• Operator Coordination & Approval Management → Seamless handling of telecom processes
• 160 Series Integrated Cloud Call Center → Manage compliance by easily integrating go2market’s cloud call center with your existing workflows
• Detailed Call Logs, Reports & Audit Trails → Full visibility and compliance tracking

With Go2Market, businesses can move from uncertain migration to fully compliant communication, quickly and efficiently.

Adoption Trends in India’s BFSI Sector

The adoption of 160 series by BFSI is currently in an early but accelerating phase.

• Hundreds of BFSI organizations have already onboarded
• Thousands of numbers have been allocated
• However, a large portion of the industry is still transitioning

This creates a first-mover advantage for organizations that adopt early, before it becomes a standard across the sector.

Challenges BFSI Companies Face in Migration

Despite clear benefits, many organizations face challenges such as:

• Complex regulatory processes and approvals
• Operator coordination delays
• Integration with existing call center infrastructure
• DLT and compliance management requirements

This is where choosing the right CPaaS partner becomes critical.

Next Steps for BFSI & NBFCs

As the 1600 series rollout progresses, BFSI organizations must act now:

• Assess your current outbound calling infrastructure
• Plan migration from 10-digit numbers to 160xx series
• Ensure DLT and regulatory compliance readiness
• Partner with a trusted CPaaS provider for smooth implementation

Conclusion,

The 160 number series is more than a regulatory update, it’s a fundamental shift in how trust is built in financial communication.

With fraud concerns rising and customer behavior changing, adopting 160 series is no longer optional. It’s essential for compliance, trust and business growth.

Organizations that move early will not only stay compliant but also stand out in a crowded, spam-heavy communication landscape.

If you're a regulated entity or BFSI organization, don’t wait for the deadline. Switch to 160 series for compliant communication. Connect with Go2Market for a smooth and compliant transition