UNIQUES SACCO (formerly Rumphi Teachers SACCO Services Ltd.) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you become a member or use our services.
1. Information We Collect
Personal Information
We collect personal information that you provide to us when you:
- Apply for membership
- Open accounts or apply for loans
- Conduct transactions
- Contact us for support or inquiries
- Use our mobile banking services
Types of Information
- Full name, date of birth, and national ID number
- Contact information (address, phone number, email)
- Employment details and income information
- Financial information (account balances, transaction history)
- Biometric data (where applicable for security)
- Next of kin and beneficiary information
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information for the following purposes:
- Processing membership applications and account management
- Evaluating and processing loan applications
- Conducting financial transactions and maintaining records
- Communicating with you about your accounts and services
- Complying with legal and regulatory requirements
- Preventing fraud and ensuring security
- Improving our services and member experience
- Sending important updates and notifications
3. Information Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:
With Your Consent
We will share your information when you have given us explicit permission to do so.
Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information when required by law, court order, or regulatory authorities including:
- Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM)
- Malawi Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (MUSCCO)
- Law enforcement agencies
- Tax authorities
Service Providers
We may share information with trusted service providers who assist us in operating our business, such as IT service providers, auditors, and legal advisors, under strict confidentiality agreements.
4. Data Security
We implement robust security measures to protect your personal information:
- Encrypted data transmission and storage
- Secure physical facilities with restricted access
- Regular security audits and assessments
- Staff training on data protection and confidentiality
- Multi-factor authentication for sensitive transactions
- Regular backup and disaster recovery procedures
Your Data is Protected
UNIQUES SACCO is licensed by the Reserve Bank of Malawi and adheres to strict data protection standards. We continuously update our security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure.
5. Your Rights
As a member, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:
- Access: Request copies of your personal information
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your information (subject to legal requirements)
- Objection: Object to certain processing of your information
- Portability: Request transfer of your information to another institution
- Withdrawal: Withdraw consent for specific data processing activities
6. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:
- Maintain your membership and provide services
- Comply with legal and regulatory obligations
- Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
- Meet audit and record-keeping requirements
After your membership ends, we retain records as required by Malawian law, typically for a minimum of 7 years.
7. Cookies and Online Tracking
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies help us:
- Remember your preferences and settings
- Understand how you use our website
- Improve website functionality and performance
You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.
8. Mobile Banking Privacy
When you use our USSD mobile banking service (*384*1#):
- Your mobile number is registered and verified
- Transaction data is encrypted during transmission
- You are responsible for keeping your PIN confidential
- We will never ask for your PIN via phone, SMS, or email
9. Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors without parental or guardian consent.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify members of significant changes through:
- Email notifications
- SMS alerts
- Website announcements
- Branch notices
11. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us:
- Address: P.O Box 26, Rumphi Boma, Malawi
- Phone: +265 0888 520 580 / +265 0999 520 580
- Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 08:00-15:30
- Location: Opposite District Education Managers Office, Rumphi
Your Privacy Matters
At UNIQUES SACCO, we are committed to maintaining the trust you place in us. We handle your personal information with the highest level of care and in accordance with Malawian data protection laws and cooperative principles.
UNIQUES SACCO - Registered May 3, 1994 | Registration No: 409-630-0159-6 | Licensed by Reserve Bank of Malawi (November 19, 2015) | Member of MUSCCO