Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC)

QUES -1 What is a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC)?
ANS -1 A Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) is a company registered under the Companies Act, 1956 and is engaged in the business of loans and advances, acquisition of shares/stock/bonds/debentures/securities issued by Government or local authority or other securities of like marketable nature, leasing, hire-purchase, insurance business, chit business but does not include any institution whose principal business is that of agriculture activity, industrial activity, sale/purchase/construction of immovable property. A non-banking institution which is a company and which has its principal business of receiving deposits under any scheme or arrangement or any other manner, or lending in any manner is also a non-banking financial company (Residuary non-banking company).
QUES 2. NBFCs are doing functions similar to banks. What is difference between banks & NBFCs ?
ANS 2. NBFCs are doing functions akin to that of banks; however there are a few differences:

(i) an NBFC cannot accept demand deposits;

(ii) an NBFC is not a part of the payment and settlement system and as such an NBFC cannot issue cheques drawn on itself; and

(iii) deposit insurance facility of Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation is not available for NBFC depositors unlike in case of banks.

QUES-3. Is it necessary that every NBFC should be registered with RBI?
ANS 3. In terms of Section 45-IA of the RBI Act, 1934, it is mandatory that every NBFC should be registered with RBI to commence or carry on any business of non-banking financial institution as defined in clause (a) of Section 45 I of the RBI Act, 1934.

However, to obviate dual regulation, certain categories of NBFCs which are regulated by other regulators are exempted from the requirement of registration with RBI viz. Venture Capital Fund/Merchant Banking companies/Stock broking companies registered with SEBI, Insurance Company holding a valid Certificate of Registration issued by IRDA, Nidhi companies as notified under Section 620A of the Companies Act, 1956, Chit companies as defined in clause (b) of Section 2 of the Chit Funds Act, 1982 or Housing Finance Companies regulated by National Housing Bank.
QUES 4. What are the different types of NBFCs registered with RBI?
ANS 4. Originally, NBFCs registered with RBI were classified as:

(i) equipment leasing company;
(ii) hire-purchase company;
(iii) loan company;
(iv) investment company.

However, with effect from December 6, 2006 the above NBFCs registered with RBI have been reclassified as

(i) Asset Finance Company (AFC)
(ii) Investment Company (IC)
(iii) Loan Company (LC)

AFC would be defined as any company which is a financial institution carrying on as its principal business the financing of physical assets supporting productive/economic activity, such as automobiles, tractors, lathe machines, generator sets, earth moving and material handling equipments, moving on own power and general purpose industrial machines. Principal business for this purpose is defined as aggregate of financing real/physical assets supporting economic activity and income arising therefrom is not less than 60% of its total assets and total income respectively.
The above type of companies may be further classified into those accepting deposits or those not accepting deposits.
QUES 5. Updated on February 10, 2009 What are the requirements / is the procedure for registration with RBI?

ANS 5. A company incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956 and desirous of commencing business of non-banking financial institution as defined under Section 45 I(a) of the RBI Act, 1934 should have a minimum net owned fund of Rs 25 lakh (raised to Rs 200 lakh w.e.f April 21, 1999).

The company is required to submit its application online by accessing RBI’s secured website https://secweb.rbi.org.in/COSMOS/rbilogin.do (the applicant companies do not need to log on to the COSMOS application and hence user ids for these companies are not required). The company has to click on “CLICK” for Company Registration on the login page. A window showing the Excel application forms available for download would be displayed. The company can then download suitable application form (i.e. NBFC or SC/RC) from the above website, key in the data and upload the application form. The company may note to indicate the name of the correct Regional Office in the field “C-8” of the “Annx-Identification Particulars” worksheet of the Excel application form. The company would then get a Company Application Reference Number for the CoR application filed on-line. Thereafter, the company has to submit the hard copy of the application form (indicating the Company Application Reference Number of its on-line application), along with the supporting documents, to the concerned Regional Office. The company can then check the status of the application based on the acknowledgement number. The Bank would issue Certificate of Registration after satisfying itself that the conditions as enumerated in Section 45-IA of the RBI Act, 1934 are satisfied.

QUES 6. Where can one find list of Registered NBFCs and instructions issued to NBFCs?
ANS 6. The list of registered NBFCs is available on the web site of Reserve Bank of India and can be viewed at www.rbi.org.in. The instructions issued to NBFCs from time to time are also hosted at the above site. Besides, instructions are also issued through Official Gazette notifications. Press Release is also issued to draw attention of the public/NBFCs.
QUES 7. Can all NBFCs accept deposits and what are the requirements for accepting Public Deposits?
ANS 7. All NBFCs are not entitled to accept public deposits. Only those NBFCs holding a valid Certificate of Registration with authorisation to accept Public Deposits can accept/hold public deposits. NBFCs authorised to accept/hold public deposits besides having minimum stipulated Net Owned Fund (NOF) should also comply with the Directions such as investing part of the funds in liquid assets, maintain reserves, rating etc. issued by the Bank.
QUES 8. Is there any ceiling on acceptance of Public Deposits? What is the rate of interest and period of deposit which NBFCs can accept?

ANS 8. Yes, there is a ceiling on acceptance of Public Deposits. An NBFC maintaining required NOF/Capital to Risk Assets Ratio (CRAR) and complying with the prudential norms can accept public deposits as follows:

Category of NBFC having minimum NOF of Rs 200 lakhs	Ceiling on public deposit
AFC* maintaining CRAR of 15% without credit rating AFC with CRAR of 12% and having minimum investment grade credit rating	1.5 times of NOF or Rs 10 crore whichever is less 4 times of NOF
LC/IC** with CRAR of 15% and having minimum investment grade credit rating	1.5 times of NOF

* AFC = Asset Finance Company

** LC/IC = Loan company/Investment Company

As has been notified on June 17, 2008 the ceiling on level of public deposits for NBFCs accepting deposits but not having minimum Net Owned Fund of Rs 200 lakh is revised as under:

Category of NBFC having NOF more than Rs 25 lakh but less than Rs 200 lakh	Revised Ceiling on public deposits
AFCs maintaining CRAR of 15% without credit rating and	Equal to NOF
AFCs with CRAR of 12% and having minimum investment grade credit rating	1.5 times of NOF
LCs/ICs with CRAR of 15% and having minimum investment grade credit rating	Equal to NOF

Presently, the maximum rate of interest an NBFC can offer is 12.5%. The interest may be paid or compounded at rests not shorter than monthly rests.

The NBFCs are allowed to accept/renew public deposits for a minimum period of 12 months and maximum period of 60 months. They cannot accept deposits repayable on demand.

The RNBCs have different norms for acceptance of deposits which are explained elsewhere in this booklet.

QUES 9. What are the salient features of NBFCs regulations which the depositor may note at the times of investment?
ANS 9. Some of the important regulations relating to acceptance of deposits by NBFCs are as under:

1. The NBFCs are allowed to accept/renew public deposits for a minimum period of 12 months and maximum period of 60 months. They cannot accept deposits repayable on demand.
2. NBFCs cannot offer interest rates higher than the ceiling rate prescribed by RBI from time to time. The present ceiling is 12.5 per cent per annum. The interest may be paid or compounded at rests not shorter than monthly rests.
3. NBFCs cannot offer gifts/incentives or any other additional benefit to the depositors.
4. NBFCs (except certain AFCs) should have minimum investment grade credit rating.
5. The deposits with NBFCs are not insured.
6. The repayment of deposits by NBFCs is not guaranteed by RBI.
7. Certain mandatory disclosures are to be made about the company in the Application Form issued by the company soliciting deposits.

QUES 10. What is ‘deposit’ and ‘public deposit’? Is it defined anywhere?
ANS 10. The term ‘deposit’ is defined under Section 45 I(bb) of the RBI Act, 1934. ‘Deposit’ includes and shall be deemed always to have included any receipt of money by way of deposit or loan or in any other form but does not include:

• amount raised by way of share capital, or contributed as capital by partners of a firm;
• amount received from scheduled bank, co-operative bank, a banking company, State Financial Corporation, IDBI or any other institution specified by RBI;
• amount received in ordinary course of business by way of security deposit, dealership deposit, earnest money, advance against orders for goods, properties or services;
• amount received by a registered money lender other than a body corporate;
• amount received by way of subscriptions in respect of a ‘Chit’.

Paragraph 2(1)(xii) of the Non-Banking Financial Companies Acceptance of Public Deposits ( Reserve Bank) Directions, 1998 defines a ‘ public deposit’ as a ‘deposit’ as defined under Section 45 I(bb) of the RBI Act, 1934 and further excludes the following:

• amount received from the Central/State Government or any other source where repayment is guaranteed by Central/State Government or any amount received from local authority or foreign government or any foreign citizen/authority/person;
• any amount received from financial institutions;
• any amount received from other company as inter-corporate deposit;
• amount received by way of subscriptions to shares, stock, bonds or debentures pending allotment or by way of calls in advance if such amount is not repayable to the members under the articles of association of the company;
• amount received from shareholders by private company;
• amount received from directors or relative of the director of an NBFC;
• amount raised by issue of bonds or debentures secured by mortgage of any immovable property or other asset of the company subject to conditions;
• the amount brought in by the promoters by way of unsecured loan;
• amount received from a mutual fund;
• any amount received as hybrid debt or subordinated debt;
• any amount received by issuance of Commercial Paper.

Thus, the directions exclude from the definition of public deposit, amount raised from certain set of informed lenders who can make independent decision.
QUES 11. Are Secured debentures treated as Public Deposit? If not who regulates them?
ANS 11. Debentures secured by the mortgage of any immovable property or other asset of the company, if the amount raised does not exceed the market value of the said immovable property or other asset, are excluded from the definition of ‘Public Deposit’ in terms of Non-Banking Financial Companies Acceptance of Public Deposits (Reserve Bank) Directions, 1998. Secured debentures are debt instruments and are regulated by Securities & Exchange Board of India.
QUES 12. Whether NBFCs can accept deposits from NRIs?
ANS 12. Effective from April 24, 2004, NBFCs cannot accept deposits from NRIs except deposits by debit to NRO account of NRI provided such amount does not represent inward remittance or transfer from NRE/FCNR (B) account. However, the existing NRI deposits can be renewed.
QUES 13 Is nomination facility available to the Depositors of NBFCs?
ANS 13. Yes, nomination facility is available to the depositors of NBFCs. The Rules for nomination facility are provided for in section 45QB of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. Non-Banking Financial Companies have been advised to adopt the Banking Companies (Nomination) Rules, 1985 made under Section 45ZA of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. Accordingly, depositor/s of NBFCs are permitted to nominate one person to whom the NBFC can return the deposit in the event of the death of the depositor/s. NBFCs are advised to accept nominations made by the depositors in the form similar to one specified under the said rules, viz Form DA 1 for the purpose of nomination, and Form DA2 and DA3 for cancellation of nomination and change of nomination respectively.
QUES 14. What else should a depositor bear in mind while depositing money with NBFCs?
ANS 14. While making deposits with an NBFC, the following aspects should be borne in mind:

(i) Public deposits are unsecured.

(ii) A proper deposit receipt which should, besides the name of the depositor/s, state the date of deposit, the amount in words and figures, rate of interest payable and the date of maturity. Depositor/s should insist on the above and also ensure that the receipt is duly signed by an officer authorised by the company in that behalf.

(iii) The Reserve Bank of India does not accept any responsibility or guarantee about the present position as to the financial soundness of the company or for the correctness of any of the statements or representations made or opinions expressed by the company and for repayment of deposits/discharge of the liabilities by the company.

QUES 15. It is said that rating of NBFCs is necessary before it accepts deposit? Is it true? Who rates them?ANS 15. An unrated NBFC, except certain Asset Finance companies (AFC), cannot accept public deposits. An exception is made in case of unrated AFC companies with CRAR of 15% which can accept public deposit without having a credit rating upto a certain ceiling depending upon its Net Owned Funds (c.f Ans to Q 8). AN NBFC may get itself rated by any of the four rating agencies namely, CRISIL, CARE, ICRA and FITCH Ratings India Pvt. Ltd.
QUES 16. What are the symbols of minimum investment grade rating of different companies?
ANS 16. The symbols of minimum investment grade rating of the Credit rating agencies are:

Name of rating agencies	Nomenclature of minimum investment grade credit rating (MIGR)
CRISIL	FA- (FA MINUS)
ICRA	MA- (MA MINUS)
CARE	CARE BBB (FD)
FITCH Ratings India Pvt. Ltd.	tA-(ind)(FD)

It may be added that A- is not equivalent to A, AA- is not equivalent to AA and AAA- is not equivalent to AAA.

QUES 17. Can an NBFC which is yet to be rated accept public deposit?
ANS 17. No, an NBFC cannot accept deposit without rating (except an Asset Finance Company complying with prudential norms and having CRAR of 15%, as explained above at Ans. to Q 8).
QUES 18. When a company’s rating is downgraded, does it have to bring down its level of public deposits immediately or over a period of time?
ANS 18. If rating of an NBFC is downgraded to below minimum investment grade rating, it has to stop accepting public deposit, report the position within fifteen working days to the RBI and reduce within three years from the date of such downgrading of credit rating, the amount of excess public deposit to nil or to the appropriate extent permissible under paragraph 4(4) of Non-Banking Financial Companies Acceptance of Public Deposits (Reserve Bank) Directions, 1998.
QUES 19. In case an NBFC defaults in repayment of deposit what course of action can be taken by depositors?
ANS 19. If an NBFC defaults in repayment of deposit, the depositor can approach Company Law Board or Consumer Forum or file a civil suit in a court of law to recover the deposits.
QUES 20. What is the role of Company Law Board in protecting the interest of depositors? How one can approach it?
ANS 20. Where an NBFC fails to repay any deposit or part thereof in accordance with the terms and conditions of such deposit, the Company Law Board (CLB) either on its own motion or on an application from the depositor, directs by order the non-banking financial company to make repayment of such deposit or part thereof forthwith or within such time and subject to such conditions as may be specified in the order.
As explained above, the depositor can approach CLB by mailing an application in prescribed form to the appropriate bench of the Company Law Board according to its territorial jurisdiction alongwith the prescribed fee.
QUES 21. Can you give the addresses of the various benches of the Company Law Board (CLB) indicating their respective jurisdiction?
ANS 21. The details of addresses and territorial jurisdiction of the bench officers of CLB are as under:

Sr.No.	Addresses	Territorial Jurisdiction
1.	Bench Officer, Company Law Board, Northern Region Bench, Shastri Bhavan, ‘A’ Wing, 5th Floor, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road, New Delhi 110 001.	Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana and Union Territories of Chandigarh and Delhi
2.	Bench Officer, Company Law Board, Southern Region Bench, Shastri Bhavan, ‘A’ Wing, 5th Floor, Block 8, No 26, Haddows Road, Chennai 600 006.	Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Union Territories of Amindivi, Minicoy and Lakshadweep Islands and Pondicherry
3.	Bench Officer, Company Law Board, Western Region Bench, 2nd Floor, N.T.C. House, 15, Narottam Morarjee Marg, Ballard Estate, Mumbai-400 038.	Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Goa and Union Territories of Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu.
4.	Bench Officer, Company Law Board, Eastern Region Bench, 9, Old Post Office Street, 6th Floor, Kolkata 700 001.	West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar, Assam, Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
5.	Bench Officer, Company Law Board, Principal Bench at New Delhi, Shastri Bhavan, ‘A’ Wing, 5th Floor, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road, New Delhi 110 001.	All Principal Bench matters all over India.

QUES 22. We hear that in a number of cases official liquidators have been appointed on the defaulting NBFCs. What is their role and how one can approach them?
ANS 22. Official Liquidator is appointed by the court after giving the company reasonable opportunity of being heard in a winding up petition. The liquidator performs duties of winding up and such duties in reference thereto as the court may impose.
Where the court has appointed an official liquidator or provisional liquidator, he becomes custodian of the property of the company and runs the day-to-day affairs of the company. He has to draw up a statement of affairs of the company in prescribed form containing particulars of assets of the company, its debts and liabilities, names/residences/occupations of its creditors, the debts due to the company and such other information as may be prescribed. The scheme is drawn up by the liquidator and same is put up to the court for approval. The liquidator realizes the assets of the company and arranges to repay the creditors according to the scheme approved by the court. The liquidator generally inserts advertisement in the newspaper inviting claims from depositors/investors in compliance with court orders. Therefore, the investors/depositors should file the claims within due time as per such notices of the liquidator. The Reserve Bank also provides assistance to the depositors in furnishing addresses of the official liquidator.
QUES 23. Consumer Court play useful role in attending to depositors problems. Can one approach Consumer Forum, Civil Court, CLB simultaneously?
ANS 23. Yes, a depositor can approach any or all of the redressal authorities i.e consumer forum, court or CLB.
QUES 24. Is there an Ombudsman for hearing complaints against NBFCs?
ANS 24. No, there is no Ombudsman for hearing complaints against NBFCs. However, in respect of credit card operations of an NBFC, if a complainant does not get satisfactory response from the NBFC within a maximum period of thirty (30) days from the date of lodging the complaint, the customer will have the option to approach the Office of the concerned Banking Ombudsman for redressal of his grievance/s.
QUES 25. What are various prudential regulations applicable to NBFCs?
ANS 25. The Bank has issued detailed directions on prudential norms, vide Non-Banking Financial Companies Prudential Norms (Reserve Bank) Directions, 1998. The directions interalia, prescribe guidelines on income recognition, asset classification and provisioning requirements applicable to NBFCs, exposure norms, constitution of audit committee, disclosures in the balance sheet, requirement of capital adequacy, restrictions on investments in land and building and unquoted shares.
QUES 26. Please explain the terms ‘owned fund’ and ‘net owned fund’ in relation to NBFCs?
ANS 26. ‘Owned Fund’ means aggregate of the paid-up equity capital and free reserves as disclosed in the latest balance sheet of the company after deducting therefrom accumulated balance of loss, deferred revenue expenditure and other intangible assets.
'Net Owned Fund' is the amount as arrived at above minus the amount of investments of such company in shares of its subsidiaries, companies in the same group and all other NBFCs and the book value of debentures, bonds, outstanding loans and advances made to and deposits with subsidiaries and companies in the same group, to the extent it exceeds 10% of the owned fund.
QUES 27. What are the responsibilities of the NBFCs accepting/holding public deposits with regard to submission of Returns and other information to RBI?
ANS 27. The NBFCs accepting public deposits should furnish to RBI

1. Audited balance sheet of each financial year and an audited profit and loss account in respect of that year as passed in the annual general meeting together with a copy of the report of the Board of Directors and a copy of the report and the notes on accounts furnished by its Auditors;
2. Statutory Annual Return on deposits - NBS 1;
3. Certificate from the Auditors that the company is in a position to repay the deposits as and when the claims arise;
4. Quarterly Return on liquid assets;
5. Half-yearly Return on prudential norms;
6. Half-yearly ALM Returns by companies having public deposits of Rs. 20 crore and above or with assets of Rs. 100 crore and above irrespective of the size of deposits ;
7. Monthly return on exposure to capital market by companies having public deposits of Rs. 50 crore and above; and
8. A copy of the Credit Rating obtained once a year along with one of the Half-yearly Returns on prudential norms as at (v) above.

QUES 28. What are the documents or the compliance required to be submitted to the Reserve Bank of India by the NBFCs not accepting/holding public deposits?
ANS 28. The NBFCs having assets of Rs. 100 crore and above but not accepting public deposits are required to submit a Monthly Return on important financial parameters of the company. All companies not accepting public deposits have to pass a board resolution to the effect that they have neither accepted public deposit nor would accept any public deposit during the year.

However, all the NBFCs (other than those exempted) are required to be registered with RBI and also make sure that they continue to be eligible to retain the Registration. Further, all NBFCs (including non-deposit taking) should submit a certificate from their Statutory Auditors every year to the effect that they continue to undertake the business of NBFI requiring holding of CoR under Section 45-IA of the RBI Act, 1934.

RBI has powers to cause Inspection of the books of any company and call for any other information about its business activities. For this purpose, the NBFC is required to furnish the information in respect of any change in the composition of its Board of Directors, address of the company and its Directors and the name/s and official designations of its principal officers and the name and office address of its Auditors. With effect from April 1, 2007, non-deposit taking NBFCs with assets of Rs 100 crore and above were advised to maintain minimum CRAR of 10% and also comply with single/group exposure norms. The companies have to achieve CRAR of 12% by March 31, 2009 and 15% by March 31, 2010.
QUES 29. The NBFCs have been made liable to pay interest on the overdue matured deposits if the company has not been able to repay the matured public deposits on receipt of a claim from the depositor. Please elaborate the provisions.
ANS 29. As per Reserve Bank’s Directions, overdue interest is payable to the depositors in case the company has delayed the repayment of matured deposits, and such interest is payable from the date of receipt of such claim by the company or the date of maturity of the deposit whichever is later, till the date of actual payment. If the depositor has lodged his claim after the date of maturity, the company would be liable to pay interest for the period from the date of claim till the date of repayment. For the period between the date of maturity and the date of claim it is the discretion of the company to pay interest.
QUES 30. Can a company pre-pay its public deposits?
ANS 30. AN NBFC accepts deposits under a mutual contract with its depositors. In case a depositor requests for pre-mature payment, Reserve Bank of India has prescribed Regulations for such an eventuality in the Non-Banking Financial Companies Acceptance of Public Deposits (Reserve Bank) Directions, 1998 wherein it is specified that NBFCs cannot grant any loan against a public deposit or make premature repayment of a public deposit within a period of three months (lock-in period) from the date of its acceptance. However, in the event of death of a depositor, the company may, even within the lock-in period, repay the deposit at the request of the joint holders with survivor clause / nominee / legal heir only against submission of relevant proof, to the satisfaction of the company.

An NBFC subject to above provisions, which is not a problem company, may permit after the lock–in period, premature repayment of a public deposit at its sole discretion, at the rate of interest prescribed by the Bank.

A problem NBFC is prohibited from making premature repayment of any deposits or granting any loan against public deposit/deposits, as the case may be. The prohibition shall not, however, apply in the case of death of depositor or repayment of tiny deposits i.e. up to Rs. 10000/- subject to lock in period of 3 months in the latter case.
QUES 31. What is the liquid asset requirement for the deposit taking companies? Where these assets are kept? Do depositors have any claims on them?
ANS 31. In terms of Section 45-IB of the RBI Act, 1934, the minimum level of liquid asset to be maintained by NBFCs is 15 per cent of public deposits outstanding as on the last working day of the second preceding quarter. Of the 15%, NBFCs are required to invest not less than ten percent in approved securities and the remaining 5% can be in unencumbered term deposits with any scheduled commercial bank. Thus, the liquid assets may consist of Government securities, Government guaranteed bonds and term deposits with any scheduled commercial bank.

The investment in Government securities should be in dematerialised form which can be maintained in Constituents’ Subsidiary General Ledger (CSGL) Account with a scheduled commercial bank (SCB) / Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHICL). In case of Government guaranteed bonds the same may be kept in dematerialised form with SCB/SHCIL or in a dematerialised account with depositories [National Securities Depository Ltd. (NSDL)/Central Depository Services (India) Ltd. (CDSL)] through a depository participant registered with Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI). However in case there are Government bonds which are in physical form the same may be kept in safe custody of SCB/SHCIL.

NBFCs have been directed to maintain the mandated liquid asset securities in a dematerialised form with the entities stated above at a place where the registered office of the company is situated. However, if an NBFC intends to entrust the securities at a place other than the place at which its registered office is located, it may do so after obtaining the permission of RBI in writing. It may be noted that liquid assets in approved securities will have to be maintained in dematerialised form only.

The liquid assets maintained as above are to be utilised for payment of claims of depositors. However, deposit being unsecured in nature, depositors do not have direct claim on liquid assets.

QUES 32. Please tell us something about the companies which are NBFCs, but are exempted from registration?
ANS 32. Housing Finance Companies, Merchant Banking Companies, Stock Exchanges, Companies engaged in the business of stock-broking/sub-broking, Venture Capital Fund Companies, Nidhi Companies, Insurance companies and Chit Fund Companies are NBFCs but they have been exempted from the requirement of registration under Section 45-IA of the RBI Act, 1934 subject to certain conditions.

Housing Finance Companies are regulated by National Housing Bank, Merchant Banker/Venture Capital Fund Company/stock-exchanges/stock brokers/sub-brokers are regulated by Securities and Exchange Board of India, and Insurance companies are regulated by Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority. Similarly, Chit Fund Companies are regulated by the respective State Governments and Nidhi Companies are regulated by Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India.
It may also be mentioned that Mortgage Guarantee Companies have been notified as Non-Banking Financial Companies under Section 45 I(f)(iii) of the RBI Act, 1934.
QUES 33. There are some entities (not companies) which carry on activities like that of NBFCs. Are they allowed to take deposits? Who regulates them?
ANS 33. Any person who is an individual or a firm or unincorporated association of individuals cannot accept deposits except by way of loan from relatives, if his/its business wholly or partly includes loan, investment, hire-purchase or leasing activity or principal business is that of receiving of deposits under any scheme or arrangement or in any manner or lending in any manner.
QUES 34. What is a Residuary Non-Banking Company (RNBC)? In what way it is different from other NBFCs?
ANS 34. Residuary Non-Banking Company is a class of NBFC which is a company and has as its principal business the receiving of deposits, under any scheme or arrangement or in any other manner and not being Investment, Asset Financing, Loan Company. These companies are required to maintain investments as per directions of RBI, in addition to liquid assets. The functioning of these companies is different from those of NBFCs in terms of method of mobilisation of deposits and requirement of deployment of depositors' funds as per Directions. Besides, Prudential Norms Directions are applicable to these companies also.
QUES 35. We understand that there is no ceiling on raising of deposits by RNBCs, then how safe is deposit with them?
ANS 35. It is true that there is no ceiling on raising of deposits by RNBCs but every RNBC has to ensure that the amounts deposited and investments made by the company are not less than the aggregate amount of liabilities to the depositors.

To secure the interest of depositor, such companies are required to invest in a portfolio comprising of highly liquid and secure instruments viz. Central/State Government securities, fixed deposits with scheduled commercial banks (SCB), Certificate of deposits of SCB/FIs, units of Mutual Funds, etc.
QUES 36. Can RNBC forfeit deposit if deposit installments are not paid regularly or discontinued?
ANS 36. No Residuary Non-Banking Company shall forfeit any amount deposited by the depositor, or any interest, premium, bonus or other advantage accrued thereon.
QUES 37. Please tell us something on rate of interest payable by RNBCs on deposits and maturity period of deposits?
ANS 37. The amount payable by way of interest, premium, bonus or other advantage, by whatever name called by a RNBC in respect of deposits received shall not be less than the amount calculated at the rate of 5% (to be compounded annually) on the amount deposited in lump sum or at monthly or longer intervals; and at the rate of 3.5% (to be compounded annually) on the amount deposited under daily deposit scheme. Further, a RNBC can accept deposits for a minimum period of 12 months and maximum period of 84 months from the date of receipt of such deposit. They cannot accept deposits repayable on demand.

RBI Instructions on Domestic Deposits

1. Whether banks can accept interest free deposits?

Banks cannot accept interest free deposits other than in current account.

2. Whether banks can pay interest on savings bank accounts quarterly?

Banks can pay interest on savings bank accounts at quarterly or longer rests.

3. Whether banks can pay interest on term deposits monthly?

Interest on term deposits is payable at quarterly or longer rests. In case of monthly deposit schemes, as per banking practice, the interest is calculated for the quarter and may be paid monthly at the discounted value.

4. Whether banks can pay differential rates of interest on term deposits aggregating Rs.15 lakh and above?

Differential rates of interest can be paid on single term deposits of Rs.15 lakh and above and not on the aggregate of individual deposits where the total exceeds Rs.15 lakh.

5. Whether banks can pay commission for mobilising deposits?

Banks are prohibited from employing/engaging any individual, firm, company, association, institution for collection of deposits or selling of deposit linked products on payment of remuneration or fees or commission in any form or manner except commission paid to agents employed to collect door-to-door deposits under a special scheme. Banks have also been permitted to use the services of Non-Governmental Organisations(NGOs)/ Self Help Groups(SHGs)/ Micro Finance Institutions(MFIs and other Civil Society Organisations(CSOs) as intermediaries in providing financial and banking services including collection of deposits through the use of the Business Facilitator and Business Correspondent models and pay reasonable commission/fees.

6. Whether banks can prematurely repay term deposits on their own?

A term deposit is a contract between the bank and the customer for a definite term and it cannot be paid prematurely at the bank’s option. However, a term deposit can be paid prematurely at the request of the customer subject to the terms of the contract, including penalty, if any.

7. Whether banks can refuse premature withdrawal of term deposits?

Banks may not normally refuse premature withdrawal of term deposits of individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUF), irrespective of the size of the deposit. However, banks at their discretion, may disallow premature withdrawal of large deposits held by entities other than individuals and Hindu Undivided Families. Banks should notify such depositors of their policy of disallowing premature withdrawals in advance, i.e. at the time of acceptance of deposits.

8. Whether banks can levy penalty for premature withdrawal?

Banks have the freedom to determine their own penal rates of interest for premature withdrawal of term deposits.

9. How and when are banks required to pay interest on the deposits maturing on holiday/ non-business working day/ Sunday?
Banks should pay interest at the originally contracted rate on the deposit amount for the holiday/ Sunday/ non-business working day intervening between the date of expiry of the specified term of the deposit and the date of payment of the proceeds of the deposit on the succeeding working day.

10. Whether banks can pay additional interest admissible to banks' staff on the deposit placed in the name of minor child/ children of the deceased members of staff?

No. Children (including minor) are not eligible for additional interest admissible to banks' staff members/ retired staff members.

11. Whether additional interest admissible to banks' staff can be paid on the compensation awarded by the court to a minor child and deposited in the joint names of minor child and parent?

No. As the money belongs to the minor child and not the banks' staff, additional interest cannot be paid.

12. Whether banks are permitted to offer differential rate of interest on other deposits?

Banks can formulate special fixed deposit schemes specifically for resident Indian senior citizens offering higher and fixed rates of interest as compared to normal deposits of any size.

13. At what rate is interest payable on a deposit standing in the name of a deceased depositor?

a. In the case of a term deposit standing in the name/s of a deceased individual depositor, or two or more joint depositors, where one of the depositors has died, the criterion for payment of interest on matured deposits in the event of death of the depositor in the above cases has been left to the discretion of individual banks subject to their Board laying down a transparent policy in this regard.

b. In the case of balances lying in current account standing in the name of a deceased individual depositor/ sole proprietorship concern, interest should be paid only from May 1, 1983 or from the date of death of the depositor, whichever is later, till the date of repayment to the claimant/s at the rate of interest applicable to savings deposits as on the date of payment. However, in the case of NRE deposits, if the claimants are residents, the deposit on maturity is treated as a domestic rupee deposit and interest is paid for the subsequent period at the rate applicable to domestic deposits of similar maturity.

14. What are the guidelines for renewal of overdue deposits?

All aspects concerning renewal of overdue deposits may be decided by individual banks subject to their Board laying down a transparent policy in this regard and the customers being notified of the terms and conditions of renewal, including interest rate, at the time of acceptance of the deposit. The policy should be non-discretionary and non-discriminatory.

II. DEPOSITS OF NON-RESIDENTS INDIANS (NRIs)

15. Whether concessional rate of interest is applicable when a loan against FCNR(B) deposit is repaid in foreign currency?

Banks have the freedom to fix the rate of interest chargeable on loans and advances against FCNR(B) deposits to the depositors without reference to their Benchmark Prime Lending Rate (BPLR) irrespective of whether repayment is made in Rupees or in Foreign Currency.

16. Whether banks can accept recurring deposits under the FCNR(B) Scheme?

No. Banks cannot accept recurring deposits under the FCNR(B) Scheme.

17. Who can fix the interest rates on NRE and FCNR(B) deposits?

The Boards of Directors of banks have been empowered to authorise the Asset-Liability Management Committee to fix interest rates on deposits within the ceiling prescribed by RBI.

18. Whether banks are permitted to offer differential rate of interest on NRE/ FCNR(B) deposits?

Yes. Banks are permitted to offer differential rates of interest on NRE term deposits as in the case of domestic term deposits of Rs.15 lakh and above within the ceiling prescribed. Regarding FCNR(B) deposits, banks are free to decide the currency-wise minimum quantum on which differential rate of interest may be offered subject to the overall ceiling prescribed.

19. What is meant by Reinvestment Deposit?

Reinvestment deposits are those deposits where interest (as and when due) is reinvested at the same contracted rate till maturity, which is withdrawable with the principal amount on maturity date. It is also applicable to domestic deposits.

20. Whether FCNR(B) deposits can be renewed with retrospective effect (i.e. from the maturity date)? If yes, what is the rate of interest payable?

A bank may, at its discretion, renew an overdue FCNR(B) deposit or a portion thereof provided the overdue period from the date of maturity till the date of renewal (both days inclusive), does not exceed 14 days and the rate of interest payable on the amount of the deposit so renewed shall be the appropriate rate of interest for the period of renewal as prevailing on the date of maturity or on the date when the depositor seeks renewal, whichever is lower. In the case of overdue deposits where the overdue period exceeds 14 days, the deposits can be renewed at the prevailing rate of interest on the date when the renewal is sought. If the depositor places the entire amount of overdue deposit or a portion thereof as a fresh FCNR(B) deposit, banks may fix their own interest for the overdue period on the amount so placed as a fresh term deposit. Banks are free to recover the interest so paid for the overdue period if the deposit is withdrawn after renewal before completion of the minimum stipulated period under the scheme.

21. Whether interest rate stipulations applicable to loans in rupees under FCNR(B) schemes are applicable to loans denominated in foreign currency?

No. Interest rate stipulations applicable to loans in rupees under FCNR(B) schemes are not applicable to loans denominated in foreign currency, which are governed by the instructions issued by the Foreign Exchange Department of RBI.

22. Under what circumstances additional interest over and above the declared rate of interest can be paid in case of FCNR(B) deposits?
In respect of deposits accepted in the name of –
a. member or a retired member of the bank’s staff, either singly or jointly with any other member or members of his/ her family, or
b. the spouse of a deceased member or a deceased retired member of the bank’s staff,
the bank may, at its discretion, allow additional interest at a rate not exceeding one per cent per annum over and above the rate of interest stipulated, Provided that –
i. the depositor or all the depositors of a joint account is/ are non-resident/s of Indian nationality or origin, and
ii. the bank shall obtain a declaration from the depositor concerned that the moneys so deposited or which may, from time to time, be deposited, shall be moneys belonging to the depositor as stated in clause (a) and (b) above.
iii. the rate fixed by the bank for deposits of staff members, existing or retired, should not exceed the ceiling rate prescribed by RBI.
Explanation: The word "family" shall mean and include the spouse of the member/ retired member of the bank’s staff, his/her children, parents, brothers and sisters who are dependent on such a member/ retired member but shall not include a legally separated spouse.

23. In the case of a deceased depositor’s NRE/FCNR(B) deposit, in the event of legal heirs effecting premature withdrawal before completion of the minimum prescribed period, whether any interest is payable?

No. A deposit has to run for a minimum stipulated period, which is at present one year for both FCNR(B) and NRE deposits, to be eligible to earn interest.

24. Whether banks can pay interest on NRE and FCNR(B) deposits for the intervening Saturday, Sunday and holidays between the date of maturity and payment?

Yes. Whenever the due dates fall on Saturday/Sunday/non-business working day/holidays, banks are permitted to pay interest on NRE and FCNR(B) deposits at the originally contracted rate for the intervening period between the due date and date of payment so that no interest loss is suffered by the depositors.

III. ADVANCES

25. What is the meaning of the word ‘Free’ in the lending rate prescription?

Banks are free to fix Benchmark Prime Lending Rate (BPLR) for credit limits over Rs.2 lakh with the approval of their respective Boards. BPLR has to be declared and made uniformly applicable at all the branches. The banks may authorize their Asset-Liability Management Committee (ALCO) to fix interest rates on Deposits and Advances, subject to their reporting to the Board immediately thereafter. The banks should also declare the maximum spread over BPLR with the approval of the ALCO/Board for all advances.

26.(i) What are the ‘intermediary agencies’?
(ii) What are ‘housing finance intermediary agencies’?

An illustrative list of Intermediary Agencies is as under:

1. State Sponsored organizations for on-lending to Weaker Sections@
2. Distributors of agricultural inputs/ implements.
3. State Financial Corporations (SFCs)/ State Industrial Development Corporations (SIDCs) to the extent they provide credit to weaker sections.
4. National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC).
5. Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
6. Agencies involved in assisting the decentralized sector.
7. Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO)
8. Housing Finance Companies approved by National Housing Bank (NHB) for refinance.
9. State sponsored organization for SCs/STs (for purchase and supply of inputs to and/or marketing of output of the beneficiaries of these organizations).
10. Micro Finance Institutions/ Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) on lending to SHGs.

@ Weaker sections include –

i. Small and marginal farmers with landholdings of 5 acres and less, and landless labourers, tenant farmers and share-croppers;
ii) Artisans, village and cottage industries where individual credit requirements do not exceed Rs. 50,000/-;
iii) Beneficiaries of Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY);
iv) Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes;
v) Beneficiaries of Differential Rate of Interest (DRI) scheme;
vi) Beneficiaries under Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY);
vii) Beneficiaries under scheme of Liberation and Rehabilitation of Scavengers (SLRS);
viii) Advances to Self-Help Groups (SHGs);
ix) Loans to distressed poor to repay their debt to informal sector, against appropriate collateral or group security.
Loans granted under (i) to (ix) above to persons from minority communities as may be notified by Government of India from time to time.

In states, where one of the minority communities notified is, in fact, in majority, item (ix) will cover only the other notified minorities. These States/Union Territories are Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Sikkim, Mizoram, Nagaland and Lakshadweep.

27. Whether banks can charge interest rate without reference to their own BPLR?

Yes. Banks are free to determine the rates of interest without reference to their BPLR and regardless of the size, in respect of following loans:

(i) a. Loans for purchase of consumer durables.

b. Loans to individuals against shares and debentures/ bonds

c. Other non-priority sector personal loans including credit card dues.

d. Advances/ overdrafts against domestic/ NRE/ FCNR(B) deposits with the bank, provided that the deposit/s stands/ stand either in the name(s) of the borrower himself/ borrowers themselves, or in the names of the borrower jointly with another person.

e. Finance granted to intermediary agencies (excluding those of housing) for on-lending to ultimate beneficiaries and agencies providing input support.

f. Finance granted to housing finance intermediary agencies for on-lending to ultimate beneficiaries

g. Discounting of Bills

h. Loans/Advances/Cash Credit/Overdrafts against commodities subject to Selective Credit Control

(ii) Loans covered by participation in interest refinancing schemes of term lending institutions -
Banks are free to charge rates as per stipulations of the refinancing agencies without reference to BPLR.

28. Whether it is in order for banks to have multiple BPLRs?

No. Since all lending rates can be determined with reference to the Benchmark PLR by taking into account term premia and/or risk premia, there is no need for multiple BPLRs. These premia can be factored into the spread over or below the BPLR.

29. Whether banks can grant fixed rate loans for purposes other than project finance?

Banks have the freedom to offer all loans at fixed or floating rates subject to conformity to their Asset Liability Management (ALM) Guidelines. Banks should use only external or market-based rupee benchmark interest rates for pricing of their floating rate loan products.

30. Whether the revised BPLRs will be applicable to the existing advances?

Yes. Banks are required to invariably incorporate the following proviso in loan agreements in the case of all advances, including term loans, enabling banks to charge the applicable interest rate in conformity with the directives issued by RBI, except in case of Fixed Rate Loans -

"Provided that the interest payable by the borrower shall be subject to the changes in interest rates made by the Reserve Bank from time to time".

31. Whether banks may charge interest below BPLR on loans above Rs.2.00 lakh?

Yes. At present, loans up to Rs.2 lakh carry the prescription of not exceeding the Benchmark Prime Lending Rate (BPLR) and on the loans above Rs.2 lakh, banks are free to determine the rate of interest subject to BPLR and spread guidelines. Keeping in view the international practice and to provide operational flexibility to commercial banks in deciding their lending rate, banks may offer loans at below BPLR to exporters or other creditworthy borrowers including public enterprises on the basis of a transparent and objective policy approved by the respective Boards.

32. Whether banks are permitted to charge interest below their declared BPLR under consortium arrangement to offer a rate comparable to that of the leader bank?
No. Banks need not charge a uniform rate of interest even under a consortium arrangement. Each member bank should charge rate of interest on the portion of the credit limits extended by them to the borrowers subject to their BPLR.

33. What should be penal rate of interest?

With effect from October 10, 2000, banks have been given the freedom to formulate a transparent policy for charging penal interest with the approval of their Board of Directors. However, in the case of loans to borrowers under priority sector, no penal interest should be charged for loans up to Rs.25,000. Penal interest may be levied for reasons such as default in repayment, non-submission of financial statements, etc. However, the policy on penal interest should be governed by well-accepted principles of transparency, fairness, incentive to service the debt and genuine difficulties of customers.

34. Consequent on the deregulation of interest rates on advances over Rs.2 lakh with effect from October 18, 1994, whether banks should pay DICGC Guarantee fees in respect of priority sector advances?

As regards DICGC Guarantee fees, banks have been given the discretion to absorb or to pass on the guarantee fees to the borrower in case of advances over Rs.25,000/- excluding advances to weaker sections. Banks should bear DICGC guarantee fees in respect of advances up to Rs.25,000/- and all advances to weaker sections.

35. Whether interest on loans and advances could be charged at varying periods ranging from monthly rests to yearly rests?

With effect from April 1, 2002 banks have been charging interest on loans and advances at monthly rests except in the case of agricultural advances (including short term loans and other allied activities) where the existing practice continues.

36. What rate of interest is chargeable on loans/ advances granted to Staff Members of the banks or Staff Members of Co-operative Credit Societies?

The interest rate directives on advances granted by banks will not be applicable to loans or advances or other financial accommodation made or provided or renewed by a scheduled bank, inter alia, to its own employees. Where the advances are provided by banks to co-operative credit societies formed by the banks' staff members for lending to constituents (i.e. staff of the bank), the interest rate directives of RBI will not apply in case of such advances.

IV. ADVANCES AGAINST SHARES AND DEBENTURES

37. Whether banks can sanction loans against the equity shares of the banking company to its directors?

No.

38. Whether any ceiling has been fixed on the bank’s exposure to the capital market?
With effect from April 1, 2007 a bank's total exposure, including both fund based and non-fund based exposure, to the capital market in all forms covering its direct investment in equity shares, convertible bonds and debentures and units of equity oriented mutual funds; advances against shares to individuals for investment in equity shares (including IPOs), bonds and debentures, units of equity-oriented mutual funds and secured and unsecured advances to stockbrokers and guarantees issued on behalf of stockbrokers and market makers; all exposures to Venture Capital Funds (both registered and unregistered) should not exceed 40 per cent of its net worth, as on March 31 of the previous year. Within this overall ceiling, the bank’s direct investment in shares, convertible bonds / debentures, units of equity-oriented mutual funds and all exposures to Venture Capital Funds (VCFs) [both registered and unregistered] should not exceed 20 per cent of its net worth. For computing the ceiling on exposure to capital market, the bank’s direct investment in shares will be calculated at cost price of the shares.

The aggregate exposure of a consolidated bank to capital markets (both fund based and non-fund based) should not exceed 40 per cent of its consolidated net worth as on March 31 of the previous year. Within this overall ceiling, the aggregate direct exposure by way of the consolidated bank’s investment in shares, convertible bonds / debentures, units of equity-oriented mutual funds and all exposures to Venture Capital Funds (VCFs) [both registered and unregistered] should not exceed 20 per cent of its consolidated net worth.

39. What is the definition of net worth of a bank?

Net worth would comprise of Paid-up capital plus Free Reserves including Share Premium but excluding Revaluation Reserves, plus Investment Fluctuation Reserve and credit balance in Profit & Loss account, less debit balance in Profit and Loss account, Accumulated Losses and Intangible Assets. No general or specific provisions should be included in computation of net worth. Infusion of capital through equity shares, either through domestic issues or overseas floats after the published balance sheet date, may also be taken into account for determining the ceiling on exposure to capital market.

40. Whether banks can make short sales of shares?
No. Banks are prohibited from making any short sales of shares.

41. Whether banks can invest in fixed deposits of non-financial companies?
There is no prohibition on banks’ placing of funds with non-banking non-financial companies under their Public Deposit Schemes. However, investment in the Public Deposit Scheme of such companies should be classified by banks as loans/ advances in their balance sheet and returns submitted under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and the Reserve Bank of India Act 1934.

42. What should be the method of valuation for advances against shares/ debentures/ bonds?

Shares/ debentures/ bonds accepted by banks as security for loans/ advances should be valued at the prevailing market prices.

43. Whether banks can sanction bridge loans to companies?
Yes. Banks can sanction bridge loans to companies for a period not exceeding one year against the expected equity flows/ issues as also the expected proceeds of non-convertible Debentures, External Commercial Borrowings, Global Depository Receipts and/ or funds in the nature of Foreign Direct Investments, provided the bank is satisfied that the borrowing company has made firm arrangements for raising the aforesaid resources/ funds. Bridge loans extended by a bank will be included within the ceiling of 40% of net worth prescribed for banks’ aggregate exposure to the capital market.

44. What is the ceiling on the quantum of loans which can be sanctioned by banks to individuals against security of shares, debentures and PSU bonds, if held in physical form and in dematerialized form?

Loans/ advances granted to individuals against the security of shares, debentures and PSU bonds should not exceed Rs.10 lakh and Rs.20 lakh, if the securities are held in physical form and dematerialized form respectively. The maximum amount of finance that can be granted to an individual for subscribing to IPOs is Rs.10 lakh. However, the bank should not provide finance to companies for their investment in IPOs of other companies. Banks can grant advances to employees for purchasing shares of their own companies under Employees Stock Option Plan (ESOP) to the extent of 90% of purchase price of shares or Rs.20 lakh whichever is lower. NBFCs should not be provided finance for on-lending to individuals for subscribing to IPOs. Loans/ advances granted by a bank for subscribing to IPOs should be reckoned as an exposure to capital market.

45. What is the margin stipulated for advances against shares held in physical form and dematerialised form?

A uniform margin of 50% has been stipulated for all advances against shares/ /financing of IPOs/issue of guarantees for capital market operations. Within this 50 percent margin, a minimum cash margin of 25 percent should be maintained in respect of guarantees issued by banks for capital market operations.

46. Is any margin stipulated for banks' exposure to commodity markets?

The minimum margin of 50% and minimum cash margin of 25% (within the margin of 50%), as stipulated in the case of banks' exposure to capital markets, will also apply to guarantees issued by banks on behalf of commodity brokers in favour of the national level commodity exchanges, viz, National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX), Multi Commodity Exchange of India Limited (MCX) and National Multi-Commodity Exchange of India Limited (NMCEIL) in lieu of margin requirements.

V. DONATIONS

47. Whether banks can make donations?

Yes. The profit making banks may make donations during a financial year, aggregating up to one percent of the published profit of the bank for the previous year. However, the contributions/ subscriptions made by banks to Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and to professional bodies/ institutions like Indian Banks’ Association, National Institute of Bank Management, Indian Institute of Bankers, Institute of Banking Personnel Selection, Foreign Exchange Dealers Association of India, during a year will be exempted from the above ceiling. Unutilised amount of the permissible limit of a year should not be carried forward to the next year for the purpose of making donations.

48. Whether loss-making banks can make donations?

Yes, loss making banks can make donations up to Rs.5 lakh only in a financial year.

49. Whether overseas branches of the banks can make donations abroad?

Yes, the overseas branches of the banks can make donations abroad, provided the banks do not exceed the prescribed ceiling of one per cent of their published profit of the previous year.

VI. LOANS FOR PREMISES
50. What are the norms and procedure laid down by RBI for acquisition of accommodation on lease/ rental basis by commercial banks for their use, i.e. for office and residence of the staff?

i. The Board of Directors of the banks should lay down the policy and formulate operational guidelines separately in respect of metropolitan, urban, semi-urban and rural areas covering all areas in respect of acquiring premises on lease/ rental basis for the banks’ use. These guidelines should include also delegation of powers at various levels. The decision in regard to surrendering or shifting of premises other than at rural centers should be taken at the central office level by a committee of senior executives.

ii. The Board of Directors of the bank should lay down separate policy for granting of loans to landlords who provide them premises on lease/ rental basis. The rate of interest to be charged on such loans should be fixed as per the lending rate directives issued by RBI with BPLR as the minimum lending rate for the loans above Rs.2 lakh. The rate of interest may be simple or compound, in accordance with the usual practice of the bank, as applicable to other term loans.

iii. Banks should provide a suitable mechanism for redressing the genuine grievances of the landlord expeditiously.

iv. The details of negotiated contracts in respect of advances to landlords and rental (including taxes etc. and deposits of Rs.25 lakh and above) on premises taken on lease/ rental by the public sector banks, should be reported to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as per the extant Government instructions. This requirement will not be applicable to banks in the private sector.
VII. SERVICE CHARGES

51. Is there any ceiling on service charges to be levied by the banks?

Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) has dispensed with the practice of prescribing service charges to be levied by banks for various services rendered by them. With effect from September, 1999, the Reserve Bank has granted freedom to banks to prescribe service charges with the approval of the respective Board of Directors.

As announced in the Annual Policy Statement for the year 2006-2007, in order to ensure fair practices in banking services, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) constituted a Working Group to formulate a scheme for ensuring reasonableness of bank charges, and to incorporate it in the Fair Practices Code, the compliance of which would be monitored by the Banking Codes and Standards Board of India (BCSBI). The Working Group, which examined various issues, such as basic banking/financial services to be rendered to individual customers, the methodology adopted by banks for fixing the charges and the reasonableness of such charges, has identified twenty-seven services related to deposit/loan accounts, remittance facilities and cheque collections, as an indicative list of basic banking services to be offered by banks. The recommendations of the Working Group have been accepted by RBI with certain modifications. Based on the recommendations of the Working Group, RBI has issued a circular DBOD. No. Dir. BC. 56/13.03.00/2006-07 dated February 2, 2007 to all scheduled commercial banks.
52. What are the parameters to be adopted for identifying basic banking services?
Banks have been advised to identify basic banking services on the basis of two parameters indicated by the Working Group, namely, (i) banking services that are ordinarily availed by individuals in the middle and lower segments and (ii) the value of transactions, namely, cheque collections and remittances up to Rs. 10,000 for each transaction and up to $500 for forex transactions. The indicative list of banking services includes services relating to Deposit Accounts (cheque book facility, issue of pass book / statement, ATM Card, Debit Card, stop payment, balance enquiry, account closure, cheque return - inward, signature verification); Loan Accounts (no dues certificate); Remittance facilities (Demand Draft – issue/ cancellation/ revalidation, Payment Order - issue/ cancellation/ revalidation/ duplicate, Telegraphic Transfer - issue/ cancellation/ duplicate, Electronic Clearing Service (ECS), National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT) / Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT); Collection Facilities (collection of local /outstation cheques, cheque return- outward). Banks are required to implement the recommendations of the Working Group on making available the basic banking services at reasonable prices/ charges and towards this, delivering the basic services outside the scope of the bundled products.
53. What are the principles to be followed by banks in order to ensure reasonableness in fixing and communicating service charges?
Banks are required to follow the following principles for ensuring reasonableness in fixing and communicating the service charges -

(a) For basic services to individuals, banks should levy charges at rates that are lower than the rates applied when the same services are given to non-individuals.

(b) For basic services rendered to special category of individuals (such as individuals in rural areas, pensioners and senior citizens), banks should levy charges on more liberal terms than the terms on which the charges are levied to other individuals.

(c) For basic services rendered to individuals, banks should levy charges only if the charges are just and supported by reason.

(d) For basic services to individuals, banks should levy services charges ad-valorem only to cover any incremental cost and subject to a cap.

(e) Banks should provide to the individual customers upfront and in a timely manner, complete information on the charges applicable to all basic services.

(f) Banks should provide advance information to the individual customers about the proposed changes in the service charges.

(g) Banks should collect for services given to individuals only such charges which have been notified to the customer.

(h) Banks should inform the customers in an appropriate manner recovery of service charges from the account or the transaction.
54. What are the other steps to be taken by banks?

Banks are required to take steps to ensure that customers are made aware of the service charges upfront and changes in the service charges are implemented only with prior notice to the customers. Banks are also required to have a robust grievance redressal structure and processes, to ensure prompt in-house redressal of all their customer complaints. Further, full-fledged information on bank products and their implications should be disclosed to the customers, so that the customers can make an informed judgment about their choice of products.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

Q. 1 What is an Automated Teller Machine (ATM)?

Ans. 1. Automated Teller Machine is a computerised machine that provides the customers of banks the facility of accessing their accounts for dispensing cash and to carry out other financial transactions without the need of actually visiting a bank branch.
Q. 2. What type of cards can be used at an ATM?

Ans. 2. The ATM cards/debit cards, credit cards and prepaid cards(that permit cashwhdrawal) can be used at ATMs for various transactions.
Q. 3. What are the services/facilities available at ATMs?

Ans. 3. In addition to cash dispensing ATMs may have many services/facilities such as:

• Account information
• Cash Deposit
• Regular bills payment
• Purchase of Re-load Vouchers for Mobiles
• Mini/Short Statement
• Loan account enquiry etc.

The services offered may vary from bank to bank, or may depend on the capacity of the machine to provide such services.
Q.4. How can one transact at an ATM?

Ans. 4. For transacting at an ATM, the customer insert (swipe) their card in the ATM and enter their Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Q.5. Can these cards be used at any bank ATM in the country?

Ans. 5. Yes. The cards issued by banks in India should be enabled for use at any bank ATM within India.
Q.6. What is a Personal Identification Number (PIN)?

Ans 6. PIN is the numeric password for use at the ATM. The PIN is separately mailed/handed over to the customer by the bank while issuing the card. This PIN has to be reset to a new PIN by the customer. Most banks force the customers to change the PIN on the first use.
The PIN number should not be written the card, card holder etc as in such cases the card can be misused if card is lost/stolen.
Q. 7. What should one do if he forgets PIN or the card is sucked in by the ATM?

Ans. 7. The customer may contact the card issuing bank branch and apply for retrieval/issuance of a new card. This procedure is applicable even if the card is sucked in at another bank's ATM.
Q. 8. What should be done if the card is lost/stolen?

Ans. 8. The customer may contact the card issuing bank immediately on noticing the loss so as to enable the bank to block such cards.
Q. 9. Is there any minimum and maximum cash withdrawal limit per day?

Ans. 9. Yes, banks set limit for cash withdrawal by customers. The cash withdrawal limit for use at the ATM of the issuing bank is set by the bank during the issuance of the card. This limit is displayed at the respective ATM locations.
For cash withdrawals at other bank ATMs, banks have decided to maintain a limit of Rs 10,000/- per transaction. This information is displayed at the ATM location.
Q. 10. Do banks levy any service charge for use of other bank ATMs?

Ans.10. No charges are payable for using other banks' ATM for cash withdrawal and balance enquiry, as RBI has made it free under its "Free ATM access policy" since April 01, 2009. But banks can restrict the number of such free transactions to a maximum of five per month. For transactions beyond this minimum number of transaction, banks charge maximum of Rs 20/- per transaction.
Q. 11. What should be done in case during the cash withdrawal process, cash is not disbursed by the account gets debited for the amount?

Ans.11. The customer may lodge a complaint with the card issuing bank. This process is applicable even if the transaction was carried out at another banks ATM.
Q.12. How many days maximum would the bank require to re-credit the account for such wrong debits?

Ans.12. As per the RBI instructions, banks may re-credit such wrongly debited amounts within a maximum period of 12 working days.
Q.13. Are the customers eligible for compensation for delays beyond 12 working days?

Ans.13. Yes. Effective from July 17, 2009, banks shall have to pay customers Rs 100/- per day for delays beyond 12 working days. This shall have to be credited to the account of the customer without any claim being made by the customer.
Q.14. In case the compensation is not credited as mandated, what recourse does the customer have?

Ans. 14. For all such complaints customer may lodge a complaint with the local Banking Ombudsman if the bank does not respond.

What is Real Time Gross Settlement System(RTGS System)

Q1. What is RTGS System? Ans. The acronym 'RTGS' stands for Real Time Gross Settlement. RTGS system is a funds transfer mechanism where transfer of money takes place from one bank to another on a 'real time' and on 'gross' basis. This is the fastest possible money transfer system through the banking channel. Settlement in 'real time' means payment transaction is not subjected to any waiting period. The transactions are settled as soon as they are processed. 'Gross settlement' means the transaction is settled on one to one basis without bunching with any other transaction. Considering that money transfer takes place in the books of the Reserve Bank of India, the payment is taken as final and irrevocable. Q2. How RTGS is different from Electronic Fund Transfer System (EFT) or National Electronics Funds Transfer System (NEFT)? Ans .EFT and NEFT are electronic fund transfer modes that operate on a deferred net settlement (DNS) basis which settles transactions in batches. In DNS, the settlement takes place at a particular point of time. All transactions are held up till that time. For example, NEFT settlement takes place 6 times a day during the week days (9.00 am, 11.00 am, 12.00 noon. 13.00 hours, 15.00 hours and 17.00 hours) and 3 times during Saturdays (9.00 am, 11.00 am and 12.00 noon). Any transaction initiated after a designated settlement time would have to wait till the next designated settlement time. Contrary to this, in RTGS, transactions are processed continuously throughout the RTGS business hours. Q3. Is there any minimum / maximum amount stipulation for RTGS transactions? Ans. The RTGS system is primarily for large value transactions. The minimum amount to be remitted through RTGS is Rs.1 lakh. There is no upper ceiling for RTGS transactions. No minimum or maximum stipulation has been fixed for EFT and NEFT transactions. Q4. What is the time taken for effecting funds transfer from one account to another under RTGS? Ans. Under normal circumstances the beneficiary branches are expected to receive the funds in real time as soon as funds are transferred by the remitting bank. The beneficiary bank has to credit the beneficiary's account within two hours of receiving the funds transfer message. Q5. Would the remitting customer receive an acknowledgement of money credited to the beneficiary's account? Ans The remitting bank receives a message from the Reserve Bank that money has been credited to the receiving bank. Based on this the remitting bank can advise the remitting customer that money has been delivered to the receiving bank. Q6. Would the remitting customer get back the money if it is not credited to the beneficiary's account? When? Ans. Yes. It is expected that the receiving bank will credit the account of the beneficiary instantly. If the money cannot be credited for any reason, the receiving bank would have to return the money to the remitting bank within 2 hours. Once the money is received back by the remitting bank, the original debit entry in the customer's account is reversed. Q7. Till what time RTGS service window is available? Ans. The RTGS service window for customer's transactions is available from 9.00 hours to 16.30 hours on week days and from 9.00 hours to 12.30 noon on Saturdays for settlement at the RBI end. However, the timings that the banks follow may vary depending on the customer timings of the bank branches. Q8. What about Processing Charges/Service Charges for RTGS transactions? Ans With a view to rationalize the service charges levied by banks for offering various electronic products, a broad framework has been mandated as under: a) Inward transactions – Free, no charge to be levied b) Outward transactions – Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh - not exceeding Rs. 25 per transaction. Rs. 5 lakh and above – not exceeding Rs. 50 per transaction. Q9. What is the essential information that the remitting customer would have to furnish to a bank for the remittance to be effected? Ans. The remitting customer has to furnish the following information to a bank for effecting a RTGS remittance: 1. Amount to be remitted 2. His account number which is to be debited 3. Name of the beneficiary bank 4. Name of the beneficiary customer 5. Account number of the beneficiary customer 6. Sender to receiver information, if any 7. The IFSC Number of the receiving branch Q10. How would one know the IFSC code of the receiving branch? Ans. The beneficiary customer can obtain the IFSC code from his branch. The IFSC code is also available in the cheque leaf. This code number and bank branch details can be communicated by the beneficiary to the remitting customer. Q11. Do all bank branches in India provide RTGS service? Ans. No, all the bank branches in India are not RTGS enabled. As on December 31, 2008 more than 52,000 bank branches are RTGS enabled. The list of such branches is available on RBI website www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/Bs_viewRTGS.aspx Q12. Is there any way that a remitting customer can track the remittance transaction? Ans It would depend on the arrangement between the remitting customer and the remitting bank. Some banks with internet banking facility provide this service. Once the funds are credited to the account of the beneficiary bank, the remitting customer gets a confirmation from his bank either by an e-mail or by a short message on the mobile. Q13. Whom do I can contact, in case of non-credit or delay in credit to the beneficiary account? Ans Contact your bank / branch. If the issue is not resolved satisfactorily, the Customer Service Department of RBI may be contacted at - The Chief General Manager, Reserve Bank of India, Customer Service Department, 1st Floor, Amar Building, Fort, Mumbai - 400001 or send and email. Q14. How much volume and value of transactions are routed through RTGS on a typical day? Ans On a typical day, RTGS handles about 60,000 transactions a day for an approximate value of Rs.2,700 billion. Q15. How can a remitting customer know whether the bank branch of the beneficiary accepts remittance through RTGS? Ans. For a funds transfer to go through RTGS, both the sending bank branch and the receiving bank branch would have to be RTGS enabled. The lists are readily available at all RTGS enabled branches. Besides, the information is available at RBI website (www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/Bs_viewRTGS.aspx). Considering that more than 52,000 branches at more than 10,000 cities/ towns and taluka places are covered under the RTGS system, getting this information would not be difficult.