* There is a felt need to ensure that third party products and services that are being sold at the bank counters are suitable to customer needs and are commensurate with the risk appetite of individual clients. It has therefore been decided to issue comprehensive instructions to REs on advertising, marketing and sales of financial products and services. The draft instructions in this regard shall be issued shortly for public consultation.
*It has now been decided to review and harmonise all the extant conduct related instructions on engagement of recovery agents and other aspects related to recovery of loans. Accordingly, the draft instructions in this regard shall be issued shortly for public consultation.
* The extant instructions on limiting the liability of customers in unauthorised electronic banking transactions were issued in 2017, which deal with scenarios and timelines for zero / limited liability of a customer. In view of the rapid adoption of technology in the banking sector and payments systems, since issuance of these instructions, the existing instructions have been reviewed. Accordingly, the draft revised instructions, including a framework for compensation in case of small value fraudulent transactions, shall be issued shortly for public consultation.
* It is proposed to permit commercial banks to extend finance to Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), subject to appropriate prudential safeguards. The existing guidelines in respect of lending to Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) are also being harmonised for parity with prudential safeguards proposed for lending to REITs. Draft directions in this regard will be issued shortly for public consultation.
* Exemption from registration to eligible NBFCs not availing public funds and not having customer interface. Type-I NBFCs with asset size not exceeding Rs 1,000 crore, may be exempted from registration requirement with the Reserve Bank subject to certain specified conditions. The proposed exemption will reduce compliance requirements for these NBFCs. Accordingly, draft Amendment Directions will be issued shortly for feedback from stakeholders.
* NBFC – Investment and Credit Companies (ICCs) engaged in the business of lending against gold collateral with over 1,000 branches are required to obtain prior RBI approval for opening new branches. In view of the comprehensive prudential and governance framework applicable to NBFC-ICCs, it is proposed to dispense with the requirement of prior approval for opening branches by such NBFCs. The draft instructions in this regard shall be issued shortly seeking stakeholders’ comments.
* It is proposed to issue a Discussion Paper exploring the introduction of calibrated safeguards in digital payments such as introduction of lagged credits, additional authentication for specific class of users like senior citizens, etc. The proposed measures are intended to mitigate frauds and strengthen customer protection.
*It has been decided to enhance the limit of collateral free loans to Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs)from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh. The above provisions shall be applicable to all loans to MSE borrowers sanctioned or renewed on or after 1 April 2026.
Read full text here: https://rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=62171
