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Date: 2016-03-03 Category: Not Applicable State: Union Government Country: India

Master Direction - Reserve Bank of India (Interest Rate on Advances) Directions, 2016 (Updated as on September 12, 2023)

Issued by Reserve Bank of India · Not Applicable

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Executive Summary & Key Takeaways

## Report on Reserve Bank of India Interest Rate on Advances Directions, 2016 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Master Direction DBR.Dir. No.8513.03.00201516, titled "Interest Rate on Advances Directions, 2016," as updated on September 12, 2023. The document establishes a framework for regulating interest rates on advances by Scheduled Commercial Banks (excluding RRBs, Small Finance Banks, and Local Area Banks). Key areas covered include benchmark rates (Base Rate, MCLR, and External Benchmark), spread determination, reset of interest rates, and exemptions. The document aims to provide transparency and standardization in loan pricing, benefiting both banks and borrowers. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) Master Direction DBR.Dir. No.8513.03.00201516 on Interest Rate on Advances, 2016, based solely on the provided text. The purpose is to inform stakeholders about the key provisions, changes, and implications of this regulatory framework governing interest rates on advances for Scheduled Commercial Banks. **3. Policy Overview:** This report focuses on the Reserve Bank of India Interest Rate on Advances Directions, 2016. The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to establish a structured framework for Scheduled Commercial Banks to determine and apply interest rates on advances, with the intention of fostering transparency, standardization, and fair lending practices. **4. Background and Rationale:** The policy addresses the need for a structured and transparent system for determining interest rates on bank advances. In the absence of such a framework, there might be inconsistencies in lending practices and a lack of clarity for borrowers. The introduction of benchmark rates (Base Rate, MCLR, and External Benchmark) aims to create a more objective and predictable lending environment. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** The provided text describes an evolving framework. The initial framework focused on internal benchmarks (Base Rate and then MCLR), but was updated to also incorporate External Benchmarks. Key provisions and changes can be summarized as follows: * **Applicability:** The directions apply to all Scheduled Commercial Banks excluding Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Small Finance Banks and Local Area Banks. These directions are *not* applicable to the foreign branches of Indian banks. * **Comprehensive Policy:** Banks are required to have a Board-approved policy on interest rates on advances. * **Benchmark Rates:** The policy outlines three key benchmark rate systems: * **Base Rate:** Applicable to floating rate rupee loans sanctioned between July 1, 2010, and March 31, 2016. Banks are to determine the cost of funds transparently and review the Base Rate at least quarterly. * **MCLR (Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate):** Applicable to floating rate rupee loans sanctioned on or after April 1, 2016. MCLR comprises marginal cost of funds, negative carry on account of CRR, operating costs, and tenor premium. Banks must calculate and publish MCLRs of various maturities monthly (or quarterly until March 31, 2017, for banks with inadequate systems). The text provides a formula for calculation of marginal cost of funds. * **External Benchmark:** All new floating rate personal/retail loans (housing, auto, etc.) and floating rate loans to Micro and Small Enterprises (from October 1, 2019) and Medium Enterprises (from April 1, 2020) are to be benchmarked to an external benchmark: the RBI policy repo rate, or Government of India 3-Month/6-Month Treasury Bill yields published by FBIL, or any other benchmark market interest rate published by the FBIL. The policy emphasizes that a bank must adopt a *uniform* external benchmark *within* a loan category. * **Spread:** Banks must have a Board-approved policy delineating the components of spread charged to a customer. The spread over the benchmark can be decided by the banks, but changes to the credit risk premium require a full risk profile review of the customer (deterioration in the credit risk profile). Other components of spread including operating cost could be altered once in three years. * **Reset of Interest Rates:** MCLR-linked loans have interest reset dates specified by the bank, with a periodicity of one year or lower, linked to the tenor of the MCLR. External benchmark-linked loans have interest rates reset at least once in three months. * **Transition:** The policy provides guidelines for transitioning from BPLR to Base Rate, from Base Rate to MCLR, and from MCLR/Base Rate/BPLR to External Benchmarks. Borrowers are to be given the option to switch to the new systems on mutually acceptable terms, without foreclosure charges. * **Exemptions:** Certain loans are exempted from the benchmark requirements, including those under government schemes, working capital term loans as part of restructuring packages, and advances against own deposits. Fixed rate loans of tenor above three years are also exempt. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience includes: * Scheduled Commercial Banks (excluding RRBs, Small Finance Banks and Local Area Banks) * Borrowers taking advances from these banks. Other stakeholders include: * The Reserve Bank of India (as the regulatory body) * Financial Benchmarks India Private Ltd (FBIL) * The Government of India. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the responsible regulatory body. Scheduled Commercial Banks are responsible for implementing the directions. * **Timelines:** The policy specifies different timelines for different provisions, with the implementation of MCLR from April 1, 2016, and the adoption of external benchmarks for certain loan categories starting from October 1, 2019, and April 1, 2020. * **Procedures:** Banks are required to establish Board-approved policies, calculate benchmark rates, determine spreads, and provide options for borrowers to transition between different rate systems. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The expected outcomes of the policy and its changes include: * **Increased Transparency:** The use of benchmark rates and the requirement for banks to disclose the components of spread aim to increase transparency in loan pricing. * **Standardization:** The policy promotes standardization in lending practices across different banks, making it easier for borrowers to compare loan offers. * **Better Transmission of Monetary Policy:** The shift to external benchmarks is intended to improve the transmission of monetary policy signals from the RBI to lending rates. * **Fair Lending Practices:** By regulating interest rates and spreads, the policy seeks to ensure fair lending practices and protect the interests of borrowers. **9. Conclusion:** The Reserve Bank of India's Master Direction on Interest Rate on Advances, 2016, establishes a comprehensive framework for regulating interest rates on advances by Scheduled Commercial Banks. The policy's evolution from internal benchmarks (Base Rate and MCLR) to external benchmarks reflects a continued effort to enhance transparency, standardization, and the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission. By adhering to these directions, banks can promote fair lending practices and contribute to a stable and efficient financial system.

Key Entities Referenced

RESERVE BANK OF INDIA: The central bank of India, the issuer of this Master Direction. Banking Regulation Act, 1949: An act of the Indian Parliament that empowers the Reserve Bank of India to regulate and supervise banking companies. Master Direction DBR.Dir. No.85/13.03.002015-16: The identifier for this specific Master Direction document issued by the Reserve Bank of India. March 03, 2016: The original date of issue for this Master Direction. September 12, 2023: The latest date of update for this Master Direction. June 10, 2021: An update date for this Master Direction. February 26, 2020: An update date for this Master Direction. September 04, 2019: An update date for this Master Direction. March 29, 2016: An update date for this Master Direction. Reserve Bank of India Interest Rate on Advances Directions, 2016: The formal title of the Directions outlined in this document. Sections 21 and 35 A: Specific sections of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, granting the Reserve Bank of India the power to issue these directions. Scheduled Commercial Bank: A bank licensed to carry out banking business in India and included in the second schedule to the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. RRBs: Regional Rural Banks Small Finance Bank: A type of bank in India licensed to provide basic banking services to underserved populations. Local Area Bank: A type of bank in India that operates in a limited area. Rupee: The currency of India. FCNRB: Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) account Benchmark Prime Lending Rate: An internal benchmark rate used to determine interest rates on advances/loans sanctioned upto June 30, 2010. BPLR: Benchmark Prime Lending Rate Financial Benchmarks India Private Ltd: A company authorized to publish benchmark market interest rates in India. FBIL: Financial Benchmarks India Private Ltd Reserve Bank of India policy Repo Rate: The rate at which the Reserve Bank of India lends money to commercial banks. Government of India 3-Months Treasury Bill yield: Yield on Government of India treasury bills with a maturity of 3 months. Government of India 6-Months Treasury Bill yield: Yield on Government of India treasury bills with a maturity of 6 months. Banking Regulation Act: The same as the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, governing banking operations in India. Reserve Bank of India Act: The act that established the Reserve Bank of India and defines its powers and functions. Board of Directors: The governing body of a bank responsible for setting policies and overseeing operations. RPCD. No. CPFS. BC. 60 PS. 165/85: A circular number related to interest rates on agricultural advances, dated June 06, 1985. RPCD. No. PLFS. BC. 129 /05.02.27/97-98: A circular number related to interest rates on advances to farmers, dated June 29, 1998. DoR.MCS.REC.28/01.01.001/2023-24: Circular number related to Fair Lending Practice - Penal Charges in Loan Accounts dated August 18, 2023. Base Rate: An internal benchmark for floating rate rupee loans sanctioned and renewed between July 1, 2010 and March 31, 2016. September 2, 2013: A date related to the finalization of the Base Rate methodology. Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate: An internal benchmark rate to determine the interest rates on loans. MCLR: Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate CRR: Cash Reserve Ratio Asset Liability Management Committees: Committees responsible for managing the assets and liabilities of the bank. ALCOs: Asset Liability Management Committees Micro and Small Enterprises: Small to medium enterprises. October 01, 2019: Date from which new floating rate loans shall be benchmarked to one of the external benchmarks. April 01, 2020: Date from which new floating rate loans to Medium Enterprises shall be benchmarked to one of the external benchmarks. Marginal Cost of Funds: The cost of funds for calculation of MCLR. Annex: A part of the document containing detailed methodology for computing marginal cost of funds FIMMDA: Fixed Income Money Market and Derivatives Association of India. HO: Head Office Tier I capital: Core capital Capital Asset Pricing Model: A model used to determine the cost of capital. CAPM: Capital Asset Pricing Model July 1, 2010: A date from which Base Rate was implemented. March 31, 2016: A date until which Base Rate was implemented. April 1, 2016: A date from which MCLR was implemented. Government of India: The government of India. WCTL: Working Capital Term Loan FITL: Funded Interest Term Loan IBA: Indian Banks' Association DBOD.No.Dir.BC.36/C.34790: A circular number related to rounding off transactions to the nearest rupee, dated 22.10.1990, now repealed. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.115/13.07.01/94: A circular number related to interest rates on advances, dated 17.10.1994, now repealed. IECD.No.2808/12.01/94-95: A circular number related to lending discipline, dated 22.11.1994, now repealed. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.141/13.07.01/94: A circular number related to interest rates on advances, dated 07.12.1994, now repealed. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.89/13:07:01/95: A circular number related to deregulation of lending rates and levy of interest tax, dated 21.08.1995, now repealed. DBOD.No.BC.99/13.07.01/95: A circular number related to withdrawals against uncleared effects, dated 12.09.1995, now repealed. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.139/13.07.01/96: A circular number related to interest rates on advances and prime lending rate, dated 19.10.1996, now repealed. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.10/13.07.01/97: A circular number related to interest rates on advances and prime lending rate, dated 12.02.1997, now repealed. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.124/13.07.01/97-98: A circular number related to interest rates on advances, dated 21.10.1997, now repealed. DBOD.No. Dir.BC.33/13.03.00/98: A circular number related to interest rates on advances, dated 29.04.1998, now repealed. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.36/13.03.00/98: A circular number related to monetary and credit policy measures, dated 29.04.1998, now repealed. DBOD.No.BP.BC.35/21.01.002/99: A circular number related to monetary and credit policy measures, dated 24.04.1999, now repealed. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.100/13.07.01/99: A circular number related to interest rates on advances and fixed rate loans, dated 11.10.1999, now repealed. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.106/13.03.00/99: A circular number related to interest rates on advances, dated 29.10.1999, now repealed. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.114/13.03.00/99: A circular number related to mid-term review of monetary and credit policy 1999-2000, dated 29.10.1999, now repealed. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.168/13:03:00/2000: A circular number related to monetary and credit policy for the year 2000-2001 and interest rate policy, dated 27.04.2000, now repealed. DBOD.No.BC.178/13:07:01/2000: A circular number related to interest rates on advances, dated 25.05.2000, now repealed. DBOD No. BP.BC 31/21.04.048/00-01: A circular number related to monetary and credit policy measures and mid-term review for the year 2000-2001, dated 10.10.2000, now repealed. IECD No.9/04.02.01/2000-01: A circular number related to interest rate on export credit, dated 05.01.2001, now repealed. DBOD No.Dir.BC 106/13.03.00/2000-01: A circular number related to interest rates on advances, dated 19.04.2001, now repealed. DBOD No.Dir.BC 107/13.03.00/2000-01: A circular number related to monetary and credit policy for the year 2001-2002 and interest rate policy, dated 19.04.2001, now repealed. IECD No.13/04.02.01/2000-01: A circular number related to rupee export credit interest rates, dated 19.04.2001, now repealed. DBOD No.Dir.BC.117/13.07.01/2000-01: A circular number related to charging of penal interest, dated 04.05.2001, now repealed. DBOD No.Dir.BC.75/13.07.01/2002: A circular number related to interest rates on advances, dated 15.03.2002, now repealed. DBOD No.Dir.BC.8/13.07.00/2002-03: A circular number related to charging of interest at monthly rests, dated 26.07.2002, now repealed. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.19/13.07.01/2002-03: A circular number related to zero percent interest finance schemes for consumer durables, dated 19.08.2002, now repealed. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.25/13.03.00/2002-03: A circular number related to charging of interest at monthly rests on agricultural advances, dated 19.09.2002, now repealed. IECD.No.18/04.02.01/2002-03: A circular number related to rupee export credit interest rates, dated 30.04.2003, now repealed. DBOD.No.BC.103/13.07.01/2003: A circular number related to interest rates on advances, dated 30.04.2003, now repealed. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.103A/13.03.00/2002-03: A circular number related to interest rates on advances, prime lending rate and spreads, dated 30.04.2003, now repealed. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.10/13.03.00/2003-04: A circular number related to interest rates on advances, dated 14.08.2003, now repealed. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.38/13.03.00/2003-04: A circular number related to interest rates on advances, prime lending rate and spreads, dated 21.10.2003, now repealed. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.39/13.03.00/2003-04: A circular number related to interest rates on advances, prime lending rate and spreads, dated 21.10.2003, now repealed. DBOD.No.8/1/13.07.01/2003-04: A circular number related to interest rates on advances, dated 24.04.2004, now repealed. IECD.No.10/04.02.01/2003-04: A circular number related to rupee export credit interest rates, dated 24.04.2004, now repealed. IECD.No.13/04.02.01/2003-04: A circular number related to export credit interest rates for gold card holder exporters, dated 18.05.2004, now repealed. DBOD.No.BC.85/13.07.01/2003-04: A circular number related to interest rates on advances, dated 18.05.2004, now repealed. DBOD.No.BC.84/13.07.01/2004-05: A circular number related to interest rates on advances, dated 29.04.2005, now repealed. DBOD.Dir Exp..BC.No.83 /04.02.01/2005-06: A circular number related to rupee export credit interest rates, dated 28.04.2006, now repealed. DBOD.Dir Exp..BC.No.79/04.02.01/2006-07: A circular number related to interest rates on advances, dated 17.04.2007, now repealed. DBOD.Dir.BC.93/13.03.00/2006-07: A circular number related to complaints about excessive interest charged by banks, dated 07.05.2007, now repealed. DBOD.Dir.Exp.BC.No.77/04.02.01/2007-08: A circular number related to rupee export credit interest rates, dated 28.04.2008, now repealed. DBOD.Dir.Exp.BC.No.13/1/04.02.01/2008-09: A circular number related to rupee export credit interest rates, dated 29.04.2009, now repealed. DBOD.Dir.BC.88/13.03.00/2009-10: A circular number related to guidelines on base rate, dated 09.04.2010, now repealed. DBOD.Dir.Exp.BC.No.10/2/04.02.01/2009-10: A circular number related to rupee export credit interest rates, dated 06.05.2010, now repealed. Mail Box clarification: Clarifications on guidelines on Base Rate, dated 14.05.2010, now repealed. Letter to IBA: A letter to IBA related to guidelines on Base Rate, dated 24.06.2010, now repealed. Mail Box clarification: Clarifications on guidelines on Base Rate, dated 24.09.2010, now repealed. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.73/13.03.00/2010-11: A circular number related to guidelines on Base Rate, dated 06.01.2011, now repealed. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.81/13.03.00/2010-11: A circular number related to guidelines on Base Rate, dated 21.02.2011, now repealed. DBOD.Dir.BC.34/13.03.00/2011-12: A circular number related to guidelines on Base Rate, dated 09.09.2011, now repealed. DBOD.Dir.No.12740/13.07.01/2011-12: A circular number related to guidelines on Base Rate, dated 24.2.2012, now repealed. Mail Box clarification: Clarifications on guidelines on Base Rate, dated 10.04.2012, now repealed. Mail Box clarification: Clarifications on guidelines on Base Rate, dated 27.04.2012, now repealed. Mail Box Clarification: Clarifications on guidelines on Base Rate, dated 31.12.2012, now repealed. DBOD.Dir.BC.No.47/13.03.00/2013-14: A circular number related to Base Rate Revised Guidelines, dated 02.09.2013, now repealed. DBOD.Dir.BC. No.106/13.03.00/2013-14: A circular number related to Differential Rate of Interest for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), dated 15.04.2014, now repealed. Mail Box Clarification: Clarifications on guidelines on Base Rate, dated 19.08.2014, now repealed. Mail Box Clarification: Clarifications on Base Rate Guidelines, dated 08.10.2014, now repealed. DBR.Dir.BC.No.63/13.03.00/2014-15: A circular number related to interest rates on advances, dated 19.01.2015, now repealed. DBR.No.Dir.BC.67/13.03.00/2015-16: A circular number related to interest rates on advances, dated 17.12.2015, now repealed. MSEs: Micro and Small Enterprises
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भारतीय �रजव र् बक� __________ RESERVE BANK OF INDIA__________ www.rbi.org.in RBI/DBR/2015-16/20 Master Direction DBR.Dir. No.85/13.03.00/2015-16 March 03, 2016 (Updated as on September 12, 2023) (Updated as on June 10, 2021) (Updated as on February 26, 2020) (Updated as on September 04, 2019) (Updated as on March 29, 2016) Master Direction - Reserve Bank of India (Interest Rate on Advances) Directions, 2016 In exercise of the powers conferred by Sections 21 and 35 A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, the Reserve Bank of India being satisfied that it is necessary and expedient in the public interest so to do, hereby, issues the Directions hereinafter specified. CHAPTER – I PRELIMINARY 1. Short Title and Commencement. (a) These Directions shall be called the Reserve Bank of India (Interest Rate on Advances) Directions, 2016. (b) These directions shall come into effect on the day it is placed on the official website of the Reserve Bank of India. 2. Applicability The provisions of these Directions shall apply to every Scheduled Commercial Bank (excluding RRBs), Small Finance Bank and Local Area Bank1. These directions shall not be applicable to operations of foreign branches of Indian banks. 3. Definitions (a) In these Directions, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms herein shall bear the meanings assigned to them below — (i) Advance against own deposit means advance granted against Rupee/FCNR(B) term deposit and deposit stands in the name of: 1 The words “licensed to operate in India by Reserve Bank of India” appearing at the end of the sentence deleted.(a) the borrower, either singly or jointly (b) one of the partners of a partnership firm and advance is made to the said firm. (c) the proprietor of a proprietary concern and advance is made to such concern. (d) a ward whose guardian is competent to borrow on behalf of the ward and where the advance is made to the guardian of the ward in such capacity. (ii) Benchmark Prime Lending Rate (BPLR) means internal benchmark rate used to determine the interest rates on advances/loans sanctioned upto June 30, 2010. (iii) Benchmark rate means the reference rate used to determine the interest rates on loans. (iv) External benchmark rate means the reference rate which includes: (a) Reserve Bank of India policy Repo Rate (b) Government of India 3-Months and 6-Months Treasury Bill yields published by Financial Benchmarks India Private Ltd (FBIL) (c) Any other benchmark market interest rate published by FBIL. (v) Fixed rate loan means a loan on which the interest rate is fixed for the entire tenor of the loan. (vi) Floating rate loan means a loan on which interest rate does not remain fixed during the tenor of the loan. (vii) Internal benchmark rate means a reference rate determined internally by the bank. (viii) Rests refers to periodicity of charging interest to borrowers. (ix) Term loan means a loan which is repayable after a specified term period. (b) All other expressions unless defined herein shall have the same meaning as have been assigned to them under the Banking Regulation Act or the Reserve 2Bank of India Act, or any statutory modification or re-enactment thereto or as used in commercial parlance, as the case may be. CHAPTER – II GENERAL GUIDELINES 4. Interest Rate framework (a) Scheduled commercial banks shall charge interest on advances on the terms and conditions specified in these directions. (i) There shall be a comprehensive policy on interest rates on advances duly approved by the Board of Directors or any committee of the Board to which powers have been delegated. (ii) All floating rate loans, except those mentioned in section 13, shall be priced with reference to the benchmark indicated in chapter III. (iii) Banks shall have the freedom to offer all categories of advances on fixed or floating interest rates. (iv) When the floating rate advances are linked to an internal benchmark rate, banks shall determine their actual lending rates by adding the components of spread to the internal benchmark rate. (v) The reference benchmark rate used for pricing the loans shall form part of the terms of the loan contract. (vi) Interest rates on fixed rate loans of tenor below 3 years shall not be less than the benchmark rate for similar tenor and shall be as per directions contained in Section 13(d)(v). (vii) Interest shall be charged on all advances at monthly rests. Provided that interest on agricultural advances and advance to farmers shall be charged as per the instructions contained in circulars RPCD. No. CPFS. BC. 60 /PS. 165-85 dated June 06, 1985 and RPCD. No. PLFS. BC. 129 /05.02.27/97-98 dated June 29, 1998. (viii) Interest chargeable on rupee advances shall be rounded off to the nearest rupee. 3(ix) Interest charged on small value loans, particularly, personal loans and such other loans of similar nature shall be justifiable having regard to the total cost incurred by the bank in extending the loan and the extent of return that could be reasonably expected from the transaction. (x) In case of takeover of bank branches in rural and semi urban centres from one commercial bank to another commercial bank, transfer of borrowal accounts of the existing branch to the branch of acquiring bank shall be on mutually agreed terms of contract. Provided that the existing borrowers shall not be put into any disadvantage and shall have the option of continuing with the existing bank or the acquiring bank. (xi) There shall be no lending below the benchmark rate for a particular maturity for all loans linked to that benchmark. (b) The directions contained in section 4(a) above shall also be applicable to Rupee advances granted against FCNR(B) deposits to a third party or out of resources mobilized under the FCNR(B) scheme. 5. Penal Interest [******* ********]2 As regards Penal Charges, banks shall be guided by Circular No. DoR.MCS.REC.28/01.01.001/2023-24 on “Fair Lending Practice - Penal Charges in Loan Accounts” dated August 18, 2023. CHAPTER – III BENCHMARK 6. Internal Benchmark (a) Base Rate (i) All floating rate rupee loans sanctioned and renewed between July 1, 2010 and March 31, 2016 shall be priced with reference to the Base Rate which will be the internal benchmark for such purposes. (ii) Base Rate shall include all those elements of the lending rates that are common across all categories of borrowers. 2 Para on Penal Interest has been deleted vide amendment dated August 18, 2023. 4(iii) There can be only one Base Rate for each bank. (iv) Banks shall have the freedom to calculate cost of funds either on the basis of average cost of funds or on marginal cost of funds or any other methodology in vogue, which is reasonable and transparent, subject to it being consistent and made available for supervisory review/scrutiny as and when required. Provided that where the card rate for deposits of one or more tenor is the basis, the deposits in the chosen tenor/s shall have the largest share in the deposit base of the bank. (v) Banks shall review the Base Rate at least once in a quarter with the approval of the Board or the Asset Liability Management Committees (ALCOs) as per the bank’s practice. (vi) Banks shall not review the Base Rate methodology for at least a period of three years from date of its finalization. Provided that this shall not apply to banks that have commenced their banking operations in India after September 2, 2013. Such banks shall be permitted to revise their Base Rate methodology once within a year from the date of commencement of their business operations in India. (b) Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR) (i) All floating rate rupee loans sanctioned and renewed w.e.f. April 1, 2016 shall be priced with reference to the Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR) which will be the internal benchmark for such purposes subject to the provisions contained in paragraph 7 of this Master Direction. (ii) The MCLR shall comprise of: a. Marginal cost of funds; b. Negative carry on account of CRR; c. Operating costs; d. Tenor premium. (iii) Marginal Cost of funds The marginal cost of funds shall comprise of Marginal cost of borrowings and return on networth. The detailed methodology for computing marginal cost of funds is given in the Annex. 5(iv) Negative Carry on CRR Negative carry on the mandatory CRR which arises due to return on CRR balances being nil, will be calculated as under: Required CRR x (marginal cost) / (1- CRR) The marginal cost of funds arrived at (iii) above shall be used for arriving at negative carry on CRR. (v) Operating Costs All operating costs associated with providing the loan product including cost of raising funds shall be included under this head. It shall be ensured that the costs of providing those services which are separately recovered by way of service charges do not form part of this component. (vi) Tenor premium These costs arise from loan commitments with longer tenor. The change in tenor premium should not be borrower specific or loan class specific. In other words, the tenor premium will be uniform for all types of loans for a given residual tenor. (vii) The tenor of the MCLR calculated as per the Annex shall correspond to the following: a. the tenor of the funds in the single largest maturity bucket, provided it is more than 30 percent of the entire funds (other than equity) reckoned for determining the MCLR, or b. the weighted average tenor of two or more maturity buckets that together account for more than 30 percent, if no single maturity bucket accounts for more than 30 percent of the funds. The maturity bucket shall be arrived at by calculating the cumulative weightage based on the descending order of the maturity time buckets. (viii) Since MCLR will be a tenor linked benchmark, banks shall arrive at the MCLR of various maturities by incorporating the corresponding tenor premium/discount to the sum of Marginal cost of funds, Negative carry on 6account of CRR and Operating costs. Accordingly, banks shall publish the internal benchmark for the following maturities: a. overnight MCLR, b. one-month MCLR, c. three-month MCLR, d. six month MCLR, e. One year MCLR. In addition to the above, banks shall have the option of publishing MCLR of any other longer maturity. (ix) Review of MCLR (a) Banks shall review and publish their Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR) of different maturities every month on a pre- announced date with the approval of the Board or any other committee to which powers have been delegated. (b) Banks which do not have adequate systems to carry out the review of MCLR on a monthly basis, shall review their rates once a quarter on a pre- announced date for the first one year i.e. upto March 31, 2017. Provided that, such banks shall adopt the monthly review of MCLR as mentioned in section 6(b)(ix)(a) above. 7. External Benchmark (a) All new floating rate personal or retail loans (housing, auto, etc.) and floating rate loans extended by banks to Micro and Small Enterprises from October 01, 2019 and floating rate loans to Medium Enterprises from April 01, 2020 shall be benchmarked to one of the following: - Reserve Bank of India policy repo rate - Government of India 3-Months Treasury Bill yield published by the Financial Benchmarks India Private Ltd (FBIL) - Government of India 6-Months Treasury Bill yield published by the FBIL - Any other benchmark market interest rate published by the FBIL. 7(b) Banks are free to offer such external benchmark linked loans to other types of borrowers as well. (c) In order to ensure transparency, standardisation, and ease of understanding of loan products by borrowers, a bank must adopt a uniform external benchmark within a loan category; in other words, the adoption of multiple benchmarks by the same bank is not allowed within a loan category. CHAPTER – IV INTEREST RATES ON ADVANCES 8. Spread (a) Banks shall have a Board approved policy delineating the components of spread charged to a customer. The policy shall include principles: (i) To determine the quantum of each component of spread. (ii) To determine the range of spread for a given category of borrower / type of loan. (iii) To delegate powers in respect of loan pricing. (b) Spread under Base rate system In addition to the conditions laid down in section 8(a) of these Directions, banks shall adhere to the following conditions: (i) The credit risk premium charged to an existing borrower shall not be increased except on account of deterioration in the credit risk profile of the customer or change in tenor premium. Provided that the stipulation contained in sub-section 8(b)(i) above shall not be applicable to loans under consortium / multiple banking arrangements. (ii) The change in tenor premium on loans sanctioned under Base rate system shall not be borrower specific or loan class specific. In other words, the change in tenor premium shall be uniform for all types of loans for a given residual tenor. Provided that the spread guidelines mentioned above shall not apply to loans granted under BPLR system, which continue till date. Such loans shall be covered under the terms of the loan agreements. 8(c) Spread under MCLR system In addition to the conditions laid down in section 8(a) of these Directions, banks shall adopt the following broad components of spread: (i) Business strategy The component shall be arrived at taking into consideration the business strategy, market competition, embedded options in the loan product, market liquidity of the loan etc. (ii) Credit risk premium The credit risk premium charged to the customer representing the default risk arising from loan sanctioned shall be arrived at based on an appropriate credit risk rating/scoring model and after taking into consideration customer relationship, expected losses, collaterals, etc. (d) The spread charged to an existing borrower shall not be increased except on account of deterioration in the credit risk profile of the customer. Any such decision regarding change in spread on account of change in credit risk profile shall be supported by a full-fledged risk profile review of the customer. Provided that the stipulation contained in sub-section 8(d) above shall not be applicable to loans under consortium / multiple banking arrangements. (e) Spread under External Benchmark Banks are free to decide the spread over the external benchmark. However, credit risk premium may undergo change only when borrower’s credit assessment undergoes a substantial change, as agreed upon in the loan contract. Further, other components of spread including operating cost could be altered once in three years. 9. (i) Reset of interest rates under MCLR system (a) Banks shall, at their option, specify interest reset dates on their floating rate loans. Banks shall have the option to offer loans with reset dates linked either to the date of first disbursement of the loan/credit limits or to the date of review of MCLR. (b) The Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR) prevailing on the date of first disbursement, whether partial or full, shall be applicable till the next reset date, irrespective of the changes in the benchmark during the interim. Future reset dates shall be determined accordingly. 9(c) The periodicity of reset shall be one year or lower. The exact periodicity of reset shall form part of the terms of the loan contract. (d) The periodicity of the reset under MCLR shall correspond to the tenor/ maturity of the MCLR to which the loan is linked. 9. (ii) Reset of interest rates under External Benchmarks The interest rate under external benchmark shall be reset at least once in three months. 10. Transition to Base Rate from BPLR Existing loans based on the BPLR system shall run till their maturity. Provided that existing borrowers desirous of switching to the new Base Rate system, before expiry of the existing contracts shall be given an option on mutually agreed terms. Provided further that no fee is charged for such switch-over. 11. (i) Transition to MCLR from Base Rate/ BPLR (a) Banks shall continue to review and publish Base Rate as hitherto. (b) Existing loans and credit limits linked to the Base Rate/ BPLR shall continue till repayment or renewal, as the case may be. Provided that existing borrowers shall have the option to move to the Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR) linked loan at mutually acceptable terms. Provided that the switch-over shall not be treated as a foreclosure of existing facility. 11. (ii) Transition to External Benchmarks from MCLR/Base Rate/ BPLR Existing loans and credit limits linked to the MCLR/Base Rate/BPLR shall continue till repayment or renewal, as the case may be. Provided that floating rate term loans sanctioned to borrowers who, in terms of extant guidelines, are eligible to prepay a floating rate loan without pre-payment charges, shall be eligible for switchover to External Benchmark without any charges/fees, except reasonable administrative/ legal costs. The final rate charged to this category of borrowers, post switchover to external benchmark, shall be same as 10the rate charged for a new loan of the same category, type, tenor and amount, at the time of origination of the loan. Provided that other existing borrowers shall have the option to move to External Benchmark at mutually acceptable terms. Provided that the switch-over shall not be treated as a foreclosure of existing facility. CHAPTER – V FOREIGN CURRENCY ADVANCES 12. Interest rates on advances in foreign currency (a) Banks shall have the freedom to determine the interest rates on advances in foreign currency as per the comprehensive policy on interest rates on advances duly approved by the Board of Directors or any committee of the Board to which powers have been delegated. (b) The interest rates shall be determined with reference to a market determined external benchmark. (c) The actual lending rates shall be determined by adding the components of spread to the external benchmark. CHAPTER – VI EXEMPTIONS 13. Exemptions The following types of loans shall be exempted from the provisions contained under chapter III and IV of this directive: (a) Loans covered by schemes specially formulated by Government of India wherein banks have to charge interest rates as per the scheme. (b) Working Capital Term Loan (WCTL), Funded Interest Term Loan (FITL), etc. granted as part of the rectification/restructuring package. (c) Loans granted under various refinance schemes formulated by Government of India or any Government Undertakings wherein banks charge interest at the rates prescribed under the schemes to the extent refinance is available, Interest rate charged on the part not covered under refinance shall adhere to the Base rate/MCLR/External Benchmark guidelines. (d) The following categories of loans: (i) Advances to banks’ depositors against their own deposits. 11(ii) Advances to banks’ own employees including retired employees. (iii) Advances granted to the Chief Executive Officer / Whole Time Directors. (iv) Loans linked to a market determined external benchmark. Provided that floating rate loans based on external benchmark sanctioned before April 01, 2016 shall be equal to or above the Base Rate at the time of sanction or renewal. (v) Fixed rate loans of tenor above three years. Provided that in case of hybrid loans where the interest rates are partly fixed and partly floating, interest rate on the floating portion shall not be exempted from MCLR system. Provided further that interest rates for fixed rate loans (including fixed rate portion of hybrid loans) of tenor up to three years shall not be less than the sum of following: a. Marginal Cost of Funds b. Negative Carry on CRR c. Operating Cost d. Tenor premium for corresponding maturity on the date of sanction. Provided further that fixed rate loans sanctioned before April 01, 2016 shall not be below the Base Rate at the time of sanction or renewal. 12Annex (see Section 6(b) under Chapter III) Sl Source of Rates Balance Marginal Remarks funds offered outstanding as a cost (excluding on percentage of (1) x(2) equity) deposits total funds (other on the than equity) date of (2)(See note review/ below) rates at which funds raised (1) A Marginal Cost of Borrowings 1 Deposits a Current The core portion of current Deposits deposits identified based on the guidelines on Asset Liability Management issued vide circular dated October 24, 2007 should be reckoned for arriving at the balance outstanding. b Savings The core portion of savings Deposits deposits identified based on the guidelines on Asset Liability Management issued vide circular dated October 24, 2007 should be reckoned for arriving at the balance outstanding. c Term Term deposits of various deposits maturities including those on (Fixed Rate) which differential interest rates are payable should be included. d Term The rate should be arrived at deposits based on the prevailing external (Floating benchmark rate on the date of Rate) review. e Foreign Foreign currency deposits, to the currency extent deployed for lending in deposits rupees, should be included in computing marginal cost of 13Sl Source of Rates Balance Marginal Remarks funds offered outstanding as a cost (excluding on percentage of (1) x(2) equity) deposits total funds (other on the than equity) date of (2)(See note review/ below) rates at which funds raised (1) funds. The swap cost and hedge cost of such deposits should be reckoned for computing marginal cost. 2 Borrowings a Short term Interest payable on each type of Rupee short term borrowing will be Borrowings arrived at using the average rates at which such short term borrowings were raised in the last one month. For eg. Interest on borrowings from RBI under LAF will be the average interest rate at which a bank has borrowed from RBI under LAF during the last one month. b Long term Option 1: Rupee Interest payable on each type of Borrowings long term borrowing will be arrived at using the average rates at which such long term borrowings were raised. Option 2: The appropriate benchmark yield for bank bonds published by FIMMDA for valuation purposes will be used as the proxy rate for 14Sl Source of Rates Balance Marginal Remarks funds offered outstanding as a cost (excluding on percentage of (1) x(2) equity) deposits total funds (other on the than equity) date of (2)(See note review/ below) rates at which funds raised (1) calculating marginal cost. c Foreign Foreign currency borrowings, to Currency the extent deployed for lending in Borrowings rupees, should be included in including HO computing marginal cost of borrowings funds. The all-in-cost of raising by foreign foreign currency borrowings banks (other than those including swap cost and hedge forming part cost would be reckoned for of Tier-I computing marginal cost of capital) funds. Marginal The marginal cost of cost of borrowings shall have a borrowings weightage of 92% of Marginal Cost of Funds while return on networth will have the balance weightage of 8%. B Return on Amount of common equity Tier 1 capital required to be maintained for Risk networth Weighted Assets as per extant capital adequacy norms shall be included for computing marginal cost of funds. Since currently, the common equity Tier 1 capital is (5.5% +2.5%) 8% of RWA, the weightage given for this component in the marginal cost of funds will be 8%. In case of newly set up banks (either domestic or foreign banks operating as branches in India) where lending operations are mainly financed by capital, the weightage for this component may be higher ie in proportion to the extent of capital deployed for lending. This dispensation will be available for 15a period of three years from the date of commencing operations. The cost of equity will be the minimum desired rate of return on equity computed as a mark-up over the risk free rate. Banks could follow any pricing model such as Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) to arrive at the cost of capital. This rate can be reviewed annually. Marginal cost of funds = 92% x Marginal cost of borrowings + 8% x Return on networth Note: Banks shall have the option to reckon the outstanding balances of deposits and other borrowings as on any day, not more than seven calendar days, prior to the date from which the MCLR becomes effective. The chosen time lag shall be maintained consistently for a period not less one year. 16CHAPTER – VII REPEAL AND OTHER PROVISIONS 14. With the issue of these directions, the instructions / guidelines contained in the following circulars issued by the Reserve Bank stand repealed: SL Circular No. Date Subject 1. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.36/C.347-90 22.10.1990 Rounding off Transactions to the Nearest Rupee 2. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.115/13.07.01/ 94 17.10.1994 Interest Rates on Advances 3. IECD.No.28/08.12.01/94-95** 22.11.1994 Compliance with Lending Discipline - (a) Charging of Uniform Rates of Interest for Lending under Consortium Arrangement and (b) Penal Interest for Non-compliance with the Discipline 4. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.141/13.07.01-94 07.12.1994 Interest Rates on Advances 5. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.89/13:07:01/95 21.08.1995 Deregulation of Lending Rates - Levy of Interest Tax 6. DBOD.No.BC.99/13.07.01/95 12.09.1995 Withdrawals against Uncleared Effects 7. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.139/13.07.01/96 19.10.1996 Interest Rates on Advances - Prime Lending Rate 8. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.10/13.07.01/97 12.02.1997 Interest Rates on Advances - Prime Lending Rate 9. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.124/13.07.01/97-98 21.10.1997 Interest Rates on Advances 10. DBOD.No. Dir.BC.33/13.03.00/98 29.04.1998 Interest Rates on Advances 11. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.36/13.03.00/98 29.04.1998 Monetary and Credit Policy Measures 12. DBOD.No.BP.BC.35/21.01.002/99 24.04.1999 Monetary and Credit Policy Measures 13. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.100/13.07.01/ 99 11.10.1999 Interest Rates on Advances - Fixed Rate Loans 14. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.106/13.03.00/99 29.10.1999 Interest Rates on Advances 15. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.114/13.03.00/99 29.10.1999 Mid-Term Review of Monetary and Credit Policy 1999-2000 16. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.168/13:03:00-2000 27.04.2000 Monetary and Credit Policy for the Year 2000-2001 - Interest Rate Policy 1717. DBOD.No.BC.178/13:07:01/2000 25.05.2000 Interest Rates on Advances 18. DBOD No. BP.BC 31/21.04.048/00-01 10.10.2000 Monetary and Credit Policy Measures - Mid-Term Review for the Year 2000-2001 19. IECD No.9/04.02.01/2000-01 05.01.2001 Interest Rate on Export Credit 20. DBOD No.Dir.BC 106/13.03.00/2000-01 19.04.2001 Interest Rates on Advances 21. DBOD No.Dir.BC 107/13.03.00/2000-01 19.04.2001 Monetary and Credit Policy for the year 2001-2002 - Interest Rate Policy 22. IECD No.13/04.02.01/2000-01 19.04.2001 Rupee Export Credit Interest Rates 23. DBOD No.Dir.BC.117/13.07.01/2000-01 04.05.2001 Charging of Penal Interest 24. DBOD No.Dir.BC.75/13.07.01/2002 15.03.2002 Interest Rates on Advances 25. DBOD No.Dir.BC.8/13.07.00/2002-03 26.07.2002 Charging of Interest at Monthly Rests - Consolidated Instructions 26. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.19/13.07.01/2002-03 19.08.2002 Zero percent Interest Finance Schemes for Consumer Durables 27. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.25/13.03.00/2002-03 19.09.2002 Charging of Interest at Monthly Rests - Agricultural Advances 28. IECD.No.18/04.02.01/2002-03 30.04.2003 Rupee Export Credit Interest Rates 29. DBOD.No.BC.103/13.07.01/2003 30.04.2003 Interest Rates on Advances 30. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.103A/13.03.00/2002-03 30.04.2003 Interest Rates on Advances - Prime Lending Rate and Spreads 31. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.10/13.03.00/2003-04 14.08.2003 Interest Rates on Advances 32. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.38/13.03.00/2003-04 21.10.2003 Interest Rates on Advances - Prime Lending Rate and Spreads 33. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.39/13.03.00/2003-04 21.10.2003 Interest Rates on Advances - Prime Lending Rate and Spreads 34. DBOD.No.81/13.07.01/2003-04 24.04.2004 Interest Rates on Advances 35. IECD.No.10/04.02.01/2003-04 24.04.2004 Rupee Export Credit Interest Rates 1836. IECD.No.13/04.02.01/2003-04 18.05.2004 Export Credit Interest Rates for Gold Card Holder Exporters 37. DBOD.No.BC.85/13.07.01/2003-04 18.05.2004 Interest Rates on Advances 38. DBOD.No.BC.84/13.07.01/2004-05 29.04.2005 Interest Rates on Advances 39. DBOD.Dir (Exp.).BC.No.83/ 04.02.01 28.04.2006 Rupee Export Credit Interest /2005-06 Rates 40. DBOD.Dir (Exp.).BC.No.79/04.02.01/ 17.04.2007 Interest Rates on Advances 2006-07 41. DBOD.Dir.BC.93/13.03.00/2006-07 07.05.2007 Complaints about Excessive Interest Charged by Banks 42. DBOD.Dir.(Exp).BC.No.77/04.02.01/2007 28.04.2008 Rupee Export Credit Interest -08 Rates 43. DBOD.Dir.(Exp).BC.No.131/04.02.01/200 29.04.2009 Rupee Export Credit Interest 8-09 Rates 44. DBOD.Dir.BC.88/13.03.00/2009-10 09.04.2010 Guidelines on Base Rate 45. DBOD.Dir.(Exp).BC.No.102/04.02.01/200 06.05.2010 Rupee Export Credit Interest 9-10 Rates 46. Mail Box clarification 14.05.2010 Guidelines on Base Rate 47. Letter to IBA 24.06.2010 Guidelines on Base Rate 48. Mail Box clarification 24.09.2010 Guidelines on Base Rate 49. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.73/13.03.00/2010-11 06.01.2011 Guidelines on Base Rate 50. DBOD.No.Dir.BC.81/13.03.00/2010-11 21.02.2011 Guidelines on Base Rate 51. DBOD.Dir.BC.34/13.03.00/2011-12 09.09.2011 Guidelines on Base Rate 52. DBOD.Dir.No.12740/13.07.01/2011-12 24.2.2012 Guidelines on Base Rate 53. Mail Box clarification 10.04.2012 Guidelines on Base Rate 54. Mail Box clarification 27.04.2012 Guidelines on Base Rate 55. Mail Box Clarification 31.12.2012 Guidelines on Base Rate 56. DBOD.Dir.BC.No.47/13.03.00/2013-14 02.09.2013 Base Rate- Revised Guidelines 57. DBOD.Dir.BC. No.106/13.03.00/2013-14 15.04.2014 Differential Rate of Interest for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) 58. Mail Box Clarification 19.08.2014 Guidelines on Base Rate 59. Mail Box Clarification 08.10.2014 Base Rate Guidelines 1960. DBR.Dir.BC.No.63/13.03.00/2014-15 19.01.2015 Interest Rates on Advances 61. DBR.No.Dir.BC.67/13.03.00/2015-16 17.12.2015 Interest Rates on Advances ** Paragraph (d) of the circular listed at Sr. No. 3 above shall be treated as repealed. 15. All approvals / acknowledgements given under the above circulars shall be deemed as given under these directions. 16. Loan contracts entered into by banks based on the guidelines (including BPLR guidelines) contained in the above circulars prior to issue of these Directions shall be deemed as covered under these Directions. 20

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