The Reserve Bank of India on 22nd October 2021 has notified the revised scale-based regulatory framework for non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) which shall be effective from 1st October 2021.
As the SBR framework encompasses different facets of regulation of NBFCs covering capital requirements, governance standards, prudential regulation, etc., it has been decided to first issue an integrated regulatory framework for NBFCs under SBR providing a holistic view of the SBR structure, set of fresh regulations being introduced and respective timelines.
The regulatory structure for NBFCs shall comprise of four layers based on their size, activity, and perceived riskiness. NBFCs in the lowest layer shall be known as NBFC – Base Layer (NBFC-BL). NBFCs in middle layer and upper layer shall be known as NBFC – Middle Layer (NBFC-ML) and NBFC – Upper Layer (NBFC-UL) respectively. The Top Layer is ideally expected to be empty and will be known as NBFC – Top Layer (NBFC-TL).
Further it has been decided to introduce Large Exposure Framework (LEF) for NBFCs placed in the Upper Layer. Accordingly, large exposure of an NBFC to all counterparties and groups of connected counterparties will be considered for exposure ceilings. Simplified and separate guidelines will be issued incorporating the definition of large exposure, regulatory reporting and large exposure limits.
In addition to the internal limits on SSE in respect of capital market and commercial real estate as indicated in para b) above, Board of NBFC-UL shall also determine internal exposure limits on other important sectors to which credit is extended. Further, NBFC-UL shall put in place an internal Board approved limit for exposure to the NBFC sector.
