Stronger ALM framework for NBFCs on cards
MUMBAI: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed to introduce Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) for all deposit taking NBFCs; and non-deposit taking NBFCs with an asset size of Rs5000 crore and above.
“With a view to ensuring a smooth transition to the LCR regime, the proposal is to implement it in a calibrated manner through a glide path over a period of four years commencing from April 2020 and going up to April 2024,” a recent RBI statement said.
The move is part of the RBI initiative to establish a stronger Asset Liability Management (ALM) framework for the NBFCs. The proposals that include the LCR proposal for NBFCs have been posted on its website for public comment after which the RBI could finalise on the regulatory architecture.
The Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) play an important role in the financial system of the country, particularly in delivering credit to the last mile, including the retail as well as MSME sectors.
RBI noted that NBFCs’ ability to perform their role effectively and efficiently requires them to be financially resilient, well-regulated and properly governed so that they retain the confidence of all their stakeholders including their lenders and borrowers.
The Reserve Bank believes that it has always endeavoured to provide and modulate a regulatory architecture consistent with these objectives. “In this context, an analysis of the recent developments in the NBFC sector pointed to the need for a stronger Asset Liability Management (ALM) framework in the NBFCs,” an RBI note added.
It was in this context, the Reserve Bank has placed on its website, a draft circular on the “Liquidity Risk Management Framework for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Core Investment Companies (CICs)” to be adopted by all deposit taking NBFCs; non-deposit taking NBFCs with an asset size of Rs100 crore and above; and all CICs registered with the Reserve Bank.
While some of the current regulatory prescriptions applicable to NBFCs on asset-liability management (ALM) framework have been updated / recast, certain new features have been added. “Among others, the draft guidelines cover application of generic ALM principles, granular maturity buckets in the liquidity statements and tolerance limits, liquidity risk monitoring tool and adoption of the “stock” approach to liquidity,” the RBI said in its circular.
