RBI Allows Exclusion of Certain Swap Positions from Regulatory Limits

1.    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued directions to Authorised Dealer Category-I (AD Cat-I) banks regarding the treatment of swap positions arising from specific foreign currency liabilities

2.    .Covered Facilities

o    The relaxation applies to swap positions arising from:

§  FCNR(B) deposits,

§  External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs), and

§  Overseas Foreign Currency Borrowings (OFCBs).

3.    Exclusion from Swap Position Calculations

o    AD Cat-I banks may exclude swap positions related to the above facilities while complying with regulatory requirements under A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 24 dated March 27, 2026.

4.    Objective

o    The measure supports the RBI’s special swap facilities introduced to attract foreign currency inflows and enhance foreign exchange liquidity.

5.    Compliance Requirement

o    Banks must continue to comply with all other provisions of the March 27, 2026 circular, except for the permitted exclusion of these specified swap positions.

6.    Legal Authority

o    The directions have been issued under Sections 10(4), 11(1), and 11(2) of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.

7.    Other Approvals Unaffected

o    The circular does not override any permissions or approvals that may be required under other applicable laws or regulations.

 

[A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 13 dated June 8, 2026]

NOP-INR position of Authorised Dealer Category-I banks

Attention of Authorised Dealer Category (AD Cat)-I banks is invited to circulars  FMOD.MAOG.No.S-56/01.06.016/2026-27 dated June 8, 2026, on ‘Swap Facility for FCNR (B) Deposits’ and FMOD.MAOG.No.S-57/01.06.016/2026-27 dated June 8,  2026, on ‘Swap Facility for External Commercial Borrowings and Overseas Foreign Currency Borrowings’.

AD Cat-I banks may exclude the swap positions arising out of FCNR (B) deposits, External Commercial Borrowings and Overseas Foreign Currency Borrowings raised in terms of the aforesaid circulars while ensuring compliance with the provisions of the A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 24 dated March 27, 2026.

The directions contained in this circular have been issued under Sections 10(4), 11(1) and 11(2) of the FEMA, 1999 (42 of 1999) and are without prejudice to permissions / approvals, if any, required under any other law.