RBI Permits Investment of SRVA Surplus Balances in Corporate Debt Instruments

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed Authorised Dealer (AD) Category-I banks to permit investment of surplus balances held in Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs) not only in Government securities and Treasury Bills but also in non-convertible debentures (NCDs)/bonds and commercial papers (CPs) issued by Indian companies, as per the guidelines in AP (DIR Series) Circular No.13 dated October 03, 2025.

The instructions are effective immediately, and AD banks must inform their constituents and customers accordingly.

The directions are issued under Sections 10(4) and 11(1) of the FEMA, 1999, and are subject to other applicable laws.

[A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 14 dated October 03, 2025]

International Trade Settlement in Indian Rupees (INR)

Attention of Authorised Dealer Category – I banks (AD banks) is invited to Para 8(c) of  A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No.10 dated July 11, 2022 wherein it has been indicated that the balance in Special Rupee Vostro Accounts can be used for: ‘Investment in Government Treasury Bills, Government securities, etc. in terms of extant guidelines and prescribed limits, subject to FEMA and similar statutory provision’.

2.      In the light of the directions issued through AP DIR Circular No.13 dated October 03,  2025, AD banks may permit investment of surplus balances in the Special Rupee Vostro Accounts also in non-convertible debentures/bonds and commercial papers issued by an Indian company in terms of guidelines and limits prescribed vide the referred circular  dated October 03, 2025.

3.      The above instruction is applicable with immediate effect. AD banks may bring the contents of this circular to the notice of their constituents and customers concerned.

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