The ‘Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (PSS Act)’ lays down the legal foundation for regulating and supervising payment systems in India. Two of its most crucial provisions relate to the Designated Authority and Authorization, which define who governs payment systems and how entities are permitted to operate. Designated Authority * Reserve Bank of India…
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has rolled out one of the biggest tax reforms since GST’s launch. On September 3, 2025, the Council announced a simplified two-rate GST structure to replace the existing four slabs. Starting September 22, 2025, GST will primarily operate on just two slabs — 5% and 18%, with a…
In today’s hyper-digital age, where money moves at the click of a button, we rarely pause to think about what keeps these systems running securely and efficiently. Imagine if your UPI transfer hung in limbo, or if there was no clear legal framework defining who’s responsible for settlement issues. That’s where the Payment and Settlement…
Under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999, special provisions apply to assets held abroad by persons resident in India. These rules regulate ownership, transfer, and investment in foreign assets, ensuring legal compliance and preventing unauthorized holdings. Key Provisions 1. Section 4 of FEMA * Prohibits residents from acquiring, holding, owning, possessing, or transferring any…
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) is the central agency responsible for investigating and enforcing violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 in India. Functioning under the **Ministry of Finance**, it plays a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of the foreign exchange market and ensuring compliance with India’s foreign exchange laws. Key Roles…
Under FEMA, contraventions, penalties, adjudication, and appeals are handled through a structured legal process to ensure fairness and regulatory compliance in foreign exchange dealings. Contravention Under FEMA A contravention occurs when any person, company, or entity violates the provisions, rules, regulations, or directions issued under FEMA, or acts against the conditions attached to any authorization…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has extensive powers with respect to authorized persons under FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999), enabling it to regulate, supervise, and enforce compliance in the conduct of foreign exchange transactions. Authorization & Licensing RBI is empowered to authorize any person or entity (banks, money changers, financial institutions) to act…
The regulation and management of foreign exchange in India are governed by the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999. This law empowers the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Central Government to oversee foreign exchange transactions, promote international trade, and maintain stability in the market. FEMA: Key Provisions 1. Authorization & Regulation * Only…
The Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (PSS Act) governs the regulation and supervision of payment systems in India and designates the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as the regulatory authority for this purpose. The Act empowers the RBI to establish a committee, namely the Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems…
The Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 is a cornerstone legislation in India that governs dealings in foreign exchange. For bankers, finance professionals, and even corporates engaging in cross-border transactions, an understanding of FEMA’s key terminology is essential. The Act uses some specific terms that may sound technical, but their correct interpretation is crucial to…
