Money laundering is among the gravest financial crimes worldwide, carrying strict penalties that extend beyond imprisonment to fines, asset confiscation, and even political disqualification. In India, the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, forms the cornerstone of anti-money laundering enforcement, while globally, regulators impose equally stringent measures to deter such crimes. Legal Penalties in…
Money laundering is one of the most serious financial crimes, threatening the integrity of financial systems worldwide. In India, the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 defines and criminalizes this offence under **Section 3**, prescribing strict punishments, including imprisonment and fines. What is Money Laundering? At its core, money laundering is the process of…
The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 is a cornerstone of India’s legal framework to fight financial crimes. It aims to **curb money laundering, tackle black money, and strengthen financial transparency**. By making money laundering a criminal offense, the Act provides for confiscation of illegally acquired assets (proceeds of crime) and imposes stringent punishments,…
Co-lending between banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) is a strategic partnership model designed to expand credit access in underserved segments while ensuring efficient risk-sharing. Under this framework, both banks and NBFCs jointly finance loans to Priority Sector Assets (PSAs), with each contributing a pre-agreed share and managing the process collaboratively. For banks, this model…
Section 2[(wa) of PMLA Act 2002, states that a “reporting entity” means a banking company, financial institution, intermediary, or a person carrying on a designated business or profession. The Ministry of Finance vide notification dated May 03, 2023 (‘Notification’) has widened the ambit of the term “Reporting Entity” as defined in Section 2(1)(wa), read with…
Banks in India play a crucial role in providing finance to Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). The approach, however, differs depending on whether the NBFC is registered with RBI or belongs to a category that **does not require RBI registration**. Bank Finance to RBI-Registered NBFCs Banks can extend need-based working capital and term loans to NBFCs…
The Fair Practices Code (FPC) is a mandatory framework issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for applicable Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). It sets ethical standards and ensures responsible lending, transparency, and customer protection throughout the borrower–lender relationship. Purpose and Objectives of the FPC The key goals of the Fair Practices Code are to:…
Effective corporate governance ensures that NBFCs comply with RBI regulations, manage risks efficiently, and protect the interests of all stakeholders—including shareholders, customers, and regulatory bodies. Robust governance fosters stakeholder confidence, reduces operational and financial risks, and sustains long-term growth in a competitive market. Key Governance Aspects RBI’s Corporate Governance Framework RBI has repeatedly strengthened governance…
The prudential guidelines for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) form the backbone of financial discipline and risk management in the sector. These norms ensure NBFCs maintain sound practices in asset classification, provisioning, exposure management, liquidity, and governance, thereby safeguarding both creditors and the wider financial system. Under the…
Capital is the backbone of financial stability. Recognizing this, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has tightened and modernized the capital guidelines for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) under its Scale-Based Regulatory (SBR) Framework. The norms focus on minimum Net Owned Fund (NOF), capital adequacy ratios, and progressive strengthening of buffers —all designed to make NBFCs…
