Leasing vs. Hire-Purchase: Key Differences and Implications for Indian Banks
In the evolving landscape of Indian finance, leasing and hire-purchase remain cornerstone financing mechanisms for asset acquisition, particularly for MSMEs and corporates. Governed by distinct legal frameworks—leasing under the RBI’s NBFC directions and the Factoring Regulation Act (to an extent), and hire-purchase via the Hire-Purchase Act, 1972—these tools offer banks and NBFCs flexible avenues to…
Read article
Garnishee and Income Tax Attachment Orders: A Banker’s Guide
Banks frequently receive garnishee orders from civil courts and attachment orders from the Income Tax Department, both of which require immediate and careful action. These orders mandate banks to freeze customer accounts and remit funds to creditors or tax authorities, subject to statutory conditions. Given the legal sensitivity involved, banks must act promptly, accurately, and…
Read article
Understanding Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) in India
Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) represent a hybrid business structure that combines the flexibility of partnerships with the liability protections of companies. Enacted under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008, LLPs have gained prominence among professionals like chartered accountants, lawyers, and SMEs in India for their balanced regulatory framework. Key Features LLPs operate as separate legal…
Read article
New RBI Guidelines on Nomination Facility in Bank Accounts and Lockers (Effective November 1, 2025)
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued new guidelines titled “Reserve Bank of India (Nomination Facility in Deposit Accounts, Safe Deposit Lockers and Articles kept in Safe Custody with the Banks) Directions, 2025.” These guidelines aim to make it easier for family members or legal heirs to claim money or valuables from banks in…
Read article
Parking Cash Smartly: Liquid Funds vs Ultra-Short Term Funds Explained
Liquid funds and ultra-short term funds are both SEBI-defined debt mutual fund categories designed for short horizons, but they differ mainly in portfolio duration, liquidity mechanics, risk-return profile, and use-cases for treasury and personal cash management. Definitions and portfolio Investment horizon Liquidity and redemption Risk sensitivity Return potential and volatility Costs and loads Operational…
Point of Sale (POS) Systems and Card Payment Mechanisms in India
Introduction The increasing adoption of digital payment systems has significantly transformed the retail and service sectors in India. Among various electronic payment modes, **card-based transactions**—through debit cards, credit cards, and smart cards—have become particularly widespread. These payment methods are now accepted by a broad range of establishments including railways, airlines, malls, hotels, and retail outlets.…
Read article