Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 – Key Provisions Explained
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,…
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Co-Lending by Banks and NBFCs: A Win-Win for Priority Sector Lending
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…
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Obligations of Banks and Financial Institutions in Combating Money Laundering
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…
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Bank Finance to NBFCs: Registered vs. Not Requiring RBI Registration
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…
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Fair Practices Code (FPC) for NBFCs in India
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:…
Significance of Corporate Governance in NBFCs
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…
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