Banking and RBI
RBI lets NBFCs open branches without prior approval in most cases
15 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India directions, as reported by PTI in The Hindu BusinessLine
On Wednesday, 15 April 2026, the RBI issued the Reserve Bank of India (Non-Banking Financial Companies - Branch Authorisation) Amendment Directions, 2026. They let an NBFC open branches without prior RBI approval in most cases, unless specifically restricted, to ease doing business while keeping regulatory compliance.
For deposit-taking NBFCs there are conditions linked to net owned funds (NOF) and credit rating. A deposit-taking NBFC with NOF of up to Rs 50 crore or a rating below AA may open a branch or appoint agents only within the state of its registered office. If NOF is above Rs 50 crore and the rating is AA or above, it may open a branch or appoint agents anywhere in India.
Key facts- Directions: NBFC Branch Authorisation Amendment Directions, 2026
- General rule: no prior RBI approval needed unless restricted
- Deposit-taking NBFC, NOF up to Rs 50 crore or rating below AA: home State only
- NOF above Rs 50 crore and rating AA or above: anywhere in India
Exam takeaway: NOF is net owned funds, the capital base RBI uses to size NBFC permissions.
Quick revision: NBFC branches: no prior RBI approval in most cases; deposit-takers need NOF above Rs 50 crore and AA rating to go pan-India.
Reserve Bank of India directions, as reported by PTI in The Hindu BusinessLine original sourceBanking and RBI
Scheduled banks' deposits at Rs 262.3 lakh crore on 31 March 2026
15 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India, Scheduled Banks' Statement of Position
The RBI's Scheduled Banks' Statement of Position in India as on 31 March 2026, released on 15 April 2026, shows deposits (other than from banks) of scheduled commercial banks, including RRBs, SFBs and payments banks, at Rs 26,230,485.73 crore (about Rs 262.3 lakh crore), against Rs 23,115,692.70 crore on 4 April 2025. By our calculation that is about 13.5 per cent higher.
Of the 31 March 2026 total, demand deposits were Rs 3,688,145.43 crore and time deposits were Rs 22,542,340.30 crore. Borrowings of scheduled commercial banks from the RBI stood at Rs 254,442 crore, against Rs 60,031 crore on 4 April 2025.
Key facts- SCB deposits, 31 March 2026: Rs 26,230,485.73 crore
- SCB deposits, 4 April 2025: Rs 23,115,692.70 crore (31 March 2026 figure is about 13.5% higher, our calculation)
- Demand deposits: Rs 3,688,145.43 crore; time deposits: Rs 22,542,340.30 crore
- Borrowings from RBI: Rs 254,442 crore (4 April 2025: Rs 60,031 crore)
Exam takeaway: A statement of position shows scheduled banks' balance sheet items on specific reporting dates.
Quick revision: SCB deposits on 31 Mar 2026: Rs 26,230,485.73 crore (about Rs 262.3 lakh crore).
Reserve Bank of India, Scheduled Banks' Statement of Position original sourceAppointments, Awards and Important Days
KVR Murty takes charge as SEBI Whole-Time Member
15 April 2026 | The Hindu BusinessLine
KVR Murty assumed charge as Whole-Time Member (WTM) of SEBI on Wednesday, 15 April 2026. With his appointment SEBI has four whole-time members, filling all sanctioned positions on the board, The Hindu BusinessLine reported.
He was earlier Additional Controller General of Defence Accounts in the Ministry of Defence, and holds a Master's degree in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics. His earlier posts include Principal Integrated Financial Adviser to the Indian Air Force, Financial Adviser to DRDO and Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, where he worked on decriminalisation of corporate laws that later formed the framework of the Jan Vishwas Bill.
Key facts- Post: Whole-Time Member, SEBI
- Officer: KVR Murty, took charge 15 April 2026
- SEBI strength: four WTMs, all sanctioned posts filled
- Earlier: Additional Controller General of Defence Accounts
Exam takeaway: SEBI's board includes a chairperson, whole-time members and nominees of government and RBI.
Quick revision: SEBI: KVR Murty joins as WTM; board at full strength of four WTMs.
The Hindu BusinessLine original source