RBI Consults on Guidelines on Governance in Commercial Banks in India
RBI published a discussion paper on governance in commercial banks in India. The objective of the discussion paper is to align the current regulatory framework with global best practices while being mindful of the context of domestic financial system. The comments on the discussion paper will be accepted until July 15, 2020. Based on the feedback, RBI will issue necessary directions or guidelines and provide clarifications, if needed, in respect of any matter covered in the directions or guidelines. The new guidelines or direction shall come into effect within a period of six months after publication or April 01, 2021, whichever is later.
Improving the quality of governance in financial intermediaries is an important determinant of efficiency in allocation of resources, protection of depositors’ interest, and maintaining financial stability. In this endeavor, the paper has been drafted to encourage stakeholder feedback. The guidelines or directions that are the subject of this discussion paper are intended to:
- Empower the board of directors to set the culture and values of the organization; recognize and manage conflicts of interest; set the appetite for risk and manage risks within the appetite; and improve the supervisory oversight of senior management
- Empower the assurance functions through various interventions
- Achieve clear division of responsibilities between the Board and the management
- Encourage the separation of ownership from management
The content in the paper have been compiled after reviewing extant instructions/guidelines/directions of RBI and relevant guidance available in public domain, including those issued by BCBS, FSB, and the Banks Board Bureau. The unique characteristic of financial intermediation and spill-over impact of governance failures on real sector has not been missed while drafting the paper. Therefore, the approach has been to set higher aspirational standards in governance for entities engaged in financial intermediation. The paper must be read along with other governing statutes, regulations, and licensing conditions applicable to banks and the most stringent shall be followed. The discussion paper is applicable to private sector banks, including small finance banks, payments banks, wholly-owned subsidiaries of foreign banks and foreign banks operating in India under branch model. It is also applicable to the State Bank of India, nationalized banks and regional rural banks, except in so far as what is prescribed is not inconsistent with provisions of specific statutes applicable to them or in case where the major shareholder or promoter—that is, the government of India—retains its instructions.
Comment Due Date: July 15, 2020
Keywords: Asia Pacific, India, Banking, Governance, Risk Appetite, Operational Risk, Internal Control, Guidelines, Basel, RBI
Featured Experts
María Cañamero
Skilled market researcher; growth strategist; successful go-to-market campaign developer
Nicolas Degruson
Works with financial institutions, regulatory experts, business analysts, product managers, and software engineers to drive regulatory solutions across the globe.
Patrycja Oleksza
Applies proficiency and knowledge to regulatory capital and reporting analysis and coordinates business and product strategies in the banking technology area
Previous Article
HKMA Indicates Its Supervisory Approach to Addressing Climate RisksRelated Articles
BIS and Central Banks Experiment with GenAI to Assess Climate Risks
A recent report from the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) Innovation Hub details Project Gaia, a collaboration between the BIS Innovation Hub Eurosystem Center and certain central banks in Europe
Nearly 25% G-SIBs Commit to Adopting TNFD Nature-Related Disclosures
Nature-related risks are increasing in severity and frequency, affecting businesses, capital providers, financial systems, and economies.
Singapore to Mandate Climate Disclosures from FY2025
Singapore recently took a significant step toward turning climate ambition into action, with the introduction of mandatory climate-related disclosures for listed and large non-listed companies
SEC Finalizes Climate-Related Disclosures Rule
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has finalized the long-awaited rule that mandates climate-related disclosures for domestic and foreign publicly listed companies in the U.S.
EBA Proposes Standards Related to Standardized Credit Risk Approach
The European Banking Authority (EBA) has been taking significant steps toward implementing the Basel III framework and strengthening the regulatory framework for credit institutions in the EU
US Regulators Release Stress Test Scenarios for Banks
The U.S. regulators recently released baseline and severely adverse scenarios, along with other details, for stress testing the banks in 2024. The relevant U.S. banking regulators are the Federal Reserve Bank (FED), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).
Asian Governments Aim for Interoperability in AI Governance Frameworks
The regulatory landscape for artificial intelligence (AI), including the generative kind, is evolving rapidly, with governments and regulators aiming to address the challenges and opportunities presented by this transformative technology.
EBA Proposes Operational Risk Standards Under Final Basel III Package
The European Union (EU) has been working on the final elements of Basel III standards, with endorsement of the Banking Package and the publication of the European Banking Authority (EBA) roadmap on Basel III implementation in December 2023.
EFRAG Proposes XBRL Taxonomy and Standard for Listed SMEs Under ESRS
The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG), which plays a crucial role in shaping corporate reporting standards in European Union (EU), is seeking comments, until May 21, 2024, on the Exposure Draft ESRS for listed SMEs.
ECB to Expand Climate Change Work in 2024-2025
Banking regulators worldwide are increasingly focusing on addressing, monitoring, and supervising the institutions' exposure to climate and environmental risks.