RBI to come up with guidelines for dividend distribution by NBFCs

Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to come out with guidelines for dividend distribution by NBFCs.

Unlike banks, currently there are no guidelines in place with regard to distribution of dividend by NBFCs.

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das on Friday announced that keeping in view the increasing significance of NBFCs in the financial system and their interlinkages with different segments, it has been decided to formulate guidelines on dividend distribution by NBFCs.

Different categories of NBFCs would be allowed to declare dividend as per a matrix of parameters, subject to a set of generic conditions.

A draft circular in this regard will be issued shortly for public comments.

He further said that the contribution of NBFCs as a supplemental channel of credit intermediation alongside banks is well recognised.

Regulatory regime governing the NBFC sector is built on the principle of proportionality such that adequate operational flexibility is available to the sector through calibrated regulatory measures.

However, there are rapid developments in the last few years, which have led to significant increase in size and interconnectedness of the NBFC sector.

"There is, therefore, a need to review the regulatory framework in line with the changing risk profile of NBFCs. It is felt that a scale-based regulatory approach linked to the systemic risk contribution of NBFCs could be the way forward," said the RBI's statement on developmental and regulatory policies.

RBI has decided to carry out consultation with stakeholders before finalising the revised regulatory framework.

A discussion paper in this regard will be issued before January 15, 2021 for public comments.