RBI/2004-05/434
A.P.(DIR Series) Circular No. 40

April 25, 2005

To
All banks authorised to deal in foreign exchange

Madam/Sirs,

External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) for Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) engaged in micro finance activities under Automatic Route

Attention of Authorised Dealers is invited to the announcement in the Union Budget for 2005-06 regarding access to ECB by qualified NGOs engaged in micro finance activities.

2. Accordingly, it has been decided that NGOs engaged in micro finance activities may be permitted to raise ECB up to USD 5 million during a financial year for permitted end-use, under Automatic Route. Detailed guidelines on ECB for micro finance activities with necessary safeguards are set out below.

3. The concerns emanating from ECB for NGOs engaged in micro finance activities can be categorized in to four types: (i) whether the borrower is genuine. (ii) whether ECB funds are utilised for genuine purpose, (iii) credentials of the overseas lender of ECB and (iv) systemic implications of such ECB flows including the risks of foreign currency borrowing by such entities. The following framework addresses these issues.

4. Eligible Borrower : NGOs engaged in micro finance activities would be eligible to avail ECB. Such NGO (i) should have a satisfactory borrowing relationship for at least 3 years with a scheduled commercial bank authorised to deal in foreign exchange and (ii) would require a certificate of due diligence on `fit and proper’ status of the board/committee of management of the borrowing entity from the designated Authorised Dealer (AD).

5. Permitted End-use : The designated AD must ensure that the ECB proceeds are utilised for lending to self-help groups or for micro-credit or for bonafide micro finance activity including capacity building.

6. Recognised Lender : ECB funds should be routed through normal banking channel. ECB from following internationally recognised sources i.e. (i) international banks, (ii) multilateral financial institutions, (iii) export credit agencies may be availed. Furthermore, overseas organisations and individuals complying with following safeguards may lend ECB.

7. Amount of ECB : With a view to ensure minimization of systemic risk, the maximum amount of foreign currency borrowings of a borrower is capped at USD 5 million during a financial year.

8. Other ECB Parameters : All other ECB parameters such as minimum average maturity, all-in-cost ceilings, restrictions on issuance of guarantee, choice of security, parking of ECB proceeds, prepayment and refinancing of ECB under the Automatic Route should be complied with. The designated AD has to ensure at the time of draw down that the forex exposure of the borrower is hedged.

9. Reporting Arrangements :Arrangements: Borrowers are required to comply with the reporting arrangements of ECB such as submission of Form 83 through the designated AD to the Reserve Bank for allotment of loan registration number prior to draw down of the loan and filing of monthly ECB-2 Return.

10. These amendments to ECB policy will come into force with immediate effect and will be subject to review from time to time.

11. Necessary amendments to the Foreign Exchange Management (Borrowing or Lending in Foreign Exchange) Regulations, 2000 dated May 3, 2000 are being issued separately.

12. Authorised Dealer banks may bring the contents of this circular to the notice of their constituents and customers.

13. The direction contained in this circular has been issued under sections 10(4) and 11(1) of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (42 of 1999) and is without prejudice to permissions / approvals, if any, required under any other law.

Yours faithfully,