All Scheduled Commercial Banks

Dear Sir,

Please refer to our circulars DBOD.No.BP.BC.68/21.01.055/2001-02 dated February 16, 2002 on foreign direct investment in banking sector and DBOD.No.PSBS.BC.349/16.13.100/99-2000 dated September 21, 1999 on transfer of shares. In paragraphs 4(i) and 2 respectively of the above circulars, banks were advised that transfer of shares of 5 per cent and more of the paid-up capital of a private sector bank requires acknowledgement of RBI.

2.As regards demat shares, banks were advised in terms of our circular DBOD.No.PSBS.BC.182/16.13.100/99-2000 dated May 31, 2000 that they should promote an amendment to their Articles of Association to this effect.

3.With a view to streamlining the procedure for obtaining acknowledgement and removing uncertainties for investors including foreign investors (FDI, FII and NRI) in regard to the allotment or transfer of shares and indicate in a transparent manner the broad criteria followed by RBI for the purpose, it has been decided to issue detailed guidelines as furnished in the Annexure. For private sector banks, it has to be ensured through an amendment to the Articles of Association that no transfer takes place of any acquisition of shares to a level of 5 percent or more of the total paid-up capital of the bank unless there is a prior acknowledgement by the RBI. Boards of private sector banks are advised to take the guidelines into account while seeking acknowledgement for transfer of allotment of shares.

4.Please acknowledge receipt.

Yours faithfully,

( B. Mahapatra )

Chief General Manager

Encl: As above

2.As per the existing policy of RBI, any allotment or transfer of shares which will take the aggregate shareholding of an individual or a group to equivalent of five percent and more of the paid-up capital of the bank requires acknowledgement of RBI before the bank can effect the allotment or transfer of shares. The bank is required to approach the Reserve Bank of India with all the relevant details for acknowledgement of transfer/allotment of shares after the Board makes a review. The bank is required to await the Reserve Bank's acknowledgement, for approving the registration of the transfers in their books. Such measures are necessary to protect depositors interest and the integrity of the financial system.

3.In order to streamline the procedures for obtaining acknowledgement by removing uncertainties for investors including foreign investors (FDI, FII and NRI) in regard to the allotment or transfer of shares and indicate in a transparent manner the broad criteria followed by RBI for the purpose, the following decisions have been taken.

4.As hitherto, acknowledgement from RBI for acquisition/transfer of shares will be required for all cases of acquisition of shares which will take the aggregate holding of an individual or group to equivalent of 5 percent or more of the paid-up capital of the bank. RBI while granting acknowledgement may require such acknowledgement to be obtained for subsequent acquisition at any higher threshold as may be specified.

5.The term "holding" in paragraph 4 above refers to both direct and indirect holding, beneficial or otherwise. The holdings will be computed with reference to the holding of the applicant, relatives (where the applicant is a natural person) and associated enterprises.

6.The term 'applicant' in these guidelines denotes the applicant, relatives and associate enterprises as indicated in paragraph 5 above.

7.In deciding whether or not to grant acknowledgement, RBI may take into account all matters that it considers relevant to the application, including ensuring that shareholders whose aggregate holdings are above specified thresholds meet the fitness and propriety tests. The application of such tests is a common regulatory mechanism adopted internationally to ensure that the banks are operated in a sound and prudent manner. In this context, the RBI may call for additional information and documents including shareholder agreements while considering the requests for grant of acknowledgement.

8.In determining whether the applicant (including all entities connected with the applicant) is fit and proper to hold the position of a shareholder, RBI may take into account all relevant factors, as appropriate, including, but not limited to

• The applicant’s integrity, reputation and track record in financial matters and compliance with tax laws.
• Whether the applicant has been the subject of any proceedings of a serious disciplinary or criminal nature, or has been notified of any such impending proceedings or of any investigation which may lead to such proceedings.
• Whether the applicant has a record or evidence of previous business conduct and activities where the applicant has been convicted for an offence under any legislation designed to protect members of the public from financial loss due to dishonesty, incompetence or malpractice.
• Whether the applicant has achieved a satisfactory outcome as a result of financial vetting. This will include any serious financial misconduct, bad loans or whether the applicant was judged to be bankrupt.
• The source of funds for the acquisition.
• Where the applicant is a body corporate, its track record of reputation for operating in a manner that is consistent with the standards of good corporate governance, financial strength and integrity in addition to the assessment of individuals and other entities associated with the body corporate as enumerated above.

11. As hitherto, the RBI acknowledgement will be subject to compliance by the applicant with other applicable laws and regulations such as those issued by SEBI, DCA and IRDA.

Constitution of Independent Advisory Committee.

12.The RBI will constitute an independent Advisory Committee which will make appropriate recommendations to RBI for dealing with applications for grant of acknowledgement as indicated in paragraph 4 above.

13.Voting rights restrictions and other related provisions of the B.R.Act will continue to be applicable as appropriate.