A. Yes. However, no single entity or group of related entities, other than the NOFHC, shall have shareholding or control, directly or indirectly, in excess of 10 per cent of the paid-up voting equity capital of the bank and any acquisition of shares which will take the aggregate holding of an individual / entity / group to the equivalent of 5 per cent or more of the paid-up voting equity capital of the bank, will require prior approval of RBI. [ para 2 (K)(ii)(iii) of the guidelines ]

A. No. The NOFHC has to be wholly owned by a single Promoter/Promoter Group (as per the definition given in Annex I to the guidelines and the pattern of shareholding would be as per the provisions laid down at para 2(C)(ii) & (iii) of the guidelines. Two or more different promoter groups cannot combine together to set up an NOFHC.

‘Misaligned with the banking model’ would mean business model and business culture which potentially puts the bank and the banking system at risk on account of group activities such as those which are speculative in nature or subject to high asset price volatility [para (2) (B) (c) of the guidelines]. It is not possible to exactly define substantial contribution in terms of percentage, but it will be seen in the overall context of business activities.

‘Misaligned with the banking model’ would mean business model and business culture which potentially puts the bank and the banking system at risk on account of group activities such as those which are speculative in nature or subject to high asset price volatility [para (2) (B) (c) of the guidelines]. It is not possible to exactly define substantial contribution in terms of percentage, but it will be seen in the overall context of business activities.

‘Misaligned with the banking model’ would mean business model and business culture which potentially puts the bank and the banking system at risk on account of group activities such as those which are speculative in nature or subject to high asset price volatility [para (2) (B) (c) of the guidelines]. It is not possible to exactly define substantial contribution in terms of percentage, but it will be seen in the overall context of business activities.

A. If the core investment company belonging to the promoter group has more than 51 percent public holding, then it can set up the NOFHC, and have upto 100 percent voting equity shares of the NOFHC.

A. Public shareholding does not necessarily imply that the company is listed. What is required is that at least 51 percent of the shareholding is widely dispersed among shareholders other than the Promoters and none of such shareholder along with his relatives (as defined in Section 6 of the Companies Act, 1956) and entities in which he and / or his relatives hold not less than 50 percent of voting equity shares exercise ‘significant influence’ or ‘control’ (as defined in Accounting Standard 23) by virtue of his shareholding or otherwise.

Taxation will be as per the laws / rules of the tax authorities.

Taxation will be as per the laws / rules of the tax authorities.

Taxation will be as per the laws / rules of the tax authorities.

Taxation will be as per the laws / rules of the tax authorities.

Taxation will be as per the laws / rules of the tax authorities.

Taxation will be as per the laws / rules of the tax authorities.

Taxation will be as per the laws / rules of the tax authorities.

Taxation will be as per the laws / rules of the tax authorities.

Taxation will be as per the laws / rules of the tax authorities.

A. (i) & (ii)If a CEO is not identified at the application stage, names of management team including the CEO would be required to be furnished to the Reserve Bank after grant of in-principle approval.

A. Ownership and management shall be separate and distinct in the NOFHC, the bank and entities regulated by RBI. [Paragraph (G) (vii) of the guidelines]. If a CEO is not identified at the application stage, names of management team including the CEO would be required to be furnished to the Reserve Bank after grant of in-principle approval.

A. Yes. The banks could use the promoter group’s brand name / logo or taglines in so far they represent and convey the banking function.

A. The requirement as per the guidelines is that companies forming part of the Promoter Group whereof companies in which the public hold not less than 51 percent of the voting equity shares shall hold not less than 51 percent of the total voting equity shares of the NOFHC. As such, under no circumstances promoters would be allowed to increase their shareholdings in such companies beyond 49 percent in future in accordance with the requirement of para (2) (C) (ii) of the guidelines.

A. List of unbanked centres with population less than 9,999 can be obtained from the concerned State Level Bankers Committees (SLBCs) and District Consultative Committees (DCCs) at the time of opening branches.

A. (i) to (iii)The NOFHC must be wholly owned by the Promoters/Promoter Group. Therefore, it cannot be listed and accordingly a listed NBFC cannot be a NOFHC.

(iv) The 10 percent stipulation will also apply to the Government of India shareholding in the bank, as these banks would be private sector banks.

A. The NOFHC has to be wholly owned by the Promoters/Promoter Group. Therefore, a listed company cannot be a NOFHC.

At the time of making applications, the Promoters/Promoter Group will have to furnish a road map and methodologies they would adopt to comply with all the requirements of the corporate structure indicated in para 2 (A) and (C) of the guidelines. After the ‘in-principle approval’ is accorded by RBI for setting up of a bank, the Promoters/Promoter Group will have to comply with all the requirements and the proposed bank has to start operations within 18 months from the date of in-principle approval or the date of commencement of operations whichever is earlier.

A. The Promoters/Promoter Group have to set up a wholly owned NOFHC as per the corporate structure prescribed in para 2(C) of the guidelines. The NOFHC, therefore, cannot be a listed company. The wholly owned NOFHC has to bring down its shareholding in the bank in excess of 40 percent to 40 percent within three years from the date of commencement of the business of the bank. The bank shall get its shares listed in stock exchanges within three years of its commencement of the business.

A. (i) The requirement is that the NOFHC has to be wholly owned and controlled by resident. Therefore, non-residents cannot hold shares in the NOFHC.

(ii) The NOFHC being wholly owned by the entities / Groups in the private sector that are ‘owned and controlled by residents’, its shareholdings in the bank would not be counted for non-resident shareholding, and the bank can have an aggregate foreign shareholding of 49 per cent of the paid up voting equity capital for the first five years from the date of licensing. [Paragraph 2 (F) of the guidelines]

A. No, unless permitted by RBI.

A: The guidelines do not bar a Multi-State Cooperative Society (MSCS) from being a Promoter. A MSCS can be a public sector entity or private sector entity depending upon the extent of Government control. These guidelines do not cover setting up of private sector banks by cooperative banks or conversion of cooperative banks into commercial banks in the private sector.

The NOFHC has to be wholly owned by a single Promoter/Promoter Group (as per the definition given in Annex 1 to the guidelines) and the pattern of shareholding would be as per the provisions laid down at par 2(C)(ii) & (iii) of the guidelines. Two or more separate groups cannot combine together to set up a NOFHC.

The NOFHC has to be wholly owned by a single Promoter/Promoter Group (as per the definition given in Annex 1 to the guidelines) and the pattern of shareholding would be as per the provisions laid down at par 2(C)(ii) & (iii) of the guidelines. Two or more separate groups cannot combine together to set up a NOFHC.

A. Yes. Promoters/Promoter Group having an existing NBFC can choose to promote a bank through a wholly owned NOFHC. However, the existing business of the NBFC will have to be migrated into the bank in compliance with conditions laid down in para 2 (L) and 2 (C) (iv) of the guidelines.

A. The policy discussion paper mentioned in the guidelines relates to the banking structure of the country. The policy discussion paper mentioned in the guidelines will relate to the banking structure in the country and will be applicable both to existing and new banks. The present policy guidelines for licensing of new banks in the private sector will not undergo any change due to the policy discussion paper on banking structure in India.

A. The Promoters/Promoter Group entity setting up the NOFHC can have minority foreign shareholding provided these entities are ‘owned and controlled by residents’ as per para 2(A)(i) of the guidelines. The guidelines do not envisage any direct holding by non-promoters/promoter group entities including foreign investors in the NOFHC. Further, the promoters will have to comply with stipulations at–para 2 (C) (i) and (ii) of the guidelines.

A. The guidelines provide that a NOFHC should be wholly owned by the Promoters/Promoter Group i.e., by individuals belonging to the promoter group and entities in the promoter group in which the Promoter/Promoter Group are in effective control. Within such shareholding, not less than 51 percent of the voting equity shareholding of the NOFHC must be held by companies in which the public hold not less than 51 percent of the voting equity shareholding. The remaining 49 per cent of voting equity shareholding in such publicly held companies [para 2(C)(ii)(b) of the guidelines] will be held by promoter group individuals/ entities who have ‘significant influence’ and ‘control’ (as defined in Accounting Standard 23) over such companies.

A. Two NOFHCs are not envisaged. Only one NOFHC shall hold the bank as well as all the other regulated financial services entities of the Group in which the Promoter Group has ‘significant influence’ or ‘control’(as defined in Accounting Standard 23). [para 2 (C) (iii) & (vii) of the guidelines]

A. No. Paragraph 2 (C) (viii) stipulates that the Promoter / Promoter Group entities / individuals associated with Promoter Group shall hold equity investment in the bank and other financial entities held by it, only through the NOFHC. Further, paragraph 2 (I) (iv) (b) of the guidelines indicate that the financial entities held by NOFHC shall not make investment in the equity / debt capital instruments amongst themselves. Therefore, an NBFC held by the NOFHC cannot hold shares in ‘he bank.

A. Para 2 (L) of the guidelines will be applicable both to promoter converting the NBFC into a bank or promoting a bank.

A. With a view to enhancing financial inclusion, the conditions relating to the branch network are specifically prescribed at 25 percent for unbanked rural centres. Further, this norm has been extended to the existing banks also and they are required to comply with this stipulation while opening new branches.

As regards the foreign investment, it is capped at 49 percent for the initial period of 5 years to ensure that domestic banks are established in the private sector. However, after expiry of 5 years, the aggregate foreign shareholding in the bank would be allowed as per the extant FDI policy of the Government.

The reason for not permitting the NOFHC to set up any new financial services entity for at least three years from the date of commencement of the NOFHC is on account of the fact that it is necessary that the newly set up bank gets on sound footing before the NOFHC diversifies into other financial sector business. The existing regulated financial sector business would, however, continue under the NOFHC.

The limit of 10 per cent applies to an individual’s own shareholding along with the shares held by his relatives (as defined in Section 6 of the Companies Act, 1956) and the entities in which he and / or his relatives hold not less than 50 per cent of voting equity shares [para 2 (C) (ii) (a) of the guidelines].If there are two or more individuals who are part of the Promoter Group and are not relatives of each other, the limit would apply individually, and need not be aggregated. However, all such individuals cannot hold more than 49 per cent of the voting equity shares of the NOFHC.

The limit of 10 per cent applies to an individual’s own shareholding along with the shares held by his relatives (as defined in Section 6 of the Companies Act, 1956) and the entities in which he and / or his relatives hold not less than 50 per cent of voting equity shares [para 2 (C) (ii) (a) of the guidelines].If there are two or more individuals who are part of the Promoter Group and are not relatives of each other, the limit would apply individually, and need not be aggregated. However, all such individuals cannot hold more than 49 per cent of the voting equity shares of the NOFHC.

A. Only the voting equity share capital will be reckoned for the purpose of compliance with the guidelines on capital structure of the NOFHC, the minimum capital requirement for the new bank and shareholding by NOFHC in the new bank. The non-voting equity shares are out of the purview of these guidelines. [ para 2 (C)(ii) and para 2 (D) (i) to (v) of the guidelines ]

A. The Promoter Group includes a “Promoter” as per the definition of the Promoter Group given in Annex I to the guidelines and a Promoter is a “person” who satisfies the definition given in Annex I to the guidelines. As per para II(vi) of Annex I, Promoter Group includes entities sharing common brand names (please see this clause for details).All the regulated financial sector entities in which a Promoter Group has ‘significant influence’ or ‘control’ (as defined in Accounting Standard-23) will be held under the NOFHC. [ para 2(C)(vii) of the guidelines ]

A. (156to158) A company in which public holds 51 per cent of the total voting equity shares need not necessarily be listed. The term ‘public’ refers to all the shareholders other than those belonging to Promoter/Promoter Group (as defined in Annex I to the guidelines).

For the purpose of these guidelines, ‘public shareholding’ implies that no person along with his relatives (as defined in Section 6 of the Companies Act, 1956) and entities in which he and / or his relatives hold not less than 50 per cent of the voting equity shares, by virtue of his shareholding or otherwise, exercises ‘significant influence’ or ‘control’ (as defined in Accounting Standard 23) over the company. [para 2 (C) (ii) of the guidelines]

A company in which public holds 51 per cent of the total voting equity shares need not necessarily be listed. The term ‘public’ refers to all the shareholders other than those belonging to Promoter/Promoter Group (as defined in Annex I to the guidelines). For the purpose of these guidelines, ‘public shareholding’ implies that no person along with his relatives (as defined in Section 6 of the Companies Act, 1956) and entities in which he and / or his relatives hold not less than 50 per cent of the voting equity shares, by virtue of his shareholding or otherwise, exercises ‘significant influence’ or ‘control’ (as defined in Accounting Standard 23) over the company. [para 2 (C) (ii) of the guidelines]

A company in which public holds 51 per cent of the total voting equity shares need not necessarily be listed. The term ‘public’ refers to all the shareholders other than those belonging to Promoter/Promoter Group (as defined in Annex I to the guidelines). For the purpose of these guidelines, ‘public shareholding’ implies that no person along with his relatives (as defined in Section 6 of the Companies Act, 1956) and entities in which he and / or his relatives hold not less than 50 per cent of the voting equity shares, by virtue of his shareholding or otherwise, exercises ‘significant influence’ or ‘control’ (as defined in Accounting Standard 23) over the company. [para 2 (C) (ii) of the guidelines]

A. The requirement of 51 per cent of public shareholding will apply to the companies in the Promoter Group, which are shareholders of NOFHC and such companies must collectively hold not less than 51 per cent of the voting equity shares of the NOFHC.

A. Entities / groups in the private sector that are ‘owned and controlled by residents’ [as defined in Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) Press Note 2, 3 and 4 of 2009 / FEMA Regulations as amended from time to time] shall be eligible to promote a bank through a wholly-owned Non-Operative Financial Holding Company (NOFHC) [para 2(A) (i) of the guidelines]. Therefore, the NOFHC should be owned by individuals belonging to the Promoter Group and entities in the promoter group in which the promoter/promoter group are in effective control. The Promoters should ensure that ownership and effective control of the promoter entity remains with the persons resident in India /resident entities, at all times[para 2 (A)(i) of the guidelines].There is a mechanism in place to monitor foreign shareholding in entities having sectoral caps for such holdings.

A. The regulated financial services entities in the promoter group held by the NOFHC will not be allowed to make overseas investment in entities whereby such entities would become a subsidiary, joint venture or associate of the regulated financial services entities, unless such investments are legally required or specifically permitted by RBI/ other financial sector regulators and are in accordance with FEMA guidelines. However, NOFHC can make overseas investments subject to FEMA guidelines.

The commodity broking business is not considered to be regulated financial services for the purpose of these guidelines, and entities in the Promoter Group which are carrying on commodity broking business cannot be held under the NOFHC.

The commodity broking business is not considered to be regulated financial services for the purpose of these guidelines, and entities in the Promoter Group which are carrying on commodity broking business cannot be held under the NOFHC.

The general principle for activities that have to be conducted from within the bank and by NBFCs in the group is that para-banking activities, such as credit cards, primary dealer, leasing, hire purchase, factoring, etc., can be conducted either inside the bank departmentally or outside the bank through subsidiary/ joint venture /associate. Activities such as asset management, insurance, stock broking, asset reconstruction, venture capital funding and infrastructure financing through Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF) sponsored by the bank can be undertaken only outside the bank. Lending activities must be conducted from inside the bank. However, other regulated financial services entities (excluding entities engaged in credit rating and commodity broking) in which the Promoter/Promoter Group has ‘significant influence’ or ‘control’ (as defined in Accounting Standard 23) have to be held under the NOFHC and not under the bank unless it is legally required or specifically permitted by RBI. [para 2 (C) (iv) of the guidelines]. Within these principles, the activities that are permitted to be undertaken by the bank, such as loans against shares, have to be undertaken by the bank to the extent permitted, and lending activities that are not permitted to a bank, but are not prohibited to NBFCs, such as promoter financing, loans for purchase of land, etc. would have to be wound up within a period of 18 months from the date of in-principle approval or before commencement of banking business, whichever is earlier.

The general principle for activities that have to be conducted from within the bank and by NBFCs in the group is that para-banking activities, such as credit cards, primary dealer, leasing, hire purchase, factoring, etc., can be conducted either inside the bank departmentally or outside the bank through subsidiary/ joint venture /associate. Activities such as asset management, insurance, stock broking, asset reconstruction, venture capital funding and infrastructure financing through Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF) sponsored by the bank can be undertaken only outside the bank. Lending activities must be conducted from inside the bank. However, other regulated financial services entities (excluding entities engaged in credit rating and commodity broking) in which the Promoter/Promoter Group has ‘significant influence’ or ‘control’ (as defined in Accounting Standard 23) have to be held under the NOFHC and not under the bank unless it is legally required or specifically permitted by RBI. [para 2 (C) (iv) of the guidelines]. Within these principles, the activities that are permitted to be undertaken by the bank, such as loans against shares, have to be undertaken by the bank to the extent permitted, and lending activities that are not permitted to a bank, but are not prohibited to NBFCs, such as promoter financing, loans for purchase of land, etc. would have to be wound up within a period of 18 months from the date of in-principle approval or before commencement of banking business, whichever is earlier.

The general principle for activities that have to be conducted from within the bank and by NBFCs in the group is that para-banking activities, such as credit cards, primary dealer, leasing, hire purchase, factoring, etc., can be conducted either inside the bank departmentally or outside the bank through subsidiary/ joint venture /associate. Activities such as asset management, insurance, stock broking, asset reconstruction, venture capital funding and infrastructure financing through Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF) sponsored by the bank can be undertaken only outside the bank. Lending activities must be conducted from inside the bank. However, other regulated financial services entities (excluding entities engaged in credit rating and commodity broking) in which the Promoter/Promoter Group has ‘significant influence’ or ‘control’ (as defined in Accounting Standard 23) have to be held under the NOFHC and not under the bank unless it is legally required or specifically permitted by RBI. [para 2 (C) (iv) of the guidelines]. Within these principles, the activities that are permitted to be undertaken by the bank, such as loans against shares, have to be undertaken by the bank to the extent permitted, and lending activities that are not permitted to a bank, but are not prohibited to NBFCs, such as promoter financing, loans for purchase of land, etc. would have to be wound up within a period of 18 months from the date of in-principle approval or before commencement of banking business, whichever is earlier.

A. The NOFHC shall be wholly owned by entities/groups in the private sector that are ‘owned and controlled by residents’ [as defined in Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) Press Note 2, 3 and 4 of 2009/ FEMA Regulations as amended from time to time], and also subject to capital structure given at paragraph 2 (C) (ii) (a) and (b) of the guidelines. The level of foreign shareholding in these entities should be at such level that does not make them ‘owned and/or controlled’ by non-residents. FIIs/Foreign Private Equity/Foreign investors cannot hold any voting equity shares in the NOFHC as only companies/ entities in the Promoter Group that are owned and controlled by residents in India are allowed to hold the voting equity shares of the NOFHC. [para 2 (A) (i) and para 2 (C) (i) of the guidelines ] The foreign shareholding allowed at the bank level should satisfy the requirements under paragraph 2 (F) of the guidelines.

A. The 5 percent limit on shareholding by any non-resident shareholder would apply at the bank level. The indirect foreign investments through the Promoter Group companies [owned and controlled by residents – paragraph 2 (A) of the guidelines], which would hold the NOFHC, will not be counted for foreign investments in the bank.

The indirect foreign investments through the Promoter Group companies [owned and controlled by residents – paragraph 2 (A) of the guidelines], which would hold the NOFHC, will not be counted for foreign investments in the bank, as only companies/entities in the Promoter Group that are owned and controlled by resident in India are allowed to hold the voting equity shares of NOFHC. [Paragraph 2 (F) of the guidelines]

The indirect foreign investments through the Promoter Group companies [owned and controlled by residents – paragraph 2 (A) of the guidelines], which would hold the NOFHC, will not be counted for foreign investments in the bank, as only companies/entities in the Promoter Group that are owned and controlled by resident in India are allowed to hold the voting equity shares of NOFHC. [Paragraph 2 (F) of the guidelines]

A. The requirement is that the NOFHC has to be wholly owned by entities/ Groups in the private sector that are ‘owned and controlled by residents’ [ as defined in Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion(DIPP) Press Note 2, 3, and 4 of 2009/FEMA Regulations as amended from time to time]. Therefore OCIs cannot hold shares in the NOFHC.

A. The requirement is that the NOFHC has to be wholly owned by entities/ Groups in the private sector that are ‘owned and controlled by residents’ [ as defined in Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion(DIPP) Press Note 2, 3, and 4 of 2009/FEMA Regulations as amended from time to time]. Therefore PIOs cannot hold shares in the NOFHC.

No single entity or group of related entities, other than the NOFHC, shall have shareholding or control, directly or indirectly, in excess of 10 per cent of the paid-up voting equity capital of the bank [para 2 (K) (iii) of the guidelines].

Any acquisition of shares by persons resident in India or otherwise which will take the aggregate holding of an individual / entity / group to the equivalent of 5 per cent or more of the paid-up voting equity capital of the bank, will require prior approval of RBI [Para 2 (K) (ii) of the guidelines].

A. OCIs/PIOs will be allowed to become Chairman/CEO of the proposed bank provided they are persons resident in India as per Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.

A. Yes. The term ‘major supplier and major customer’ will normally have the same meaning (as defined in footnote 4 at page 7 of the guidelines) throughout the guidelines.

A. (i) The general principle for activities that have to be conducted from within the bank and by NBFCs in the group is that para-banking activities, such as credit cards, primary dealer, leasing, hire purchase, factoring, etc., can be conducted either inside the bank departmentally or outside the bank through subsidiary/ joint venture /associate. Activities such as asset management, insurance, stock broking, asset reconstruction, venture capital funding and infrastructure financing through Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF) sponsored by the bank can be undertaken only outside the bank. Lending activities must be conducted from inside the bank. However, other regulated financial services entities (excluding entities engaged in credit rating and commodity broking) in which the Promoter/Promoter Group has ‘significant influence’ or ‘control’ (as defined in Accounting Standard 23) have to be held under the NOFHC and not under the bank unless it is legally required or specifically permitted by RBI. [para 2 (C) (iv) of the guidelines].

The existing business of NBFCs of the Promoter Group setting up/converting into a bank will have to be reorganized accordingly.

(ii) RBI may consider allowing the bank to take over and convert the existing NBFC branches into bank branches only in the Tier 2 to 6 centres. All NBFC branches in Tier 1 centres which would carry out banking business may be permitted to be converted into bank branches and the excess over the entitled number of Tier 1 branches would be adjusted against the future entitlements of the new bank within a maximum period of 3 years from the date of commencement of business by the bank. The branches of the bank and NBFC should be distinct and separate. Erstwhile branches of NBFC, retained and converted into bank branches, cannot conduct businesses of the NBFC.

The new bank should have a minimum voting equity capital of `5 billion. However, where an NBFC is permitted to convert into a bank, it should have a minimum networth of ` 5 billion at all times.[para 2(L)(C) of the guidelines].

The new bank should have a minimum voting equity capital of `5 billion. However, where an NBFC is permitted to convert into a bank, it should have a minimum networth of ` 5 billion at all times.[para 2(L)(C) of the guidelines].

A. The minimum capital required for the bank is `5 billion, and the NOFHC is initially required to have atleast 40% shareholding in the bank. The minimum capital of the NOFHC should be such as to meet the above requirements as well as the requirement of holding prescribed capital in other financial sector entities held by the NOFHC as per the norms laid down by the financial sector regulators.[Paragraph 2 (D) of the guidelines]

The general principle for activities that have to be conducted from within the bank and by NBFCs in the group is that para-banking activities, such as credit cards, primary dealer, leasing, hire purchase, factoring, etc., can be conducted either inside the bank departmentally or outside the bank through subsidiary/ joint venture /associate. Activities such as asset management, insurance, stock broking, asset reconstruction, venture capital funding and infrastructure financing through Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF) sponsored by the bank can be undertaken only outside the bank. Lending activities must be conducted from inside the bank. However, other regulated financial services entities (excluding entities engaged in credit rating and commodity broking) in which the Promoter/Promoter Group has ‘significant influence’ or ‘control’ (as defined in Accounting Standard 23) have to be held under the NOFHC and not under the bank unless it is legally required or specifically permitted by RBI. [para 2 (C) (iv) of the guidelines]. Within these principles, the NBFC converting into the bank is required to divest the activities which the banks are not allowed to undertake departmentally and such activities can be migrated to and conducted from another NBFC/entity. However, lending activities that are not permitted to a bank, or are subject to restrictions, but are not prohibited to NBFCs, such as promoter financing, loans for purchase of land etc. would have to be wound up. This may be completed within a period of 18 months from the date of in-principle approval of before commencement of the banking business, whichever is earlier.

The general principle for activities that have to be conducted from within the bank and by NBFCs in the group is that para-banking activities, such as credit cards, primary dealer, leasing, hire purchase, factoring, etc., can be conducted either inside the bank departmentally or outside the bank through subsidiary/ joint venture /associate. Activities such as asset management, insurance, stock broking, asset reconstruction, venture capital funding and infrastructure financing through Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF) sponsored by the bank can be undertaken only outside the bank. Lending activities must be conducted from inside the bank. However, other regulated financial services entities (excluding entities engaged in credit rating and commodity broking) in which the Promoter/Promoter Group has ‘significant influence’ or ‘control’ (as defined in Accounting Standard 23) have to be held under the NOFHC and not under the bank unless it is legally required or specifically permitted by RBI. [para 2 (C) (iv) of the guidelines]. Within these principles, the NBFC converting into the bank is required to divest the activities which the banks are not allowed to undertake departmentally and such activities can be migrated to and conducted from another NBFC/entity. However, lending activities that are not permitted to a bank, or are subject to restrictions, but are not prohibited to NBFCs, such as promoter financing, loans for purchase of land etc. would have to be wound up. This may be completed within a period of 18 months from the date of in-principle approval of before commencement of the banking business, whichever is earlier.

A. (179 to 181) The general principle for activities that have to be conducted from within the bank and by NBFCs in the group is  that para-banking activities, such as credit cards, primary dealer, leasing, hire purchase, factoring, etc.,  can be conducted either inside the bank departmentally or outside the bank through subsidiary/ joint venture /associate. Activities such as asset management, insurance, stock broking, asset reconstruction, venture capital funding and infrastructure financing through Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF) sponsored by the bank can be undertaken only outside the bank. Lending activities must be conducted from inside the bank. However, other regulated financial services entities (excluding entities engaged in credit rating and commodity broking) in which the Promoter/Promoter Group has ‘significant influence’ or ‘control’ (as defined in Accounting Standard 23) have to be held under the NOFHC and not under the bank unless it is legally required or specifically permitted by RBI. [para 2 (C) (iv) of the guidelines].

Within these principles, the NBFC converting into the bank is required to divest the activities which the banks are not allowed to undertake departmentally and such activities can be migrated to and conducted from another NBFC/entity. However, lending activities that are not permitted to a bank, or are subject to restrictions, but are not prohibited to NBFCs, such as promoter financing, loans for purchase of land etc. would have to be wound up. This may be completed within a period of 18 months from the date of in-principle approval of before commencement of the banking business, whichever is earlier.

A. The entities/individuals belonging to the Promoters/Promoter Groups, which would participate in the voting equity shares of the NOFHC, would have to provide the Memorandum and Articles of Association, financial statements for past ten years and Income Tax returns for last three years, as appropriate, at the time of submission of their application. The last available financial statements in respect of other Group entities, which do not participate in the voting equity shares of the NOFHC will also have to be furnished. The details of the Promoters’ direct and indirect interest in various entities/companies/industries and details of credit/other facilities availed by the Promoters/Promoter Group would be required of all entities. [ para 3 of Annex II to the guidelines]

A. The general principle for activities that have to be conducted from within the bank and by NBFCs in the group is that para-banking activities, such as credit cards, primary dealer, leasing, hire purchase, factoring, etc., can be conducted either inside the bank departmentally or outside the bank through subsidiary/ joint venture /associate. Activities such as asset management, insurance, stock broking, asset reconstruction, venture capital funding and infrastructure financing through Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF) sponsored by the bank can be undertaken only outside the bank. Lending activities must be conducted from inside the bank. However, other regulated financial services entities (excluding entities engaged in credit rating and commodity broking) in which the Promoter/Promoter Group has ‘significant influence’ or ‘control’ (as defined in Accounting Standard 23) have to be held under the NOFHC and not under the bank unless it is legally required or specifically permitted by RBI. [para 2 (C) (iv) of the guidelines]. Within these principles, the activities that are permitted to be undertaken by the bank, such as loans against shares, have to be undertaken by the bank to the extent permitted. Lending activities that are not permitted to a bank or subject to restrictions to a bank cannot be carried out through an NBFC.

A. The transfer of equity holdings by the Promoters/Promoter Group entities in such regulated financial sector entities to the NOFHC, without the transfer of these business of the financial entities to the bank i.e. activities which have to be undertaken by the bank only, will not be in compliance with the provisions at para 2(C) (iv) of the guidelines.

A. (185 & 186)  Consolidated capital funds means the Capital, Reserves and Surplus of the NOFHC determined on the consolidation of its subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures in accordance with the applicable Accounting Standards.

Consolidated capital funds for regulatory purpose means the consolidated regulatory capital of the NOFHC under the regulatory scope of consolidation. (Please refer to the ‘scope of Application’ under Section B of Annex 1 of circular DBOD.No.BP.BC.98 /21.06.201/2011-12 on guidelines on ‘Implementation of Basel III Capital Regulations in India’ dated May 2, 2012 for details on regulatory scope of consolidation. Please also refer to the guidelines for ‘consolidated accounting and other quantitative methods to facilitate consolidated supervision’ contained in circular DBOD.No.BP.BC.72 /21.04.018/2001-02 dated February 25, 2003 in terms of which the NOFHC will have to prepare consolidated financial statements and other consolidated prudential reports.)

This is a cross holding limit in the capital instruments on unconsolidated financial entities which applies on a consolidated basis. The limit ensures that the NOFHC has the continued ability to provide capital support to banking business.

However, since the investment of the NOFHC in the insurance subsidiary is fully deducted from its consolidated capital for prudential purposes such as consolidated capital adequacy, exposure norms etc., the investment of the NOFHC in the capital of its insurance subsidiary is not considered for the purpose of cross holding limit of 10 per cent.

A. (185 & 186)  Consolidated capital funds means the Capital, Reserves and Surplus of the NOFHC determined on the consolidation of its subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures in accordance with the applicable Accounting Standards.

Consolidated capital funds for regulatory purpose means the consolidated regulatory capital of the NOFHC under the regulatory scope of consolidation. (Please refer to the ‘scope of Application’ under Section B of Annex 1 of circular DBOD.No.BP.BC.98 /21.06.201/2011-12 on guidelines on ‘Implementation of Basel III Capital Regulations in India’ dated May 2, 2012 for details on regulatory scope of consolidation. Please also refer to the guidelines for ‘consolidated accounting and other quantitative methods to facilitate consolidated supervision’ contained in circular DBOD.No.BP.BC.72 /21.04.018/2001-02 dated February 25, 2003 in terms of which the NOFHC will have to prepare consolidated financial statements and other consolidated prudential reports.)

This is a cross holding limit in the capital instruments on unconsolidated financial entities which applies on a consolidated basis. The limit ensures that the NOFHC has the continued ability to provide capital support to banking business.

However, since the investment of the NOFHC in the insurance subsidiary is fully deducted from its consolidated capital for prudential purposes such as consolidated capital adequacy, exposure norms etc., the investment of the NOFHC in the capital of its insurance subsidiary is not considered for the purpose of cross holding limit of 10 per cent.

A. (i & ii) If two third of the Promoter Group’s holding in the Indian company is held by a “non-resident promoter”, the company is not controlled by a resident. So long as the non-resident holds two third of the voting equity shares held by the Promoter Group, he controls the Promoter Group’s investment in the Indian company and the fact that he does not have right to appoint a nominee director is irrelevant. The Indian company is therefore not eligible to promote a NOFHC. (iii) It is essential that not less than 51 per cent of the voting equity shares of the NOFHC are to be held by Promoter Group companies in which the public hold not less than 51 per cent of the voting equity shares. A company in which public holds 51 per cent or more of the voting equity shares need not necessarily be listed. For the purpose of these guidelines, ‘public shareholding’ implies that no person along with his relatives (as defined in Section 6 of the Companies Act, 1956) and entities in which he and / or his relatives hold not less than 50 per cent of the voting equity shares, by virtue of his shareholding or otherwise, exercises ‘significant influence’ or ‘control’ (as defined in Accounting Standard 23) over the company. [ para 2 (C) (ii) of the guidelines]

A. It is essential that clause (b) of para 2(C)(ii) (i.e. not less than 51 per cent of the voting equity shares of the NOFHC to be held by companies in which the public hold not less than 51 per cent of the voting equity shares) is satisfied in all cases. For the purpose of these guidelines, ‘public shareholding’ implies that no person along with his relatives (as defined in Section 6 of the Companies Act, 1956) and entities in which he and / or his relatives hold not less than 50 per cent of the voting equity shares, by virtue of his shareholding or otherwise, exercises ‘significant influence’ or ‘control’ (as defined in Accounting Standard 23) over the company.If these conditions are satisfied, then the listed non financial services company would comply with the conditions at 2 (C) (ii)(b) of the guidelines.

Yes. It is essential that not less than 51 per cent of the voting equity shares of the NOFHC have to be held by companies in the Promoter Group in which the public hold not less than 51 per cent of the voting equity shares. [para 2(C)(ii)(b) of the guidelines]

Yes. It is essential that not less than 51 per cent of the voting equity shares of the NOFHC have to be held by companies in the Promoter Group in which the public hold not less than 51 per cent of the voting equity shares. [para 2(C)(ii)(b) of the guidelines]

A. (i & ii) The JV NBFC has to be brought under the NOFHC, as it is a regulated financial sector entity, and the Promoters of the NBFC through the 50 per cent equity holding by the NBFC in the JV NBFC have 50 percent ownership and management rights in the JV NBFC. Hence, the Promoters would be deemed to have ‘significant influence’ or ‘control’ (as defined in Accounting Standard-23) over the JV NBFC. [para 2(C)(iv) and(vii) of the guidelines]

A. Infrastructure financing through Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF) sponsored by the bank has to remain outside the bank, under the NOFHC. The infrastructure financing activities of the Promoters/Promoter Group through the IFC have to be conducted from within the new bank held by the NOFHC.

A. (i) Yes. The relatives (as defined in Section 6 of the Companies Act, 1956) of the individuals (belonging to the Promoter Group) who would participate in the voting equity shares of the NOFHC, have to provide the financial statements for past ten years and Income Tax returns for last three years, as appropriate, at the time of submission of their application. The details of their direct and indirect interest in various entities/ companies/ industries and details of credit/other facilities availed by the Promoters/Promoter Group would be required of all entities. The last available financial statements in respect of other Group entities, which do not participate in the voting equity shares of the NOFHC will also have to be furnished.[para 3 of Annex II to the guidelines] (ii) Yes. The details of the Promoter/ Promoter Group’s direct and indirect interest in various entities/ companies/ industries and details of credit/other facilities availed by them would be required of all entities. While the details of investments made by the Promoters/Promoter Group in the venture capital/ private equity fund/funds need be submitted, information about the investment made by such venture capital / private equity funds need not be submitted.[ para 3 of Annex II to the guidelines]

A. The Promoters/Promoter Group will have to obtain prior approval from the sectoral regulators, required under respective statutes/regulations.

A. Yes.Since all regulated financial sector entities in which a Promoter Group has ‘significant influence’ or ‘control’ will be held under the NOFHC, Company D in the example will be held under NOFHC, if it is a Group company of the Promoters. [Paragraph 2(C)(vii) of the guidelines]

The general principle is that the regulated financial services sector entities in which a Promoter Group has ‘significant influence’ or ‘control’ (as defined in Accounting Standard 23) will be held under the NOFHC. While this is a preferred structure, these requirements are subject to the regulations of the respective regulators. The applicants may approach IRDA in this regard. The decision of IRDA will prevail.

The general principle is that the regulated financial services sector entities in which a Promoter Group has ‘significant influence’ or ‘control’ (as defined in Accounting Standard 23) will be held under the NOFHC. While this is a preferred structure, these requirements are subject to the regulations of the respective regulators. The applicants may approach IRDA in this regard. The decision of IRDA will prevail.

The general principle is that the regulated financial services sector entities in which a Promoter Group has ‘significant influence’ or ‘control’ (as defined in Accounting Standard 23) will be held under the NOFHC. While this is a preferred structure, these requirements are subject to the regulations of the respective regulators. The applicants may approach IRDA in this regard. The decision of IRDA will prevail.

The general principle is that the regulated financial services sector entities in which a Promoter Group has ‘significant influence’ or ‘control’ (as defined in Accounting Standard 23) will be held under the NOFHC. While this is a preferred structure, these requirements are subject to the regulations of the respective regulators. The applicants may approach IRDA in this regard. The decision of IRDA will prevail.

The general principle is that the regulated financial services sector entities in which a Promoter Group has ‘significant influence’ or ‘control’ (as defined in Accounting Standard 23) will be held under the NOFHC. While this is a preferred structure, these requirements are subject to the regulations of the respective regulators. The applicants may approach IRDA in this regard. The decision of IRDA will prevail.

A. The general principle is that the regulated financial services sector entities in which a Promoter Group has ‘significant influence’ or ‘control’ (as defined in Accounting Standard 23) will be held under the NOFHC. While this is a preferred structure, these requirements are subject to the regulations of the respective regulators. The matter has been examined in consultation with SEBI. The applicants may approach SEBI in this regard. The decision of SEBI will prevail.

A. The stipulation that the NOFHC shall not be permitted to set up any new financial services entity for at least three years from the date of commencement of business of NOFHC means that the NOFHC cannot undertake a new financial service activity [para banking activities as defined in Master circular DBOD.No.FSD.BC.24/24.01.001/2012-13 dated July 2, 2012] and those financial services activities that must be undertaken from outside the bank (para 2 (C) (iv) (a)] and set up a new financial services entity for this purpose during the specified period. For the purpose of reorganization of existing business of the Promoter Group to bring all regulated financial services under the NOFHC and to carry out existing business through separate financial entities under the NOFHC as required under the guidelines, [Paragraph 2 (C) (iv) (a) & (b) of the guidelines], the NOFHC would be free to establish new financial services entity. In fact, this process will have to be completed within a period of 18 months from the date of in-principle approval or before the commencement of the banking business, whichever is earlier. If the sectoral regulators viz. SEBI or IRDA, are to specify new norms, the applicants may approach SEBI/IRDA for their approval.

A. The capital requirements for the regulated financial services entities held by the NOFHC shall be as prescribed by the respective sectoral regulators.

A NBFC (Investment Company) will not be brought under the NOFHC. It has to be registered with Reserve Bank of India as a CIC or as a NBFC (Investment Company), as appropriate.

A NBFC (Investment Company) will not be brought under the NOFHC. It has to be registered with Reserve Bank of India as a CIC or as a NBFC (Investment Company), as appropriate.

A.(i) Yes.  As transfer of assets and liabilities to the new bank would be a part of the re-organization of the business of the group entities to comply with the provision of our guidelines, more particularly to comply with the NOFHC structure, it will be permitted. However, while allowing grandfathering of term borrowings and other secured liabilities taken over from NBFCs, RBI will impose additional capital charge on the new bank, where it would allow creation/ continuation of floating charges on the assets of the new bank, in order to protect the interests of the deposi

(ii) The assets and liabilities for the purpose of transfer from one entity to another under restructuring of the existing business may be valued as per the relevant provisions of the applicable laws/ regulations. No separate guidelines will be issued by RBI in this regard.

tors.

A. No. No non-resident shareholder, directly or indirectly, individually or in groups, or through subsidiary, associate or joint venture will be permitted to hold 5 per cent or more of the paid-up voting equity capital of the bank for a period of 5 years from the date of commencement of business of the bank. After the expiry of 5 years from the date of commencement of business of the bank, the aggregate foreign shareholding would be as per the extant FDI policy.

If a CEO/Management Team has not been identified at the application stage, names of management team including the CEO would be required to be furnished to the Reserve Bank after grant of in-principle approval.