RBI Boosts Bank Forex Risk Capital Oversight
Overview
India's central bank, the RBI, has proposed significant changes to how banks manage foreign exchange risk. New regulations mandate continuous daily monitoring and maintenance of capital reserves for forex exposure at both consolidated and individual bank levels, aiming to strengthen financial system stability.
RBI Tightens Foreign Exchange Risk Capital Rules
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) unveiled proposals Wednesday to reshape how banks calculate their net foreign exchange exposure and maintain capital reserves against forex risks. The central bank aims to ensure greater financial stability across the banking sector.
Continuous Capital Monitoring Mandated
Under the proposed framework, banks will be required to calculate their net open position and allocate capital for foreign exchange risk on a continuous basis. This means adherence to capital requirements must be met at the close of each business day, applying to both group or consolidated levels and individual, standalone entities.
Exclusions and Investment Options
The central bank has outlined specific positions that will be excluded from these foreign exchange risk capital requirements. These include positions deducted from a bank's regulatory capital and securities that have already matured or have been classified as non-performing assets. Banks will also have an option to exclude certain long-term structural foreign currency investments, provided they are used for hedging purposes and maintained consistently for at least six months.
Rationale for Enhanced Oversight
The RBI explained that merely matching foreign currency assets and liabilities does not always adequately protect a bank's capital adequacy ratio. Exchange rate fluctuations can still impact a bank's overall capital-to-assets ratio, necessitating more robust capital management protocols for foreign exchange exposures.
