The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has raised interest rate ceilings on Foreign Currency Non-Resident Bank [FCNR(B)] deposits to attract foreign capital inflows. However, experts predict a limited impact due to the availability of cheaper foreign currency funding options in global markets. This move is part of broader measures aimed at supporting the rupee and increasing dollar inflows.
Key Changes in FCNR(B) Deposit Rates
Revised Ceilings: Banks can now offer rates up to the overnight Alternative Reference Rate (ARR) plus 400 basis points (bps) for deposits of 1 to less than 3 years (previously 250 bps) and ARR plus 500 bps for deposits of 3 to 5 years (previously 350 bps).
Effective Period: This relaxation is valid until March 31, 2025.
Current Trends in Non-Resident Deposits
Inflows Data: During April–September 2024, FCNR(B) deposits attracted $5.34 billion compared to $1.92 billion in the same period last year.
Outstanding Amount: The total outstanding in these accounts stood at $31.08 billion.
Challenges and Expert Views
Competitive Global Rates: Domestic banks prefer raising funds from global markets due to cheaper costs compared to FCNR(B) deposits.
Minimal Impact: According to experts, the revised rates are unlikely to significantly increase dollar inflows as existing rates are already below the ceiling.
Sentimental Boost: While this measure offers an additional funding avenue, its actual impact depends on market conditions and rate differentials.
Broader RBI Measures and Market Context
SORR Benchmark: The RBI proposed a new Secured Overnight Rupee Rate (SORR) for improving interest rate benchmarks.
Collateral-Free Loans: Limits for agricultural loans have been increased from ₹1.6 lakh to ₹2 lakh, aiding small and marginal farmers.
AI Initiatives: The RBI will establish a committee for a responsible AI framework and has introduced an AI-based fraud detection tool, MuleHunter.
Past and Present Context
RBI’s efforts to attract capital inflows and stabilize the rupee have evolved amidst global interest rate volatility. While the latest FCNR(B) measures echo past moves during foreign exchange stress periods, experts suggest more direct interventions, like reducing the cash reserve ratio (CRR), could be effective. In the current fiscal year, net FPI inflows have reached $9.3 billion, primarily in the debt segment, underscoring the resilience of non-resident deposits and external borrowings.
Summary of the news
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in News | RBI raised interest rate ceilings on FCNR(B) deposits to attract foreign inflows, valid till March 31, 2025. |
| Revised Ceiling (1-3 years) | ARR + 400 bps (previously ARR + 250 bps). |
| Revised Ceiling (3-5 years) | ARR + 500 bps (previously ARR + 350 bps). |
| FCNR(B) Definition | Fixed deposit in freely convertible foreign currency for NRIs, tenure of 1-5 years. |
| FCNR(B) Outstanding Amount | $31.08 billion as of September 2024. |
| Inflow Data (April-September 2024) | $5.34 billion compared to $1.92 billion in the same period last year. |
| Purpose of FCNR(B) | Protects funds from currency fluctuations, provides funding options for banks. |
| Alternative Reference Rate (ARR) | Used as a benchmark for setting interest rate ceilings on FCNR(B) deposits. |
| Static Information (RBI) | Headquarters: Mumbai; Governor: Shaktikanta Das (as of 2024). |
| Net FPI Inflows (2024-25) | $9.3 billion (April-December). |
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