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Overview

NBFC Company Registration in India

A Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) in India is a financial institution that provides banking-like services without holding a banking license. NBFCs are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. They offer a range of financial services, including loans, asset financing, leasing, and investment in securities, but are restricted from accepting demand deposits. NBFCs play a crucial role in India’s financial sector by providing credit access to individuals, SMEs, and other underserved segments, filling gaps left by traditional banks.

Why Registration is Important

  1. Regulatory Compliance : Ensures that the company operates within the legal framework established by the RBI, increasing credibility.
  2. Market Access : Legally permits the company to provide financial services like lending, leasing, and asset financing.
  3. Limited Liability : Protects personal assets of shareholders by limiting liability to the NBFC's capital.
  4. Customer Trust : Builds trust among clients, investors, and financial partners due to RBI oversight.
  5. Government Schemes Access : Eligible for schemes and incentives provided to NBFCs by the government for financial inclusion.


Documents Required

The documentation required for registering an NBFC in India is extensive and includes both legal and financial documentation

Company Documents




Procedures

The registration process for an insurance company in India is rigorous and involves the following steps

  • Incorporate the Company
    Incorporate the Company:
    Register as a Public or Private Limited Company under the Companies Act, 2013, with a minimum paid-up capital of ₹2 crore.
  • Open an FD Account
    Open an FD Account
    : Deposit a minimum of ₹2 crore in a Fixed Deposit (FD) account with a scheduled bank, earmarked for meeting RBI’s capital requirements
  • Prepare a Business Plan
    Prepare a Business Plan
    : Draft a detailed five-year business plan, covering all proposed NBFC activities, financial projections, and risk management
  • Submit Application on RBI’s COSMOS Portal:
    Submit Application on RBI’s COSMOS Portal
    Create an account on the RBI’s COSMOS portal, fill out the NBFC registration application, and upload all required documents
  • Submit Hard Copy to RBI Regional Office:
    Submit Hard Copy to RBI Regional Office
    After online submission, send a hard copy of the application, with all supporting documents, to the regional RBI office.
  • RBI Review and Due Diligence
    RBI Review and Due Diligence
    The RBI conducts due diligence and may seek additional clarifications or conduct inspections as part of the review process.
  • Grant of Certificate of Registration (CoR)
    Grant of Certificate of Registration (CoR)
    If satisfied, RBI grants a Certificate of Registration (CoR) under Section 45-IA of the RBI Act, allowing the company to operate as an NBFC.
  • Commence Operations
    Commence Operations
    Start operations as a regulated NBFC in India



Features

Features & Benefits of NBFC Company Registration in India

Minimum Capital Requirement
NBFCs must have a minimum Net Owned Fund (NOF) of ₹2 crore.
Regulated by RBI
The Reserve Bank of India regulates all NBFCs, ensuring financial stability and protecting depositors.
Diverse Financial Services
NBFCs offer a wide range of financial services, including loans, asset financing, leasing, and investment.
No Demand Deposits
Unlike banks, NBFCs cannot accept demand deposits such as savings accounts.
Credit Rating Requirement
NBFCs must obtain a credit rating from a recognized rating agency.

NBFC Company Registration in India

Corporate Structure
NBFCs must be incorporated as a private or public limited company under the Companies Act, 2013.
Prudential Norms
NBFCs must adhere to RBI’s prudential norms, including capital adequacy, asset classification, and provisioning requirements.
Financial Inclusion
NBFCs play a crucial role in providing financial services to underserved sectors, contributing to financial inclusion.
Limited Scope of Activities
NBFCs cannot engage in activities like banking, such as issuing cheques or holding savings accounts.
Transparency and Disclosure
NBFCs are required to maintain transparency in operations, providing regular disclosures and financial statements to stakeholders and regulators.



Comparison between NBFC, Bank And Microfinance Institution (MFI)

Features NBFC Bank Microfinance Institution (MFI)
Capital Requirement ₹2 crore (minimum NOF) ₹500 crore (minimum paid-up capital) ₹5 crore (minimum net worth for national level)
Accepting Deposits No demand deposits Can accept demand deposits Cannot accept demand deposits
Lending Activities Wide range of lending activities Wide range of banking and lending Small loans to low-income individuals
Credit Rating Requirement Mandatory Not applicable Mandatory
Public Confidence Moderate High Moderate
Financial Services Loans, asset finance, leasing, investment Full range of financial services Microloans
Compliance Requirements High Very High Moderate to High



Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum capital requirement to start an NBFC in India?

The minimum Net Owned Fund (NOF) required to start an NBFC in India is ₹2 crore.

Can an NBFC accept deposits?

NBFCs cannot accept demand deposits (such as savings accounts) but may accept term deposits if they obtain specific authorization from the RBI.

How long does it take to register an NBFC with the RBI?

The registration process typically takes several months, depending on the completeness of the application and the RBI’s scrutiny process.

What is the role of the RBI in regulating NBFCs?

The RBI regulates NBFCs to ensure financial stability, protect depositors, and maintain public confidence in the financial system.

What ongoing compliance requirements must an NBFC adhere to?

NBFCs must comply with various RBI regulations, including maintaining capital adequacy, submitting periodic financial reports, and adhering to asset classification and provisioning norms.

Can foreign companies invest in Indian NBFCs?

Yes, foreign companies can invest in Indian NBFCs, subject to FDI regulations and sector-specific caps.

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