RBI warns banks against relaxing underwriting amid excess FCNR(B) liquidity

The Reserve Bank of India has cautioned banks against loosening underwriting standards as the system faces an oversupply of foreign currency non‑resident (FCNR(B)) deposits. Officials said the excess liquidity could tempt lenders to lower credit checks, so the RBI is urging a risk‑based approach to loan pricing.
For investors, the warning signals that banks are likely to keep loan approval criteria strict and maintain pricing that reflects borrower risk. This could temper the pace of credit growth and protect asset quality, but it may also limit the upside from higher loan volumes in a liquidity‑rich environment.
Market participants should monitor any further RBI guidance on FCNR(B) policy, banks’ quarterly loan‑book data and trends in non‑performing assets, as these will indicate how underwriting discipline is being applied and its impact on profitability.
Excerpt from BusinessLine
With the banking system having excess liquidity due to the limited period foreign currency non-resident (bank)/ FCNR(B) deposit-related swap facility offered by RBI, central bank officials told banks not to compromise on underwriting standards in their quest for higher returns. At recent meeting with senior bankers,…Read the original at BusinessLine
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