Defaulters at will, and defaulters of size: RBI proposes new Directions
Middle and Upper Layer NBFCs also part of the system
Team Finserv, finserv@vinodkothari.com (updated as on March 30,2024)
Introduction
The Reserve Bank of India on September 21, 2023 has issued the Draft Master Directions on Treatment of Wilful Defaulters and Large Defaulters (‘Proposed Directions’). The Directions, when finalized, will replace the existing Master circulars (referred below). The draft Directions are largely consolidating in nature, with some significant differences. Importantly, NBFCs of middle and upper layer have been brought into the framework, and additionally, as was clear from the recent circular on compromise/settlements, the tag of willful defaulter may be removed if the borrower does a compromise settlement with the lender. However, a mere sale of the loan will not cause removal of the tag, as the tag will pass on to the buyer. The draft Directions also assimilate the provisions about large defaulters, which was earlier a CIC filing requirement, and make it a part of these Directions.
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