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RBI Framework for Green Deposits

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Climate change is clearly one of the most pertinent regulatory themes in recent times, as the move to sustainable business practices and energy efficient technologies need massive funding.  The availability of finance for move to sustainability has an important role to play in mitigating climate change. To this effect, RBI also conducted a survey in January 2022 to assess the status of climate risk and sustainable finance in leading scheduled commercial banks, and observed a need for concerted effort and further action in this regard. Following the same, RBI conducted a discussion, and released a press release indicating its intention to release a framework for acceptance of green deposits in India. On 11th April, 2023, RBI released the Framework for Acceptance of Green Deposits (“Framework”) for banks and deposit-taking NBFCs/HFCs, to be applicable from 1st June, 2023.

Our video lecture on the topic is available here: https://youtu.be/7rRhVYR-zT0

As the green deposits formally mark its presence in the Indian financial markets, one may be inquisitive on various aspects related to it. We have tried to analyze and put our views on the same in this write-up.

The Green Deposit Framework
Banks and deposit-taking NBFCs/HFCs may raise green deposits, in accordance with the Framework, from 1st June, 2023
Money raised by Green deposits to be deployed only for “green finance”; India’s taxonomy for the same to be developed. In the meantime, a list of eligible green activities/ projects has been announced, in line with SEBI’s definition of green bonds under NCS Regulations
Third party assessment/verification of use of proceeds mandatory
Impact assessment to be optional for FY 23-24, and mandatory from FY 24-25
Disclosure of green deposits and utilization in the annual financial statements
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