HomeCirculars › RBI/2004-05/267

FCNR(B) deposit rate ceiling now set monthly from Nov 2004

No longer current — withdrawn, no replacement on file yet
Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2004-05/267 · issued 01 Nov 2004 · ~2 min read
Quick answerFrom November 1, 2004, banks must fix FCNR(B) deposit interest rate ceilings on a monthly basis using LIBOR/SWAP rates from the last working day of the prior month, aligning with NRE deposit practices. The ceiling remains LIBOR/SWAP minus 25 bps, except for Yen deposits.

What changed

Previously, FCNR(B) deposit rates were set weekly; now they are set monthly, matching the NRE deposit rate-setting cycle. The reference rate is the LIBOR/SWAP rate on the last working day of the preceding month. The ceiling formula (LIBOR/SWAP minus 25 bps) stays unchanged, and Yen deposits retain flexibility to offer rates at or below LIBOR.

What it means for you

Banks must update their FCNR(B) deposit pricing systems to a monthly reset cycle, reducing administrative frequency. This change simplifies rate consistency across NRE and FCNR(B) products, potentially affecting deposit pricing strategies. The unchanged ceiling ensures no immediate impact on maximum payable rates, but monthly resets may alter competitive positioning.

Historical instruction — do not use for current compliance. This is what was required at the time; it no longer reflects current RBI requirements. If no replacement rule is linked above, that only means none is recorded on our register yet — it does not prove no later applicable rule exists. Confirm on the official RBI source below.

What banks were required to do at the time

Who it affects

Co-operative banks accepting FCNR(B) deposits, Treasury departments managing NRI deposit products, Deposit operations teams handling rate updates

❓ Common questions

Regulatory timeline

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What is the new ceiling for FCNR(B) deposit rates?

The ceiling remains LIBOR/SWAP minus 25 basis points, except for Yen deposits where rates can be equal to or less than LIBOR.

When does the monthly rate fixation take effect?

Effective from November 1, 2004, banks must use rates prevailing on the last working day of the preceding month to set rates for the following month.

Does this change affect NRE deposit rate fixation?

No, NRE deposits already used monthly fixation; this change aligns FCNR(B) with that practice for consistency.

📜 This document’s life story (1 recorded event, each backed by RBI’s own words)
Repealed by RBI/2025-26/100 — Consolidation of Regulations — Withdrawal of circulars (28 Nov 2025)
RBI’s words: “Official withdrawal register entry #2894: RPCD.RF.DIR.278/07.38.01/2004-05 — "Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Banks) FCNR(B) Accounts" dated November 1, 2004”
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2004-05/267 RPCD.CO.RF.BC 54 /07.38.01/2004-05 November 1, 2004 The Managing Director Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank Ltd. 9, Nagindas Master Road Extension, Fort Mumbai-1 Dear Sir, Mid-term Review of Annual Policy Statement for the year 2004-05-Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Banks)- FCNR(B) Accounts Please refer to paragraph 72 of the Mid-term review of the Annual Policy Statement for the year 2004-05 ( copy of paragraph enclosed ). 2. At present, banks are free to accept FCNR(B) deposits for a maturity period of one to three years and to offer fixed or floating rate of interest on a weekly basis whereas the interest rates on NRE deposits are fixed on monthly basis. With a view to bringing consistency in the procedure of fixing the interest rates on NRE and FCNR(B) deposits, it has been decided that with effect from November 1, 2004, the banks may fix the interest rates on FCNR(B) deposits also on the basis of LIBOR/SWAP rates as prevailing on the last working day of the preceding month. The ceiling on interest rates, however, will continue to be the LIBOR/SWAP rate minus 25 basis points, as hitherto except in the case of Yen deposits, where banks have the freedom to set the FCNR(B) deposit rates which may be equal to or less than the LIBOR. 3. An amending directive RPCD.RF.Dir.278/07.38.01/2004-05 dated November 1, 2004 is enclosed. 4. All other instructions issued in this regard from time to time, remain unchanged. 5. Please acknowledge receipt. Yours faithfully, (G.Srinivasan) Chief General Manager RPCD.RF.DIR.278/07.38.01/2004-05 November 1, 2004 Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Banks) FCNR(B) Accounts In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (As Applicable to Co-operative Societies), the Reserve Bank of India, being satisfied that it is necessary and expedient in the public interest to do so, hereby directs the following: The LIBOR/SWAP rates as prevailing on the last working day of the preceding month shall form the base for fixing ceiling rates for the interest rates that would be offered effective the following month. 2. The revised instruction shall come into effect from November 1, 2004. (A.V.Sardesai) Executive Director Interest Rate Policy (b)Fixation of Interest Rates on FCNR(B) Deposits 72.At present, interest rates are fixed on weekly basis for FCNR(B) deposits, while interest rates are fixed on monthly basis in respect of NRE deposits. Based on the suggestions received from banks and with a view to bringing in consistency in the procedure of fixing interest rates, it is proposed that: Banks may fix the ceiling on interest rates on FCNR(B) deposits on monthly basis for the following month based on rates prevailing as on the last working day of the preceding month. The ceiling interest rates on FCNR(B) deposits, however, would continue to be at LIBOR/SWAP minus 25 basis points as hitherto.
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2004-05/267 · issued 01 Nov 2004. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
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