HomeCirculars › RBI/2006-2007/351

RBI Cuts NRE Deposit Rate Ceiling to LIBOR/SWAP

No longer current — withdrawn, no replacement on file yet
Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2006-2007/351 · issued 26 Apr 2007 · ~2 min read
Quick answerRBI reduced the NRE term deposit interest rate ceiling from LIBOR/SWAP plus 50 bps to LIBOR/SWAP for 1-3 year maturities, effective from close of business on April 24, 2007. This applies to fresh deposits and renewals, aiming to manage capital inflows and liquidity.

What changed

The interest rate ceiling on fresh NRE term deposits for 1-3 year maturities was reduced from LIBOR/SWAP rates plus 50 basis points to just LIBOR/SWAP rates. This change, effective from close of business on April 24, 2007, also applies to renewals of existing deposits after maturity. The same ceiling applies for maturities exceeding three years.

What it means for you

State Co-operative Banks (StCBs) and District Central Co-operative Banks (DCCBs) must lower NRE deposit rates, reducing their cost of funds but potentially making these deposits less attractive to NRIs. This aligns with RBI's broader strategy to curb capital inflows and ease liquidity pressures. Banks may see a shift in NRI deposit volumes and need to adjust their liability pricing strategies.

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

State Co-operative Banks (StCBs), District Central Co-operative Banks (DCCBs), NRE depositors and NRIs, Treasury and liability management teams

❓ Common questions

Regulatory timeline

Built from our lineage records — each fact carries its provenance; missing history simply is not shown (never guessed).

Does this rate change apply to existing NRE deposits?

No, it applies only to fresh deposits and renewals after maturity, effective from April 24, 2007.

What is the new ceiling for NRE deposits over 3 years?

The ceiling for deposits over 3 years is the same as for 3-year deposits, i.e., LIBOR/SWAP rates.

Why did RBI reduce the NRE deposit rate ceiling?

To manage large capital inflows and their impact on liquidity and monetary policy, as per the Annual Policy Statement 2007-08.

📜 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 #2450: RPCD.CO.RF.BC.Dir.No.78/07.38.01/2006-07 — "Interest Rate on Non-Resident (External) Rupee (NRE) Deposits" dated April 26, 2007”
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2006-2007/351 RPCD.CO.RF.BC.No.79/07.38.01/2006-07 April 26, 2007 All State Co-operative Banks (StCBs) and District Central Co-operative Banks (DCCBs) Dear Sir, Interest Rate on Non-Resident (External) Rupee (NRE) Deposits Please refer to our Circular  RPCD.CO.RF.BC.No.44/07.38.01/2006-07 dated February 6, 2007  on Interest Rate on NRE Rupee Deposits. In the Annual Policy Statement for the year 2007-08, announced on April 24, 2007 (extract of  paragraphs  114, 115 and 116 enclosed), it has been decided that until further notice and with effect from close of business in India as on April 24, 2007, the interest rate on Non-Resident (External) Rupee (NRE) Term Deposits will be as under: The interest rate on fresh Non-Resident (External) Rupee (NRE) Term deposits for one to three years' maturity should not exceed the LIBOR/SWAP rates, as on the last working day of the previous month, for US dollar of corresponding maturities (as against LIBOR / SWAP rates plus 50 basis points effective from close of business on January 31, 2007). The interest rate as determined above for three year deposits will also be applicable in case the maturity period exceeds three years. The change in interest rate will also apply to NRE deposits renewed after their present maturity period. 2. The other instructions as contained in our Circular RPCD.No.RF.Dir.BC 54/D.1-87/88 dated November 2, 1987 shall remain unchanged. An amending directive  RPCD.CO.RF.BC.Dir.No.78/07.38.01/2006-07 dated April 26, 2007  is enclosed. Yours faithfully, (C.S.Murthy) Chief General Manager-in-Charge Paragraphs 114, 115, 116 of the Annual Policy Statement for the year 2007- 08 Interest Rate Prescriptions 114.In the context of large capital inflows and implications for liquidity and monetary management, there is a need to review the interest rate prescriptions related to NRI deposits,  viz.,  foreign currency non-resident (banks) (FCNR(B)) deposits and Non-Resident (External) Rupee Account (NR(E)RA) deposits, especially in the light of inflation and interest rate differentials between India and the rest of the world. In this context, the following measures are proposed: (a)Interest Rates on FCNR (B) Deposits 115.Currently, the interest rate ceiling on FCNR (B) deposits of all maturities has been fixed at LIBOR/SWAP rates for the corresponding maturities minus 25 basis points for the respective foreign currencies. In view of the prevailing monetary conditions, it is proposed: •to reduce, with immediate effect, the interest rate ceiling on FCNR (B) deposits by 50 basis points,  i.e. , to Libor minus 75 basis points. (b)Interest Rate on NR(E)RA Deposits 116.Currently, the interest rate ceiling on NR(E)RA for one to three years maturity should not exceed 50 basis points above LIBOR/SWAP rates for US dollar of corresponding maturity. In view of the prevailing monetary conditions, it is proposed: •to reduce, with immediate effect, the interest rate ceiling on NR(E)RA deposits by 50 basis points,  i.e. , to LIBOR/SWAP rates. RPCD.CO.RF.BC.Dir.No.78/07.38.01/2006-07 April 26, 2007 Interest Rate on Non-Resident (External) Rupee (NRE) Deposits In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 35 A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (As Applicable to Co-operative Societies) and in partial modification of Directive RPCD No.Dir.BC.53/D.1-87/88 dated November 2, 1987, as amended from time to time, on Interest Rates on Deposits, the Reserve Bank of India being satisfied that it is necessary and expedient in the public interest so to do, hereby directs undernoted changes in the interest rates on Non-Resident (External) Rupee (NRE) deposits: 'With effect from close of business as on April 24, 2007, the interest rates on fresh Non-Resident (External) Rupee (NRE) Term deposits for one to three years' maturity should not exceed the LIBOR /SWAP rates, as on the last working day of the previous month, for US dollar of corresponding maturities (as against LIBOR /SWAP rates plus 50 basis points effective from close of business on January 31, 2007). The interest rates as determined above for three year deposits will also be applicable in case the maturity period exceeds three years. The changes in interest rates will also apply to NRE deposits renewed after their present maturity period.' (V.S.Das) Executive Director
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2006-2007/351 · issued 26 Apr 2007. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
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