HomeCirculars › RBI/2008-09/289

NRE Deposit Rate Cap Raised to LIBOR/Swap + 175 bps

No longer current — withdrawn, no replacement on file yet
Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2008-09/289 · issued 17 Nov 2008 · ~1 min read
Quick answerRBI raised the maximum interest rate on fresh NRE term deposits (1-3 year maturity) from LIBOR/SWAP plus 100 bps to plus 175 bps, effective November 15, 2008. This applies to new deposits and renewals, reflecting market conditions.

What changed

The ceiling on NRE term deposit rates for 1-3 year maturities was increased from LIBOR/SWAP plus 100 basis points to plus 175 basis points, effective from close of business on November 15, 2008. The same cap applies for deposits exceeding three years. Renewals after maturity also fall under the new ceiling.

What it means for you

StCBs and DCCBs can now offer higher rates on NRE deposits, making them more attractive to NRIs. This may help mobilize foreign currency inflows but could compress net interest margins if lending rates don't adjust. The move signals RBI's intent to support deposit growth amid global financial stress.

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), NRI depositors holding NRE accounts

❓ Common questions

Regulatory timeline

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

Does the new rate cap apply to NRE deposits with maturity beyond three years?

Yes, the cap for three-year deposits (LIBOR/SWAP plus 175 bps) also applies to deposits with maturity exceeding three years.

Are existing NRE deposits affected by this change?

No, only fresh deposits booked on or after November 15, 2008, and renewals of existing deposits after their maturity are subject to the new ceiling.

📜 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Repealed by RBI/2025-26/100 — Consolidation of Regulations — Withdrawal of circulars (28 Nov 2025)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 #2027: RPCD.CO.RF.BC.Dir.No.67/07.38.01/2008-09 — "Interest Rate on Non-Resident (External) Rupee (NRE) Deposits" dated November 17, 2008”
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2008-09/289 RPCD.CO.RF.BC.No.68/07.38.01/2008-09 November 17, 2008    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.52/07.38.01/2008-09 dated October 15, 2008  on Interest Rate on NRE Rupee Deposits. In view of prevailing market conditions, it has been decided that until further notice and with effect from close of business in India as on November 15, 2008, the interest rates on Non-Resident (External) Rupee (NRE) Term Deposits will be as under: 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 plus 175 basis points, as on the last working day of the previous month, for US dollar of corresponding maturities (as against LIBOR / SWAP rates plus 100 basis points effective from close of business on October 15, 2008). 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. 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.67/07.38.01/2008-09 dated November 17, 2008  is enclosed. Yours faithfully, (G. Srinivasan) Chief General Manager-in-Charge RPCD.CO.RF.BC.Dir.No.67/07.38.01/2008-09 November 17, 2008 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 the close of business as on November 15, 2008, 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 plus 175 basis points, as on the last working day of the previous month, for US dollar of corresponding maturities (as against LIBOR /SWAP rates plus 100 basis points effective from the close of business on October 15, 2008). 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."  ( Anand Sinha ) Executive Director
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2008-09/289 · issued 17 Nov 2008. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
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