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RBI Updates Basel III Capital Master Circular

Live · in forceNo withdrawal recorded as of 19 Jun 2026. Reviewed by Vikram Jain; always verify against the official RBI source below.
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Quick answerRBI issued a consolidated Master Circular on Basel III capital regulations, updating and replacing the April 2022 version. It applies to all scheduled commercial banks except SFBs, PBs, and RRBs. The circular lists all consolidated circulars in Annex 26.

What changed

RBI replaced the April 1, 2022 Master Circular on Basel III capital regulations with a new version dated May 12, 2023. The update incorporates all relevant guidelines issued up to that date, with a list of consolidated circulars provided in Annex 26.

What it means for you

Banks must now refer to the 2023 Master Circular for the latest Basel III capital adequacy requirements. The update ensures alignment with current prudential norms, and non-compliance could affect capital reporting. SFBs and PBs should continue following their separate licensing guidelines.

What you must do

Who it affects

All Scheduled Commercial Banks (excluding SFBs, PBs, and RRBs), Risk management and compliance teams, Capital planning and reporting departments

Does this Master Circular apply to Small Finance Banks?

No, Small Finance Banks and Payments Banks must refer to their respective licensing and operating guidelines for capital adequacy norms.

What is the key change from the previous Master Circular?

The 2023 version consolidates all Basel III guidelines issued up to May 12, 2023, replacing the April 1, 2022 circular. Annex 26 lists all circulars included.

Where can I find the list of circulars consolidated in this Master Circular?

The list is provided in Annex 26 of the circular, which is available on the RBI website.

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Official source: RBI/2023-24/31 on rbi.org.in ↗
AI-drafted · 3-model AI consensus fact-check · under the editorial review of Vikram Jain · published · 19 Jun 2026, 07:38 IST
Official RBI source: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=12504&Mode=0 — Plain-English summary by BankPulse (bankpulse.ai), reviewed by Vikram Jain. Independent platform, not affiliated with the Reserve Bank of India; never reproduces RBI text verbatim.