RBI allows UCBs to shift Dividend Equalisation Fund to Tier-1 capital
No longer current — withdrawn, no replacement on file yet
Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2024-25/57 · issued 30 Jul 2024 · ~1 min read
Quick answerRBI permits Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks to transfer Dividend Equalisation Fund balances to general/free reserves, which qualify as Tier-1 capital. This one-time measure aligns DEF treatment with dividend rules and strengthens core capital.
What changed
RBI observed UCBs using Dividend Equalisation Fund (DEF) to pay dividends from past profits, which is prohibited. Previously, DEF was considered Tier-II capital. Now, as a one-time measure, UCBs can transfer DEF balances to general/free reserves, making them part of Tier-I capital.
What it means for you
This move boosts UCBs' Tier-1 capital, improving their capital adequacy ratios without fresh infusion. It also ensures dividend payments comply with rules—only from current year net profit after provisions and loss adjustments. Banks must disclose these transfers in financial statements.
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
Transfer existing DEF balances to general/free reserves as a one-time adjustment.
Ensure dividend payments are made only from current year net profit, not from reserves or accumulated profits.
Disclose the transfer in 'Notes on Accounts' per RBI Financial Statements Directions, 2021.
Comply with applicable State/Central Co-operative Acts and bye-laws.
Who it affects
All Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks (UCBs), UCB treasurers and finance teams, RBI supervision departments
❓ Common questions
Regulatory timeline
Decoded by BankPulse2026-06-18 02:58 IST
repealed_by — Consolidation of Regulations — Withdrawal of circulars (28 Nov 2025)
Status change: withdrawn03 Aug 2026, 04:00 IST
Built from our lineage records — each fact carries its provenance; missing history simply is not shown (never guessed).
Can UCBs still use DEF to pay dividends in loss years?
No. The circular reiterates that dividends can only be paid from current year net profit after all provisions and loss adjustments. DEF balances must be transferred to reserves and cannot be used for dividend payments.
Does this change affect all UCBs immediately?
Yes, the circular is effective immediately for all Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks. It is a one-time measure, so banks should act promptly to transfer DEF balances.
📜 This document’s life story (1 recorded event, each backed by RBI’s own words)
Repealed byRBI/2025-26/100 — Consolidation of Regulations — Withdrawal of circulars (28 Nov 2025)
RBI’s words: “Official withdrawal register entry #108: DOR.CAP.REC.No.30/09.18.201/2024-25 — "Guidelines on Treatment of Dividend Equalisation Fund (DEF) - Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks (UCBs)" dated July 30, ”
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2024-25/57
DOR.CAP.REC.No.30/09.18.201/2024-25
July 30, 2024
Dear Sir/ Madam,
Guidelines on treatment of Dividend Equalisation Fund (DEF)- Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks (UCBs)
Please refer to Master Circular DOR.CAP.REC.5/09.18.201/2024-25 dated April 01, 2024 on “Prudential Norms on Capital Adequacy - Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks (UCBs)”, Master Circular DoR.CRE.REC.71/07.10.002/2023-24 dated January 16, 2024 on “Exposure Norms and Statutory / Other Restrictions – UCBs”, and circular UBD.BPD.(PCB).Cir.No.4/12.05.001/2012-13 dated July 05, 2012 on “Declaration of Dividend by the UCBs”.
2. It is observed that some UCBs have created the Dividend Equalisation Fund (DEF) through appropriation of profits, with an intent to utilise these balances to pay dividend in future years, when profits are not sufficient or where the bank has posted a net loss. However, extant guidelines on “Declaration of Dividends by UCBs” dated July 05, 2012 ibid prohibit dividend payments from previously accumulated profits or reserves and mandate that dividend can only be paid by the banks from net profit of the current year after making all statutory and other provisions and after adjustment for accumulated losses in full. It is also observed that UCBs have been considering the balances in DEF as part of Tier-II capital.
3. In order to provide a better treatment of these balances for regulatory capital purposes, it has been decided, as a onetime measure, to permit UCBs to transfer the balances in the DEF to general reserves/free reserves. The credit balances in general reserves/free reserves, shall qualify as Tier-I capital as per our Master Circular ibid.
4. Suitable disclosures shall be made of such transfers in the ‘Notes on Accounts’ to the Balance Sheet in terms of Reserve Bank of India (Financial Statements - Presentation and Disclosures) Directions, 2021 dated August 30, 2021 .
5. UCBs shall comply with the provisions of applicable State/ Central Co-operative Acts & bye-laws, and other applicable laws, statutes and regulations.
Applicability
6. This circular is applicable to all Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks. The instructions shall come into force with immediate effect.
Yours faithfully,
(Usha Janakiraman)
Chief General Manager-in-Charge
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2024-25/57 · issued 30 Jul 2024. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
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BankPulse Compliance Evidence Pack — generated 03 Aug 2026 · status cross-checked against RBI’s official withdrawal register (refreshed weekly). Official RBI source: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=12714&Mode=0 — Plain-English summary by BankPulse (bankpulse.ai), reviewed by our expert reviewer, CA Amit Jain. Independent platform, not affiliated with the Reserve Bank of India; is our own plain-English paraphrase, not RBI’s original wording.
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