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RBI Clarifies Counterparty Credit Risk Norms for Banks

Quick answerRBI amends capital adequacy directions to align CCR treatment with international standards. Key changes include revised add-on factors for market-related off-balance sheet items, clearer consolidation rules, and specific risk weights for QCCP exposures. Effective from March 10, 2026.

What changed

RBI inserted a note in paragraph 85(1) requiring banks to include CCR exposures of all entities required to be consolidated in terms of Section B of Chapter II when computing capital on a consolidated basis. Table 16 add-on factors for market-related off-balance sheet items were revised, with new categories for precious metals (except gold) and other commodities. Notes were added clarifying that add-on factors apply to all outstanding CCR exposures, and specifying treatment for clearing members of SEBI-recognized exchanges in equity derivatives and commodity derivatives segments. Risk weight for bank's trade exposure to a QCCP was set at 2% for own purposes and when offering clearing services, with a proviso that capital is not required for certain client transactions if a legal opinion is obtained.

What it means for you

Banks must now ensure consolidated CCR calculations capture all group entities, increasing capital requirements for some. Revised add-on factors may raise capital charges for longer-duration commodity and equity derivatives. The 2% risk weight for QCCP exposures provides clarity but may increase capital for banks acting as clearing members. Overall, alignment with international standards could lead to higher capital buffers for derivative exposures.

What you must do

Who it affects

All commercial banks in India, Banks with consolidated group structures, Banks acting as clearing members of SEBI-recognized exchanges, Banks with significant OTC derivatives, exchange-traded derivatives, or SFT exposures

What is the effective date of these amendments?

The amendments come into effect from the date of issue, i.e., March 10, 2026.

Do the revised add-on factors apply to all outstanding CCR exposures?

Yes, note (e) clarifies that add-on factors in Table 16 apply to all outstanding counterparty credit risk exposures.

What risk weight applies to a bank's trade exposure to a QCCP?

A risk weight of 2% applies to the bank's trade exposure to a QCCP for its own purposes and when offering clearing services, subject to certain conditions.

Official source: RBI/2025-26/238 on rbi.org.in ↗
AI-drafted · 3-model AI consensus fact-check · under the editorial review of Vikram Jain · published · 19 Jun 2026, 01:24 IST