Reserve Bank of India (Asset Reconstruction Companies - Supervisory Returns) Directions, 2026

1. Returns rules for ARCs

This paper sets what asset reconstruction companies must file with RBI.

2. One online platform

Returns go through the Reserve Bank's central information management system.

3. Start date

These Directions came into effect immediately upon issuance.

BankPulse example. There is no gap here between issue and effect. The Directions come into effect immediately upon issuance. A bank cannot wait for a separate start date, because there is none.

4. Who is covered

These Directions apply to every asset reconstruction company.

1. Group shape is no excuse

The group's legal shape must not stop data being pulled together at any level.

2. Reporting stands apart

Data work must not depend on how the firm is organised or where it operates.

3. Data risk is Board risk

The Board and senior staff must treat data quality risk as part of overall risk work.

4. Cover both in and out

The framework must cover data work done in house and work given out.

5. Write it down, test it

Data gathering and risk reporting must be fully documented and tested to a high standard.

6. Put resources on it

The Board and senior staff must see that enough resources go to this work.

7. Check a deal's effect

A purchase, a sale, a new product or an IT change must be weighed for its effect on reporting.

8. Fold it in on time

Where such a change happens, the reporting must be folded into the existing framework in a set time.

9. Build for the bad days

The data systems must give complete and timely returns in a crisis as well as in normal times.

10. Part of continuity planning

Data and reporting work must sit inside business continuity planning and its impact study.

11. Name who owns what

Roles must be fixed between the business owners and the IT team to keep the data current.

12. Tally with your own books

Every return must be reconciled with the firm's own records, including the accounts.

13. Keep the rules on file

Records of where the data came from and how it was added up must be kept.

14. Automate the filing

The company must work towards generating return data automatically.

1. Frequency sets the date

How often a return is due decides the date it must reach RBI.

2. Quarterly, twenty-one days

A quarterly return is due within twenty-one days of the last day of the quarter.

BankPulse example. The quarter ends on 30 September. The return is due within 21 days of that day. So it must reach RBI by 21 October.

3. Other returns still due

These rules do not affect any other statutory or regulatory return.

4. File online only

Every return must be filed online, in the form and manner told to the firm.

5. File again when up

If the portal was down, the return must be filed online as soon as it works again.

6. Report the overseas arms

Data must cover home and overseas work, including the offshore banking units.

7. Accurate and on time

Returns must be filed with accurate and complete data, strictly by the set dates.

8. True and correct

The information in every return must be true and correct.

9. Paper does not count

A return sent on paper or by email is treated as not filed at all.

10. Timelines follow frequency

Return timelines follow the filing frequency unless the rulebook says otherwise.

11. Ad-hoc means the letter's date

An ad-hoc return is due by the date named in RBI's own communication.

1. Old repeals stand

Anything repealed before these Directions stays repealed.

2. Old actions stay valid

Action taken under the repealed rules is still governed by those rules.

3. Old approvals move across

An approval given under the repealed rules is now governed by these Directions.

4. These add to other law

These Directions are in addition to any other law and do not cut it down.

5. RBI's reading is final

RBI's reading of any provision here is final and binds everyone.