Reserve Bank of India (Payments Banks - Supervisory Returns) Directions, 2026
UR
- Applies toPayments banks
- StatusIn force
- ImportanceMUST READ
- IssuedJul 31, 2026
- Amendmentsnone tracked
- Length36 points in 4 sections · 4 min read
The four dates on this rule
- PublishedJul 31, 2026The day RBI put this document out.
- Starts to applyNot statedNot stated separately in this document. Read the rule itself before you assume a start date.
- Time to get readyNot statedCannot be worked out until the day it starts to apply is known.
- Last date to actNot statedNo date to act by was found in this document. Other dates may sit inside single paragraphs.
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What it says
Chapter I. Preliminary
1. Returns for payments banks
This paper sets what payments banks 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 payments bank.
Chapter II. Governance and Oversight
Must know
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.
Do it
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 bank must work towards generating return data automatically.
Chapter III. Filing of Supervisory Returns
Must know
1. Frequency sets the date
How often a return is due decides the date it must reach RBI.
2. Monthly, fifteen days
A monthly return is due within fifteen days of the last day of the month.
3. 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.
4. Other returns still due
These rules do not affect any other statutory or regulatory return.
Do it
5. File online only
Every return must be filed online, in the form and manner told to the firm.
6. File again when up
If the portal was down, the return must be filed online as soon as it works again.
7. Report the overseas arms
Data must cover home and overseas work, including the offshore banking units.
8. Accurate and on time
Returns must be filed with accurate and complete data, strictly by the set dates.
9. True and correct
The information in every return must be true and correct.
Background
10. Paper does not count
A return sent on paper or by email is treated as not filed at all.
11. Timelines follow frequency
Return timelines follow the filing frequency unless the rulebook says otherwise.
12. Ad-hoc means the letter's date
An ad-hoc return is due by the date named in RBI's own communication.
13. Fraud return, fourteen days
A fraud monitoring return is due within fourteen days of the fraud classification date.
Chapter IV. Repeal and Other Provisions
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.
The same subject for other kinds of institution
The same subject for other kinds of institution.
RBI supervisory return rules for all India financial institutions
RBI supervisory return rules for asset reconstruction companies
Other RBI rules for payments banks
RBI compliance officer and compliance function rules for payments banks 2026
RBI customer service and fair conduct rules for payments banks 2025
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