Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) are specialized financial institutions that play a critical role in resolving stressed assets in the Indian banking system. By acquiring non-performing assets (NPAs) from banks and financial institutions and restructuring or recovering them, ARCs help clean up bank balance sheets, unlock trapped capital, and support the broader credit ecosystem.
ARCs in India are registered and regulated by the Reserve Bank of India under the SARFAESI Act, 2002 and detailed RBI Master Directions. They require a minimum Net Owned Funds of ₹300 crore, robust governance, and strong operational capability to acquire, hold, manage, and resolve financial assets — making ARC registration one of the most specialized RBI approvals in the Indian financial sector.
We provide end-to-end advisory for setting up an Asset Reconstruction Company — from structuring the entity and promoters, building the business plan and policies, filing the RBI application, responding to queries, and supporting post-registration compliance, SARFAESI-specific operations, and fundraising.
₹300 Cr
Minimum Net Owned Funds
15%
Minimum CRAR requirement
SARFAESI
Act, 2002 & RBI MD
6-9
Months typical timeline
Regulations & Frameworks We Align With
SARFAESI Act, 2002
RBI Act, 1934
ARC Master Directions
Companies Act, 2013
IBC, 2016
FEMA & FDI Policy
SEBI Regulations
PMLA
FAQs on ARC Registration
What is an Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC)?
An Asset Reconstruction Company is a specialized financial institution registered with the Reserve Bank of India under the SARFAESI Act, 2002. ARCs acquire stressed financial assets — typically non-performing loans — from banks and financial institutions, and work on their resolution through restructuring, settlement, enforcement, or sale, often funded by issuance of Security Receipts (SRs).
What is the minimum capital required for an ARC?
An ARC must have a minimum Net Owned Funds (NOF) of ₹300 crore, to be maintained at all times. In addition, ARCs are required to maintain a minimum Capital Adequacy Ratio (CRAR) of 15% on an ongoing basis as per applicable RBI directions.
Who regulates ARCs in India?
ARCs are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India under the SARFAESI Act, 2002 and the RBI’s Master Directions on Asset Reconstruction Companies. They are also governed by the Companies Act, 2013, and, where applicable, by FEMA, SEBI, and tax laws.
What business activities can an ARC undertake?
Core activities include acquisition of financial assets, reconstruction and restructuring, securitization through Security Receipts, enforcement of security interest under SARFAESI, settlement / OTS, investment in SRs of their own trusts, acting as Resolution Applicant under IBC, and providing NPA management and advisory services.
What are Security Receipts (SRs)?
Security Receipts are instruments issued by an ARC to Qualified Buyers, representing undivided interest in a pool of acquired stressed financial assets. SRs are typically issued through separate trusts / schemes, carry a rating, and their value depends on the realizations from the underlying stressed assets.
Can foreign investors invest in ARCs?
Yes. Subject to the extant FDI policy and FEMA regulations, foreign investment is permitted in ARCs under specified conditions and caps, including in capital and SRs. The specific route (automatic / approval) and sectoral caps need to be evaluated based on the latest applicable rules at the time of the transaction.
How long does ARC registration take?
A well-prepared ARC registration typically takes 6 to 9 months from filing to grant of CoR, depending on completeness of documentation, promoter background, depth of the business plan, and RBI’s queries. Capital structuring, policies, and Fit & Proper documentation often drive the timeline.
Can an ARC start operations before receiving the CoR?
No. A company cannot carry on the business of asset reconstruction or securitization without a valid Certificate of Registration from the Reserve Bank of India. Undertaking ARC activities without CoR is a violation of the SARFAESI Act and the RBI Act, attracting significant penalties and enforcement action.
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