Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) are a critical pillar of India’s financial system — providing credit, investments, and financial services to segments that banks often cannot reach. From consumer loans and vehicle finance to SME lending, microfinance, and infrastructure funding, NBFCs drive financial inclusion and economic growth.
Setting up and running an NBFC in India is a highly regulated affair. It requires prior approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), minimum Net Owned Funds (NOF) of ₹10 crore (recently revised), and strict ongoing compliance under RBI Master Directions, the Companies Act, and the Scale-Based Regulatory (SBR) Framework introduced by RBI.
We offer end-to-end advisory for NBFC registration, conversion, compliance, and restructuring — covering CoR application with RBI, capital structuring, FEMA compliance, NBFC audits, returns, and ongoing regulatory support — helping promoters, fintechs, and NBFC boards operate with full regulatory confidence.
₹10 Cr
Minimum Net Owned Funds
RBI
Registered & regulated
4-6
Months typical timeline
SBR
Scale-Based Regulatory Framework
Regulations & Frameworks We Work Under
RBI Act, 1934
Companies Act, 2013
RBI Master Directions
SBR Framework
FEMA
PMLA
FPC (Fair Practices Code)
Digital Lending Guidelines
FAQs on NBFC Registration & Compliance
What is an NBFC?
A Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) is a company registered under the Companies Act, 2013 and the RBI Act, 1934, engaged in financial activities like lending, investments, leasing, factoring, and acquisition of shares and securities. NBFCs are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India.
How is an NBFC different from a bank?
NBFCs cannot accept demand deposits or issue cheques drawn on themselves, and deposits are not insured by DICGC. They focus on specific credit and financial products, often serving customers and segments underserved by banks, with more flexibility in product structuring.
What is the minimum capital requirement for an NBFC?
The RBI has revised the minimum Net Owned Funds (NOF) requirement to ₹10 crore for most NBFCs, to be achieved in a phased manner by the notified timelines. Specialized categories like NBFC-MFI, NBFC-Factor, and HFCs may have different or higher thresholds.
How long does NBFC registration take?
The NBFC registration process typically takes 4 to 6 months, depending on the completeness of documentation, RBI’s scrutiny, and response to queries. Some applications may take longer due to additional due diligence on promoters or business plans.
What is the Scale-Based Regulatory (SBR) Framework?
The SBR Framework is an RBI regulatory approach that categorizes NBFCs into four layers — Base Layer, Middle Layer, Upper Layer, and Top Layer — based on size, activity, and perceived riskiness. Compliance requirements increase proportionately with the layer. This framework came into effect from October 2022.
Can foreign investors invest in Indian NBFCs?
Yes. 100% FDI is permitted in NBFCs under the automatic route for 18 specified activities, subject to minimum capitalization norms. Certain sectors and activities may require government approval. FC-GPR and FEMA compliance is mandatory for all foreign investments.
Can I buy an existing NBFC instead of starting fresh?
Yes. Acquiring or taking over an existing NBFC is often faster than applying for a fresh CoR. However, any change in control or shareholding above prescribed limits requires prior RBI approval, along with detailed due diligence of the target NBFC and its portfolio.
What are the key ongoing compliance requirements for an NBFC?
Key compliances include statutory audit, periodic RBI returns (NBS-1, NBS-2, NBS-7, ALM), capital adequacy (CRAR), asset classification and provisioning, Fair Practices Code, KYC/AML, corporate governance, SBR framework compliance, and adherence to digital lending guidelines where applicable.