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Timeline of NBFC Services

What is the Timeline for NBFC Registration Online with RegisterNBFC?

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Company Setup and Planning (30 Days)

Company registration, bank account opening, and business plan drafting.

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Capital Infusion & Documentation (30 Days)

Capital infusion and preparation of all RBI-required documents.

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RBI Review & CoR Approval (4–6 Months)

RBI scrutiny, clarifications, and issuance of Certificate of Registration.

Why NBFC Registration Matters for your Business?

To start a non-banking financial services business in India, obtaining NBFC registration from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is mandatory. NBFCs do not require a banking license but are regulated by the RBI under Chapter III-B of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.

Only companies incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013, can apply for NBFC registration. As per Section 45-IA of the RBI Act, a company must obtain a Certificate of Registration (CoR) and meet the prescribed Net Owned Fund (NOF) requirement, which is currently ₹10 crore for most NBFCs.

NBFCs play an important role in the financial system by providing loans, investments, and other financial services, particularly where banks have limited reach. While some NBFCs may accept deposits with RBI approval, they cannot accept demand deposits, and such deposits are not covered under deposit insurance.

What is an NBFC?

NBFC, which stands for Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) is a company registered under the Companies Act, 1956 or Companies Act, 2013 engaged in the business of loans and advances, acquisition of shares or stocks or bonds or debentures or securities issued by the Government or local authority or other marketable securities of a like nature, leasing, hire purchase etc. as their principal business but does not include any institution whose principal business is that of agriculture activity, industrial activity, purchase or sale of any goods (other than securities) or providing any services and sale/purchase/construction of immovable property.

Additionally, an NBFC company whose principal business is receiving deposits under any scheme or arrangement in one lump sum or in instalments by way of contributions or in any manner is also a non-banking financial company (Residuary non-banking company).

Types of NBFC Registration by Regulatory Norms of RBI

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NBFC–Base Layer (BL)

NBFC–Base Layer (BL)

Non-deposit NBFCs with assets below ₹1,000 crore.

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NBFC–Middle Layer (ML):

NBFC–Middle Layer (ML)

Deposit-taking and larger NBFCs with higher compliance.

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NBFC–Upper Layer (UL)

NBFC–Upper Layer (UL)

Top NBFCs identified by RBI based on size and risk.

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NBFC–Top Layer (TL):

NBFC–Top Layer (TL)

Special category for NBFCs posing systemic risk.

What are the Pre-Conditions for NBFC Registration?

The preconditions for NBFC Registration in India are as follows:

What are the Different Types of NBFCs?

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Key Activities That Don’t Require NBFC Registration

The list of activities that don’t need NBFC registration is as follows:

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Agricultural Operations

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Industrial Activity

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Trading of Goods

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Real Estate Construction or Sale

What is the Difference between NBFC and Bank?

The difference between NBFC and Bank is as follows:

Criteria For Comparison Non-banking Financial Corporation Banks
Regulation Regulated by RBI Act Banking Regulation Act, 1949
Demand deposits Not allowed Allowed
Cheque Cannot issue cheques Can issue cheques and payment systems
Deposit Insurance Facility Not available Available (DIGGC)
Lending Limited lending scope Broad lending scope
Payment Systems Cannot participate in payment systems Can participate (e.g. NEFT, RTGS)
Risk Profile Generally higher risk exposure Lower risk profile
Liquidity Access Limited Access to Central Bank liquidity support (RBI)
Foreign Direct Investment Up to 100% (Automatic Route) Private Banks Up to 74% (with conditions), Public Banks capped at 20%

Know the Benefits of NBFC Registration in India?

The significant benefits of NBFC registration in India are as follows:

RBI Powers on NBFCs

The powers of RBI on NBFC banks in India are:

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Does RBI Oversee All Financial Institutions in India?

The major financial institutions directly overseen by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are mentioned below-

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Commercial Banks

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Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)

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Cooperative Banks

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Non-banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)

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Small Finance Bank

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Payment Banks

Requirements of Documents for NBFC License & Penalty

The list of requirements for documents for NBFC license and penalties is as follows:

The documents needed to register NBFC in India are mentioned below-

  • KYC- Directors and Shareholders
  • Certified MOA and AOA
  • Professional Background- Directors & Shareholders
  • Credit Reports – Directors & Shareholders
  • Board-approved Business Plan
  • Highest Education Certificate Copy
  • Confidential Banker’s Report- Directors & Shareholders
  • CA Certified Capital Structure of the Company
  • CA certified Net Worth – Directors & Shareholders
  • Banker Confirmation – Rs. 10 crores FD in the NBFC's account
  • Board-approved Credit Policy
  • Board-approved Financial Projections

What are the Penalties for Non-Compliance Under RBI Regulations for NBFC Registration?

Given below are the penalties applicable under RBI regulations for NBFC registration in India-

  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the regulatory authority empowered to impose penalties on NBFCs.
  • Penalties may be imposed if an NBFC operates without obtaining a valid Certificate of Registration from the RBI.
  • Regulatory action may be taken when the NBFC is not functioning in the public interest.
  • Failure to repay public deposits or dues to depositors can attract penalties.
  • Continued default by a defaulting NBFC may lead to strict action by the RBI.
  • Non-compliance with statutory directions, circulars, or orders issued by the RBI is punishable.
  • Failure to comply with statutory orders issued by the Company Law Board (now NCLT) can result in penalties.
  • Non-compliance by auditors with RBI directions and reporting requirements may also invite regulatory action.

What are the Compliance Requirements for NBFC License Registration?

The list of compliance requirements for NBFC license registration is as follows:

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What is the Procedure of NBFC Registration Online?

The step-by-step procedure of NBFC registration online is as follows:

  • Firstly, you will have to register your company under the Companies Act, 2013, followed by obtaining a CoI (Certificate of Incorporation) from the Registrar of Companies. As such, the applicant must have a minimum paid-up capital of 10 crore.
  • Secondly, you need to create a detailed business plan to register with RBI, including a summary of how you plan to operate it and make money from it. After the completion of a business plan, submit it to the RBI.
  • This is the stage when the RBI will review the application and check if the details entered are correct and complete. This shall ensure that the application has fulfilled the required compliance.
  • Gather all the mandatory documents and submit them to the RBI for a final review. Some of the documents are PAN card, KYC, MoA, and AoA as proof of identity of the business and the owners.
  • Lastly, after the final review of an application and documents, the RBI will grant the NBFC registration certificate, and you can thus legally start your business operations.
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CIC Membership

Mandatory registration with Credit Information Companies to report credit data.

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FIU-IND Registration

Registration with the Financial Intelligence Unit to monitor and prevent money laundering activities.

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CKYC (CERSAI) Registration

Submission of client details to the Central Registry of Securitisation Asset Reconstruction and Security Interest.

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Fair Practice Code Compliance

Implementation of RBI’s Fair Practice Code for transparent customer dealings.

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AML/CFT Training

Regular Anti-Money Laundering/Combating Financing of Terrorism training for staff.

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Risk Management Policy

Board-approved policy covering operational, credit, and market risk management.

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Filing of Returns

Regular submission of statutory returns (DNBS01, DNBS02, DNBS03, DNBS04A, DNBS04B, DNBS06, DNBS10).

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Form A Certificate Filing

Quarterly submission of Form A to certify compliance with registration conditions.

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Ratio Fulfillment

Maintenance of prescribed financial ratios such as CRAR, LCR, and Leverage Ratio.

What are the Post Compliance Requirements for NBFC License from RBI?

The list of post-compliance for NBFC license from RBI is as follows:

NBFC Registration Compliance Checklist

Have a look at the NBFC registration compliance checklist-

  • Statutory Auditor Certificate (DNBS10)- 31st December
  • FATF Compliance Certificate- 30th June
  • FEMA & FDI Compliance Reporting- 30th June
  • Balance Sheet & Profit/Loss Submission- 30th September
  • GST Annual Return (GSTR-9,9C)- 31st December
  • FEMA Foreign Investment Reporting- Monthly
  • Loan Securitization & Borrowing Compliance- 30th April & 31st October
  • CAR Reports- 31st March, 30th June, 30th September, and 31st December

Market Value for NBFC Registration- Trends & Projections

The demand for NBFC registration is sky-high among NBFC business enthusiasts. The market trends and projections below suggest a strong and positive future for the digital lending ecosystem.

  • Assets- ₹45 Trillion Total Assets in 2025
  • 16% Compound Annual Growth Rate for 2026-30 (Expected)
  • Increased Middle Income Households (181 million by 2030)
  • AUM for Indian Financial Services Sector (US$1.2 Trillion by 2030)
  • About 50% of Bank Credit by 2047 (Anticipated)
  • Leveraging AI, Machine Learning, and Blockchain
  • Growth Expected in Wealth and Asset Management
  • 72% of Millennials Favor Digital Lending

When Does the RBI Cancel an NBFC Registration Application?

RBI may cancel the application for NBFC registration for the following reasons:

Non-maintenance of NOF

If the NBFC applicant fails to maintain the mandatory minimum Net Owned Fund (NOF) as prescribed by the RBI.

Not operating in the Public Interest

If the NBFC fails to conduct its business in a manner that serves the public interest.

Failure to Repay Deposits

If the NBFC, in case of a deposit-taking entity, fails to repay deposits according to the terms agreed with depositors.

Not operating NBFC Activity

If the NBFC fails to commence or carry out its primary financial business.

Failure to Submit Books of Accounts

If the NBFC fails to maintain or submit proper books of accounts in accordance with RBI guidelines.

Improper Profile of the Directors

If the Directors of the applicant do not meet RBI’s “fit and proper” criteria.

Inappropriate Business Plan

If the applicant fails to present a viable and structured business plan acceptable to RBI.

Improper Profiles of the Shareholders

If the shareholders’ profiles, ownership details, or source of funds are not transparent or verifiable.

Frequently Asked Questions on NBFC Registration Online

To register NBFC in India, you need to be a company registered under the Companies Act 2013, and accordingly, you will have to apply to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) along with the necessary documents like a business plan draft, financial projections, KYC documents of directors and key personnel. Accordingly, the RBI will review the application and the documents, and if satisfied, grant the Certificate of Registration.

Yes. To legally operate as an NBFC in India, a company must obtain a certificate of registration (CoR) from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). No NBFC can commence or carry on NBFC business without NBFC registration in India.

The minimum net owned fund varies by NBFC type. For most NBFCs, the minimum net owned fund (NoF) to start an NBFC in India is Rs 10 crore.

Any company that is planning to engage in financial activities like loans, asset financing, investments or other financial services in India must obtain NBFC Registration Online.

The eligibility criteria for NBFC registration are as follows:
  • Minimum net owned fund of 10 crore (as prescribed by RBI)
  • The company must be incorporated under the Companies Act 2013
  • Directors must be fit and proper as per RBI norms
  • The business model should be financial in nature, not a regular trading activity

NBFC registration typically takes 4 to 6 months or longer, depending on RBI scrutiny and document completion.

The different types of NBFCs by business activities are Investment & Credit Company (ICC), Infrastructure Finance Company (IFC), Core Investment Company (CIC), Infrastructure Debt Fund (IDF-NBFC), Mortgage Guarantee Companies (MGC), Micro Finance Institution (NBFC-MFI), NBFC-Factors, and NBFC – Peer-to-Peer Lending Platform (NBFC-P2P).

The list of documents required for NBFC registration is as follows:
  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association
  • KYC documents of directors
  • Board resolution for NBFC business
  • Financial projections and business plan
  • Other documents

No, NBFC cannot commence any NBFC business at all before registration. This includes lending, investing, and P2P operations, not just deposits. Doing so may attract legal penalties.

Yes, foreign companies can establish an NBFC in India through a subsidiary, provided they comply with RBI and FEMA regulations and FDI requirements.

Why Registernbfc for NBFC Registration?

Following are the reasons why one should choose Registernbfc for NBFC Registration

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NBFC Clients

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Fresh NBFC Registration

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Team of CA, CS, Ex-Banker

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546+

Cities Served

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343+

Customer Service

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543+

Customer Score

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433+

SLA Delivery

“I will highly recommend Register NBFC for Fresh nbfc registrations as They deliver what they commit. Specially in term of cost, I would thank Them for providing their world class services at low cost.”

Dayal Bhaskar

Noida, India

“Thank you Register NBFC Portal. I’ve applied for NBFC License but got cancel my request due to documents. These Guys Are the combination of Advanced Business Knowledge and tech”

Dr. Pratul Raj

Delhi, India

“I will highly recommend Register NBFC for Fresh nbfc registrations as They deliver what they commit. Specially in term of cost, I would thank Them for providing their world class services at low cost.”

Dayal Bhaskar

Noida, India

“Thank you Register NBFC Portal. I’ve applied for NBFC License but got cancel my request due to documents. These Guys Are the combination of Advanced Business Knowledge and tech”

Dr. Pratul Raj

Delhi, India

Testimonials

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