In a significant regulatory action aimed at strengthening India’s financial sector, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the Certificates of Registration (CoR) of 35 Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) for failing to comply with essential regulatory norms. This move forms part of the central bank’s ongoing supervision and enforcement program to ensure that all financial intermediaries operate within the legal and prudential framework established by the RBI Act, 1934.
The cancellations were carried out under Section 45-IA(6) of the RBI Act, 1934, a provision that empowers the central bank to revoke registration when an NBFC fails to meet the statutory conditions required to operate in the market. These actions were executed through multiple orders issued between December 9 and December 31, 2025. Once the registration is revoked, the affected companies are prohibited from conducting any non-banking financial activities, including lending, investment operations, and financial intermediation, as defined in the RBI Act.
The RBI’s decision reflects its zero-tolerance stance toward regulatory violations and its commitment to maintaining the integrity of India’s financial system. Many of the cancelled NBFCs were found to have repeatedly failed in meeting mandatory compliance requirements, prudential norms, reporting obligations, and eligibility criteria necessary to hold a valid CoR.
Regulatory Framework Used: RBI acted under the RBI Act, 1934, highlighting the legal basis for scrutiny and enforcement in the non-banking sector.
Number of Entities Affected: 35 NBFCs had their CoRs cancelled due to non-compliance.
Effective Dates: The cancellations were notified across different dates from December 9-31, 2025.
Operational Impact: Cancelled NBFCs are barred from conducting NBFI business indefinitely.
Moreover, alongside these cancellations, 16 other NBFCs voluntarily surrendered their registrations to the RBI, bringing the total number of exited entities to 51. Some of these voluntary exits occurred due to business shut-downs, strategic restructuring, or reclassification as different registered entities like certain Core Investment Companies (CICs).
This development is crucial for students preparing for banking, RBI Grade B, SSC, railways, defence, and civil services exams because it reflects how the RBI enforces regulatory compliance across the financial system. Understanding the RBI Act and its powers, especially under Section 45-IA, is essential for banking and financial awareness sections in exams.
The cancellation highlights RBI’s focus on financial system stability and market integrity. Non-compliance by NBFCs can pose risks to investors, depositors, and the broader economy. By cancelling licences of entities that consistently fail to meet norms, the RBI protects stakeholders and ensures that only creditworthy and compliant institutions survive.
For exams like IBPS, SBI PO, RRB, and other banking posts, questions on NBFCs often involve regulatory roles of RBI, the differences between banks and NBFCs, and macroeconomic implications of regulatory action. This news serves as a live case study on regulatory oversight, financial discipline, and risk management in India’s credit markets.
Knowledge of Section 45-IA of the RBI Act and its practical application reinforces legal awareness topics — an important part of UPSC/PCS exam syllabi relating to Indian financial laws and governance.
NBFCs play a vital role in India’s financial ecosystem by providing credit and financial services that complement the banking sector. However, to ensure financial stability and protect investor interests, the RBI regulates NBFCs through a robust framework.
Under Section 45-IA of the RBI Act, 1934, any entity that wishes to operate as an NBFC must obtain a Certificate of Registration (CoR) from the RBI and must comply with ongoing prudential requirements such as maintaining minimum net owned funds, filing regular returns, and adhering to fair business practices. If an NBFC fails to comply with these requirements — including violations of RBI directions or inability to conduct business prudently — the RBI has the authority to cancel its registration.
Historically, the RBI has periodically taken enforcement actions against NBFCs that fail to meet regulatory standards. Such actions include imposing monetary penalties, restricting operations, or cancelling licences. Recent trends show increased vigilance, as seen in multiple CoR surrenders and cancellations — an indication of RBI’s enhanced supervision to strengthen financial discipline.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is India’s central banking institution responsible for regulating the monetary policy, supervising banks and NBFCs, issuing currency, and maintaining financial stability in the country.
A Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) is a financial institution that offers banking services like loans, credit facilities, and investments, but does not hold a banking license and cannot accept demand deposits.
The RBI cancelled these CoRs because the companies failed to comply with statutory regulations, prudential norms, and reporting obligations under Section 45-IA of the RBI Act, 1934.
Section 45-IA empowers the RBI to regulate NBFCs, including granting, renewing, or cancelling their Certificates of Registration if they fail to meet eligibility or compliance standards.
In addition to the 35 cancellations, 16 NBFCs voluntarily surrendered their CoRs due to business closures, restructuring, or reclassification.
Cancelled NBFCs are prohibited from carrying out financial business, including lending, investing, or accepting deposits, until they meet regulatory requirements again.
This news highlights RBI’s regulatory powers, financial sector stability, and compliance norms — topics frequently covered in banking, SSC, PCS, RBI Grade B, and insurance exams.
Banks can accept demand deposits and offer full banking services, while NBFCs cannot accept demand deposits and primarily focus on loans, investments, and credit facilitation.
National IED Data Management System launched by Amit Shah enhances India’s counter-terrorism capabilities using AI…
IREDA MoU rating 2025: Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency secures excellent rating for fifth consecutive…
New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 offers free entry for all visitors, highlighting Indian military…
PANKHUDI portal launch 2026 by Union Minister Annpurna Devi strengthens women and child welfare through…
Akasa Air joins IATA, becoming India’s fifth airline member. Learn about IATA membership, IOSA audit,…
Mission Sudarshan Chakra enhances India’s drone defence capabilities through CUAS Grid, AI-based systems, and indigenous…