postUpdated Apr 28, 2026

Loans and Advances in India – Complete Banking Awareness Notes 2026 for IBPS and SBI

Loans and Advances is one of the most directly tested chapters in banking awareness. This chapter covers every type of credit facility offered by Indian banks — fund-based (overdraft, cash credit, term loans, demand loans, bill discounting, packing credit) and non-fund-based (letters of credit, bank guarantees, co-acceptance), the legal basis for creating security (hypothecation, pledge, mortgage, lien, assignment), all key lending concepts (EMI, moratorium, amortization, DRI scheme, reverse mortgage, ALCO), the complete evolution of India's lending rate benchmarks from BPLR to Base Rate to MCLR to External Benchmark Rate, and a detailed comparison of all four benchmarks.

Loans and Advances in India – Complete Banking Awareness Notes 2026 for IBPS and SBI

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Loans and Advances - Introduction

Loans and Advances represent the primary business of any commercial bank — they constitute the single largest component of bank assets and generate the majority of bank income through interest. When banks deploy depositors' funds into loans, they enable economic activity — businesses finance working capital and capital expenditure, individuals buy homes and vehicles, farmers fund their crop cycle, and governments build infrastructure. Understanding the complete spectrum of credit facilities, security mechanisms and lending rate frameworks is essential for IBPS PO, SBI PO, SBI Clerk, RBI Grade B and all government banking examinations.


Fund-Based Credit Facilities - Complete Details

Fund-Based facilities involve the actual deployment of bank funds — the bank physically lends money to the borrower. The bank's balance sheet expands and the bank bears the credit risk of the loan.

1. Overdraft (OD)

An Overdraft is a pre-approved credit facility linked to a current or savings account that allows the account holder to withdraw more money than is available in the account, up to a pre-sanctioned limit. The account balance can go negative — into the red — up to the overdraft limit.

FeatureDetails
Interest charged onDaily outstanding debit balance only — not on the full sanctioned limit; if the account is in credit, no interest is charged
RepaymentFlexible — any credits to the account automatically reduce the outstanding overdraft; no fixed EMI schedule
Security typesFixed deposits (very common — FD overdraft), insurance policies, property, gold, shares, NSC, KVP, salary (for employees)
Common usersBusinesses for short-term cash flow management; salaried individuals for emergency needs; traders for seasonal funding
Revolving natureYes — can be drawn, repaid and drawn again repeatedly within the validity period

2. Cash Credit (CC)

Cash Credit is a specialized working capital facility exclusively for businesses. It is typically secured by the hypothecation of current assets — stock of raw materials, work-in-progress, finished goods, stores and spares, and book debts (outstanding receivables). The maximum drawing limit at any time is based on the Drawing Power (DP) — calculated as a percentage of the value of the hypothecated current assets as declared by the borrower in monthly stock statements.

FeatureDetails
SecurityHypothecation of current assets — stock, raw materials, WIP, finished goods, book debts
Drawing Power (DP)Calculated as: (Value of stock + Book debts at 90 days or less) × Margin %; Drawing limit cannot exceed DP even if sanctioned limit is higher
MarginRBI and bank policies set minimum margin requirements — typically 25-40% depending on the commodity category
Stock StatementBorrowers must submit monthly stock statements to the bank for DP calculation
InterestCharged on daily outstanding debit balance only
RenewalCC limits are typically sanctioned for one year and renewed annually after review of the borrower's financial performance

3. Term Loan

A Term Loan is a loan for a fixed principal amount, disbursed in one or more tranches, and repaid through regular installments (EMI — Equated Monthly Installments or quarterly installments) over a fixed repayment period (tenor).

CategoryTenorCommon Use
Short-Term LoanUp to 1 yearSeasonal working capital, bridge financing
Medium-Term Loan1 to 5 yearsVehicle loans, equipment purchase, small business expansion
Long-Term Loan5 to 30 yearsHome loans (housing), large infrastructure projects, ship financing

4. Demand Loan

A Demand Loan is a loan granted for a fixed amount that is repayable on demand by the bank — there is no fixed repayment schedule and the bank can call back the entire amount at any time with a demand notice. Demand loans are typically sanctioned against marketable securities (shares, bonds, gold) where the bank can quickly liquidate the security if the borrower defaults or if the security value falls below the required margin.

5. Bill Discounting (Inland and Export Bills)

Under Bill Discounting, the bank purchases a trade bill (bill of exchange or promissory note) from the seller (drawer/payee) before its due date, at a discount. The bank pays the seller the face value of the bill minus the discount charge (representing interest for the remaining tenor). At maturity, the bank presents the bill to the buyer (drawee/acceptor) and collects the full face value.

  • Inland Bill Discounting: Bills drawn by domestic sellers on domestic buyers; governed by the Negotiable Instruments Act 1881
  • Export Bill Discounting: Bills drawn by Indian exporters on foreign importers; governed by FEMA and RBI forex regulations; eligible for interest subvention schemes
  • LCBD (Letter of Credit Bill Discounting): Discounting of bills drawn under Letters of Credit — considered safer as the issuing bank guarantees payment

6. Packing Credit

Packing Credit is a pre-shipment export finance facility extended to exporters to enable them to procure raw materials, manufacture, process and pack goods for export, against a confirmed export order or Letter of Credit. It is available at concessional interest rates as part of the government's export promotion policy. After the goods are shipped and the export bill is presented, the packing credit is liquidated against the proceeds of the export bill.

7. Hypothecation Loan (Against Vehicle, Machinery)

Under hypothecation, the borrower creates a charge on movable assets in favour of the bank without transferring possession. The borrower retains use of the asset — a business continues using the hypothecated machinery; an individual continues driving the hypothecated car — but cannot sell it without bank consent. If the borrower defaults, the bank can invoke SARFAESI powers to take possession and sell the hypothecated asset.


Non-Fund Based Credit Facilities

Non-Fund Based facilities are contingent commitments — the bank makes a promise and earns a fee (commission), but deploys no funds unless the customer defaults on their obligation. They appear as "off-balance-sheet" contingent liabilities in the bank's books.

1. Letter of Credit (LC)

A Letter of Credit is a financial instrument issued by a bank (the Issuing Bank) on behalf of a buyer (the Applicant) in favour of a seller (the Beneficiary), promising to pay the seller a specified amount upon presentation of specified documents confirming that the goods have been shipped or the service has been delivered as agreed. LCs eliminate the counterparty risk between trading parties — the seller gets the bank's guarantee of payment (removing reliance on the unknown buyer's creditworthiness) and the buyer gets the assurance that the bank will only pay if the seller presents documents proving delivery of goods as specified.

Parties to an LCRole
Applicant (Buyer)Requests the bank to issue an LC; pays commission to the bank
Issuing BankOpens the LC on behalf of the buyer; commits to pay the beneficiary against compliant documents
Beneficiary (Seller)Receives the LC; ships goods/delivers services; presents documents to claim payment
Advising BankBank in the seller's country that forwards the LC to the beneficiary; may also confirm the LC
Confirming BankAdds its own payment guarantee to the LC (optional); used when seller doesn't trust the issuing bank's country risk
Negotiating BankPurchases the export documents from the beneficiary and presents to the issuing bank for payment

Governing Rules: LCs are governed internationally by UCP 600 (Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, 2007 revision) published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

Types of Letters of Credit

TypeDescription
Revocable LCCan be amended or cancelled by the issuing bank at any time without notice to the beneficiary; rarely used; provides little security to seller
Irrevocable LCCannot be cancelled or amended without the consent of all parties; provides definitive payment assurance to the seller; all modern LCs under UCP 600 are irrevocable by default
Confirmed LCA confirming bank (in seller's country) adds its own payment guarantee — seller can present documents to local confirming bank and receive payment immediately, without waiting for the foreign issuing bank
Back-to-Back LCA second LC opened by an intermediary trader using an existing LC as collateral — enables intermediaries without own funds to complete export transactions
Revolving LCAutomatically reinstates to original value after each utilization — suitable for regular repeat transactions between the same buyer and seller
Standby LCFunctions as a guarantee — payable only on default by the buyer; not intended for routine payment but as a backup assurance
Red Clause LCAllows seller to receive advance payment (pre-shipment finance) before presenting shipping documents; the clause was historically written in red ink
Green Clause LCExtends the Red Clause concept to allow advances against warehouse receipts for goods already manufactured and stored before shipment

2. Bank Guarantee (BG)

A Bank Guarantee is a commitment by a bank to pay the beneficiary (the party in whose favour the guarantee is issued) a specified sum of money if the bank's customer (the principal debtor) fails to fulfil their contractual obligation to the beneficiary. Bank guarantees are widely used in commerce and government procurement to ensure contractor performance.

Type of Bank GuaranteePurposeUsed In
Performance GuaranteeGuarantees that the contractor will complete the project as per contract termsConstruction contracts, engineering projects, turnkey projects
Financial Guarantee (Payment Guarantee)Guarantees that the principal will make specified financial paymentsDeferred payment guarantees, loan guarantees, payment to suppliers
Bid Bond / Tender GuaranteeGuarantees the bidder will honour their bid and sign the contract if selectedGovernment tenders, large procurement; bidder submits BG with bid
Advance Payment GuaranteeProtects the buyer who has paid an advance — if seller fails to deliver, bank refunds the advanceLarge equipment purchases, infrastructure projects
Retention Money GuaranteeReleases retained amounts (usually 5-10% of project value) held by the employer; contractor submits BG to receive retention money before project warranty period expiresConstruction and infrastructure projects
Customs Duty GuaranteeGuarantees payment of customs duty on goods imported under deferred payment schemesImport transactions; in favour of Customs Department

3. Co-Acceptance of Bills

Under Co-Acceptance, the bank co-signs (co-accepts) a trade bill of exchange drawn by the seller on the buyer. The bank's co-acceptance transforms the bill into a bank-guaranteed instrument, making it easier for the seller to discount the bill in the market at lower discount rates. The bank earns a commission for its co-acceptance and bears the contingent liability of paying if the buyer defaults at maturity.


Methods of Creating Security (Charges on Assets)

When banks extend secured credit, they create a legal charge over the borrower's assets as security. Different types of assets require different types of charges:

Type of ChargeAssets CoveredPossession Transferred?Key Point
HypothecationMovable assets — stocks, raw materials, machinery, vehicles, receivablesNo — borrower retains possession and useMost common for business working capital (CC/OD); bank relies on borrower's integrity; inspects periodically; SARFAESI can be invoked on default
PledgeMovable assets — gold jewellery, shares, commodities, documents of title to goodsYes — possession transferred to the bank (bank physically holds the asset)Bank has direct control; on default bank can sell the pledged asset; common for gold loans and loans against shares
MortgageImmovable property — land, buildings, flatsDepends on type of mortgageMost common is Simple Mortgage (borrower promises to sell property on default without transferring possession) and Equitable Mortgage (deposit of title deeds with bank — most used for home loans in India)
LienGoods or securities already in the bank's possessionYes — bank already has possessionBank has the right to retain assets until dues are paid; cannot sell without notice; Banker's Lien extends to all assets of the borrower held by the bank
Set-OffBank deposits / credit balances in the borrower's own accounts with the bankN/A — bank debits the account directlyBank can set off a credit balance in the borrower's savings/FD account against an overdue loan; requires notice in most jurisdictions
AssignmentIntangible assets — insurance policies, book debts, fixed deposit receipts, intellectual property rightsRights transferred, not physical possessionBorrower transfers right to receive proceeds to the bank; life insurance policy assigned to bank as security for home loan is a common example

Key Lending Concepts — Detailed Explanations

EMI — Equated Monthly Installment

An EMI is a fixed amount paid by the borrower to the bank every month throughout the loan repayment period. Each EMI comprises two components: interest on the outstanding loan balance and repayment of a portion of the principal. In the early months, the interest component is higher (because the outstanding principal is large) and the principal repayment component is lower. As the loan progresses, the outstanding principal reduces with each payment, so the interest component falls and the principal component rises — even though the total EMI amount remains constant. This is called the Reducing Balance method of interest calculation and is used for home loans, auto loans and personal loans.

EMI Formula: EMI = [P × r × (1+r)^n] / [(1+r)^n - 1] where P = Principal, r = Monthly interest rate (annual rate / 12), n = Number of monthly installments

Moratorium

A moratorium is a period at the beginning of a loan during which the borrower is not required to make any principal repayments (and sometimes not even interest payments). Moratoriums are common in education loans (students don't repay while studying), project loans (repayment starts only after the project is commissioned and generating cash flows) and home loans under construction (interest-only payments or full moratorium during construction period).

  • Simple Moratorium: No payments at all during the period; interest is capitalized (added to principal)
  • Interest Moratorium: No principal repayment; only interest is paid during the period
  • RBI COVID-19 Moratorium (March-August 2020): RBI allowed all banks to grant a 6-month EMI moratorium to all retail and MSME borrowers due to the COVID-19 economic disruption — the largest national loan moratorium in India's banking history

Amortization

Amortization is the process of gradually paying off a loan through regular installments over time. A fully amortizing loan is one where the regular payments are sufficient to reduce the principal to zero by the end of the loan tenure — the borrower owes nothing at maturity. Amortization schedules (repayment tables) show the breakdown of each payment into interest and principal components, and the declining outstanding balance over the life of the loan.

Bullet Repayment

In a Bullet Repayment structure, the entire principal is repaid as a single lump sum at the end of the loan tenure. During the tenure, the borrower only makes interest payments. Bullet repayment loans are common in the capital markets (bonds typically pay coupons periodically and return the full face value at maturity) and in some project finance structures.

Balloon Payment

A Balloon Payment loan involves regular payments (usually smaller than full amortization would require) throughout the tenure, followed by a large final "balloon" payment to retire the remaining principal. The balloon payment is larger than regular payments but smaller than a bullet repayment. This structure reduces regular payment burden while ensuring some amortization occurs.

DRI Scheme — Differential Rate of Interest

The Differential Rate of Interest (DRI) scheme is a mandated social lending programme under which banks must extend credit to the most economically disadvantaged sections of society at a concessional flat interest rate of 4% per annum.

ParameterDetails
Interest Rate4% per annum flat — regardless of the prevailing market lending rate
Mandatory AllocationBanks must lend at least 1% of their total advances of the previous year under DRI
Within DRIAt least 40% of DRI lending must go to SC/ST borrowers
Maximum LoanRs. 15,000 for agriculture and allied activities; Rs. 15,000 for non-farm activities; Rs. 20,000 for housing
Eligible BorrowersAnnual family income ≤ Rs. 18,000 in rural areas; ≤ Rs. 24,000 in urban/semi-urban areas; SC/ST borrowers with slightly relaxed income norms; beneficiaries of government poverty programs
Applicable BanksAll public sector banks and private sector banks (not RRBs and cooperative banks under separate schemes)

Reverse Mortgage Loan

A Reverse Mortgage Loan is designed for senior citizens aged 60 years and above who own residential property. Instead of the conventional loan where the borrower receives a lump sum and makes monthly payments, in a Reverse Mortgage the bank makes regular monthly payments to the senior citizen borrower and the loan is repaid from the property after the borrower's death or permanent vacating of the property.

ParameterDetails
Eligible BorrowersSenior citizens aged 60 years and above; for joint applicants, spouse aged 55+ is allowed
Maximum Monthly PaymentRs. 50,000 per month
Maximum Loan Tenor20 years
Loan-to-ValueUp to 90% of the property value (RML-specific LTV guidelines from NHB)
RepaymentNo repayment during borrower's lifetime while occupying property; loan repaid from property sale proceeds after death or vacation
Heirs' rightsHeirs can repay the bank and retain the property; if heirs do not repay, the bank sells the property; any surplus after repayment goes to heirs
Governed byNational Housing Bank (NHB) guidelines; RBI Circular on Reverse Mortgage for Senior Citizens 2007

ALCO — Asset Liability Management Committee

The ALCO is a mandatory senior management committee in every bank, responsible for managing the structural risks arising from mismatches between the bank's assets and liabilities in terms of interest rate sensitivity, maturity profile and currency. Key responsibilities of ALCO include:

  • Setting deposit and lending rate pricing strategy in response to RBI policy changes and market conditions
  • Managing the bank's interest rate risk in the banking book (IRRBB) — ensuring that interest rate movements don't adversely squeeze the bank's Net Interest Margin (NIM)
  • Managing liquidity risk — ensuring the bank always has sufficient liquid assets to meet funding obligations
  • Monitoring the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) and Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) compliance
  • Reviewing the maturity profile of assets (loans, investments) and liabilities (deposits, borrowings) to identify and manage gaps
  • Reporting to the Board's Risk Management Committee on balance sheet risk

Evolution of Lending Rate Benchmarks in India

The interest rate at which banks lend has evolved through four distinct phases in India — each change made lending rates more transparent and responsive to RBI monetary policy decisions.

BenchmarkPeriodBasis of CalculationKey Problem
BPLR (Benchmark Prime Lending Rate)Before July 1, 2010Each bank computed its own BPLR based on average cost of funds plus margin; no standardized formula; banks could lend below BPLR to large corporatesCompletely opaque; massive sub-BPLR lending to large corporates; retail and small borrowers cross-subsidized corporate lending; RBI policy rate changes had almost no effect on lending rates
Base RateJuly 1, 2010 - March 31, 2016Standardized RBI formula: average cost of funds + negative carry on CRR and SLR + operating expenses + profit margin; banks cannot lend below Base Rate except specified exemptionsBased on average (not marginal) cost of funds — average cost changes slowly; when RBI cut repo rate, banks were slow to reduce Base Rate; poor monetary policy transmission
MCLR (Marginal Cost of Funds Based Lending Rate)April 1, 2016 - September 30, 2019Four components: Marginal cost of funds (92% marginal borrowing + 8% return on equity) + Negative carry on CRR + Operating costs + Tenor premium; published monthly for all standard tenuresImproved but still an internal benchmark with bank discretion; one-year maximum reset period meant borrowers waited up to 12 months for benefits of RBI rate cuts; transmission incomplete
External Benchmark Rate (EBR)October 1, 2019 onwardsMandatory link to external, publicly observable benchmark: RBI Repo Rate (chosen by most banks), 91-day T-Bill yield, 182-day T-Bill yield, or any FBIL rate; reset mandatory every 3 monthsMost transparent; fastest and most complete monetary policy transmission; when RBI changes repo rate, borrowers benefit within the next reset cycle (maximum 3 months)

Who Still Uses Base Rate and MCLR?

The EBR mandate applies to all new floating rate retail loans and MSME loans sanctioned from October 1, 2019 onwards. Existing loans linked to BPLR, Base Rate or MCLR continue to operate under those benchmarks until the borrower exercises the option to switch to EBR (usually subject to a one-time conversion fee). Banks are required to provide existing borrowers the option to switch to EBR on mutually agreeable terms.


Special Lending Programmes

ProgrammeDescriptionKey Exam Point
Consortium LendingMultiple banks jointly finance a single large borrower — one bank is the lead bank (consortium leader) and others participate; used when the loan is too large for a single bank's prudential exposure limitsLead bank coordinates appraisal, documentation and monitoring; individual banks share risk proportionally to their participation
Syndicated LendingSimilar to consortium lending but more formal structure; an arranger bank markets the loan to other banks globally; each participant lender has a direct legal relationship with the borrower; more flexible than consortiumCommon for very large international loans; loan agreement is a single document; each bank funds its share independently
Bridge LoanShort-term loan to bridge a funding gap — typically to cover an immediate payment need while permanent financing (equity issue, term loan) is being arrangedShort tenor, higher interest rate; repaid when permanent financing arrives
Take-out FinancingAn arrangement where the long-term lender (typically an infrastructure finance institution) agrees in advance to take out (purchase) the loan from a bank after a specified period — allowing banks to provide long-term project financing without locking up funds permanentlyDeveloped to help Indian banks fund long-tenor infrastructure projects; promoted by IIFCL (India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited)
Microfinance LoansVery small loans (typically Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 3 lakh) to low-income borrowers — often women in rural and semi-urban areas — through Self-Help Group (SHG) or Joint Liability Group (JLG) models; no collateral required; repaid weekly or fortnightlyRegulated by RBI under NBFC-MFI framework; interest rate cap applies; qualifying assets: loan to single borrower not exceeding Rs. 3 lakh

Memory Tricks — Loans and Advances

Remember Fund vs Non-Fund Based

Trick: Fund-Based = Bank GIVES money (OD, CC, Term Loan, Bill Discounting). Non-Fund Based = Bank PROMISES money (LC, BG). When you GIVE, funds flow. When you PROMISE, only the word flows — funds flow only on default. GIVE vs PROMISE.

Remember Types of Security

Trick: HPM = Hypothecation (movable, NO possession transfer), Pledge (movable, possession transferred), Mortgage (Immovable property). H-P-M, like HiPpoMouse — H for Hypo (movable no transfer), P for Pledge (movable with transfer), M for Mortgage (immovable).

Remember LC Types

Trick: All modern LCs under UCP 600 are IRREVOCABLE by default. Confirmed = double guarantee (issuing bank + confirming bank). Revolving = automatically refills. Red Clause = advance before shipment (written in red historically).

Remember MCLR Components

Trick: MNOT — Marginal cost of funds, Negative carry on CRR, Operating costs, Tenor premium. "Must Not Overlook These" four components when calculating MCLR.

Remember Benchmark Evolution

Trick: BPLR → Base Rate (July 2010) → MCLR (April 2016) → EBR (October 2019). Each step = more transparent + faster transmission. Date pattern: 2010, 2016, 2019.


One-Liners for Quick Revision

  • Overdraft: withdrawal beyond balance; interest on daily utilized amount only; linked to current/savings account.
  • Cash Credit: working capital; drawing limit based on current assets (stock + book debts); interest on daily balance.
  • Term Loan: fixed amount; fixed tenure; repaid through regular EMIs; for capital expenditure.
  • Demand Loan: repayable on demand by bank; no fixed schedule; against marketable securities.
  • Bill Discounting: bank buys bill at discount; collects full face value at maturity; immediate liquidity to seller.
  • LC governed by UCP 600 (International Chamber of Commerce rules).
  • All LCs under UCP 600 are irrevocable by default.
  • BG types: Performance, Financial, Bid Bond, Advance Payment, Retention Money, Customs Duty.
  • Hypothecation: movable assets; no possession transfer to bank.
  • Pledge: movable assets; possession transferred to bank.
  • Mortgage: immovable property; equitable mortgage (title deed deposit) most common in India.
  • Assignment: intangible assets — insurance policies, book debts, FD receipts.
  • EMI: fixed monthly payment = interest + principal; reducing balance method.
  • DRI scheme: flat 4% per annum; banks must lend 1% of total advances under DRI.
  • DRI within SC/ST: at least 40% of DRI lending to SC/ST borrowers.
  • Reverse Mortgage: for seniors aged 60+; max payment Rs. 50,000/month; max tenor 20 years; governed by NHB.
  • ALCO manages: interest rate risk, liquidity risk, currency risk in the bank's balance sheet.
  • BPLR: replaced by Base Rate on July 1, 2010.
  • Base Rate: replaced by MCLR on April 1, 2016.
  • EBR mandatory: from October 1, 2019; reset every 3 months; linked to Repo Rate.
  • Most banks chose RBI Repo Rate as their external benchmark under EBR.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a term loan and a cash credit?
A Term Loan is a loan for a fixed amount, disbursed in full (or in tranches for project loans), and repaid through fixed installments (EMI) over a defined repayment period. The principal reduces with each payment and the loan is fully paid off at the end of the tenure. Term loans are used for capital expenditure — buying machinery, vehicles, buildings or funding project construction. A Cash Credit (CC) is a revolving working capital facility where the borrower is given a drawing limit (sanctioned limit) against the hypothecation of current assets like stock-in-trade or book debts. The borrower draws and repays freely within this limit as their business cash flows permit — it is like an overdraft tied to the borrower's current asset value. Interest is charged only on the daily outstanding balance. Cash credit is used for day-to-day business funding needs.
What is the difference between an overdraft and a cash credit?
Both overdraft (OD) and cash credit (CC) are revolving facilities where interest is charged only on the utilized amount. The key difference lies in the security basis. An Overdraft is usually granted against the security of fixed assets (property, FD, insurance policy, shares) or based purely on the customer's creditworthiness and banking relationship — it is attached to a current or savings account and represents the right to withdraw beyond the account balance. Cash Credit is specifically granted against the hypothecation of current assets (stock, raw materials, work-in-progress, finished goods, book debts) — the drawing limit fluctuates with the borrower's current asset position as verified through periodic stock statements submitted to the bank.
What is a Non-Fund Based credit facility?
Non-Fund Based credit facilities are commitments and contingent liabilities where the bank does not immediately part with any cash — instead, the bank substitutes its own credit for the customer's credit by making a promise or guarantee of payment. No money leaves the bank when a non-fund based facility is sanctioned. The bank's funds are deployed only if the customer fails to perform their contractual obligation and the bank is called upon to honour its commitment. The two main types are: Letters of Credit (LC) — where the bank guarantees payment to a seller/exporter on behalf of the buyer/importer upon presentation of specified documents — and Bank Guarantees (BG) — where the bank promises to pay the guarantee beneficiary if the bank's customer fails to fulfil the guaranteed obligation. Non-fund based facilities generate fee income for banks (commission) without consuming balance sheet funds.
What is the DRI scheme?
DRI stands for Differential Rate of Interest. It is a government-mandated concessional lending scheme under which public sector banks and private sector banks are required to extend credit to the economically weakest sections of society at a flat interest rate of 4% per annum. Banks are required to lend at least 1% of their previous year's total advances under the DRI scheme. Eligible borrowers include SC/ST communities, agricultural labourers and rural artisans with an annual family income below specified poverty thresholds. The maximum loan amount under DRI is Rs. 15,000 for agriculture and allied activities and Rs. 15,000 for non-farm activities. The DRI scheme is funded by banks themselves — it is a mandated social responsibility lending requirement, not a government subsidy scheme.
What is a Reverse Mortgage Loan?
A Reverse Mortgage Loan is a specialized credit product for senior citizens that allows them to unlock the equity value of their residential property without selling it or leaving it. In a regular mortgage, the borrower takes a loan and makes monthly payments to the bank to gradually repay it. In a Reverse Mortgage, the flow is reversed — the bank makes regular monthly payments to the senior citizen borrower against the mortgage of their home. The borrower does not need to make any repayments during their lifetime as long as they occupy the mortgaged property. The loan, along with accumulated interest, is repaid from the sale proceeds of the property after the death of the borrower or when the borrower permanently vacates the property. Any surplus after repayment goes to the borrower's legal heirs. Reverse Mortgage Loans are governed by the National Housing Bank (NHB) guidelines. Maximum monthly payment is Rs. 50,000 and maximum loan period is 20 years.
What is Bill Discounting?
Bill Discounting is a short-term trade finance facility where a bank purchases a bill of exchange or a promissory note from a seller (drawer) before its maturity date, at a discount to its face value. The seller gets immediate liquidity — the bank pays the face value of the bill minus the discount (which represents the interest cost for the period from discounting to maturity). The bank holds the bill and collects the full face value from the buyer (drawee or acceptor) when the bill matures. For example, if a supplier has drawn a bill for Rs. 1,00,000 due in 90 days, the bank might discount it at 8% per annum and pay the supplier approximately Rs. 98,000 immediately. After 90 days, the bank collects Rs. 1,00,000 from the buyer. This is especially useful for exporters and suppliers with long credit periods extended to buyers.
What is the ALCO and what does it do?
ALCO stands for Asset Liability Management Committee. It is an internal bank committee — typically comprising the CEO, CFO, CRO, Treasurer and heads of key business lines — responsible for managing the structural risks arising from mismatches between the bank's assets (loans, investments) and liabilities (deposits, borrowings). The key risks managed by ALCO include interest rate risk in the banking book (IRRBB — risk that changes in market interest rates will adversely affect the bank's net interest margin or economic value), liquidity risk (risk of inability to fund obligations at reasonable cost), and currency risk (for banks with significant forex exposures). ALCO reviews the bank's maturity profile of assets and liabilities, sets internal limits on gaps and mismatches, decides pricing strategy for deposits and loans, and recommends actions to manage balance sheet risk.
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