15 Compliance Gaps That Can Put NBFCs Under RBI Scrutiny

15 Compliance Gaps That Can Put NBFCs Under RBI Scrutiny

In the last two years, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed penalties on several Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) — not for fraud or major violations, but for avoidable compliance gaps.

These lapses often stem from routine operational oversights — outdated KYC records, incomplete AML checks, weak outsourcing controls, or delayed regulatory reporting. Even well-managed NBFCs can fall behind as regulations evolve and operations scale rapidly.

To stay ahead of RBI scrutiny, it’s crucial to identify and fix compliance gaps before they become violations.


⚠️ Common Compliance Gaps NBFCs Should Review

Here are some key areas where most NBFCs face compliance challenges:

  1. Outdated or incomplete KYC documentation
    – Inadequate periodic KYC updates and missing verification data.

  2. Weak Anti-Money Laundering (AML) controls
    – Inconsistent transaction monitoring and insufficient suspicious transaction reporting.

  3. Improper outsourcing arrangements
    – Lack of defined service level agreements, due diligence, and oversight for outsourced partners.

  4. Incomplete or unclear co-lending agreements
    – Missing clauses on risk-sharing, grievance handling, and data security in co-lending partnerships.

  5. Gaps in governance and board oversight
    – Infrequent board reviews, delayed compliance reporting, and weak risk assessment frameworks.

  6. Delayed regulatory filings and returns
    – Missing RBI deadlines for monthly, quarterly, or annual returns.

  7. Inadequate grievance redressal mechanism
    – Poor documentation and follow-up of customer complaints.

  8. Insufficient IT and cybersecurity policies
    – Failure to align with RBI’s digital lending and data protection norms.

  9. Incomplete fair practice code implementation
    – Lack of transparency in interest rate disclosure or borrower communication.

  10. Improper classification of loans and NPAs
    – Non-compliance with revised asset classification and provisioning norms.

  11. Delayed internal and statutory audits
    – Failure to conduct timely audits or act on key audit observations.

  12. Weak credit appraisal and underwriting standards
    – Missing documentation and inconsistent evaluation practices.

  13. Poor record retention and data management
    – Non-compliance with RBI’s record retention and digital storage requirements.

  14. Inadequate risk management framework
    – Missing policies for liquidity, market, or operational risk management.

  15. Lack of compliance culture
    – Compliance viewed as a reactive task rather than a proactive governance function.


🧩 Why Compliance Gaps Matter

Even a minor compliance lapse can trigger RBI audits, monetary penalties, and reputational damage. For NBFCs, especially those expanding into digital lending, co-lending, or fintech partnerships, regulatory vigilance is no longer optional — it’s essential for sustainability.

A structured compliance health check can help identify weaknesses early and ensure your operations stay aligned with the latest RBI guidelines.


✅ Get Expert Help with NBFC Compliance

At Induce India, we help NBFCs strengthen their compliance framework through:

  • Comprehensive compliance reviews and gap analysis

  • KYC/AML audits and RBI reporting support

  • Governance, documentation, and audit assistance

  • Advisory for co-lending and digital lending compliance

Stay compliant. Stay ahead of RBI scrutiny.

📞 Contact us for a free consultation:
+91 93113 47006


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