The Reserve Bank of India released the draft Foreign Exchange Management (Establishment in India of a Branch or Office) Regulations, 2025, proposing a streamlined framework for foreign entities seeking to open branches or offices in India. The draft aims to simplify compliance, enhance transparency, and empower Authorized Dealer (AD) banks by decentralizing approval processes. Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback to help modernize India’s foreign exchange landscape and boost ease of doing business.
Draft Framework Overview
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Clear guidelines on foreign entities establishing branches/offices in India.
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Emphasis on simplifying regulatory requirements.
Empowerment of AD Banks
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Increased delegation for faster decision-making.
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Reduced RBI intervention for routine approvals.
Public Consultation
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Open feedback submission period to refine regulations.
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Invites stakeholder participation for balanced policy design.
Sources: RBI Official Release, Majmudar India, ELP Law, Taxmann