The Reserve Bank of India has released updated directions for commercial banks on Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR). The 2025 amendments consolidate earlier instructions, align with recent legislative changes, and aim to strengthen liquidity discipline, compliance, and reporting standards across the banking sector.
The new framework references revisions under the Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025, including updates to Section 42 of the RBI Act, 1934, and Sections 18 and 24 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The directions unify computation and reporting requirements for CRR and SLR, ensuring consistency across banks. Analysts note that the move enhances clarity, reduces compliance fragmentation, and supports monetary stability. The amendments also harmonize definitions of net demand and time liabilities (NDTL), approved securities, and statutory returns, echoing similar updates issued for small finance banks earlier this year.
Notable updates
• RBI issues consolidated CRR and SLR directions for commercial banks, effective November 28, 2025
• Aligns with Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 revisions to RBI Act and Banking Regulation Act
• Streamlines computation, reporting, and compliance requirements for CRR and SLR
• Harmonizes definitions of NDTL, liabilities, and approved securities across banking categories
• Analysts highlight improved liquidity discipline and supervisory clarity for the sector
Major takeaway
The RBI’s 2025 amendment directions modernize CRR and SLR compliance, reinforcing liquidity management and aligning banking practices with updated legislation.
Sources: Reserve Bank of India Circulars, Economic Times, Financial Express