The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has accorded the Self Regulatory Organisation (SRO) for NBFC-MFIs status to Micro Finance Institutions Network (MFIN). This makes MFIN, the association of the micro-finance industry, the first RBI recognised SRO in the country and is likely to promote responsible lending and client protection.
The central bank’s decision was based on the recommendations made by a sub-committee under the chairmanship of Y H Malegam which was set up by the apex bank to look into regulatory aspects of micro-lending following the Andhra Pradesh microfinance crisis of 2010.
Earlier, in November, the RBI had notified that it would accord recognition to industry associations as self regulatory organisations for companies that are engaged in micro finance such as Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC) and Micro Finance Institutions (MFI). Subsequently, the central bank had invited applications for recognition as SROs.
The central bank, in its notification, had stated that in order to become an SRO, the association will have to adhere to a set of functions and responsibilities such as formulating and administering a code of conduct, ensuring borrower protection, having a grievance and dispute redressal mechanism for clients, monitoring compliance by NBFC-MFIs with the regulatory framework, and submission of its financials and annual report among others. RBI further notified that an industry body should have independent directors comprising at least a third of its board, and representation of both small and large micro-lenders on the governing council.
MoneyWorks4Me is a SEBI-registered Investment Adviser (IA) dedicated to helping investors build long-term wealth through transparent, research-driven, conflict-free guidance. Founded in 2008, we started our journey as a Research Analyst (RA), providing deep fundamental analysis, intrinsic value insights, and long-term investing frameworks for Indian equities. In 2017, we transitioned to a full-fledged SEBI-registered Investment Adviser, strengthening our commitment to acting as a fiduciary—always putting the investor’s interest first.
To become India’s most trusted, research-powered fiduciary advisory platform—where every investor, regardless of experience, can make calm, confident, and well-reasoned investment decisions.
MoneyWorks4Me ensures this through: