RBI tightens ECB norms to control falling rupee

24 Nov 2011 Evaluate

In order to control the declining trend of rupee against dollar, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) directed Indian companies to bring back offshore funds, raised via external commercial borrowing (ECBs) for the purpose of domestic business expenditure. Those funds need to be deposited with Indian banks.

The RBI said, 'the proceeds of the ECB raised abroad for rupee expenditure in India, such as, local sourcing of capital goods, on-lending to self-help groups or for micro credit, payment for spectrum allocation etc. should be brought immediately for credit to rupee accounts with AD category I banks in India.’

Besides, the RBI said these ECB proceeds cannot be used for investment in capital markets, real estate or for inter-corporate lending.  However, ECB proceeds meant only for foreign currency expenditure can be retained in abroad.

The rupee-dollar movement is a function of demand and supply, this step by the central bank is expected to strengthen rupee against dollar. Bringing back of money from abroad will create demand for rupee against the dollar, which in turn will help rupee to rise against the greenback.

Analysts are of the view that the measures taken by the RBI will stop rupee’s depreciation to an extent as some exporters and project finance companies seem to be holding back their money rise via ECBs in overseas. In the anticipation of further rupee depreciation, they are not bringing it now. For instance, if any firm takes a loan via ECB when rupee is at 48 per dollar, with rupee at 52, they will get benefit of Rs 4 per dollar.

In another move, the RBI has increased the ceiling of ECB rate. Firms can now borrow foreign funds at a higher rate at six months London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 350 basis points compared to LIBOR plus 300 basis points earlier, for an average maturity period of three to five years. For maturity period of more than five years, rates remain unchanged at 6 month LIBOR plus 500 bps. The enhancement in ceiling will be applicable up to March 31, 2012.

The change in rates is aimed at encouraging firms to raise more funds through ECBs, thereby bringing that money back to India. Sequentially, it will prompt dollar selling against the rupee. However, firms are less likely to go for more ECBs as the hedging cost is also very high in current condition.

The ECBs enable firms to borrow at a cheaper rate as domestic interest rates are costlier than international rates. However, RBI sets ceiling of ECB borrowing rate as excessive borrowings via ECBs will lead to drying up foreign exchange reserve, as firm borrowing funds via ECBs are required to repay their loans only in foreign currency. On November 23, rupee touched its lowest level of Rs 52.73 per dollar. This decline in rupee is expected to push inflation and adversely affect the capital market. 

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