RBI tells rating firms to stop naming it as deposit regulator

The Reserve Bank of India has asked credit rating agencies to stop identifying it as the regulator of bank deposits in their rating communications, The Economic Times reported, citing two people aware of the development. The directive, issued about ten days ago, creates a compliance problem for rating agencies because a February 2026 circular from the Securities and Exchange Board of India requires them to name the financial-sector regulator for the rated instrument.

If RBI cannot be named as the regulator, rating agencies may eventually stop issuing ratings on bank deposits, according to the report. The central bank has not publicly explained its reason. Rating agencies have approached SEBI for guidance. Livemint said the move could affect how institutional depositors assess bank credit risk, though retail depositors rarely consult such ratings. Eligible deposits remain insured by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation up to Rs 5 lakh per depositor per bank.

The immediate uncertainty is whether bank deposit ratings will continue. A regulatory official told ET that RBI may not want depositors' decisions to be governed by the fact that deposits are under its regulation. The outcome will depend on guidance from SEBI and any further clarification from RBI.