The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated September 2, 2024, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹31,80,000 (Rupees Thirty one lakh eighty thousand only) on BNP Paribas (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Interest Rate on Advances’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47 A (1) (c) read with Sections 46 (4) (i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

The Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE 2023) of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions.

After considering the bank’s reply to the notice, additional submissions made by it and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty. The bank failed to adopt uniform external benchmark within the same loan category in respect of certain loans.

The action is based on deficiencies in statutory and regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

(Puneet Pancholy)  
Chief General Manager

Press Release: 2024-2025/1104