NRIs Get Tax Relief on Mutual Fund Gains Under ITAT Ruling

The Mumbai Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has delivered a significant judgment that offers tax relief to non-resident Indians (NRIs) residing in Singapore. It ruled that capital gains earned from Indian mutual fund units by such NRIs will not be taxed in India. 

This decision is based on the India-Singapore Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), providing clarity and potential savings for global Indian investors.

Details of the ITAT’s Ruling

The ruling stems from the case of Anushka Sanjay Shah, an NRI residing in Singapore. During the assessment year 2022–23, Shah earned ₹1.35 crore in short-term capital gains from the sale of equity and debt mutual fund units. She claimed that, being a Singapore tax resident, the capital gains should not be taxable in India under Article 13(5) of the DTAA.

However, the Assessing Officer (AO) rejected her claim, treating mutual fund units as equivalent to shares of Indian companies and attempted to tax the entire amount.

ITAT Ruling Resolves Core Dispute of Shares vs Mutual Fund Units

At the heart of the issue was whether mutual fund units could be classified as “shares” under the tax treaty. Article 13(5) of the DTAA allows India to tax capital gains only if they arise from shares in an Indian company. The AO contended that mutual fund units should be treated similarly, making them taxable.

But the ITAT rejected this view, emphasising that mutual funds in India are created as trusts and not companies under SEBI regulations. Since the term “share” is not defined in the DTAA, and mutual fund units are not treated as shares under the Companies Act, they cannot be taxed under Article 13(5)(b).

Broader Implications

This judgment not only impacts NRIs in Singapore but could also influence similar cases involving NRIs in countries like Switzerland and the UAE with DTAAs in place. The ruling reinforces the distinction between mutual fund units and equity shares in tax treatment.

Conclusion

The ITAT’s decision brings clarity and relief for NRIs investing in Indian mutual funds, shielding them from double taxation. However, gains from Indian equities remain taxable. This ruling may also prompt policymakers to review treaty terms to prevent misuse while maintaining fair tax practices.

Read more on: Jio Financial Shares in Focus: Board to Discuss Q4 Results and Dividend on Apr 17

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Tata Elxsi Share Price in Focus in Anticipation of FY25 Dividend Declaration

Tata Elxsi share price will remain in focus on Tuesday. It is a global design and technology services arm of the Tata Group. It is gearing up for a key announcement this week. As per news reports, the company will declare its Q4 FY25 earnings and potentially recommend a final dividend for the financial year on Thursday, April 17, 2025. 

According to its regulatory filing dated April 8, the meeting of the Board of Directors will review the audited financial results for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2025.

Strong Track Record of Dividends

Tata Elxsi has built a reputation as a consistent dividend-paying company. In FY24, it issued its highest-ever final dividend of ₹70 per share, following ₹60.60 in 2023, ₹42.50 in 2022, and ₹24 in 2021 — all on a face value of ₹10 per share. 

Currently, the company boasts a dividend yield of 1.47%, as per BSE data. While the record date for the upcoming dividend is yet to be announced, it is expected to be disclosed alongside the Q4 results.

Tata Elxsi Share Price Under Pressure

Despite its operational strengths, Tata Elxsi share price has had a turbulent run. Over the past 5 trading sessions, the stock has dipped around 8%, and over the past month, it is down 10%. 

The downward trend extends further, with the stock plummeting nearly 37% over the past six months. On a year-to-date basis, it has shed about 30%, trading close to its 52-week low of ₹4,700 — a far cry from its 52-week high of ₹9,080.

At 10.02 AM, Tata Elxsi share price was up 1.92% and was trading at ₹4,843.50.

What Tata Elxsi Brings to the Table

Unlike traditional IT services firms, Tata Elxsi is at the forefront of design-led innovation and engineering, offering solutions across automotive engineering, healthcare, broadcast media, embedded systems, and mobility. Its specialised services have positioned it as a niche player in the tech landscape.

Conclusion

With its Q4 results and a possible dividend announcement due, all eyes are on Tata Elxsi this Thursday. While the stock performance has been weak, long-term investors are watching closely for signs of financial resilience and continued shareholder rewards.

Read more on: NTPC to Add 30 GW Thermal Power by 2031-32 Amid Rising Demand


Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Best Shipping Stocks in India in April 2025: GE Shipping Co, SCI, and More Based on 5Y CAGR

India’s extensive 7,517 km coastline is dotted with over 200 ports, including 12 major ones. These ports are crucial for the nation’s economy, handling most of its external trade, accounting for approximately 95% of the volume and 68% of the value.

The total cargo handling capacity of Indian ports is substantial, reaching around 2400 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).

Furthermore, India holds a significant position in the global maritime industry. It ranks among the top 5 countries for ship recycling, commanding about 30% of the global market share. In terms of shipping tonnage, India holds the 18th rank globally and is the 16th largest maritime country. Let us explore India’s topmost shipping stocks!

Top Shipping Stocks in India – 5Y CAGR Basis

Name 5Y CAGR (%)
GE Shipping Co 18.51
S C I 18.51
ABS Marine 20.01
Seacoast Ship. 28.33
Sadhav 14.15

Note: The list of best shipping stocks has been selected based on the market cap of over 1,000 crore and sorted based on 5Y CAGR as of April 11, 2025. 

Overview of Best Shipping Stocks in India

GE Shipping Co

Great Eastern Shipping (GE Shipping), founded in 1948, is India’s largest private shipping company (FY24). It operates 43 ships for oil, gas, and dry bulk transport, and 23 offshore assets via Greatship India Ltd. In Q3FY24, GE Shipping raised ₹2150 crore through NCDs, converting them into USD loans.

The company’s revenue decreased from ₹1,011 Crore in Sep-24 to ₹878.50 Crore in Dec-24. The company’s net profit increased from ₹564.97 Cr in Sep-24 to ₹678.63 Crore in Dec-24. The company’s total revenue for FY23-24 was ₹4,164.79 Crore and its net profit was ₹2,316.34 Crore

Key metrics:

  • EPS: ₹184.82
  • ROE: 23.38%

Shipping Corporation of India

SCI, a “Navratna” company, is India’s largest shipper with a diverse fleet of 59 vessels. It transports goods and passengers, with tankers being the largest segment (67% of revenue in 9M FY24). SCI focuses on acquiring second-hand vessels and expanding its coastal liner services. India accounts for 77% of its revenue (FY23).

The company’s revenue decreased from ₹1,450.63 Crore in Sep-24 to ₹1,302.97 Crore in Dec-24. The company’s net profit significantly decreased from ₹290.22 Cr in Sep-24 to ₹64.80 Crore in Dec-24. The company’s total revenue for FY23-24 was ₹5,046.04 Crore and its net profit was ₹612.15 Crore.

Key metrics:

  • EPS: ₹20.05
  • ROE:12.43%

ABS Marine Ltd

ABS Marine (est. 1992) offers diverse shipping services. In FY24, it owned 5 ships, managed 36, and had 1 chartered vessel. Revenue came mainly from ship management (~67%) and charter hire (~32%). Listed on NSE Emerge in May 2024 after a ₹96.25 crore IPO. Ananthanarayanan became CFO in August 2024.

The company reported a net profit of ₹8.10 Cr for the quarter, with a profit variation of 20.01%.

Key metrics:

  • EPS: ₹10.81
  • ROE: 23.02%

Seacoast Shipping

Seacoast Shipping (est. 2005) is a major Gujarat freight forwarder, specialising in agri-exports and handling over 5 MT annually. They offer clearing, forwarding, freight broking, and global dry bulk transport. Clients include Welspun and Reliance. The company plans to buy a dry bulk ship for India-Africa trade and focuses on emerging markets and digital transformation.

The company’s quarterly net profit was ₹7.00 Cr, showing a significant profit variation of 39.44%.

Key metrics:

  • EPS: ₹0.41
  • ROE: 17.53%

Sadhav Shipping

Sadhav Shipping (est. 1996) owns and operates 22 vessels, offering offshore logistics, port services (including oil spill response), and ship management. Top 5 clients, including ONGC (43%), contribute 80% of revenue. The company has a strong order book (₹400 Cr+ as of July 2024) and listed on NSE Emerge in March 2024.

The company’s quarterly net profit was ₹7.00 Cr, showing a significant profit variation of 39.44%.

Key metrics:

  • EPS: ₹6.71
  • ROE:14.41%

Top Shipping Stocks in India in in April 2025 – ROCE Basis

Name ROCE %
Essar Shipping 204.88
Transworld Shipp 178.49
Seacoast Ship. 39.44
Global Offshore 23.1
Sadhav 11.79

Note: The list of best shipping stocks has been selected based on the market cap of over 1,000 crore and sorted based on return on capital employed as of April 11, 2025.

Top Shipping Stocks in India in April 2025 – Market Cap Basis

Name Market Cap (₹crore)
GE Shipping Co 5.18
S C I 8.57
Transworld Shipp 14.37
Essar Shipping 29.73
ABS Marine 10.2

Note: The list of best shipping stocks has been selected based on the market cap of over 1,000 crore as of April 11, 2025.

Conclusion

In conclusion, India’s robust port and shipping industry, driven by strong external trade, presents several compelling investment opportunities. Based on a 5-year CAGR, ABS Marine and Seacoast Shipping have shown notable growth. However, considering ROCE, Essar Shipping and Transworld Shipping lead. Market capitalization also highlights GE Shipping and SCI as major players. Investors should consider these diverse metrics for informed decisions in this dynamic sector.

Read more on: Best Logistics Stocks in India in April 2025


Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Here’s How Credit Card Closure May Impact Your Credit Score

Credit card closure may impact your credit score, depending on various factors. This includes your credit use, holding period, remaining dues, and past payment history. As per recent news reports, nearly 33% of digital domestic transactions in 2024 were made using credit cards. This makes it important for you to understand the financial repercussions of credit card closure on your credit score. 

When to Think About Credit Card Closure

Deciding to cancel a credit card needs thought. Here are some important points to consider based on your financial situation: 

  1. High Yearly Fees: You should perform a cost-benefit analysis on your premium cards that charge you big yearly fees. Ask yourself: Are the benefits worth the cost? If not, it may be wise to close the card. 
  2. Avoid Debt Trap: If a card makes you spend too much and get into debt, closing it can help you control your finances again. 
  3. Managing Multiple Cards: Using too many cards can be confusing. They can also increase the chance of financial problems. This includes fraud, debt, and stress about payments. Therefore, you should close credit cards you don’t need.
  4. Life Changing Events: Events like divorce might mean closing shared cards. This important because unpaid credit card bills can quickly become a big problem. In such cases, credit card closure can simplify your finances. 

How to Lower the Impact on Your Credit Score

To reduce the effect of closing a credit card on your credit score, keep these points in mind:

Clear Off Remaining Dues

Make sure you pay all your dues before you cancel. This avoids extra charges and interest.

Redistribute Credit Utilisation

Move the credit limit from the closed card to another active card. This helps keep your credit use at a healthy level.

Avoid Closing Multiple Cards at Short Notice

Closing many cards at once can hurt your credit use and the age of your accounts. Close cards slowly, with time in between.

Try to Keep Older Cards Active

If somebody closes an old credit card with a high limit, their credit score might drop. Keeping old cards with a long history is good for your credit record. It can even improve your score. 

Carefully Monitor Your Credit Report

After closing a card, check your credit report. Make sure the closure is correct and look for any mistakes.

Remember to Redeem Reward Points 

Use any points or benefits you’ve earned on the card before you close it. This way, you get the most from your card’s history.

Conclusion

Cancelling a credit card requires a thoughtful approach. It’s not a decision to be taken lightly, as it can have repercussions on your financial health, particularly your credit score. By thinking about these things, you can decide about cancelling credit cards wisely. This will help you avoid hurting your credit score.

Read more on: Nadda to Launch Ayushman Bharat Scheme During Odisha Visit

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Top Gainers and Losers on April 11, 2025: Hindalco & JSW Steel Shine

On April 11, 2025, the BSE Sensex was up by 1.77%, closing at 75,157.26, while the Nifty50 was up by 1.92% at 22,828.55.

Top Gainers of the Day

Symbol LTP %chng
HINDALCO 601.8 6.7
JSWSTEEL 992.7 4.99
TATASTEEL 133.47 4.95
COALINDIA 391.85 4.6
JIOFIN 230.4 4.29

  • Hindalco

HINDALCO share price opened at ₹585 and gained 2.86% to close at ₹601.80. 

  • JSW Steel

JSW Steel share price opened at ₹972.45 and gained 2.07% to close at ₹992.70. 

  • Tata Steel

Tata Steel share price opened at ₹134.67 and gained 2.65% to close at ₹138.47. 

  • Coal India

Coal India share price opened at ₹389.95 and gained 0.49% to close at ₹391.85. 

  • Jio Financial Services

Jio Finance share price opened at ₹225.78 and gained 2.06% to close at ₹230.40.

Top Losers of the Day

Symbol LTP %chng
ASIANPAINT 2,393.00 -0.75
APOLLOHOSP 6,798.00 -0.53
TCS 3,238.00 -0.26

  • Asian Paints

Asian Paints share price opened at ₹2,439.50 and declined 0.75% to close at ₹2,393.00. The stock has faced challenges due to rising raw material costs and increased competition.

  • Apollo Hospitals

Apollo Hospitals share price opened at ₹6,822.70 and declined 0.53% to close at ₹6,798.00. The company has been under pressure due to margin concerns arising from increased raw material prices and intensified competition.

  • TCS

TCS share price opened at ₹3,289.55 and declined 0.26% to close at ₹3,238.00. The stock hit a 52-week low in February amid global economic concerns and trade tensions.

Conclusion

Today’s top movers show just how fast the market can shift—driven by earnings buzz, economic signals, and global trends. For investors, staying sharp and reading the trends is key before jumping in.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Hindustan Copper Share Prices Rise After Mine Operations Resume

Hindustan Copper share price rose up to 3.33% on Friday, April 11, 2025, hitting an intraday high of ₹203 per share. This rise followed the announcement of the resumption of ore production at the Kolihan copper mine in Khetri Copper Complex, Rajasthan. At 2.34 PM, its share price was up 1.20% and was trading at ₹198.60.

In a regulatory filing, HCL stated, “It is informed that ore production at Kolihan copper mine of Khetri copper complex, Khetrinagar, Rajasthan (a unit of Hindustan copper Ltd) has resumed today i.e. 10.04.2025.” The mine had been inactive before this announcement.

Strategic Partnership with Chilean Firm

Earlier in April, HCL signed a cooperation agreement with Corporación Nacional del Cobre, Chile. This deal aims to explore joint activities in the export and development of mining properties and mineral processing.

The agreement focuses on knowledge sharing and enhancing capabilities for both companies. It is not legally binding but expresses current mutual interests.

Financial Performance in Q3 FY25

In Q3 FY25, Hindustan Copper posted a 21.44% drop in consolidated net profit. The net profit stood at ₹63 crore, compared to ₹80.2 crore in Q3 FY24. Revenue from operations also fell to ₹399.3 crore, down from ₹557.04 crore in the same quarter last year.

Company Background and Operations

Founded in 1967, Hindustan Copper is India’s only vertically integrated copper producer. It operates under the Ministry of Mines and manages the full copper production process—from mining to refining.

HCL operates across five major locations: Malanjkhand (Madhya Pradesh), Khetri (Rajasthan), Ghatsila (Jharkhand), Taloja (Maharashtra), and Gujarat. Its main product is copper concentrate, with other refined products like copper cathodes and rods. By-products include anode slime, copper sulfate, and sulfuric acid.

Market Position

Hindustan Copper’s market capitalisation is ₹19,379.15 crore, and it is part of the BSE 500 index. Its 52-week high stands at ₹415.60, while the low is ₹183.90. As of 11:15 AM on Friday, the stock was trading at ₹200.40, up over 2%, while BSE Sensex rose 1.86% to 75,217.92.

At 3.30 PM, Hindustan Copper share price closed at ₹199, thereby gaining 1.41%.

Conclusion

The resumption of mining activity and international collaboration boosted investor confidence. While recent financials showed a dip, long-term potential remains due to strategic initiatives and domestic strength in copper production.

Read more on: DLF to Invest ₹6,000 Crore in 75 Lakh Sq Ft of Office and Retail Spaces in Gurugram

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Bharti Airtel Share Price Hits 6-Month High on Earnings Hopes

Bharti Airtel share price rose 3% to a 6-month high of ₹1,767.05 on Friday, driven by expectations of strong earnings for the March 2025 quarter (Q3FY25). In just 3 trading days, Airtel’s share price has gained 5%, and since March, it has surged 13%. The stock is nearing its record high of ₹1,779 hit on September 26, 2024.

Bharti Airtel Share Price Outperformed Competitors in 2025

Airtel has outperformed the broader market in 2025, with a 10.5% rise in its stock price, compared to a 4.3% decline in the BSE Sensex. As of now, Airtel remains one of the top telecom players globally, with over 550 million customers in 15 countries, including India, Africa, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

At 1.45 PM, Bharti Airtel stock price was up 2.59% and was trading at ₹1760.

Starlink Partnership with SpaceX

Airtel recently signed an agreement with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet services to India, the first of its kind in the country. The partnership aims to leverage Airtel’s market expertise alongside SpaceX’s satellite technology, subject to regulatory approvals.

Improved Cash Flow and Debt Reduction

Airtel’s free cash flow (FCF) has significantly improved due to tariff hikes in the India wireless segment. For the first 9 months of FY25, Airtel generated ₹29,200 crore in FCF. The company’s main priority is prepaying its high-cost debt. With reduced leverage, analysts believe Airtel’s capital allocation decisions will be key to future stock performance.

Conclusion

Bharti Airtel share price has been buoyed by positive earnings expectations, strong cash flow generation, and strategic partnerships. Despite challenges, the company’s growth trajectory and market positioning remain strong.

 

Read more on: Sensex Jumps 1,100 Points, Nifty Crosses 22,700 – Here’s Why the Indian Stock Market is Rising on April 11?

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

PI Industries Share Price Jump 8% After US Pauses Tariff Hike

PI Industries share price surged over 8% on Friday, April 11, at 12.33 AM. This follows positive news on the global trade front. The stock was trading earlier at ±3,525.8, recovering strongly after recent losses. However, despite the rise, it remains down over 4% in 2025 so far.

US Pauses Tariffs on Multiple Countries

The recovery came after the United States announced a temporary pause on the imposition of reciprocal tariffs on up to 75 countries, which likely includes India. The decision was made public by US President Donald Trump on Wednesday night (Indian time).

Earlier, tariffs on Indian goods were raised to 26%, but have now been reduced to 10% for a 90-day period. This pauses eases pressure on companies dependent on exports, including PI Industries.

Exports Key to PI Industries’ Business

The announcement is especially positive for PI Industries, as a large part of its revenue comes from exports. At the end of the December quarter, the company had an order book worth US$1.4 billion, with 83% of it linked to exports.

In FY24, the North American market contributed 44% to the company’s revenue. India accounted for 18%, while Asia and Europe contributed 23% and 12%, respectively.

PI Industries Share Price Recovery After Previous Drop

PI Industries share price fell by 6% in the 2 sessions following the initial tariff announcement. The reversal in policy has triggered a bounce-back, driven by optimism around global trade and reduced cost pressures.

Conclusion

The US tariff pause has given relief to export-heavy firms like PI Industries. With a strong export pipeline and a large order book, the company is likely to benefit in the near term, especially if tariffs are not reinstated after the 90-day pause.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

IRB Infrastructure Share Price Falls Despite Reporting A 23% Growth in Toll Revenue for FY25

IRB Infrastructure share price was down 0.53% and was trading at ₹45.35 at 11.54 AM on Friday. However, the company has reported a strong growth in toll revenue collection in March 2025 compared to March 2024.

IRB Infrastructure Sees Strong Growth in March Toll Collection

IRB Infrastructure reported toll income of ₹557 crore in March 2025. This is relatively higher than ₹481 crore in March 2024. It also marks a nearly 16% year-on-year increase in monthly toll revenue for March.

In FY25, IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd and its Private InvIT Associate, IRB Infrastructure Trust, recorded toll revenue of ₹6,360 crore. This is comparatively higher as compared to ₹5,169 crore in FY24.

This reflects an impressive 23% growth, significantly higher than the national toll revenue growth rate of 12.5% for the same period.

IRB Infrastructure is India’s Largest Toll Road Developer

IRB is India’s largest private toll road and highway developer. It has over ₹80,000 crore in assets across 12 states. This includes its core businesses, apart from 2 Infrastructure Investment Trusts. With more than 25 years of experience, IRB has built, tolled, and operated nearly 18,500 lane kilometers, with 15,500 km currently operational.

The company holds a 38% market share in the Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) model. It also holds a 12% share in the North-South highway corridor.

Current Project Portfolio

IRB has completed 13 concessions, which have been handed over to nodal agencies. Its active portfolio includes 18 BOT projects, 4 TOT projects, and 4 HAM projects, totaling 26 road projects.

Conclusion

IRB Infrastructure’s strong performance in FY25, reinforces its leadership in India’s road development sector. This is driven by robust growth in toll collections and national policy support, . With a solid track record and a strong portfolio, IRB is well-positioned for further expansion in FY26 and beyond.

Read more on: Sensex Jumps 1,100 Points, Nifty Crosses 22,700 – Here’s Why the Indian Stock Market is Rising on April 11?

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

What Do RBI’s Draft Gold Loan Rules Mean For Companies Like Muthoot Finance?

The stocks of gold loan companies such as Muthoot Finance share price and IIFL Finance share price will remain in focus today. This is because the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released draft rules for gold loan companies.

These rules are aimed at improving risk management in the sector by ensuring adequate checks and balances for gold loan lenders. Let’s take a look at them.

Restrictions on Loans Against Certain Gold Assets

The RBI is worried about excessive lending against gold and silver. Gold is often used for saving and investing, but it is still a non-productive asset. This is because it doesn’t help in producing goods or creating jobs.

Therefore, the RBI has proposed to restrict lending against financial assets backed by gold and silver. This includes units of gold ETFs and mutual funds. Lenders like Muthoot Finance and IIFL Finance will not be allowed to provide loans if the ownership of the gold or silver collateral is doubtful.

At 10.39 AM, Muthoot Finance share price was down 6.71% and was trading at ₹1996.45.

Ownership Verification to Be Made Mandatory

Banks and financial institutions will be required to maintain proper records of how the ownership of gold collateral has been verified.

If the borrower cannot provide the original purchase receipt, they must submit a declaration or a suitable document explaining how the ownership was determined.

According to the draft guidelines, gold pledges must also follow the lender’s suspicious transaction reporting policy, as required by existing regulatory directions.

At 10.45 AM, IIFL Finance share price was down 0.40% and was trading at ₹324.

No Dual Usage of Same Gold Collateral

The RBI has made it clear that the same gold collateral cannot be used at the same time for both income-generating loans and consumption loans, regardless of the value. This is to ensure proper usage and monitoring of pledged gold assets. However, this condition will not affect the general right of lien that banks hold over assets used as collateral.

End-Use Monitoring and Evidence Required

Lenders will be required to install systems and controls to track the end-use of gold-backed loans. Periodic checks and supporting documents will need to be maintained.

For income-generating loans, documentary evidence of end-use will be compulsory. For consumption loans, lenders must define a threshold amount, beyond which documentary proof of end-use will also be mandatory. This ensures proper oversight of high-value consumption-based loans.

Loan Limits Based on Purpose

Banks and financial institutions must set a ceiling on the loan amount given to a single borrower against gold collateral. This ceiling must vary based on whether the loan is for income generation or consumption. It should be applied in a fair and non-discriminatory manner.

Conclusion

The RBI said the objective of these draft directions is to create a uniform set of rules across all lenders. The rules aim to fix current issues in lending practices, offer better clarity, and strengthen the conduct and accountability. They are likely to have a mixed impact on gold loan companies in the share market, especially in the short term.

Read more: Aurionpro Acquires Fintra Software to Strengthen Trade Finance Solutions

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.