RBI Issues Digital Lending Directions for Banks & NBFCs

  • Blog|News|FEMA & Banking|
  • 2 Min Read
  • By Taxmann
  • |
  • Last Updated on 12 May, 2025

RBI Digital Lending Directions 2025

Circular No. RBI/2025-26/36 DOR.STR.REC.19/21.07.001/2025-26; Dated: 08.05.2025

In a move aimed at strengthening oversight and promoting responsible lending practices in the digital ecosystem, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the Digital Lending Directions, 2025. These directions are designed to bring greater transparency, accountability, and regulatory compliance to digital lending operations carried out by banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).

1. Scope of Applicability

The directions are applicable to all Regulated Entities (REs) engaged in digital lending activities, which include –

  • Scheduled Commercial Banks
  • Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)
  • Any other financial entities regulated by the RBI

These directions cover the full range of digital lending practices, including those carried out through Digital Lending Apps (DLAs) and platforms, either directly by the REs or through their lending service providers (LSPs).

2. Mandatory Reporting of Digital Lending Apps (DLAs)

One of the key mandates under the 2025 Directions is that REs must report the details of their Digital Lending Apps through the Centralised Information Management System (CIMS) Portal of the RBI.

This reporting requirement aims to –

  • Maintain a centralised registry of DLAs in operation.
  • Enable the RBI to monitor the growing digital lending landscape.
  • Identify unregulated or unauthorised lending platforms more efficiently.

3. Deadline for Compliance

REs have been directed to complete the registration and reporting of all active DLAs on the CIMS Portal by June 15, 2025. Non-compliance with this deadline may lead to regulatory scrutiny and appropriate supervisory action.

4. Expected Impact and Industry Preparedness

These directions mark a continued effort by the RBI to –

  • Protect borrowers from predatory lending practices.
  • Ensure greater consumer transparency in digital lending transactions.
  • Promote safe and ethical lending through digital platforms.

All Regulated Entities are advised to –

  • Review their existing digital lending arrangements.
  • Ensure that all DLAs—whether in-house or third-party—are fully compliant with the latest reporting norms.
  • Implement necessary technological and procedural updates to integrate with the CIMS portal ahead of the deadline.
Click Here To Read The Full Circular

Disclaimer: The content/information published on the website is only for general information of the user and shall not be construed as legal advice. While the Taxmann has exercised reasonable efforts to ensure the veracity of information/content published, Taxmann shall be under no liability in any manner whatsoever for incorrect information, if any.

Taxmann Publications has a dedicated in-house Research & Editorial Team. This team consists of a team of Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries, and Lawyers. This team works under the guidance and supervision of editor-in-chief Mr Rakesh Bhargava.

The Research and Editorial Team is responsible for developing reliable and accurate content for the readers. The team follows the six-sigma approach to achieve the benchmark of zero error in its publications and research platforms. The team ensures that the following publication guidelines are thoroughly followed while developing the content:

  • The statutory material is obtained only from the authorized and reliable sources
  • All the latest developments in the judicial and legislative fields are covered
  • Prepare the analytical write-ups on current, controversial, and important issues to help the readers to understand the concept and its implications
  • Every content published by Taxmann is complete, accurate and lucid
  • All evidence-based statements are supported with proper reference to Section, Circular No., Notification No. or citations
  • The golden rules of grammar, style and consistency are thoroughly followed
  • Font and size that’s easy to read and remain consistent across all imprint and digital publications are applied

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Everything on Tax and Corporate Laws of India

To subscribe to our weekly newsletter please log in/register on Taxmann.com

Author: Taxmann

Taxmann Publications has a dedicated in-house Research & Editorial Team. This team consists of a team of Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries, and Lawyers. This team works under the guidance and supervision of editor-in-chief Mr Rakesh Bhargava.

The Research and Editorial Team is responsible for developing reliable and accurate content for the readers. The team follows the six-sigma approach to achieve the benchmark of zero error in its publications and research platforms. The team ensures that the following publication guidelines are thoroughly followed while developing the content:

  • The statutory material is obtained only from the authorized and reliable sources
  • All the latest developments in the judicial and legislative fields are covered
  • Prepare the analytical write-ups on current, controversial, and important issues to help the readers to understand the concept and its implications
  • Every content published by Taxmann is complete, accurate and lucid
  • All evidence-based statements are supported with proper reference to Section, Circular No., Notification No. or citations
  • The golden rules of grammar, style and consistency are thoroughly followed
  • Font and size that's easy to read and remain consistent across all imprint and digital publications are applied