News:The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has initiated Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) against Lakshmi Vilas Bank(LVB).
Facts:
What is Prompt corrective action(PCA):
- PCA is a framework under which banks with weak financial metrics are put under watch by the RBI.
- The RBI introduced the PCA framework in 2002 as a structured early-intervention mechanism for banks that become undercapitalised due to poor asset quality, or vulnerable due to loss of profitability.
- It aims to check the problem of Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) in the Indian banking sector.
When is PCA invoked?
- The PCA is invoked when certain risk thresholds are breached.
- There are three risk thresholds which are based on certain levels of asset quality, profitability, capital and net non performing assets(NPA) ratio.
Types of restrictions:
- There are two types of restrictions mandatory and discretionary restrictions.
- The restrictions on dividends, branch expansion, directors compensation are mandatory while discretionary restrictions could include curbs on lending and deposit.
- RBI may also place restrictions on credit by PCA banks to unrated borrowers or those with high risks but it doesn’t invoke a complete ban on their lending.
- RBI may also impose restrictions on the bank on borrowings from interbank market.
- Further, the banks may also not be allowed to enter into new lines of business.
Additional information:
Non Performing Asset(NPA):
- A non performing asset (NPA) is a loan or advance for which the principal or interest payment remains overdue for a period of 90 days.
- The banks are required to classify NPAs further into Substandard, Doubtful and Loss assets.
