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RBI Gold Loan Guidelines: Govt Pushes for Small Borrower Relief and 2026 Rollout

 

The Finance Ministry has urged the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to safeguard small-ticket borrowers in its proposed gold loan guidelines, recommending an implementation delay until January 1, 2026. This move aims to ensure smoother operations and protect small borrowers from potential disruptions caused by stricter regulations.

Finance Ministry’s Recommendations

On May 30, 2025, the Finance Ministry, through its Department of Financial Services (DFS) under Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, provided key suggestions to the RBI regarding its Draft Directions on Lending Against Gold Collateral. The Ministry emphasized two critical points:

  1. Exemption for Small Borrowers: The DFS proposed excluding borrowers seeking gold loans up to ₹2 lakh from the new regulatory provisions. This exemption aims to ensure quick and hassle-free loan disbursements for small-scale borrowers, who often rely on gold loans for immediate liquidity.

  2. Delayed Implementation: Recognizing the operational challenges of implementing the guidelines, the Ministry suggested a rollout date of January 1, 2026, to allow sufficient time for lenders to adapt at the field level.


“Draft Directions on Lending Against Gold Collateral issued by the @RBI have been examined by @DFS_India under the guidance of Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. @nsitharaman. @DFS_India has given suggestions to the @RBI to ensure that the requirements of the small gold loan borrowers are not adversely affected.”

The Ministry further noted:

“@DFS_India has also stated that such guidelines will need time to implement at the field level and hence may be suitable for implementation from 1st January 2026 only. Further, @DFS_India has suggested that small ticket borrowers below ₹2 lakh may be excluded from the requirements of these proposed directions to ensure timely and speedy disbursement of loans for such small ticket borrowers.”

The RBI is currently reviewing these suggestions alongside feedback from other stakeholders and the public before finalizing the guidelines.

Understanding the RBI’s Draft Guidelines

The RBI’s proposed guidelines, issued on April 9, aim to standardize the gold loan ecosystem by focusing on three key areas:

  • Enhanced Underwriting: Stricter processes to evaluate borrowers and loan terms.

  • Improved Collateral Management: Better systems to assess and manage gold used as collateral.

  • End-Use Monitoring: Ensuring borrowed funds are used for intended purposes.

A significant proposal is capping the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio at 75% of the gold’s value, including accrued interest, throughout the loan tenure. This could reduce loan amounts under bullet repayment structures—where borrowers repay the principal and interest at the end of the term—from the current 65–68% to approximately 55–60% of the gold’s value. For small borrowers, this reduction could limit access to credit, impacting their financial flexibility.

Additionally, the guidelines propose capping the share of gold loans in lenders’ portfolios, with periodic reviews based on recovery performance, portfolio concentration, and capital adequacy.

Why the Relief for Small Borrowers Matters

Small-ticket borrowers, particularly in regions like Tamil Nadu, rely heavily on gold loans for quick access to funds. These borrowers often use gold as collateral for loans up to ₹2 lakh to meet urgent needs like agricultural expenses, medical emergencies, or small business requirements. The proposed LTV cap and stricter regulations could reduce loan amounts, disproportionately affecting these borrowers.

The Finance Ministry’s push to exempt small borrowers from the new rules reflects concerns raised by stakeholders, including political parties and farmers’ associations in Tamil Nadu. By advocating for a delayed rollout and exemptions, the Ministry aims to balance regulatory improvements with the needs of vulnerable borrowers.

What’s Next?

The RBI is expected to consider the Finance Ministry’s recommendations and public feedback before finalizing the guidelines. The proposed delay to January 2026 provides lenders, including major gold loan financiers like Muthoot Finance and Manappuram Finance, ample time to adjust their processes. The exemption for small borrowers could also sustain demand for gold loans, benefiting both borrowers and lenders.

As the gold loan sector awaits the RBI’s final decision, the Finance Ministry’s proactive stance highlights its commitment to supporting small borrowers while fostering a robust financial ecosystem.

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