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RBI Removes Investment Fluctuation Reserve Rule for Banks

 requirement on  8 April 2026 .

  • Change applies from  18 May 2026 .

  • Existing IFR balance is treated as  Tier 1 capital .

  • RBI was established in  1935  under the  RBI Act, 1934 .

  • Tier 1 capital  is the core measure of a bank's financial strength (Basel norms).

  • CRAR  stands for Capital to Risk-weighted Assets Ratio. It shows a bank's solvency.

  • Statutory Reserve and General Reserve are part of a bank's capital structure.


  • FAQ 

    Q1: What is the Investment Fluctuation Reserve?
    A: It was an extra safety buffer that banks kept for losses when their investments lost value.

    Q2: When did RBI remove this requirement?
    A: RBI removed it on 8 April 2026, and it took effect from 18 May 2026.

    Q3: What happens to the money already in this reserve?
    A: It becomes Tier 1 capital and is moved to Statutory Reserve, General Reserve, or Profit and Loss Account.

    Q4: Why did RBI remove this rule?
    A: Because other rules like capital charges for market risk already protect banks.

    Q5: Does this change apply to all banks?
    A: Separate circulars were issued for cooperative banks, small finance banks, and payments banks to harmonise rules.

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