RBI Releases RBI (Credit Derivatives) Directions, 2026

June 26, 2026
Current Context: On June 25, 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the Master Direction – RBI (Credit Derivatives) Directions, 2026, effective immediately.

  • This framework supersedes the 2022 guidelines, marking a major regulatory update.
  • It introduces derivatives on credit indices and Total Return Swaps (TRS) on corporate bonds.
  • Participation norms are widened — non‑retail residents face fewer restrictions, while retail investors are limited to hedging.
  • The directions apply to both OTC markets and recognized stock exchanges.
  • They aim to deepen credit risk transfer mechanisms and provide better hedging tools.
  • The framework also seeks to boost market liquidity while maintaining robust risk safeguards.
  • Overall, it strengthens India’s credit derivatives market and financial stability architecture.

Question:

Q.1 Which category of participants has been granted fewer restrictions under the RBI (Credit Derivatives) Directions, 2026?
a) Retail resident investors
b) Cooperative banks
c) Non-retail residents
d) Small finance banks

Answer: c) The framework widens participation by easing restrictions on non-retail resident participants, encouraging greater market participation.

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