RBI raises banks’ average CRR requirement

What happened: The RBI raised the minimum daily maintenance of the CRR requirement for banks from 90% to 99%, effective from the fortnight beginning October 16, 2026. Key numbers: Minimum daily CRR maintenance rises from 90% to 99%. CRR ratio stands at 3%, meaning Rs 3 kept with RBI per Rs 100 of deposits. Effective from the fortnight beginning October 16, 2026. Why it matters: The RBI said the move aims to curtail banking system liquidity. Bankers said it removes operational flexibility, though Gopal Tripathi of Jana Small Finance Bank said it will not lead to big changes for banks.

The RBI raised the minimum daily maintenance of the CRR requirement for banks from 90% to 99%, effective from the fortnight beginning October 16, 2026.

The RBI said the move aims to curtail banking system liquidity. Bankers said it removes operational flexibility, though Gopal Tripathi of Jana Small Finance Bank said it will not lead to big changes for banks.