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RBI Draft Norms on Novation of OTC Derivatives

10 July 20251 min read
BANKING & FINANCERBI Draft Normson Novation ofOTC Derivatives10 July 2025safalsetu.com

Why in the news

The RBI drafted rules to bring transparency, fairness and legal certainty to swapping counterparties in OTC derivative contracts.

Key facts

  • Tripartite agreement among the three parties.
  • Done at prevailing market rates, exchanging mark-to-market value.
  • FIMMDA and FEDAI to prepare standard documentation, or a standard master agreement may be used.

About novation

  • A legal process that swaps one counterparty for another while all other contract terms stay identical.

Novation roles

PartyRole
TransferorOriginal party that exits
TransfereeNew party that enters
Remaining partyStays and continues in the new contract

Exam angle

  • Reporting venue: CCIL Trade Repository.
  • Associations asked: FIMMDA and FEDAI.

Test yourself

1. Whose explicit consent is required for novation under RBI's draft guidelines?

Novation needs the remaining party's explicit consent.

2. Which two bodies were asked to develop standard documentation for novation?

RBI asked FIMMDA and FEDAI.

3. Where must novated OTC derivative transactions be reported?

They go to the CCIL Trade Repository.