Comprehensive Guidelines on Foreign Exchange Derivatives and Hedging Commodity Price Risk and Freight Risk Overseas

Given below is a description of the categories of persons who are permitted to access the OTC foreign exchange market in India for managing exchange rate risks as also the menu of permitted products that can be used for hedging different categories of exchange rate exposures. Additionally, the facilities for residents to hedge commodity price risk and freight risk overseas is described under para D and E below.

A) Persons resident in India (other than AD Category-I banks)

1) Contracted Exposures – The following products are permitted to be used:

• Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts
• Cross Currency Options (not involving the Rupee)
• Foreign Currency-INR Options
• Foreign Currency-INR Swaps

2) Probable Exposures based on past performance - The following products are permitted to be used:

• Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts
• Cross Currency Options (not involving the Rupee)
• Foreign Currency-INR Options

3) Special Dispensation – The following categories are permitted special dispensation:

• Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)¹ - Permitted to book forward foreign exchange contracts without production of underlying documents for hedging their direct /indirect exposure to foreign exchange risk. 
  
  
• Product : Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts 
  
  
• Resident Individuals - To manage / hedge their foreign exchange exposures arising out of actual or anticipated remittances, both inward and outward, without production of underlying documents, up to a limit of USD 100,000, based on self declaration. 
  
  
• Product :  Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts

B) Persons Resident outside India – The following categories are permitted to hedge their contracted foreign exchange exposures:

• Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs)
• Persons having Foreign Direct Investment in India
• Non-resident Indians (NRIs)

For these categories, subject to terms and conditions enumerated later, the following products are permitted:

• Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts
• Foreign Currency-INR Options

C) Authorised Dealers Category - I (AD Category-I)– Hedging can be undertaken for the following purposes:

• Management of Assets and Liabilities
• Hedging of Gold Price Risk
• Hedging of currency risk on Capital

The products and terms and conditions for each of the purposes are enumerated later.

D) Commodity Derivatives

Residents are permitted to use OTC and exchange-traded commodity derivatives in international markets for hedging their exposures to commodity price risk subject to conditions specified under the relevant para. Applications for commodity hedging by companies/ firms, which are not covered by the delegated authority of AD Category - I banks, may be forwarded to the Reserve Bank through the AD Category I bank for permission.

E) Freight Derivatives

Domestic oil refining companies and shipping companies are permitted to use OTC and exchange-traded freight derivatives in international markets for hedging their exposures to freight risk, subject to conditions specified under the relevant para. Other companies exposed to freight risk can seek prior permission from the Reserve Bank through their AD Category I banks.

F)  Reports 

AD Category I banks are required to submit reports on derivative products, as per the details given in this section. 

A) Facilities for Persons Resident in India – Other than Authorised Dealers Category – I 

The facilities for persons resident in India (other than AD Cat I bank) are elaborated under paragraphs A I and A II. Paragraph A Idescribes the facilities and operational guidelines for the respective facility. In addition to the operational guidelines under A I, the general instructions that are applicable across all facilities for residents (other than AD Cat I banks) are detailed underparagraph A II.

A I. Facilities and Operational Guidelines

The product/purpose wise facilities for persons resident in India (other than AD Category I bank) are detailed under the following subheads:

1) Contracted Exposure
2) Probable Exposure
3) Special Dispensation

1) Contracted exposures

Product - i) Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts

Participants

Market-makers - AD Category-I banks
Users - Persons resident in India 

Purpose

• To hedge exchange rate risk in respect of transactions for which sale and /or purchase of foreign exchange is permitted under the FEMA 1999, or in terms of the rules/ regulations/directions/orders made or issued there under.
  
  
• To hedge exchange rate risk in respect of the market value of overseas direct investments (in equity and loan).  
  
  
• Contracts covering overseas direct investment (ODI) can be cancelled or rolled over on due dates. However, AD Category I banks may permit rebooking only to the extent of 50 per cent of the cancelled contracts.
  
  
• If a hedge becomes naked in part or full owing to shrinking of the market value of the ODI, the hedge may be allowed to continue until maturity, if the customer so desires. Rollovers on due date shall be permitted up to the extent of the market value as on that date.  
  
  
• To hedge exchange rate risk of transactions denominated in foreign currency but settled in INR, including hedging the economic (currency indexed) exposure of importers in respect of customs duty payable on imports.
  
  
• Forward foreign exchange contracts covering such transactions will be settled in cash on maturity.
  
  
• These contracts once cancelled, are not eligible to be rebooked. 
  
  
• In the event of any change in the rate(s) of customs duties, due to Government notifications subsequent to the date of the forward contracts, importers may be allowed to cancel and/or rebook the contracts before maturity.

Operational Guidelines, Terms and Conditions 

General principles to be observed for forward foreign exchange contracts.

1. AD Category-I banks, through verification of documentary evidence, should be satisfied about the genuineness of the underlying exposure, irrespective of the transaction being a current or a capital account transaction. Full particulars of contract should be marked on the original documents under proper authentication and retained for verification. Where it may not be possible to retain the original documents, evidencing underlying exposures, AD Category- 1 banks should retain a copy thereof. In either of the cases, before offering the contract, the AD Category I bank should obtain an undertaking from the customer and an annual certificate from the statutory auditor (for details refer para A II for General Instructions). AD banks have to evidence the underlying documents as stipulated so that existence of underlying foreign currency exposure can be clearly established. No hedging facility is to be provided to clients on the basis of undertaking to produce original documents within specified dates and / or declarations. 
   
   
2. The maturity of the hedge should not exceed the maturity of the underlying transaction. The currency of hedge and tenor, subject to the above restrictions, are left to the customer. 
   
   
3. Where the exact amount of the underlying transaction is not ascertainable, the contract is booked on the basis of a reasonable estimate.
   
   
4. Foreign currency loans/bonds will be eligible for hedge only after final approval is accorded by the Reserve Bank, where such approval is necessary or Loan Registration Number is allotted by the Reserve Bank.
   
   
5. Global Depository Receipts (GDRs)/American Depository Receipts (ADRs) will be eligible for hedge only after the issue price has been finalized.
   
   
6. Balances in the Exchange Earner's Foreign Currency (EEFC) accounts sold forward by the account holders shall remain earmarked for delivery and such contracts shall not be cancelled. They are, however, eligible for rollover, on maturity. 
   
   
7. Forward contracts, involving the Rupee as one of the currencies, booked by residents to hedge current account transactions, regardless of the tenor, may be allowed to be cancelled and rebooked subject to condition (i) below. This relaxation will not be available to forward contracts booked on past performance basis without documents as also forward contracts booked to hedge transactions denominated (or indexed) in foreign currency but settled in INR. Other forward contracts with Rupee as one of the currencies, booked to cover underlying foreign currency exposures falling due within one year can be cancelled and rebooked subject to condition (i) below. 
   
   
8. All non-INR forward contracts can be rebooked on cancellation subject to condition (i) below.
   
   
9. The facility of cancellation and rebooking should not be permitted unless the corporate has submitted the exposure information as prescribed in Annex I B.  
   
   
10. Substitution of contracts for hedging trade transactions may be permitted by an AD Category- I bank  on being satisfied with the circumstances under which such substitution has become necessary.
    
    
11. Forward  contract(s)  cancelled  with  one  AD Category-I  bank  can  be   rebooked  with another AD Category-I bank, subject to the  following conditions:
    
    
    1. the  switch  is  warranted  by  competitive   rates  on  offer,  termination  of banking  relationship  with  the  AD Category-I  bank  with  whom  the  contract  was originally booked;
       
       
    2. the cancellation  and  rebooking  are  done  simultaneously on the maturity date of the contract; and 
       
       
    3. the responsibility of  ensuring that the original contract has been  cancelled rests with the AD Category-I bank who undertakes rebooking of the contract.

Product - ii) Cross Currency Options (not involving Rupee) 

Participants 

Market-makers - AD Category-I banks as approved for this purpose by the Reserve Bank

Users – Persons resident in India

Purpose –

• To hedge exchange rate risk arising out of trade transactions.

Operational Guidelines, Terms and Conditions

1. AD Category-I banks can only offer plain vanilla European options. 
   
   
2. Customers can buy call or put options.
   
   
3. The contingent foreign exchange exposure arising out of submission of a tender bid in foreign exchange is eligible for hedging under this sub-head.
   
   
4. Importers and exporters having underlying unhedged foreign currency exposures in respect of trade transactions, evidenced by documents (firm order, Letter of Credit or actual shipment), may write plain vanilla stand alone covered call and put options in cross currency and receive premia subject to AD Category I banks satisfying that the customers have sound risk management systems and have adopted AS 30 and AS 32. The pricing of the premium may be done in a transparent manner. These options may not be combined with any other derivative products.
   
   
5. These transactions may be freely booked and/ or cancelled subject to verification of the underlying.
   
   
6. Guidelines applicable for cancellation and rebooking of cross currency forward contracts are applicable to cross currency option contracts also.  
   
   
7. Cross currency options should be written by AD Category I banks on a fully covered back-to-back basis. The cover transaction may be undertaken with a bank outside India, an Off-shore Banking Unit situated in a Special Economic Zone or an internationally recognized option exchange or another AD Category - I bank in India. AD Category - I banks desirous of writing options, should obtain a one-time approval from the Chief General Manager, Reserve Bank of India, Foreign Exchange Department, Forex Markets Division, Central Office, Amar Building 5th Floor, Mumbai, 400001, before undertaking the business.
   
   
8. Market participants may follow only ISDA documentation.

Product - iii) Foreign Currency - INR Options

Participants

Market-makers - AD Category-I banks, as approved for this purpose by the Reserve Bank.

Users - Customers who have genuine foreign currency exposures in accordance with Schedule I of Notification No. FEMA 25/2000-RB dated May 3, 2000, as amended from time to time. 

Operational Guidelines, Terms and Conditions

a.  AD Category-I banks having a minimum CRAR of 9 per cent, can offer only plain vanilla European options on a back-to-back basis. 

b.   Customers can buy call or put options.

c. Option contracts cannot be used to hedge contingent exposures (except for exposures arising out of submission of tender bids in foreign exchange).

d.  Importers and exporters having underlying unhedged foreign currency exposures in respect of trade transactions, evidenced by documents (firm order, Letter of Credit or actual shipment) may write plain vanilla stand alone covered call and put options in foreign currency-rupee and receive premia subject to AD Category I banks satisfying that the customers have sound risk management systems and have adopted AS 30 and AS 32. The pricing of the premium may be done in a transparent manner. These options may not be combined with any other derivative products. 

e.  All the conditions applicable for booking, rolling over and cancellation of forward foreign exchange contracts would be applicable to option contracts also.

f.  AD Category I banks having adequate internal control, risk monitoring/management systems, mark to market mechanism are permitted to run a foreign currency–rupee  options book subject to prior approval from the Reserve Bank subject to the following conditions. AD Category-I banks desirous of running a foreign currency-rupee options book and fulfilling minimum eligibility criteria listed below, may apply to the Reserve Bank with copies of approval from the competent authority (Board/ Risk Committee/ ALCO), detailed memorandum in this regard, specific approval of the Board for the type of option writing and permissible limits. The memorandum put up to the Board should clearly mention the downside risks, among other matters.

Minimum Eligibility Criteria

1. Minimum net worth not less than Rs 300 crore
2. Minimum CRAR of 10 per cent
3. Net NPAs at reasonable levels (not more than 3 per cent of net advances)
4. Continuous profitability for at least three years

The Reserve Bank will consider the application and accord a one time approval at its discretion. AD Category I banks are expected to manage the option portfolio within the risk management limits already approved by the Reserve Bank. 

g.  AD banks may quote the option premium in Rupees or as a percentage of the Rupee/foreign currency notional.

h. Option contracts may be settled on maturity either by delivery on spot basis or by net cash settlement in Rupees on spot basis as specified in the contract. In case of unwinding of a transaction prior to maturity, the contract may be cash settled based on the market value of an identical offsetting option.

i.  Market makers are allowed to hedge the ‘Delta’ of their option portfolio by accessing the spot markets. Other ‘Greeks’ may be hedged by entering into option transactions in the inter-bank market. 

j. The ‘Delta’ of the option contract would form part of the overnight open position.

k.The ‘Delta’ equivalent as at the end of each maturity shall be taken into account for the purpose of AGL. The residual maturity (life) of each outstanding option contract can be taken as the basis for the purpose of grouping under various maturity buckets.

l. AD banks running an option book are permitted to initiate plain vanilla cross currency option positions to cover risks arising out of market making in foreign currency-rupee options. 

m. Banks should put in place necessary systems for marking to market the portfolio on a daily basis. FEDAI will publish daily a matrix of polled implied volatility estimates, which market participants can use for marking to market their portfolio.

n. The accounting framework for option contracts will be as per FEDAI circular No.SPL-24/FC-Rupee Options/2003 dated May 29, 2003. 

o. Market participants may follow only ISDA documentation.

Product -  iv) Foreign Currency-INR Swaps

Participants

Market-makers – AD Category-I banks in India.

Users - Persons resident in India, other than banks and financial institutions, who have foreign currency or rupee liability

Purpose –

• To hedge/transform exchange rate and/or interest rate risk exposure for those having long-term foreign currency borrowing or to transform long-term INR borrowing into foreign exchange liability.

Operational Guidelines, Terms and Conditions

1. No swap transactions involving upfront payment of Rupees or its equivalent in any form shall be undertaken.
   
   
2. The term “long-term exposure” means exposures with residual maturity of one year or more.
   
   
3. Swap transactions may be undertaken by AD Category-I banks as intermediaries by matching the requirements of corporate counterparties. While no limits are placed on the AD Category-I banks for undertaking swaps to facilitate customers to hedge their exchange rate risk exposures, limits have been put in place for swap transactions facilitating customers to assume foreign exchange liability, which result in supply of foreign exchange to the market. While matched transactions may be undertaken without any limit, a limit of USD 50 million is placed for net supply of foreign exchange to the market on account of these swaps. Positions arising out of cancellation of foreign currency-rupee swaps by customers need not be reckoned within this cap. 
   
   
4. With reference to the specified limits for swap transactions facilitating customers to assume a foreign exchange liability, the limit will be reinstated on account of cancellation/ maturity of the swap and on amortization, up to the amounts amortized.
   
   
5. The above transactions, once cancelled, shall not be rebooked or re-entered, by whichever mechanism or by whatever name called.
   
   
6. Where the Foreign Currency-INR swap is used to transform a long-term INR borrowing into a foreign exchange liability, AD Category I banks at the time of offering the Fcy-INR swap, are permitted to offer a plain vanilla cross currency option (not involving the Rupee) at the time of inception, to cap the currency risk. Before offering the product, the maximum possible loss/worst downside, under various scenarios is to be quantified and conveyed to the customer in the term sheet. 
   
   
7. AD Category-I banks should not offer leveraged swap structures.Typically, in leveraged swap structures, a multiplicative factor other than unity is attached to the benchmark rate(s), which alters the payables or receivables vis-à-vis the situation in the absence of such a factor.

v) Hedging of Loan Exposure - For resident entities with External Commercial Borrowings the following facilities are provided:

Products – Interest rate swap, Cross currency swap, Coupon swap, Cross currency option, Interest rate cap or collar (purchases), Forward rate agreement (FRA) 

Participants 

Market-makers –

• AD Category-I banks in India
• Branch outside India of an Indian bank authorized to deal in foreign exchange in India
• Offshore banking unit in a SEZ in India.

Users –  

• Persons resident in India who have borrowed foreign exchange in accordance with the provisions of Foreign Exchange Management (Borrowing and Lending in Foreign Exchange) Regulations, 2000

Purpose –

• For hedging/transforming interest rate risk and currency risk on foreign exchange loan, in the case of entities with external commercial borrowing.

Operational Guidelines, Terms and Conditions.

1. The products, as detailed above should not involve the rupee under any circumstances.
   
   
2. Final approval has been accorded or Loan Registration Number allotted by the Reserve Bank for borrowing in foreign currency.
   
   
3. The notional principal amount of the product should not exceed the outstanding amount of the foreign currency loan.
   
   
4. The maturity of the product should not exceed the unexpired maturity of the underlying loan. 
   
   
5. The contracts may be cancelled and rebooked.

2) Probable exposures based on past performance

Participants 

Market-makers – AD Category-I banks in India. 

Users – Importers and exporters of goods and services

Purpose

• To hedge currency risk on the basis of a declaration of an exposure and based on past performance up to the average of the previous three financial years’ (April to March) actual import/export turnover or the previous year’s actual import/export turnover, whichever is higher. Probable exposure based on past performance can be hedged only in respect of trades in merchandise goods as well as services.

Products

• Forward foreign exchange contracts, cross currency options (not involving the rupee) and foreign currency-rupee options

Operational Guidelines, Terms and Conditions

1. The contracts booked in aggregate, during the current financial year (April-March) and outstanding at any point of time should not exceed the eligible limit i.e. the average of the previous three financial years’ actual import/export turnover or the previous year’s actual import/export turnover, whichever is higher.
   
   
2. Contracts booked in excess of 75 per cent of the eligible limit will be on deliverable basis and cannot be cancelled. 
   
   
3. These limits shall be computed separately for import/export transactions. 
   
   
4. Higher limits will be permitted on a case-by-case basis on application to the Reserve Bank.
   
   
5.  Any contract booked without producing documentary evidence will be marked off against this limit. These contracts once cancelled, are not eligible to be rebooked/rolled over.
   
   
6. AD banks should permit their clients to use the past performance facility only after satisfying themselves that the following conditions are complied with: 
   
   
   1. An undertaking may be taken from the customer that supporting documentary evidence will be produced before the maturity of all the contracts booked.
      
      
   2. Importers and exporters should furnish a monthly declaration to the AD Category-I banks regarding amounts booked with other AD Category-I banks under this facility, as per Annex I N. The declaration may be validated with the information shared by banks under the consortium and multiple banking arrangements, vide circular DBOD.No. BP. BC. 94/ 08.12.001/ 2008-09 dated December 8, 2008.  
                                                  
   3. For an exporter customer to be eligible for this facility, the aggregate of overdue bills shall not exceed 10 per cent of the turnover.
      
      
   4. Aggregate outstanding  contracts in excess of 50 per cent of the eligible limit may be permitted by the AD bank on being satisfied about the genuine requirements of their customers after examination of the following documents:
      
      
      • A certificate from the Statutory Auditor of the customer that all guidelines have been adhered to while utilizing this facility. 
        
        
      • A certificate of import/export turnover of the customer during the past three years duly certified by their Statutory Auditor in the format given in Annex I L.
        
        
7. The past performance limits once utilised are not be reinstated either on cancellation or on maturity of the contracts.
   
   
8. AD Category–I banks must arrive at the past performance limits at the beginning of every financial year. The drawing up of the audited figures (previous year) may require some time at the commencement of the financial year. However, if the statements are not submitted within a reasonable time, the facility should not be provided till submission of audited figures. 
   
   
9. AD Category-I banks must institute appropriate systems for validating the past performance limits at pre-deal stage and not to rely only upon the customer declaration. AD Category-I banks should also assess the past transactions with the customers and the turnover based on provisional balance sheets, etc. 
   
   
10. The booking of contracts under past performance route should be in alignment with booking of contracts against underlying, such as type of hedge instruments generally used for underlying, tenor, etc.
    
    
11. AD Category I banks are required to submit a monthly report (as on the last Friday of every month) on the limits granted and utilised by their constituents under this facility as prescribed in Annex I J.

3) Special Dispensation

a) Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Participants 

Market-makers – AD Category-I. 

Users –  Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)²

Purpose

• To hedge direct and / or indirect exposures of SMEs to foreign exchange risk

Product

• Forward foreign exchange contracts

Operational Guidelines:  Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) having direct and / or indirect exposures to foreign exchange risk are permitted to book / cancel / rebook / roll over forward contracts without production of underlying documents to manage their exposures effectively, subject to the following conditions:

1. Such contracts may be booked through AD Category – I banks with whom the SMEs have credit facilities and the total forward contracts booked should be in alignment with the credit facilities availed by them for their foreign exchange requirements or their working capital requirements or capital expenditure.
   
   
2. AD Category – I bank should carry out due diligence regarding “user appropriateness” and “suitability” of the forward contracts to the SME customers as per Para 8.3 of 'Comprehensive Guidelines on Derivatives' issued videDBOD.No.BP.BC. 86/21.04.157/2006-07 dated April 20, 2007.
   
   
3. The SMEs availing this facility should furnish a declaration to the AD Category – I bank regarding the amounts of forward contracts already booked, if any, with other AD Category – I banks under this facility.

 
b) Resident Individuals

Participants 

Market-makers – AD Category-I banks

Users: Resident Individuals

Purpose: To manage / hedge their foreign exchange exposures arising out of actual or anticipated remittances, both inward and outward, can book forward contracts, without production of underlying documents, up to a limit of USD 100,000, based on self declaration.

Product

• Forward foreign exchange contracts.

Operational Guidelines, Terms and Conditions

1. The contracts booked under this facility would normally be on a deliverable basis. However, in case of mismatches in cash flows or other exigencies, the contracts booked under this facility may be allowed to be cancelled and re-booked. The notional value of the outstanding contracts should not exceed USD 100,000 at any time. 
   
   
2. The contracts may be permitted to be booked up to tenors of one year only.
   
   
3. Such contracts may be booked through AD Category I banks with whom the resident individual has banking relationship, on the basis of an application-cum-declaration in the format given in Annex I G. The AD Category – I banks should satisfy themselves that the resident individuals understand the nature of risk inherent in booking of forward contracts and should carry out due diligence regarding “user appropriateness” and “suitability” of the forward contracts to such customer. 

A II.    General Instructions for all forex derivative contracts entered by Residents in India

While the guidelines indicated above govern specific foreign exchange derivatives, certain general principles and safeguards for prudential considerations that are applicable across the OTC foreign exchange derivatives, are detailed below. In addition to the guidelines under the specific foreign exchange derivative product, the general instructions should be followed scrupulously by the users (residents in India other than AD Category I banks) and the market makers (AD Category I banks).

• In case of all forex derivative transactions undertaken, AD banks must take a declaration from the clients that the exposure is unhedged and has not been hedged with another AD Category I bank. The corporates should provide an annual certificate to the AD Category I bank certifying that the derivative transactions are authorized and that the Board (or the equivalent forum in case of partnership or proprietary firms) is aware of the same.
  
  
• In the case of contracted exposure, AD Category I banks must obtain:
  
  
1. An undertaking from the customer that the same underlying exposure has not been covered with any other AD Category I bank/s. Where hedging of the same exposure is undertaken with more than one AD Category I bank, the details of amounts already booked with other AD Category I bank/s should be clearly indicated in the declaration.
   
   
2. An annual certificate from the statutory auditors that the contracts outstanding at any point of time during the year did not exceed the value of the underlying exposures.

• Derived foreign exchange exposures {except as detailed under the sub-heading of foreign currency rupee swap in para iv (f) above} are not permitted to be hedged.
  
  
• In any derivative contract, the notional amount should not exceed the actual underlying exposure at any point in time. Similarly, the tenor of the derivative products should not exceed the tenor of the underlying exposure. The notional amount for the entire transaction over its complete tenor must be calculated and the underlying exposure being hedged must be commensurate with the notional amount of the derivative contract. 
  
  
• Only one hedge transaction can be booked against a particular exposure/ part thereof for a given time period.
  
  
• The term sheet for the derivative transactions should necessarily and clearly mention the following: 
  
  
• the purpose for the transaction detailing how the product and each of its components help the client in hedging
•  the spot rate prevailing at the time of executing the transaction.
• the delta of the trade at the time of executing the transaction.
• whether the corporate follows AS-30 and AS-32 accounting standards.
• Quantified maximum loss/ worst downside in various scenarios.
  
  
• AD Category I banks can offer only those products that they can price independently. The pricing of all forex derivative products should be locally demonstrable at all times. 
  
  
• Zero Cost Structures or structures aimed at reduction in cost of hedging are not permitted. 
  
  
• The only instances where a customer can write options are detailed under para A I, 1 (ii) d and para A I, 1 (iii) d above. 
  
  
• The market-makers should carry out proper due diligence regarding ‘user appropriateness’ and ‘suitability’ of products before offering derivative products to users.

• The relevant provisions of comprehensive guidelines on Derivatives issued vide DBOD.No.BP.BC. 86/21.04.157/2006-07 dated April 20, 2007 are also applicable to forex derivatives.
  
  
• Sharing of information on derivatives between banks is mandatory and as detailed vide circularDBOD.No.BP.BC.94/08.12.001/2008-09 dated December 8, 2008.  

B) Facilities for Persons Resident Outside India

For persons resident outside India, only capital account transactions as enumerated hereunder are permitted to be hedged. Transactions arising out of trade in merchandise goods as well as services with residents are not permitted to be hedged.

Participants

• Market-makers – In respect of FIIs, designated branches of AD Category-I banks maintaining accounts of FIIs. In all other cases, AD Category-I banks.
  
  
• Users – Foreign Institutional Investors (FII), Investors having Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) and Non Resident Indians (NRIs).

The purpose, products and operational guidelines of each of the users is detailed below:

a) FII related

Purpose 

To hedge currency risk on the market value of entire investment in equity and/or debt in India as on a particular date.

Products

Forward foreign exchange contracts with rupee as one of the currencies and foreign currency rupee options

Operational Guidelines, Terms and Conditions

1. The eligibility for cover may be determined on the basis of the declaration of the FII.
   
   
2. AD Category-I banks may undertake periodic reviews, at least at quarterly intervals, on the basis of market price movements, fresh inflows, amounts repatriated and other relevant parameters to ensure that the forward cover outstanding is supported by underlying exposures.
   
   
3. If a hedge becomes naked in part or in full owing to shrinkage of the market value of the portfolio, for reasons other than sale of securities, the hedge may be allowed to continue till the original maturity, if so desired. 
   
   
4. The forward contracts, once cancelled cannot be rebooked except to the extent of 2 per cent of the market value of the portfolio as at the beginning of the financial year. The contracts may, however, be rolled over on or before maturity.
   
   
5. The cost of hedge should be met out of repatriable funds and /or inward remittance through normal banking channel.
   
   
6. All outward remittances incidental to the hedge are net of applicable taxes.

b) FDI related

Purpose

• To hedge exchange rate risk on the market value of investments made in India since January 1, 1993, subject to verification of the exposure in India
  
  
• To hedge exchange rate risk on dividend receivable on the investments in Indian companies 
  
  
• To hedge exchange rate risk on proposed investment in India

Products

Forward foreign exchange contracts with rupee as one of the currencies and foreign currency-rupee options.

Operational Guidelines, Terms and Conditions

1. In respect of forward contracts to hedge exchange rate risk on the market value of investments made in India, forward contracts once cancelled are not eligible to be rebooked. The contracts may, however, be rolled over. 
   
   
2. In respect of proposed foreign direct investments, following conditions would apply: 
   
   
   1. Forward sale contracts to hedge exchange rate risks arising out of proposed investment  in Indian companies may be allowed to be booked only after ensuring that the overseas entities have completed all the necessary formalities and obtained necessary approvals (wherever applicable) for the investment.
      
      
   2. The tenor of the forward contracts should not exceed six months at a time beyond which permission of the Reserve Bank would be required to continue with the contract. 
      
      
   3. These contracts, if cancelled, shall not be eligible to be rebooked for the same inflows. 
      
      
   4. Exchange gains, if any, on cancellation shall not be passed on to the overseas investor.

c) NRI related 

Purpose

• To hedge the exchange rate risk on the market value of investment made under the portfolio scheme in accordance with provisions of FERA, 1973 or under notifications issued there under or in accordance with provisions of FEMA, 1999.
  
  
• To hedge the exchange rate risk on the amount of dividend due on shares held in  Indian companies 
  
  
• To hedge the exchange rate risk on the amounts held in FCNR (B) deposits. 
  
  
• To hedge the exchange rate risk on balances held in NRE account.

Products

• For balances/amounts in NRE accounts-Forward foreign exchange contracts with rupee as one of the currencies and foreign currency-rupee options
  
  
• For balances in FCNR (B) accounts – Forward foreign exchange contracts with rupee as one of the currencies, Cross currency (not involving the rupee) forward contracts to convert the balances in one foreign currency to other foreign currencies in which FCNR (B) deposits are permitted to be maintained, at the option of the account holder and foreign currency-rupee options.

Operational Guidelines, Terms and Conditions 

The operational guidelines as outlined for FIIs would be applicable, with the exception of the provision relating to rebooking of cancelled contracts. All foreign exchange derivative contracts permissible for a resident outside India other than a FII, once cancelled, are not eligible to be rebooked.  

C) Facilities for Authorised Dealers Category – I

1) Management of Assets and Liabilities

Users – AD Category-I banks

Purpose - Hedging of interest rate and currency risks of foreign exchange asset-liability portfolio

Products - Interest Rate Swap, Currency Swap, and Forward Rate Agreement, Foreign Currency-Rupee Options. AD banks may also purchase call or put options to hedge their cross currency proprietary trading positions,

Operational Guidelines, Terms and Conditions 

The use of these instruments is subject to the following conditions:

1. An appropriate policy in this regard is approved by the Top Management.
   
   
2. The value and maturity of the hedge should not exceed those of the underlying.
   
   
3. No ‘stand alone’ transactions can be initiated. If a hedge becomes naked, in part or full, owing to the shrinking of the value of portfolio, it may be allowed to continue till the original maturity and should be marked to market at regular intervals.
   
   
4. The net cash flows arising out of these transactions are booked as income/ expenditure and reckoned toward foreign exchange position, wherever applicable.

2) Hedging of Gold Price Risk

Users – (a) Banks authorised by the Reserve Bank to operate the Gold Deposit Scheme 

(b) Banks, which are allowed to enter into forward gold contracts in India in terms of the guidelines issued by the Department of Banking Operations and Development (including the positions arising out of inter-bank gold deals).

Purpose – To hedge price risk of gold.

Products - Exchange-traded and over-the-counter hedging products available overseas.

Operational Guidelines, Terms and Conditions

1. While using products involving options, it may be ensured that there is no net receipt of premium, either direct or implied.
   
   
2. Authorised banks are permitted to enter into forward contracts with their constituents (exporters of gold products, jewellery manufacturers, trading houses, etc.) in respect of the underlying sale, purchase and loan transactions in gold with them, subject to the conditions specified by the Reserve Bank in this regard. The tenor of such contracts should not exceed six months.

3) Hedging of currency risk on capital

Users – Foreign banks operating in India

Product – Forward foreign exchange contracts

Operational Guidelines, Terms and Conditions

1. Tier I capital 
   
   
   1. the capital funds should be available in India to meet local regulatory and CRAR requirements and, hence, these should not be parked in nostro accounts. Foreign currency funds accruing out of hedging should not be parked in Nostro accounts but should remain swapped with banks in India at all times.
      
      
   2. the forward contracts should be for tenors of one or more years and may  be rolled over on maturity. Rebooking of cancelled hedges will require prior approval of the Reserve Bank. 
      
      
2. Tier II capital 
   
   
   1. Foreign banks are permitted to hedge their Tier II capital in the form of Head Office borrowing as subordinated debt, by keeping it swapped into rupees at all times in terms of DBOD circular No.IBS.BC.65/23.10.015/2001-02 dated February 14, 2002.
      
      
   2. Banks are not permitted to enter into foreign currency-rupee swap transactions involving conversion of fixed rate rupee liabilities in respect of Innovative Tier I/Tier II bonds into floating rate foreign currency liabilities.

D) Commodity Hedging

Residents in India, engaged in import and export trade or as otherwise approved by the Reserve Bank from time to time, are permitted to hedge the price risk of permitted commodities in the international commodity exchanges/ markets. This facility must not be used in conjunction with any other derivative product It may be noted that the role of Authorized Dealer banks here is primarily to provide facilities for remitting foreign currency amounts towards margin requirements from time to time. In lieu of making a direct remittance towards payment obligations arising out of commodity derivative transactions entered into by customers with overseas counterparties, AD Category-I banks may issue guarantees/standby letters of credit to cover these specific payment obligations related to commodity derivatives, subject to the conditions/guidelines in Annex I M. It is clarified that the term Board, wherever used refers to Board of Directors or the equivalent forum in case of partnership or proprietary firms. The facility is divided into following categories:

I) Delegated Route

a. Hedging of price risk on actual Import/Export of commodities 

Participants

• Users:  Companies in India listed on a recognized stock exchange engaged in import and export of commodities
  
  
• Facilitators: AD Category-I banks specifically authorized by Reserve Bank in this regard.

Purpose: To hedge price risk of the imported/exported commodity

Products:

• Standard exchange traded futures and options (purchases only) in international commodity exchanges
  
  
• If risk profile warrants – may use OTC contracts overseas. Zero cost structures/cost reduction structures are not permitted.

Operational Guidelines

AD Category-I banks satisfying certain minimum norms, and authorized by the Reserve Bank may grant permission to companies listed on a recognized stock exchange to hedge price risk on import/ export in respect of any commodity (except gold, silver, platinum) in the international commodity exchanges/ markets. The guidelines and reporting guidelines are given inAnnex I H (a & b).

b. Hedging of anticipated imports of crude oil 

Participants

• Users:  Domestic companies engaged in refining crude oil.
  
  
• Facilitators: AD Category-I banks specifically authorized by Reserve Bank in this regard.

Purpose: To hedge the price risk on crude oil imports on the basis of past performance.

Products: Standard exchange traded futures and options (purchases only) in international commodity exchanges.

Operational Guidelines:

• Hedging to be permitted up to 50 per cent of the volume of actual imports during the previous year or 50 per cent of the average volume of imports during the previous three financial years, whichever is higher. 
  
  
• Contracts booked under this facility will have to be regularized by production of supporting import orders during the currency of the hedge. An undertaking may be obtained from the companies to this effect. 
  
  
• All other conditions and guidelines as per Annex I H should be complied with.

c. Hedging of price risk on Domestic purchase and sales

(i) Select Metals

Participants

• Users:  Domestic producers/ users of aluminium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc listed on a recognized stock exchange.
  
  
• Facilitators: AD Category-I  banks specifically authorized by Reserve Bank in this regard

Purpose: To hedge the price risk on aluminium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc based on their underlying economic exposures

Products: Standard exchange traded futures and options (purchases only) in international commodity exchanges

Operational Guidelines:

• Hedging may be permitted up to the average of previous three financial years’ (April to March) actual purchases / sales or the previous year’s actual purchases / sales turnover, whichever is higher, of the above commodities.
  
  
• AD Category I banks would require the user to submit a Board resolution certifying Board approved policies which define the overall framework within which derivatives activities should be conducted and the risks controlled. 
  
  
• All other conditions and guidelines as per Annex I H (a & b) should be complied with.

(ii) ATF (Aviation Turbine Fuel)

Participants

• Users:  Actual domestic users of ATF.
  
  
• Facilitators: AD Category-I banks specifically authorized by Reserve Bank in this regard.

Purpose: To hedge economic exposures in respect of ATF based on domestic purchases.

Products:

• Standard exchange traded futures and options (purchases only) in international commodity exchanges.
  
  
• If risk profile warrants – may use OTC contracts overseas. Zero cost structures/cost reduction structures are not permitted.

Operational Guidelines:

• AD Category-I banks should ensure that permission for hedging ATF is granted only against firm orders.
  
  
• AD Category-I banks should retain necessary documentary evidence.
  
  
• AD Category I banks would require the user to submit a Board resolution certifying Board approved policies which define the overall framework within which derivatives activities should be conducted and the risks controlled. 
  
  
• All other conditions and guidelines as per Annex I H (a & b) should be complied with.

                  
Note: AD Category-I banks may approach Reserve Bank for permission on behalf of customers not covered under provisions of hedging economic exposures mentioned at (i) and (ii) above.

(iii) Purchases of crude oil and sales of petro-products

Participants

• Users:  Domestic crude oil refining companies. 
  
  
• Facilitators: AD Category-I banks specifically authorized by Reserve Bank in this regard.

Purpose: To hedge commodity price risk on domestic purchases of crude oil and      domestic sales of petroleum products, which are linked to international prices.

Products: Standard exchange traded futures and options (purchases only) in international commodity exchanges.

Operational Guidelines:

• The hedging will be allowed strictly on the basis of underlying contracts.
  
  
• AD Category-I banks should retain necessary documentary evidence.
  
  
• All other conditions and guidelines as per Annex I H should be complied with.

d. Hedging of price risk on Inventory

Participants

• Users:  Domestic oil marketing and refining companies.
  
  
• Facilitators: AD Category-I banks specifically authorized by Reserve Bank in this regard.

Purpose: To hedge commodity price risk on Inventory.

Products:  Over-the-counter (OTC) / exchange traded derivatives overseas with tenor restricted to a maximum of one-year forward. Zero cost structures/cost reduction structures are not permitted.

Operational Guidelines:

• Hedge is allowed to the extent of 50 per cent of their inventory based on the volumes in the quarter preceding the previous quarter.  
  
  
• All other conditions and guidelines as per Annex I H should be complied with.

II) Approval Route

Participants

• Users:  Residents in India, other than companies listed on recognized stock exchanges, engaged in import and export of commodities
  
  
• Facilitators: AD Category-I  banks

Purpose: To hedge price risk of the imported/exported commodity

Products:

• Standard exchange traded futures and options (purchases only) in international commodity exchanges
  
  
• If risk profile warrants – may use OTC contracts overseas. Zero cost structures/cost reduction structures are not permitted.

Operational Guidelines

Applications of companies/ firms which are not covered by the delegated authority of AD Category-I may be forwarded to Reserve Bank for consideration through the International Banking Division of an AD Category-I bank concerned along with the latter’s specific recommendations. The details of the application are detailed in Annex I-I,

III) Entities in Special Economic Zones (SEZ)

Participants

• Users:  Entities in Special Economic Zones (SEZ)
  
  
• Facilitators: AD Category-I  banks

Purpose: To hedge price risk of the imported/exported commodity

Products:

• Standard exchange traded futures and options (purchases only) in international commodity exchanges
  
  
• If risk profile warrants – may use OTC contracts overseas. Zero cost structures/cost reduction structures are not permitted.

Operational Guidelines

AD banks may allow entities in the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) to undertake hedging transactions in the overseas commodity exchanges/markets to hedge their commodity prices on export/import, subject to the condition that such contract is entered into on a stand-alone basis.

Note: The term ''stand alone'' means the unit in SEZ is completely isolated from financial contacts with its parent or subsidiary in the mainland or within the SEZs as far as its import/export transactions are concerned.

NOTE: The detailed guidelines in respect of Delegated Route and Approval Route are given in the Annex I-H and I-Irespectively.

E. Freight Hedging 

Domestic oil refining companies and shipping companies exposed to freight risk, are permitted to hedge their freight risk by the A.D. Category I banks authorized by the Reserve Bank. . Other companies exposed to freight risk can seek prior permission from the Reserve Bank through their AD Category I bank.

It may be noted that the role of Authorized Dealer banks here is primarily to provide facilities for remitting foreign currency amounts towards margin requirements from time to time. This facility must not be used in conjunction with any other derivative product. The facility is divided into following categories:

I) Delegated Route

Users: Domestic oil-refining companies and shipping companies.

Facilitators: AD Category- I banks, specifically authorized by Reserve Bank i.e. those who have been delegated the authority to grant permission to listed companies to hedge commodity price risk in the international commodity exchanges / markets, subject to the conditions mentioned therein. 

Purpose: To hedge freight risk.

Products: 

Plain vanilla Over the Counter (OTC) or exchange traded products in the international market / exchange. Zero cost structures/cost reduction structures are not permitted. The maximum tenor permissible will be one year forward. The exchanges on which the products are purchased must be a regulated entity in the host country.

Operational Guidelines

• AD Category– I banks should ensure that the entities hedging their freight exposures have Board Resolutions which certify that the Board approved Risk Management policies, defines the overall framework within which derivative transactions should be undertaken and the risks contained therein. 
  
  
• AD Category - I banks should approve this facility only after ensuring that the sanction of the company's Board has been obtained for the specific activity and also for dealing in overseas exchanges / markets. The Board approval must include explicitly the authority/ies permitted to undertake the transactions, the mark-to-market policy, the counterparties permitted for OTC derivatives, etc. and a list of transactions undertaken should be put up to the Board on a half-yearly basis. 
  
  
• The AD Category - I bank must obtain a copy of a Board resolution that certifies that the corporate has a Risk Management Policy, incorporating the above details at the time of permitting the transaction itself and as and when changes made therein.
  
  
• The underlying exposure for the users is detailed under (a) and (b) below:

(a) For Domestic oil refining companies: 
 

1.  The freight hedging will be on the basis of underlying contracts i.e., import/export orders for crude oil/petroleum products. 
   
   
2.  Additionally, domestic oil refining companies may hedge their freight risk on anticipated imports of crude oil on the basis of their past performance up to 50 per cent of the volume of actual imports of crude oil during the previous year or 50 per cent of the average volume of imports during the previous three financial years, whichever is higher. 
   
   
3. Contracts booked under the past performance facility will have to be regularized by production of underlying documents during the currency of the hedge. An undertaking may be obtained from the company to this effect.

(b) For shipping companies :-

(i) The hedging will be on the basis of owned / controlled ships of the shipping company which have no committed employment. The quantum of hedge will be determined by the number and capacity of these ships. The same may be certified by the statutory auditor and submitted to the AD Category - I bank. 

(ii) Contracts booked will have to be regularized by production of underlying documents i.e. employment of the ship during the currency of the hedge. An undertaking may be obtained from the company to this effect. 

(iii) AD Category - I banks may also ensure that the freight derivatives being entered into by the shipping companies are reflective of the underlying business of the shipping companies.

II) Approval Route

Participants

• Users:  Companies (other than the ones mentioned above) who are exposed to freight risk 
  
  
• Facilitators: Select AD Category- I banks, that have been delegated the authority to grant permission to listed companies to hedge commodity price risk in the international commodity exchanges / markets, subject to the conditions mentioned therein.

Purpose: To hedge freight risk

Products:

• Plain vanilla Over the Counter (OTC) or exchange traded products in the international market / exchange. Zero cost structures/cost reduction structures are not permitted. The maximum tenor permissible will be one year forward. The exchanges on which the products are purchased must be a regulated entity in the host country.

Operational Guidelines

• Applications of companies/ firms which are not covered by the delegated authority of AD Category-I may be forwarded to Reserve Bank for consideration through the International Banking Division of their AD Category-I bank concerned along with the latter’s specific recommendations. 

F) Reports to the Reserve Bank

1. Authorised Dealers Category-I should consolidate the data on cross currency derivative transactions undertaken by residents and submit half yearly reports (June and December) as per the format indicated in the Annex I A.
   
   
2. Authorised Dealers Category-I should forward details of all swap transactions on a weekly basis in the format given inAnnex I C.
   
   
3. Authorised Dealers Category-I should forward details of option transactions (fcy-inr) undertaken on a weekly basis as per the format indicated in Annex I D. 
   
   
4. A monthly statement should be furnished before the 10th of the succeeding month, in respect of cover taken by FIIs, indicating the name of the FII / fund, the eligible amount of cover, the actual cover taken, etc. as per the format in Annex I E.
   
   
5. AD Category – I banks are required to submit a quarterly report on the forward contracts booked & cancelled by SMEs and Resident Individuals within the first week of the following month, as per format given in Annex I F. In case of residents such contracts may be booked through AD Category I banks with whom the resident individual has banking relationship, on the basis of an application-cum-declaration in the format given in Annex I G.
   
   
6. AD Category - I banks are required to submit a monthly report (as on the last Friday of every month) on the limits granted and utilized by their constituents under the past performance facility in the format given in Annex I J.
   
   
7.  AD Category – I banks are required to submit a quarterly report of all outstanding derivative transactions that have a negative MTM (for the customer) of more than Rs. 5 crores as per the format indicated in Annex I K.