Unofficial informational page

About the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is India’s central bank. It formulates and implements monetary policy, issues and manages the nation’s currency, regulates and supervises banks and select non-bank lenders, oversees payment systems, promotes financial inclusion, and works to preserve overall financial stability.

Quick Facts
  • Established: 1 April 1935
  • Legal Basis: Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934
  • Ownership: Government of India
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, India
  • Currency Managed: Indian Rupee (₹)

Key Functions

Monetary Policy

Formulates and implements monetary policy to achieve low and stable inflation, anchoring expectations while supporting sustainable growth.

Regulation & Supervision

Regulates and supervises banks and select non-bank financial institutions to safeguard depositor interests and systemic stability.

Currency Management

Issues, circulates, and withdraws banknotes; ensures availability of clean notes; combats counterfeiting with security features.

Payments & Settlements

Oversees payment systems (e.g., RTGS, NEFT, UPI) for safe, efficient, and interoperable digital transactions across India.

Financial Markets

Manages liquidity operations and foreign-exchange reserves while ensuring orderly conditions in money and government securities markets.

Inclusion & Consumer Protection

Advances financial inclusion and literacy; protects customers via the Ombudsman framework and fair-practices guidelines.

Payments & Digital Innovation

India’s payment landscape has transformed through interoperable systems and pro-innovation regulation. Platforms like UPI have enabled instant, low-cost transfers across banks and fintechs, powering the country’s digital economy.

  • Interoperable, real-time retail payments (e.g., UPI, IMPS).
  • Large-value settlement via RTGS with robust risk controls.
  • Focus on security, resilience, and customer convenience.
What it means for users & businesses

Faster, 24×7 transfers and digital commerce enablement.

Lower transaction costs and wider access through mobile apps.

Greater transparency and dispute-resolution mechanisms.

Frequently Asked Questions

The RBI conducts monetary policy, regulates and supervises banks and select NBFCs, manages currency, oversees payment systems, safeguards financial stability, and advances financial inclusion and literacy.

Through its Monetary Policy Committee, the RBI uses the policy repo rate and liquidity operations to anchor inflation expectations and keep inflation within the target band while supporting growth.