RBI’s System-Level Cap on Loans Against Shares Strengthens Market Discipline: Siddartha S. Karnani

Posted On - 1 April, 2026 • By - King Stubb & Kasiva

In a recent article published by Business Today, Siddartha S. Karnani highlighted the significance of the Reserve Bank of India’s clarification on capping loans against shares and financing for IPO, FPO, and ESOP subscriptions at ₹1 crore on a system-wide basis.

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Emphasizing the regulatory intent, Siddartha noted that this move represents a crucial safeguard in the financial system. He stated, “By moving the limit beyond a single-bank framework, the regulator seeks to close potential gaps where borrowers could otherwise access multiple credit lines across banks to bypass exposure limits. This approach strengthens oversight of leverage in capital market–linked lending while promoting responsible credit deployment by banks.”

He further highlighted that the system-level cap enhances transparency and reduces the risk of excessive leverage, thereby contributing to greater stability in the capital markets ecosystem.

This development reflects the RBI’s continued focus on prudent regulation and risk containment, ensuring a more robust and disciplined lending environment for both financial institutions and investors.

Read more: https://www.businesstoday.in/markets/stocks/story/bt-explainer-loans-against-shares-capped-system-wide-at-rs-1-cr-what-investors-should-know-523286-2026-03-31