The Reserve Bank of India issued the Reserve Bank of India (Urban Cooperative Banks – Resolution of Stressed Assets) Amendment Directions, 2026 to modify the existing 2025 framework. The amendment is introduced following the issuance of updated asset classification and provisioning norms and is made under powers granted by the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The key change is in the Explanation to paragraph 5(4)(v), which now clarifies that the term “financial difficulty” shall carry the same meaning as defined in the Reserve Bank of India (Small Finance Banks – Resolution of Stressed Assets) Directions, 2025. This amendment aims to ensure consistency and uniform interpretation across different categories of banks in resolving stressed assets. It reflects a move towards harmonisation of regulatory definitions and frameworks. The revised provision will come into effect from April 1, 2027, aligning it with the broader transition to updated regulatory standards.
Reserve Bank of India
RBI/2026-27/32
DOR.STR.REC.16/21-04-048/2026-27 | Dated: April 27, 2026
Reserve Bank of India (Urban Cooperative Banks – Resolution of Stressed Assets)- Amendment Directions, 2026
Please refer to Reserve Bank of India (Urban Cooperative Banks – Resolution of Stressed Assets) Directions, 2025 (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Directions’).
2. Consequent to the issuance of Reserve Bank of India (Commercial Banks-Asset Classification, Provisioning and Income Recognition) Directions, 2026and in exercise of the powers conferred by the Sections 21 and 35A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and all other laws enabling the Reserve Bank in this regard, the Reserve Bank being satisfied that it is necessary and expedient in the public interest so to do, hereby issues the Amendment Directions hereinafter specified.
3. The Amendment Directions shall modify Explanation to para 5(4)(v) as given below:
“Explanation: For the purposes of this direction, financial difficulty would have the same meaning as specified in the Reserve Bank of India (Small Finance Banks – Resolution of Stressed Assets) Directions, 2025.”
4. The above amendments shall come into force with effect from April 1, 2027.
(Vaibhav Chaturvedi)
Chief General Manager
