Why is a Certificate of Deposit more popular in India?

How can a Certificate of Deposit (CD) help secure your money?


  • Introduction:

The introduction of certificates of deposit (CDs) in India occurred in the late 1990s. The main intention behind the launch of certificates of deposit is to widen the range of money market products in the financial market. Investors can use certificates of deposit to control their short-term assets. In the first quarter of 2022, the bank-issued certificates of deposit (CDs) figure hit a near two-year high, breaking the 1 lakh crore barrier for the first time since the nation went under lockdown in March 2020. Surprisingly, certificates of deposit (CDs) weren't even a component of India's financial system until 33 years ago.


Maximize Your Savings with Certificates of Deposit
Maximize Your Savings with Certificates of Deposit


The certificate of deposit (CD) or credit memorandum has a long history. A famous stockbroker from the USA, an expert in government-issued securities, helped with certificates of deposit (CD). The National City Bank of New York, today known as Citibank, launched certificates of deposit in 1961, allowing the bank to raise money for lending. Barclays Bank adopted this strategy in partnership with the National Bank of South Africa in 1964. It results in the acceptability of certificates of deposit (CD), and now certificates of deposit are a frequently used financial tool in India and around the globe.

 

      

Why is a Certificate of Deposit more popular in India?

   

  • Learn the basics of a certificate of deposit.

In the transaction, a depositor and an established bank or financial institute enter into an arrangement known as a Certificate of Deposit (CD). Account holders deposit funds into a bank or financial institution for a set period, and the institution pays interest on the investments.

 

The fine-tuned predetermined period ensures that depositors cannot retrieve the invested amount before the predetermined period. The verbally expressed investment amount is readily negotiable. The Federal Deposit Indemnification Corporation (FDIC) insures it. The RBI officials introduced certificates of deposit in India in 1989 and now oversee CD investment criteria.

 

The RBI aims to increase the range of money market instruments, enabling investors in India to manage short-term funds more precisely. They issue CDs in dematerialised form or electronically. Regular savings accounts offer low-interest rates, while certificates of deposit (CDs) have higher interest rates.

 

  • Key takeaways from a certificate of deposit

A bank issues a certificate to someone who deposits money for a specified period at an interest rate. A time deposit, often called a certificate of deposit or credit memorandum, is a financial asset that banks frequently sell. CDs or credit memos are available in both physical and digital forms. The deposit grows in value over time, but it may be subject to fees if taken before the end of the period. After a CD's maturity date, the depositor has seven days to decide what to do with the money. Even after seven days, if the depositor cannot withdraw funds, they will reinvest the money. They can encash the matured cash without penalty or on demand when the extended period has elapsed.      


   

  • What distinguishes a certificate of deposit from other financial instruments?

The following are the essential characteristics of certificates of deposit:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given commercial banks and financial institutions sanctions for issuing certificates of deposit. However, no regional or cooperative bank can allot CDs.

Individuals, companies, and corporations are eligible depositors for certificates of deposit. In integration, the RBI issues non-repatriable CDs to non-denizen Indians (NRIs).


Invest Wisely with Certificates of Deposit
Invest Wisely with Certificates of Deposit

 

Did you know about the recent changes to certificates of deposit, effective June 7, 2021?

  • The minimum amount in a certificate of deposit is Rs 5 lakh.
  • Certificates of deposit issued by commercial banks have terms ranging from seven days to one year. CDs issued by financial institutions have maturities ranging from one to three years.
  • The bank officials give electronically created certificates when transferring Demat forms according to Demat securities requirements.
  • Certificates of deposit do not have a lock-in period; hence, established banks and financial institutions cannot make loans to depositors against them. However, until the completion period has passed, the money invested is locked in.
  • RBI authorities have given commercial banks and financial institutions sanctions for providing CDs. Regional banks and cooperative banks cannot issue CDs. However, CDs are available to all individuals in India.
  • The Reserve Bank of India allows corporations, trusts, funds, organisations, and non-resident Indians (NRIs) to invest in CDs.
  • You must know the period they wish to invest in CDs, keeping in mind that they cannot recover their amount during this tenure. But they can choose a certificate of deposit that offers the highest interest rate during this tenure. You can invest in a certificate of deposit whose interest rate may be on the downside or choose a significant maturity period to offset any risk of loss.
  • You should be aware of CDs whose interest rates can change in the future, and then you can invest wisely. This choice would enable them to renew the CDs at a higher interest rate. Even if the interest rate does not increase, you can protect your money from sudden movements.

 

  • In India, who can invest in a certificate of deposit?

According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulations, individuals, businesses, and institutions can invest in certificates of deposit (CDs) in India. In addition, NRIs can also invest in CDs on a non-repatriable basis.

 

Who issues a certificate of deposit?

Scheduled commercial banks and selected financial institutions in India issue certificates of deposit within a limit allowed by the RBI. The RBI issues certificates of deposit to individuals, companies, corporations, and funds. Cooperative banks or rural banks cannot issue CDs.

 

What is a negotiable certificate of deposit in India?

NCDs, or negotiable certificates of deposit, are nothing more than marketable FD receipts.

 

What are the benefits of investing in CDs?

Here are some benefits of investing in CDs:

 1. A secure investment

Certificates of deposit are a safer investment instrument than bonds and equities, as CDs are not subject to the volatility of the financial markets. As a result, their income is unpredictable. But when it comes to CDs, the approved banks or financial organisations that issue them put the money in secure and growth-producing assets.

 2. Fixed interest rate

Certificates of deposit offer investors the advantage of a fixed interest rate that remains constant throughout the investment, enabling them to plan effectively.

 

3. CDs have higher interest rates than savings bank accounts.

Certificates of deposit offer higher profit rates than savings bank accounts and have a fixed earning potential.

 

4. CDs are a short-term investment alternative.

CDs have a limited maturity term, meaning the money invested will only be non-recoverable for a short time. CDs have a unique plus point: handsome returns for higher maturity terms. In addition, prolonged investment in CDs at different periods yields consequential returns and provides more liberation.


 1. Idle capital can be a measurable investment through CDs.

CDs are a wise investment for depositors with sizable capital. You can invest money in a CD for a moment and then renew it if necessary.

 

CDs are an excellent long-term investment.

Certificates of deposit are suitable for investors with several investment goals and income levels due to their features and benefits.

 

CDs provide a wide range of choices.

The RBI has given commercial banks and financial institutions the right to sell CDs. As a result, investors may choose the option that best suits their specific investing goals.


 2. Grace period

The depositor can plan future investments using the matured money during the grace period or extend it after the maturity term, which lasts seven days.

 

How can you figure out how much money you will make from a certificate of deposit? 

Commercial banks and financial organisations consider two aspects when issuing a certificate of deposit:

  1. Discount on face value: The discount rate, often known as the coupon rate, is determined by the bank or financial institution.
  2. Based on a floating rate: The interest rate on variable-rate CDs fluctuates over time in India. A CD, the base discount on face value, and the base value on the floating rate are all things that investors need to know. The investor will be able to compute their yearly income using this method.

 

FAQs:

 

What are the advantages of CDs?

The following are the four advantages of a CD:

  1. CDs are a good option.
  2. Fixed rates for fixed terms are possible with CDs.
  3. CDs have varying expiration dates.
  4. Low or no fees may apply to CDs.

 

Who can issue a certificate of deposit?

Commercial banks and selected financial institutions in India issue certificates of deposit within a specific limit allowed by the RBI. Certificates of deposit are received by individuals, companies, corporations, and funds, among others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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