Benefits of Microfinance Company Registration

For Microfinance Institutions in India, Reserve Bank of India has created a policy framework in order to provide necessary legitimacy to the sector.

Here are the following benefits of Microfinance Institutions:

• It helps in encouraging self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship
• Smooth access to funding
• Better overall loan repayment rate in comparison to traditional banks.
• It helps in strengthening the financial condition by meeting the credit needs of needy people by giving a different type of loans such as emergency loans, business loan, working capital loan, housing loan etc.

Type of Legal Structure for Microfinance Company Registration

Industry Analysis

India is world’s second fastest growing economy with a large population. Government banks and private sector banks cannot open their branch in every village. Though Indian banks have increased their presence but still, have limited reach in remote areas. Microfinance Institutions (MFI) mainly working in villages / remote area to empower farmers and small business.

What are Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) as NBFC?

Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) are a non-deposit taking NBFC (other Than a company licensed under section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013), which performs banking at a small level as a bank does. MFI Exist at a very small level than NBFC. MFI stands for Microfinance Institutions which provides similar lending services as NBFC to the poor and weaker sections of the society who do not have access to regular banking facilities.

Microfinance Company Registration Requirements

For, Microfinance Company Registration or you can say MFI registration in India, there is a requirement of minimum paid-up capital of Rs. 5 crores. Whereas in the case of the North-East region of India, the minimum paid-up share capital requirement is Rs. 2 Crore only. MFIs have to maintain 85% qualifying assets all the time. MFI has to abide by the guidelines issued by RBI for NBFCs in general in relation to the terms & condition of loans.

Note: No company can carry the activities of Microfinance Company without obtaining the prior approval of RBI (Reserve Bank of India).

Procedure for Microfinance Company Registration in India

• Company Registration

The first step in MFI (Microfinance Institution) registration is to register a company either as Private Limited Company or Public Limited Company as per Companies Act, 2013. Initially, the company can be registered with the capital of Rs.1,00,000. After company registration, we can proceed to the next step.

• Raise Capital

The next step is to raise authorized and paid up share capital up to Rs. 5 Crore or Rs. 2 Crore as the case may be. It should be raised in the form of equity Share Capital and not Preference Share Capital.

• Bank Account Opening

After incorporation of the company, the amount received shall be deposited in a bank account in the form of Fixed Deposit. After this, a certificate of no lien shall be obtained from the bank. This certificate shall be attached with an application which will be submitted with the RBI.

• Application for Microfinance Company Registration with RBI

The next step is to obtain all the certified copies and submit it with the RBI for carrying business Operations. Following are required to be submitted:

1. Copy of Certificate of Incorporation
2. Copy of an extract of the main object clause in MOA.
3. Copy of fixed deposit receipt.
4. Bankers Certificate of no lien in relation to Net Owned Fund
5. Bankers Report

• File Online Application

An online application will be filed with the RBI for Microfinance Company Registration. After filing of an application, the company will get Company Application Reference Number.

• Hard Copy Submission

Once an online application is filed, a hard copy of the application along with the necessary documents will be submitted with the regional office of the Reserve Bank of India. On receiving the application, RBI will conduct due diligence and after satisfaction, RBI will issue a certificate of commencement of business.

Documents Required for MFI Registration in India

From All Directors and Shareholders

• Duly Certified copy of Certificate of Incorporation of a company.
• Certified copy of Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA & AOA) of the Company
• Board Resolution in relation to the proposed Microfinance company registration
• Banker's Report
• Auditors report regarding receipt of the minimum net owned fund (NOF) of the applicant company
• A certificate of Chartered Accountant regarding details of group/associate/subsidiary/holding companies along with the details of investments in other NBFCs as shown in the Performa Balance Sheet
• A certified copy of the highest educational and professional qualification of all the proposed directors of an applicant company.