Published on: June 2026
THE RACE TO CAPTURE FOREIGN CURRENCY VIA FCNR(B) DEPOSITS
Devendra Singh Kushwaha
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Abstract
The global macroeconomic landscape of mid-2026, characterised by elevated oil prices and shifting capital flows, has placed significant pressure on emerging market currencies, including the Indian Rupee. In response, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reintroduced a strategic swap window for Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) [FCNR(B)] deposits, effectively absorbing the hedging costs for banks. This policy intervention has triggered an aggressive race among Indian commercial banks to capture foreign currency inflows from Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). By offering unprecedented interest rates in the range of 6.00% to 7.10% for three to five-year tenors, banks are leveraging regulatory exemptions on reserve requirements to bolster their foreign exchange liquidity. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the mechanics behind the 2026 FCNR(B) swap window, compares it with the historical precedent of the 2013 taper tantrum, and evaluates the implications for bank net interest margins and broader macroeconomic stability. The findings suggest that while the scheme is poised to attract substantial dollar inflows, its ultimate success hinges on the delicate balance between competitive pricing and the prevailing high-yield environment in advanced economies.
How to Cite this Paper
Kushwaha, D. S. (2026). The Race to Capture Foreign Currency Via Fcnr(B) Deposits. International Journal of Creative and Open Research in Engineering and Management, <i>02</i>(6). https://doi.org/10.55041/ijcope.v2i6.179
Kushwaha, Devendra. "The Race to Capture Foreign Currency Via Fcnr(B) Deposits." International Journal of Creative and Open Research in Engineering and Management, vol. 02, no. 6, 2026, pp. . doi:https://doi.org/10.55041/ijcope.v2i6.179.
Kushwaha, Devendra. "The Race to Capture Foreign Currency Via Fcnr(B) Deposits." International Journal of Creative and Open Research in Engineering and Management 02, no. 6 (2026). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.55041/ijcope.v2i6.179.
References
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- •Published on: Jun 13 2026
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