The Reserve Bank of India today released on its website, ‘Draft Guidelines on Wealth Management/Marketing/Distribution Services offered by Banks’ for comments and feedback.

Comments / feedback on the draft guidelines may be sent by email latest by July 31, 2013 to the Chief General Manager, Department of Banking Operations and Development, Reserve Bank of India, Central Office Building, 13th Floor, S.B. Singh Marg, Mumbai–400001.

Background

The Monetary Policy Statement for 2013-14 had indicated that banks offering Wealth Management Services (WMS) which include referral services, Investment Advisory Services (IAS) and Portfolio Management Services (PMS) are exposed to reputational risks on account of mis-selling of products, conflicts of interest, lack of knowledge and clarity about products and frauds. The Monetary Policy Statement had also indicated that detailed guidelines on marketing and distribution of third-party financial products would be issued in the wake of the irregularities observed in banks offering such services. It was, therefore, proposed to issue comprehensive guidelines on wealth management and marketing/distribution services offered by banks.

Ajit Prasad

Assistant General Manager

Press Release : 2012-2013/2215

Wealth management guidelines focus on preventing mis-selling and conflicts of interest in bank distribution of third-party financial products. Release of draft guidance addresses banks' provision of Wealth Management Services-including referral services, Investment Advisory Services and Portfolio Management Services-by setting a framework to mitigate mis-selling, conflicts of interest, inadequate product knowledge and fraud in marketing and distribution of third party financial products; the Reserve Bank seeks stakeholder comments to inform rules on conduct, disclosure, oversight and governance for bank wealth management activities.