Foreign Exchange Control Manual, Annexure, Guidelines for Foreign Exchange Exposure Limits of Authorised Dealers.

ANNEXURE

Guidelines for Foreign Exchange Exposure Limits of Authorised Dealers
[Paragraph 5B.1(i)]

1. Coverage
   For banks incorporated in India, the exposure limits fixed by the Management should be the aggregate for all branches including their overseas branches. For foreign banks, the limits will cover only their branches in India.
2. Capital
   Capital refers to Tier I capital as per instructions issued by Reserve Bank of India (Department of Banking Operations and Development).
3. Calculation of the Net Open Position in a Single Currency
   The open position must first be measured separately for each foreign currency. The open position in a currency is the sum of (a) the net spot position, (b) the net forward position and (c) the net options position.
   1. Net Spot Position
      The net spot position is the difference between foreign currency assets and the liabilities in the balance sheet. This should include all accrued income/expenses.
   2. Net Forward Position
      This represents the net of all amounts to be received less all amounts to be paid in the future as a result of foreign exchange transactions which have been concluded. These transactions which are recorded as off-balance sheet items in the bank's books would include:
      1. spot transactions which are not yet settled;
      2. forward transactions;
      3. guarantees and similar commitments denominated in foreign currencies which are certain to be called;
      4. net of amounts to be received/paid in respect of currency futures, and the principal on currency futures/swaps.
   3. Options Position
      The options position is the 'delta-equivalent' spot currency position as reflected in the authorised dealer's options risk management system, and includes any delta hedges in place which have not already been included under 3(a) or 3(b)(i) and (ii). For the present this is relevant for foreign branches of Indian banks.
4. Calculation of the Overall Net Open Position
   This involves measurement of risks inherent in a bank's mix of long and short position in different currencies. It has been decided to adopt the 'shorthand method' which is accepted internationally for arriving at the overall net open position. Banks may, therefore, calculate the overall net open position as follows:
   1. Calculate the net open position in each currency (paragraph 3 above).
   2. Convert the net position into rupees at the FEDAI indicative spot rates for the day.
   3. Arrive at the sum of all the net short positions.
   4. Arrive at the sum of all the net long positions.
      
      Overall net foreign exchange position is the higher of (iii) and (iv). The overall net foreign exchange position arrived at as above must be kept within the limit approved by Reserve Bank.
5. Capital Requirement
   
   As prescribed by Reserve Bank from time to time.