The RBI issued a statement in February 2022 warning the public against engaging in currency trading on unlawful electronic trading platforms (ETPs) or transferring or depositing monies for such trading. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the publication of a “alert list” of organizations that are neither licensed to conduct foreign currency operations under the Foreign currency Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) nor permitted to operate electronic trading platforms for such company. 

The central bank further reiterated that people may only conduct foreign exchange transactions with authorized parties and for permitted purposes. RBI has become stringent in regulating the Forex Industry due to the increasing number of scams.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plays a significant role in regulating and overseeing the Forex industry in India. Here’s an overview of how the RBI interacts with the Forex industry:

1. Regulatory Authority: The RBI is the central bank of India and has the authority to regulate and control the foreign exchange market in the country. It issues regulations and guidelines governing foreign exchange transactions in India.
2. Exchange Control Regulations: The Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) of 1999 is the key legislation that empowers the RBI to administer foreign exchange controls. Under FEMA, the RBI formulates and enforces regulations regarding foreign exchange transactions, current account transactions, and capital account transactions.
3. Exchange Rate Management: The RBI plays a crucial role in managing India’s exchange rate. It intervenes in the foreign exchange market to stabilize and manage the Indian Rupee’s exchange rate against major international currencies. The RBI aims to maintain stability and prevent excessive fluctuations in the currency’s value.
4. Authorization and Regulation of Forex Dealers: The RBI authorizes and regulates authorized dealers (banks and financial institutions) that are allowed to engage in foreign exchange transactions. These authorized dealers facilitate the buying and selling of foreign exchange for various purposes, including trade, travel, and investment.
5. Liberalization and Capital Account Convertibility: The RBI has been progressively liberalizing the capital account transactions in India. It has eased restrictions on foreign investments, overseas remittances, and repatriation of funds. However, the RBI continues to monitor and manage these transactions to ensure economic stability.
6. Reporting Requirements: The RBI mandates that individuals and businesses report foreign exchange transactions and holdings to ensure transparency and compliance with foreign exchange regulations. This includes the submission of various reports and declarations to the RBI.
7. Forex Reserves Management: The RBI is responsible for managing India’s foreign exchange reserves. These reserves are vital for maintaining external stability and covering the country’s import liabilities. The RBI invests these reserves in various assets, including foreign government securities and gold.
8. Monitoring and Surveillance: The RBI closely monitors and supervises the Forex market in India to detect and prevent illegal activities, such as money laundering, fraud, and unauthorized foreign exchange transactions. It issues circulars and notifications to communicate changes in regulations and guidelines to market participants.
9. Enforcement of Capital Controls: The RBI enforces capital controls to regulate the flow of funds in and out of the country. It sets limits and conditions on foreign investments, repatriation of profits, and borrowing by Indian entities from abroad.
10. Impact on Forex Industry: The RBI’s policies and regulations significantly influence the operations of the Forex industry in India. Forex brokers, banks, and businesses involved in foreign exchange transactions must comply with the RBI’s guidelines and obtain necessary approvals to operate legally in the country.

Overall, the RBI’s role is crucial in maintaining the stability of India’s currency and managing foreign exchange transactions to support the country’s economic and financial objectives. Forex industry players need to be cautious and make sure that they are compliant with the rules and regulations of the land.