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RBI1 min read

Tier 1 Capital

The core capital of a bank under Basel III, comprising Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1 — equity shares and retained earnings) and Additional Tier 1 (AT1 — perpetual bonds). CET1 must be at least 5.5% of RWA for Indian banks.

Last updated: 17 May 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)🔗

Q1. What is Tier 1 Capital in Indian corporate law?
The core capital of a bank under Basel III, comprising Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1 — equity shares and retained earnings) and Additional Tier 1 (AT1 — perpetual bonds). CET1 must be at least 5.5% of RWA for Indian banks.
Q2. Why is Tier 1 Capital important for compliance?
Tier 1 Capital is governed by the Reserve Bank of India under applicable banking and monetary policy frameworks. Understanding this concept is essential for ensuring regulatory compliance, avoiding penalties, and making informed corporate decisions in India.
Q3. Who should know about Tier 1 Capital?
Tier 1 Capital is relevant for company secretaries, compliance officers, chartered accountants, corporate lawyers, board members, and all professionals dealing with RBI regulatory matters in India.

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