CERSAI: Full Form, Registration, Charges, and Role in Banking

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The full form of CERSAI is The Central Registry of Securitisation Asset Reconstruction and Security Interest of India. It's a centralised online platform created by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to maintain records of all types of securities interests created over any type of property, including movable and immovable properties. This registry has been introduced to prevent fraudulent transactions and provide greater transparency and accountability in the Indian banking and financial sector. This blog will take you through important information on CERSAI, its role, objectives, registration process and more.

What is CERSAI? Its Role in the Indian Banking and Financial Sector

As the CERSAI Full Form indicates, it acts as a comprehensive database that stores details of all securitisations, reconstructions, and security interests created by banks and other financial institutions. This registry helps lenders check whether a property has already been used as collateral before granting loans to borrowers. By doing so, CERSAI plays a vital role in reducing fraudulent activities such as multiple financing, benami transactions, and others. Additionally, it also provides transparency and efficiency in the loan processing system, making it easier for lenders to track and manage their assets.

Importance & Main Objectives of CERSAI

CERSAI in banking promotes transparency and accountability in the financial system. Some key goals of the registry include:

Preventing Fraudulent Activities: CERSAI helps to prevent fraudulent activities such as multiple financing, benami transactions, and others by keeping a record of all securitisation, reconstruction, and security interest transactions.
Improving Loan Processing Efficiency: By providing a centralised platform for recording securities interests, the CERSAI portal simplifies loan processing, making it easier for lenders to track and manage their assets.
Enhancing Due Diligence Processes: CERSAI also enables lenders to conduct thorough due diligence checks on potential borrowers, which helps reduce the risk of default and improve the overall quality of loans.
Reducing Litigation Risks: It helps minimise litigation risks for lenders by providing a clear and transparent record of all securitisation, reconstruction, and security interest transactions.
Protecting Creditors' Rights: The registry protects the rights of creditors by ensuring that their securities interests are recorded and protected in accordance with the law.
Promoting Collaboration: CERSAI fosters collaboration among lenders by providing a platform for them to share information and work together on asset reconstruction and security interest transactions, including a simplification of the Loan Charge Creation process as well.

Also Read: What is CRR? Know Its Ful Form, Definition, Objective & Differences with SLR

What is a CERSAI Registration Charge?

Various transactions carry different fees under CERSAI. Here's a breakdown of the charges excluding taxes:

Type of Transaction	Fees (Excluding Tax)
CERSAl Search	₹10
Creation or Modification of Security Interest	₹50 (for loans up to ₹5 lakhs), ₹100 (for loans above ₹5 lakhs)
Reconstruction or Securitisation of Financial Assets	₹500
Satisfaction of Securitisation or Reconstruction of Financial Assets	₹50
Assignment of Receivables	₹10 (for assignments of less than ₹5 lakhs), ₹100 (for assignments of ₹5 lakhs and above)

Please Note- It's worth noting that these charges are subject to change over time, and may vary based on the specific circumstances of the transaction. Interested parties should consult the CERSAI website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date pricing information.

How to Do CERSAI Login

To continue with the login procedure for CERSAI, follow these steps:

Visit the CERSAI Portal: Go to the official CERSAI Portal at cersai.com.
Click on the Login Button: On the homepage, click on the "Login" button located at the top right corner of the screen.
Enter Your Username and Password: Enter your username and password in the respective fields. Make sure to enter the correct credentials, as incorrect entries will result in an error message.
Press the Submit Button: After entering your username and password, click on the "submit" button.
Access Your Dashboard: If your credentials are correct, you will be redirected to your dashboard. From here, you can access various features and services offered by CERSAI.

How To Apply for Entity Registration on CERSAI

Entities seeking CERSAI Registration must follow a specific process. Here are the steps involved in registering an entity on CERSAI:

Step 1: Obtain PAN Number

The first step is to obtain a Permanent Account Number (PAN) from the Income Tax Department. This is a unique identifier assigned to every taxpayer in India.

Step 2: Determine Eligibility

Entities must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria set by RBI. These criteria include being a financial institution, bank, or Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), having a valid PAN number, and meeting the minimum capital adequacy requirements.

Step 3: Collect Required Documents

The next step is to collect the necessary required documents, which may include:

Certificate of incorporation
Memorandum of association
Articles of association
Proof of address
Identity proof of directors and shareholders
Audited balance sheet and profit & loss statement
Certificate of commencement of business

Step 4: Fill Application Form

After collecting the required documents, entities must fill out the CERSAI application form. This form is available on the official CERSAI website.

Step 5: Pay Registration Fees

Once the application form is filled, entities must pay the prescribed registration fees. The fee structure varies based on the type of entity and the amount of security being registered.

Step 6: Submit Application

After paying the registration fees, entities must submit their applications along with the required documents. They will receive an acknowledgement receipt upon successful submission.

Step 7: Wait for Approval

The final step is to wait for approval from CERSAI. Once approved, entities can log in to the CERSAI portal and start using its services.

Conclusion

CERSAI is a vital initiative undertaken by the RBI to streamline the process of registering securities and assets in India. With its user-friendly portal and robust eligibility criteria, it ensures transparency, security, and efficiency in the financial sector. By leveraging technology, CERSAI has made it easier for stakeholders to access information and avail services, thereby promoting financial inclusion and stability in the country.

Key FAQs About CERSAI

1. Who established CERSAI, and when was it founded?

CERSAI was established by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in 2011 to create a centralized system for the registration of securities and assets.

2. How does the CERSAI Portal help homebuyers?

The CERSAI portal helps homebuyers by providing a secure and transparent platform for registering and tracking their loans, mortgages, and other financial instruments. This reduces the risk of fraud and provides ease of access to information.

3. How can individuals or businesses contact CERSAI for inquiries or services?

Individuals or businesses can contact CERSAI through their official website, email, or phone number. They can also visit the nearest RBI office for assistance.

4. Does CERSAI have a website or official portal where stakeholders can access information?

Yes, CERSAI has an official website (www.cersai.com) where stakeholders can access information about their services, registration processes, and FAQs.

5. What is CERSAI portal 2.0, and how is it different from CERSAI?

CERSAI portal 2.0 is an upgraded version of the CERSAI portal, which offers additional features such as online submission of applications, real-time tracking of requests, and improved user experience. The new portal is more user-friendly and efficient than the previous version.

6. What is the CERSAI registration fee?

The CERSAI registration fee varies depending on the type of security or asset being registered. For instance, the fee for registering a mortgage is currently set at INR 500.

7. What are the eligibility criteria for CERSAI?

To be eligible for CERSAI registration, entities must meet certain requirements, such as having a valid PAN number, being registered with the relevant regulatory authority, and meeting minimum capital adequacy norms. Additionally, the entity must have a clean credit history and sound financials.

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