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Preface: This post was originally published in 2024 and has been updated on February 09, 2026, to provide you with the most current and accurate information.
When it comes to the foreign exchange industry in India, the Authorized Money Changers (AMCs) play an important role. AMCs are authorized to partake foreign exchange currency or money changer activities under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
In this article, we will discuss who the Authorized Money Changers (AMCs) are in detail, and also explain the process to become an AMC in India.
Authorized Money Changers (AMCs) are entities that are authorized by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), under Section 10 of Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.
According to Section 2 of FEMA, an ‘Authorized Person’ refers to an authorized dealer, money changer, off-shore banking unit or any other person who is, for the time being, authorized to deal in foreign exchange or foreign securities under sub-section (1) of Section 10 of the Act.
An Authorized Money Changer (AMC) can either be a Full Fledged Money Changer (FFMC) or a Restricted Money Changer (RMC). Restricted Money Changers (RMCs) are only authorized to buy foreign currency notes, coins and traveler’s checks after which they are required to turn over each collection to a licensed foreign exchange dealer or a full-fledged money changer in turn.
Full Fledged Money Changers (FFMCs) are authorized to conduct both buy and sell transactions with the general masses. They are authorized to perform forex currency or money changer activities upon the grant of FFMC license by RBI. FFMCs are authorized to buy foreign exchange from residents and non-residents who visit India and to sell foreign exchange for certain approved purposes, including the conversion of currency notes, coins or travelers’ cheques designated in foreign currency into Indian Rupees and vice versa.
Unless in possession of a valid RBI-issued money changer’s license, no person shall carry or advertise that he carries the business of money changing. If a person is found to be undertaking money changing business without the possession of a valid FFMC license, he is liable to be penalized under the FEMA Act.
Note: The RBI has discontinued the scheme of RMCs. However, certain RMCs that function within 10 km from Pakistan and Bangladesh’s borders are permitted by RBI to operate for the time being.
To become an AMC, it is essential to obtain RBI’s approval. At present, RBI issues authorization under Section (10) of FEMA, 1999 to the following entities:
Select banks (as Authorized Dealers Category - I) to carry out all permissible current and capital transactions.
Select entities (as Authorized Dealers Category - II) to carry out specified non-trade related current account transactions, all the activities permitted to FFMCs and any other activities which are decided by RBI.
Select financial and other institutions (as Authorized Dealers Category - III) to carry out specific transactions related to foreign exchange that are incidental to their business activities.
Select registered companies (as FFMCs) to undertake purchase of foreign exchange and sale of foreign exchange for specified purposes, like private and business travel abroad.
To become an AMC, you need to fulfill the essential steps explained below:
The applicant needs to visit the official website of RBI and download the prescribed application form for registering as an authorized money changer.
In the form, mention all the necessary details. Along with the application form, the applicant needs to attach necessary documents like certificate of incorporation, commencement of business certificate, memorandum of association, articles of association, etc.
Then, they need to submit the application form to the relevant regional office of the RBI.
After receiving the application, the RBI will check the fit and proper criteria of the firm’s director. The director’s suitability to manage forex operations will be assessed by the RBI’s scrutiny panel. Additionally, in order to ensure compliance with the RBI regulations, legal matters involving director will also be assessed.
The empowered committee assesses the candidates.
After carefully going through the supporting documents submitted by the applicant, the empowered committee will decide whether to approve the application or not.
If the application and documents are in alignment with the RBI requirements, the central bank will issue the FFMC license and permit the applicant entity to carry out foreign exchange transactions.
The application must submit additional documents like lease agreement, shop and establishment permission, property papers, etc., to the relevant authorities prior to commencement of business activities.
After the license is granted, the applicant must open the authorized money changing company within six months. Before establishing the company, the applicant must notify the authorities.
After completing all the necessary formalities, the process for becoming an authorized money changer will be completed.
RBI-registered FFMCs have the following functions:
FFMCs can purchase any foreign currency coins, notes or traveler’s cheques from non-residents that travel to India or residents that come to India after traveling abroad.
These Authorized Money Changers (AMCs) are also allowed to sell Indian rupees to the foreign tourists against their international debit/credit cards through necessary actions for full reimbursement through any normal banking channels.
In addition to the above, by entering into franchise agreement, FFMCs can also carry restricted money changing activities such as the conversion of foreign currency notes, coins, and traveler’s cheques into Indian currency.
Apart from these functions, FFMCs can also be involved in sales of foreign currency for the sole purpose of forex prepaid cards, business travel and private travel.
According to Section 12(1) of FEMA, 1999, an officer of Reserve Bank of India who is specially authorized to inspect AMCs can inspect their books of accounts and other documents.
The AMCs must assist and cooperate with the Inspecting Officers while the inspection is being carried out. If an AMC fails to produce any books of accounts or other documents or to furnish any statement or information or to answer any question pertaining to the money changing transactions to the Inspecting Officer, it shall be considered as a contravention of FEMA’s provisions.
Inspecting Officers generally point out the following irregularities during their inspection of AMCs:
One irregularity is that the system of concurrent audit hasn’t been put in place or that the concurrent audit is not taking place as per the periodicity.
Another irregularity generally pointed out is that the foreign exchange rate chart is not displayed at a prominent place or not updated on a regular basis.
If the amount of forex tendered for encashment by a non-resident or a resident returning from abroad exceeds the prescribed limits for Currency Declaration Form and the CDF is not kept on record, the Inspecting Officer shall point out this irregularity.
If the payment exceeding 1000 USD is made in cash instead of account payee cheque, it shall be pointed out by the Inspecting Officer.
In India, only the Authorized Money Changers (AMCs) can deal in or transfer any foreign exchange or foreign security to any person. AMCs are authorized by RBI, under FEMA. It is necessary to receive authorization from RBI to carry out forex currency and money changer business activities. Want to obtain FFMC License to start a foreign currency exchange business? Connect with Registrationwala’s FEMA Consultants!
Hey there, I'm Dushyant Sharma. With the extensive knowledge I've gained in past 8 years, I have been creating content on various subjects such as banking, insurance, telecom, and all the important registration and licensing processes for various companies. I'm here to help everyone with my expertise in these areas through my articles.
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