A Complete Difference Between Nidhi Company and Micro Finance Company

Nidhi and Microfinance Companies work in diverse areas of finance, assisting different categories of people. Despite the fact that they both work in finance, their structures and purposes are very different. Knowing the distinctions between them is critical for those seeking financial assistance as well as investors. When comparing a Nidhi Company and Micro Finance Company, their distinctive approaches to financial inclusion and community empowerment become evident. Looking at how they’re organized and what services they provide helps to understand how they all contribute to the financial world in different ways.

What is Nidhi Company?

Nidhi Company, governed by Section 406 of the 2013 Companies Act, exists to promote economically living and careful money management among its members. It was formed in order for its members to lend and borrow money. Because they generally operate in the unorganized money market, Nidhi’s are also classified as Non-Banking Financial Companies.

Mutual Benefit Companies, Benefit Funds, Mutual Benefit Funds, and Permanent Funds are other names for them. They are governed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, which has the ability to direct them on deposit acceptance activities. Nidhi existed prior to the Companies Act of 2013. These enterprises are mostly concentrated in the country’s south. 80% of Nidhi enterprises are located in Tamil Nadu. Its name should conclude with “Nidhi Limited” because it is a public company.

What is Microfinance Company?

Microfinance Companies serve an important role in providing financial services to low-income individuals and groups that do not have access to traditional banking institutions. These organizations cater to the special needs of economically deprived areas, providing loans and financial assistance to help them improve their lives.

There are two sorts of microfinance company that can operate in India. The first type necessitates registration with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as well as compliance with regulatory rules to ensure transparency and compliance. The second category is non-profit and must be registered as a Section 8 Company under the Companies Act of 2013. 

Comprehensive Comparison 

• Definition 

 Nidhi Company : A Nidhi Company is a type of non-banking financial institution (NBFC) in India. It falls under the Companies Act of 2013 and is created primarily for cultivating the habit of thrift and savings among its members. The main objective of a Nidhi Company is to lend and borrow money within its members’ network. Nidhi Companies are mutually benefiting entities, functioning similarly to a cooperative society or a mutual benefit society.

Microfinance Company: A microfinance company is a type of financial institution that provides financial services, such as small loans, savings accounts, insurance, and sometimes even financial education, to individuals or small businesses that have limited access to traditional banking services.

The primary goal of microfinance is to offer financial assistance to low-income individuals or those who lack access to typical banking services. 

• Regulation
• Nidhi Company’s requirements and regulations

Nidhi corporation has specific needs, which are listed below:

• Any Nidhi corporation formed under this statute is treated as a public firm.
• A minimum paid-up equity share capital of Rs. 5 lakhs is required.
• There will be no preference shares distributed.
• If preferred shares have already been issued, they will be redeemed in accordance with the terms.

• Regulations for Micro-finance company

• There is no minimum capital requirement. The registration is a very easy process. The deposit mobilization from the public is not allowed in case of societies,
• In case of a trust, there is no minimum capital requirement. It shall not deposit mobilization form public. Besides, there is a limited scope for expansion.
• In case of NBFC-MFI, the registration would be taken up with RBI. Minimum requirement of capital Rs. 5 crores to start MFI. It is not allowed to deposit mobilization from the public.
• Governing Laws

Nidhi Company : 

• Nidhi Company are governed by the Nidhi Rules, 2014. They are required to follow two sets of rules as a result of their incorporation as a public limited company: the Nidhi rules of 2014 and the public limited company requirements under the Companies Act of 2013.
• The RBI has expressly exempted this category of NBFC in India from complying with its basic provisions, including registration with the RBI; thus, no RBI clearance is required to register the company.
• Every Nidhi organization must have 200 members or more within a year of its inception.

Microfinance Company 

• RBI is the central banking institution in India, and it plays a crucial role in regulating and supervising financial institutions, including microfinance institutions. The regulatory framework includes guidelines for NBFC-MFIs (Non-Banking Financial Company – Micro Finance Institutions).
• NABARD is an apex development bank in India that focuses on rural and agricultural development. It plays a role in supporting and regulating microfinance activities, especially in rural areas.
• Micro Finance Institutions (Development and Regulation) Bill, 2012: The Micro Finance Institutions (Development and Regulation) Bill was introduced to provide a legal framework for the regulation and development of microfinance institutions in India.

Conclusion

Millions of people who are too poor to be served by traditional banks, often due to insufficient collateral, can now access loans, savings, and other essential financial services thanks to microcredit, microfinance, Nidhi Companies, and NBFCs. Banks are not normally for persons with limited financial resources. Microloans, micro-savings, microloans, microcar finance, and tiny home loans are some of the extra services provided by microfinance. Microcredit is one of the financial service innovations included in this category. You can contact our legal experts at https://legalwindow.in/ if you are having trouble determining the difference between Nidhi Company and Micro Finance Company.