Qualitative (or selective) credit control methods are used by the central bank to regulate the flow of credit to specific sectors of the economy, rather than controlling the overall volume of credit. The main tools include:
(A) Margin Requirements: The central bank can specify the margin (the down payment a borrower must make) for loans against securities. A higher margin discourages borrowing for that specific purpose (e.g., stock market speculation).
(B) Credit Rationing: The central bank can impose a ceiling on the amount of credit available to commercial banks or for specific industries.
(C) Direct Action and Moral Suasion: The central bank can issue directives (Direct Action) or use persuasion (Moral Suasion) to encourage or discourage banks from lending to certain sectors.
All the options are recognized qualitative methods.