Small Finance Banks

Objective: The objective behind setting up of Small Finance Banks (SFB) is to augment financial inclusion by accepting deposits for the purpose of lending to the un-served and under-served sections of the populace. The credit would be extended to small & marginal farmers, small businesses, micro & small industries, and other entities in the unorganized sector, through technologically advanced low cost operations. These Banks will have to set up at least 25% of the branches in tier V & VI un-banked centres where population doesn't exceed 10,000.

Promoters and Capital: Resident individuals/Professional having 10 years of Banking & Finance experience; and Companies & Societies owned and controlled by residents could set up SFBs. Existing NBFCs, MFIs and LABs could also apply to convert themselves into a SFB. The minimum paid up capital for SFBs is Rs 100 crores with at least 40% contribution coming from promoters, which would get locked in for 5 years. The promoters shareholding will be further brought down to 30% within 10 years; and 26% within 12 years. Post reaching net-worth of Rs 500 crores, stock exchange listing would be mandatory within 3 years. The foreign shareholding norms would be as applicable to Private Sector Banks.

Transition to Universal Bank: Small Finance Banks have the option to continue as differentiated Bank. Alternatively, these Banks will have the option of converting themselves into a Universal Bank, subject to meeting minimum capital/net-worth requirement of Rs 500 crores, and transition would not be automatic but subject to RBI approval. Such transition would be considered post completion of 5 years period, satisfactory track record, and RBI carrying out due diligence exercise.

Salient Features

* Every Small Finance Bank must have the words -- small finance bank -- in its name.

* SFBs cannot set up subsidiaries to undertake non-banking financial service activities.

* 75% of its Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) should be advanced to the priority sector as categorized by RBI.

* Maximum loan size to a single person cannot exceed 10% of total capital funds; cannot exceed 15% in the case of a group.

* At least 50% of its credit should constitute loans and advances of up to 25 lakh.

* Small banks can undertake financial services like distribution of mutual fund units, insurance products, pension products, and so on, but with prior approval from the RBI.

* SFBs could become Category II Authorized Dealer for meeting its client's forex requirements.

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