Most SFBs would not clamour to become universal banks: Ex-Secy

Highlighting the importance of small finance banks (SFBS) in fostering financial inclusion, former Financial Services Secretary D K Mittal said most of them would not clamour to become universal banks if some restrictions are eased by the Reserve Bank.

To promote financial inclusion in the country, RBI, in 2014, issued the guidelines for licensing of small finance banks (SFBS) in the private sector. Following this, RBI granted licences to a dozen entities.

As per the RBI guidelines, SFBS are required to open at least 25 per cent of their branches in unbanked rural centres and are mandated to provide 75 per cent of loans to the priority sector compared to 40 per cent for the commercial banks.

Last month, the RBI invited applications from small finance banks meeting specified criteria, including a minimum net worth of Rs 1,000 crore, for becoming regular or universal banks.