Consider the following statements about Small Finance Banks (SFBs)1.Th...
Statement Analysis
Option c is Correct
SFBs are specialized banks that are licensed by RBIto provide financial services and products to low-income individuals and underserved communities, including microfinance and micro-enterprise services, as well as other basic banking services.
SFBs are registered as public limited companies under the Companies Act, 2013 and governed by Banking Regulations Act, 1949; RBI Act, 1934 and other relevant Statutes and Directives from time to time.
The guidelines for SFBS were introduced in 2014 by RBI. RBI Guidelines on SFBs in India are:
- SFBs are granted the scheduled bank status after being operational and are deemed suitable under section 42 of the RBI Act,1934.
- SFBs are required to primarily focus on providing access to financial services to the unbanked and underbanked segments of the population.
- They are required to maintain a minimum Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) of 15%.
- They are required to extend 75% of their Adjusted Net Bank Credit to Priority Sector Lending.
- SFBs are required to open at least 25% of their total branches in unbanked rural areas.
- The minimum paid-up voting equity capital for small finance banks shall be Rs.200 crore.
- SFBs are required to maintain at least 50% of their loan portfolio as microfinance and advances of up to Rs. 25,00,000.
- SFBs are required to comply with various prudential norms and regulations related to income recognition, asset classification, and provisioning.
- SFBs are encouraged to adopt technology to improve their operational efficiency and reach the target segments.
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)-appointed director, recently resigned from the board of Ujjivan Small Finance Bank (SFB).
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Consider the following statements about Small Finance Banks (SFBs)1.Th...
Overview of Small Finance Banks (SFBs)
Small Finance Banks (SFBs) are a type of niche banking institution in India aimed at promoting financial inclusion by providing banking services to underserved sectors. Let's analyze the statements regarding their operational requirements.
Statement 1: CRAR Requirement
- SFBs are mandated to maintain a minimum Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) of 15%. This requirement ensures that these banks have sufficient capital to absorb potential losses and maintain stability.
Statement 2: Priority Sector Lending
- SFBs are required to extend at least 75% of their Adjusted Net Bank Credit to Priority Sector Lending (PSL). This is a crucial aspect as it reflects their role in promoting lending to sectors like agriculture, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which are vital for economic growth.
Statement 3: Branch Opening in Rural Areas
- SFBs must open at least 25% of their total branches in unbanked rural areas. This requirement is aimed at enhancing access to banking services in rural regions, thereby contributing to financial inclusion.
Conclusion
- All three statements are correct. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is option 'C' – All Three statements are true.
These regulations emphasize the role of SFBs in fostering financial inclusion while ensuring their financial stability and commitment to serving priority sectors.