In a move, which would induce more players in Indian banking sector, central bank’s deputy governor, S S Mundra underscored that Apex Bank is all set to unveil final norms on small and payments banks next month. India’s Apex Bank had come out with draft guidelines on differentiated banks and had invited public comments up till August 28.
The deputy governor highlighted that it was with intent of deepening financial inclusion and helping more people under the formal financial system, RBI had mooted the idea of small banks and payment banks. Once released, these final norms would allow micro-lenders, telecom players, non-banking finance companies and public sector companies eligible to apply for licences once RBI invites applications for the same.
Further, in an attempt to ease qualms over profitability for such banks, the deputy governor assured that these banks could earn from a variety of avenues like charging for transactions and through investments in government bonds. This clarification came after many reports raised a question mark on the viability of these banks as profitability of the business would depend on volumes, which are wafer-thin.
According to the guidelines, while small banks will disburse small-ticket loans to farmers and businesses, payment banks will cater to marginalized sections of society, including migrant labourers, for collecting deposits and remitting funds. As per the guidelines, the proposed small banks will provide a whole suite of basic banking products such as deposits and supply of credit, but in a limited area of operation. On the other hand, payment banks will offer a limited range of products such as acceptance of demand deposits and remittances of funds. Payment Bank would have a widespread network of access points particularly in remote areas, either through their own branch network or through Business Correspondents (BCs) or through networks provided by others.
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