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RBI Forms New Advisory Committee for Bank Licensing

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has set up a Standing External Advisory Committee (SEAC), led by former Deputy Governor M. K. Jain, to assess applications for Universal and Small Finance Banks.

On January 20, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) established a new Standing External Advisory Committee (SEAC) to evaluate applications for Universal Banks and Small Finance Banks (SFBs). This committee is chaired by former RBI Deputy Governor M. K. Jain and comprises five members.

Committee Composition and Tenure
The SEAC includes:

M. K. Jain: Chairperson and former Deputy Governor, RBI.
Revathy Iyer: Director, Central Board, RBI.
Parvathy V. Sundaram: Former Executive Director, RBI.
Hemant G. Contractor: Former Managing Director of State Bank of India and former Chairman of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority.
N. S. Kannan: Former Managing Director and CEO of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance.
The committee’s tenure is set for three years, with secretarial support provided by the RBI’s Department of Regulation.

Background and Evolution
This initiative follows the precedent set in March 2021, when the RBI formed a similar committee led by former Deputy Governor Shyamala Gopinath. The SEAC’s role is to assess applications for Universal Banks and SFBs, ensuring applicants meet the necessary criteria. Notably, applications from existing SFBs seeking Universal Bank licenses may bypass this vetting process, as their credentials were previously evaluated during their initial licensing.

Current Applications Under Review
The RBI is currently reviewing applications from:

Annapurna Finance: Seeking a Universal Bank license.
AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB): Applied for a Universal Bank license.
Fino Payments Bank: Applied for an SFB license.
VFS Capital: Applied for an SFB license.

Implications for the Banking Sector
The formation of this committee underscores the RBI’s commitment to a structured and transparent approach in expanding India’s banking sector. By appointing seasoned professionals to the SEAC, the RBI aims to ensure that new entrants meet stringent standards, thereby maintaining the stability and integrity of the financial system. This move is anticipated to foster greater financial inclusion and enhance the quality of banking services across the nation.