Ujjivan fails to get RBI nod for universal banking licence

This is the second application by a small finance bank that the RBI has “returned” in the recent past.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has returned the universal banking licence application filed by Ujjivan Small Finance Bank (SFB) on the grounds that the lender has not sufficiently diversified its asset book to qualify for it, according to an exchange filing.

The RBI, through their aforesaid letter, took note of the Bank’s recent efforts towards diversification of its loan portfolio. However, they were of the view that there is scope for progress in this area. Therefore, the RBI has returned the above-mentioned application and advised the Bank to consider applying again after demonstrating a diversified loan portfolio,” the notice said.

This is the second application by a small finance bank that the RBI has “returned” in the recent past. The regulator had earlier returned Jana SFB’s universal bank license application, while giving in-principle approval to AU SFB to convert to a universal bank and granting in-principle approval to Fino Payments Bank’s request to transition into an SFB.