What is the minimum capital requirement for setting up a Small Finance Bank (SFB) in India?
General Knowledge
Indian Economy
Difficulty: Hard
Choose an option
-
A₹50 crore
-
B₹100 crore
-
C₹200 crore
-
D₹500 crore
-
E₹1000 crore
Answer
Correct Answer: ₹200 crore
Explanation
### Concept & Banking Regulations
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandates specific paid-up voting equity capital and net worth requirements to ensure the financial stability of banking entities before granting licenses.
### Step-by-Step Solution
* **Identify the Entity:** The question asks about Small Finance Banks (SFBs), which provide basic banking services to unserved and underserved sections.
* **Recall RBI Guidelines:** The RBI periodically updates its licensing guidelines. Initially, when the SFB guidelines were first released, the requirement was lower.
* **Current Requirement:** Under the revised guidelines for 'on tap' licensing of Small Finance Banks in the private sector, the minimum paid-up voting equity capital / net worth requirement was raised to **₹200 crore**.
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Keep track of RBI's revised minimum capital guidelines. The capital requirement for SFBs was doubled from its original ₹100 crore to ₹200 crore to build stronger financial buffers against risk.
### Common Pitfall
Selecting ₹100 crore based on outdated information from when SFB licenses were first introduced. Always use the most current RBI regulatory figures.
### Final Answer
Therefore, the correct answer is **₹200 crore**.