New FAQ Page 2 - ربی - Reserve Bank of India
Clarifications to Queries on Guidelines for Licensing of New Banks in the Private Sector
A. With a view to enhancing financial inclusion, the conditions relating to the branch network are specifically prescribed at 25 percent for unbanked rural centres. Further, this norm has been extended to the existing banks also and they are required to comply with this stipulation while opening new branches.
As regards the foreign investment, it is capped at 49 percent for the initial period of 5 years to ensure that domestic banks are established in the private sector. However, after expiry of 5 years, the aggregate foreign shareholding in the bank would be allowed as per the extant FDI policy of the Government.
The reason for not permitting the NOFHC to set up any new financial services entity for at least three years from the date of commencement of the NOFHC is on account of the fact that it is necessary that the newly set up bank gets on sound footing before the NOFHC diversifies into other financial sector business. The existing regulated financial sector business would, however, continue under the NOFHC.