Jana Small Finance Bank Applies for Universal Banking Licence

Jana Small Finance Bank (Jana SFB) has formally submitted an application to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) seeking approval to convert into a universal bank, the lender announced on Monday.

The move marks a pivotal step in Jana Bank’s evolution, underscoring its ambitions to broaden its services and deepen its impact on India’s financial ecosystem. “This application reflects our long-term commitment to financial inclusion, innovation, and sustainable banking,” the bank said in an official statement.

Over the years, Jana SFB has built a strong presence in the retail and MSME sectors, while significantly expanding both its digital capabilities and physical network across the country. The bank emphasized its consistent performance across key financial and governance metrics as a foundation for its transition.

If approved, the licence will allow Jana to offer a full suite of banking services, moving beyond the limitations of a small finance bank and potentially increasing its competitive edge in India’s growing banking sector.