RBI returns Ujjivan SFB's application to transition into universal bank
14 Apr 2026, 01:36 PMHowever, there is scope for filing the application for the universal bank again.
Share the story on
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has returned Ujjivan Small Finance Bank's application to transition into a universal bank.
The application was returned as the central bank thought the bank's loan portfolio wasn't adequately diversified, said Ujjivan Small Finance Bank in a stock exchange filing.
However, there is scope for filing the application for the universal bank again.
"Therefore, RBI have returned the above-mentioned application and advised the bank to consider applying again after demonstrating a diversified loan portfolio," it said.
Ujjivan Small Finance Bank's gross loan book jumped 21.6% year-on-year to Rs 37,055 crore as of December 31, 2025, compared with Rs 30,466 crore as of December 31, 2024. Sequentially, the loan book grew 7.1% from Rs 34,588 crore. Housing loans, including micro mortgages, rose 49.6% year-on-year to Rs 9,560 crore, while MSME advances grew 69% to Rs 2,863 crore.
In October last year, the RBI had returned Jana Small Finance Bank's application to transition into a universal Bank.
Who Reads Us
“I enjoy reading The Head and Tale for their coverage on the Fintech landscape. The reporting is incisive and honest, and it demonstrates a sharp understanding of the industry and the issues that concern it. I'd like to extend my best wishes to Arti for her continued success.”
“Well-researched, informative and analysis based reporting makes an interesting read. 'The Head and Tale' news portal has been demonstrating this quite well covering fintech and emerging tech sectors. Their timely updates, exclusive stories and different perspectives on these sectors help me stay informed. Kudos to Arti Singh for pursuing her passion and best wishes to the team.”
“The Head and Tale stands out for its deep industry knowledge and impressive network of sources. I especially appreciate that the reporting remains independent, rarely resorting to paid puff pieces, making it a publication I can genuinely trust. Having followed Arti’s work for years, I’ve come to rely on The Head and Tale for its unparalleled insight and truly independent coverage. Arti’s long-standing presence in the sector means her reporting is always informed, with access few can match.”
“What I really appreciate about The Head and Tale is that it doesn’t just report the news, it interprets it. The stories are well-researched, comprehensive, and bold. Arti brings a fearless lens to reporting, often asking the uncomfortable but necessary questions. She makes you pause, reflect, and rethink what it all means for the payments and fintech ecosystem. It’s rare to find journalism that’s this sharp, timely, and relevant to the work we do every day.”
“I’ve always valued journalism that goes beyond surface-level headlines. The Head and Tale does exactly that - it connects the dots, asks the tough questions, and brings clarity to the shifts shaping our evolving industry. I’ve even encouraged my team members to subscribe, because staying informed through credible, deeply reported stories is as important as building products. For me, The Head and Tale has become part of essential reading.”
