Shivalik Small Finance Bank

Shivalik Small Finance Bank (SFB) represents a significant milestone in the Indian banking sector, being the first Urban Cooperative Bank (UCB) to successfully transition into a Small Finance Bank. The bank's origins trace back to September 5, 1998, when Shivalik Mercantile Co-operative Bank was founded in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, by Mr. Yashvir Kumar Gupta. The transition to an SFB was spearheaded by Suveer Kumar Gupta, who served as the MD & CEO during this pivotal period and now acts as an advisor to the board. This move, licensed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), allowed the institution to commence SFB operations on April 26, 2021.

The bank operates on a business model centered around financial inclusion, focusing on underserved segments such as MSMEs, retail customers, and agri-business. Its revenue is generated through standard banking activities, including interest income from a loan portfolio that is primarily secured, with products like business loans, gold loans, and loans against property. A key component of its strategy is leveraging technology for efficiency and scale. The bank is built on a cloud-based architecture and utilizes the Infosys Finacle Core Banking and Digital Banking Suite, enabling a 'digital-first' approach to products and services. This technological foundation allows for agility in rolling out customized solutions and collaborating with fintech partners.

Currently led by MD & CEO Anshul Swami, a seasoned banker with over two decades of experience at institutions like RBL Bank, Barclays, and Citi Financial, the leadership team is focused on national expansion. Swami's expertise in retail, MSME, and microfinance aligns with the bank's core mission. The bank offers a comprehensive suite of retail banking products, including savings and current accounts, fixed deposits, and various loan types. It provides digital services through internet and mobile banking and is integrated with all major retail payment platforms like UPI and IMPS. With a customer base exceeding 800,000, Shivalik operates through a network of branches and business correspondent outlets across several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, NCR, and Telangana.

Keywords: Shivalik Small Finance Bank, financial inclusion, Urban Cooperative Bank transition, Small Finance Bank, MSME lending, retail banking, digital banking, Infosys Finacle, secured lending, agri-business finance, gold loans, Anshul Swami, Suveer Kumar Gupta, Indian banking, financial services, priority sector lending, UPI, mobile banking, branch banking, India