The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), on November 28, 2025, issued the Reserve Bank of India (Small Finance Banks - Branch Authorisation) Directions, 2025, to prescribe a comprehensive framework for opening and operating banking outlets, Digital Banking Units (DBUs), ATMs/CDMs/BNAMs, Business Facilitator/Business Correspondent arrangements, doorstep banking and related reporting and governance for Small Finance Banks.
The Directions define types of outlets (Banking Outlet, Part-time Outlet, DBU, Administrative/Back Office), set minimum standards (hours, signage, monitoring, grievance escalation), and require board-approved policies and oversight. They provide detailed rules for digital banking hubs, cyber-security, assisted and self-service digital offerings, mobile/off-site machines, BC/BF eligibility and engagement, and operational safeguards for doorstep banking.
They also mandate periodic reporting of outlet data, require banks to maintain internal controls, customer grievance mechanisms and transparency measures, and include annexures with templates and operational guidance — aiming to expand outreach (including Unbanked Rural Centres) while ensuring supervision, customer protection and risk management.
[Notification No. RBI/DOR/2025-26/178]
