Development Financial Institution
Development Financial Institution
Development Financial Institution
Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) are specialized financial institutions established to provide
credit and financial services to sectors that are crucial for economic development but may not be
adequately served by traditional banks, such as infrastructure, agriculture, and small and medium
enterprises (SMEs).
These institutions provide access to growth capital, mostly for developmental projects. The key
Types of DFIs
At present, it’s a full-service commercial bank under the Banking System in India
that supports industrial growth.
It acts as the principal financial institution for the promotion, financing, and
development of the MSME sector in India, as well as for coordinating the functions
of institutions engaged in similar activities.
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) was established
on the recommendations of the B. Srivaraman Committee in 1982 with
the primary responsibility of matters concerning policy, planning, and
operations in the field of credit for agriculture and other economic activities
in the rural areas of India.
Refinances the financial institutions that finance the rural sector, including
State Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Banks (SCARDBs),
State Cooperative Banks (SCBs), Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Commercial
Banks, and other financial institutions approved by the RBI.
Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank) was set up in 1982 to take over the operations
of the international financing wing of the IDBI.
It provides Indian exporters with financial assistance, overseas investment credit,
and technology and import finance, among other services.
National Housing Bank (NHB) is a state-owned bank and regulator that supports
housing finance institutions and promotes housing finance schemes in India.
In 2002, ICICI limited was merged into ICICI Bank Limited making it the first universal
bank of the country.
Universal Bank – Any Financial institution performing the function of Commercial Bank
+ DFI
The DFIs play a multifaceted role in India’s economic landscape as can be seen as
follows:
Promotional Activities: Much more than just simple lending activities, these
banks offer advisory services, and partner with industry bodies to develop specific
sectors.
Promotion of SMEs: Institutions like SIDBI focus specifically on the SME sector,
providing them with necessary financial services and support to help them grow
and thrive.
Export Promotion: The EXIM Bank provides financial assistance to exporters and
importers, and helps in promoting cross-border trade.