RBI Cancels HCBL Co-operative Bank Licence Over Capital Shortfall

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the licence of HCBL Co-operative Bank, a Lucknow-based urban cooperative bank, citing inadequate capital and no earning prospects. With immediate effect, the bank has ceased all banking operations, and the Uttar Pradesh Registrar of Cooperative Societies has been requested to appoint a liquidator to wind up the bank’s operations.

Why in News?

The cancellation decision was announced by the RBI on May 19, 2025. The action was taken under provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. It is part of RBI’s effort to protect depositors and maintain public confidence in the cooperative banking sector.

Key Reasons for Licence Cancellation

• Inadequate capital base
• No viable earning prospects
• Bank’s continuance considered prejudicial to depositor interest
• Non-compliance with certain provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949

DICGC Coverage & Payouts

• On liquidation, each depositor is insured up to ₹5 lakh under Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).
• 98.69% of HCBL Bank’s depositors will receive the full value of their deposits.
• As of January 31, 2025, ₹21.24 crore of insured deposits have already been paid out.

Administrative Action

The UP Registrar of Cooperative Societies has been asked to,

• Issue a winding-up order
• Appoint a liquidator

Effect of Licence Cancellation

The bank is prohibited from conducting any banking activity, including,

• Acceptance of fresh deposits
• Repayment of existing deposits

Significance of the Move

• Aims to safeguard depositor interest
• Reinforces RBI’s commitment to banking stability and compliance
• Encourages better governance within the cooperative banking sector
• Prevents accumulation of risks within the urban cooperative banking ecosystem