The Shamrao Vithal Co-operative Bank Limited was founded when co-operation was just beginning to gain ground in the country. It was set up with the primary objective of assisting the less fortunate members of the community in its economic enterprises, to encourage savings and to create funds for providing financial aid to deserving members.

Rao Bahadur Shripad Subbarao Talmaki, the Maharshi of Co-operation, was the main architect of the Bank. The Bank was originally registered as a Co-operative Credit Society on 27th December 1906.

Thus inspired by lofty ideals for the betterment of the economic, moral and material well-being of the Community, the Bank was brought into existence with modest beginnings.