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Banking/Finance-Industry-Economic Times
The platform will accelerate the development of institutional-grade senior living communities across key Indian cities and help establish senior living as a mainstream asset class.
Published on: July 23, 2026
Standing Committee on Finance, headed by Bhartruhari Mahtab, backs key provisions of the Securities Markets Code Bill, including raising Sebi board strength to 15 from 9, and calls for a regulatory framework for virtual digital assets
Published on: July 23, 2026
Seven Indian fintech firms have written to NPCI regarding its UPI Meta protocol. They argue the proposed framework risks locking customers into a single default payment app. This change could adversely impact competition and innovation within the digital payments ecosystem. The companies request broader consultation before NPCI proceeds with the framework. They believe the current UPI checkout flow does not require such a significant alteration.
Published on: July 23, 2026
Godrej Capital aims to build a Rs 5,000 crore gold loan book. This expansion follows their acquisition of Kanakadurga Finance's gold loan portfolio. The company plans to increase its specialized gold loan branches to 350. This strategy involves deepening presence in existing regions and launching new operations. Godrej Capital targets a Rs 1 lakh crore overall AUM by 2031.
Published on: July 23, 2026
India's credit expansion is currently its strongest since 2012. Corporate loan growth reached a thirteen-year high in May. Household loan growth has also remained resilient for four months. Non-banking financial companies saw retail loan growth accelerate significantly. Overall credit demand is expected to remain strong in coming quarters.
Published on: July 23, 2026
HDFC Bank is facing fresh scrutiny in the US after three law firms launched investigations into whether the lender violated federal securities laws over allegations that it disguised ₹45 crore in payments to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) as marketing expenses.
Published on: July 23, 2026
Punjab & Sind Bank anticipates exceeding its recovery target for the current fiscal year. The bank is actively reducing non-performing assets through various recovery mechanisms. An international banking unit will become operational at GIFT City by November. This new unit aims to expand foreign currency mobilization and business. The bank recently reported a significant rise in net profit for the June quarter.
Published on: July 23, 2026
Ujjivan Small Finance Bank has achieved a significant milestone by increasing its secured loan portfolio. This strategic shift now represents over fifty percent of the bank's total loan book. The bank's gross loan book expanded by twenty-nine percent year-on-year. Ujjivan reported a three-fold jump in its first quarter net profit. Provisions were forty-three percent lower, aiding the profit growth.
Published on: July 23, 2026
Bandhan Bank has lowered its FY27 exit return on assets (RoA) guidance to 1.2%-1.4% from 1.6%-1.8%, citing higher technology spending and uncertainty stemming from West Asia-led supply chain disruptions. The revised outlook triggered a sharp fall in the bank's market value.
Published on: July 23, 2026
The CBI conducted searches in Chandigarh and Ludhiana concerning a Rs 657 crore fund misappropriation. These searches targeted beneficiaries and public servants involved in the alleged fraud. Incriminating documents and digital evidence were recovered during the extensive searches. The investigation was transferred from Haryana's vigilance bureau to the CBI. This fraud involved siphoning government funds through forged fixed deposits and debit transactions.
Published on: July 23, 2026
Indian banks are identifying twenty-five original equipment manufacturers for AI risk mitigation partnerships. A working group is developing a framework to identify and strengthen safeguards against cyberattacks. Banks will reduce network attack surface area by deploying defensive AI agents. Internal controls may not prevent exposure through weak vendors or third-party components. Vulnerabilities in embedded code can spread flaws across multiple financial institutions.
Published on: July 23, 2026
Blackstone and Anuj Tyagi are launching a new general insurance company in India. This venture will be 90% foreign-owned, following recent FDI limit increases. The company has filed an R1 application with IRDAI for approval to operate. It plans to utilize generative and agentic AI across all its operations. This move signifies growing global investor interest in India's insurance sector.
Published on: July 23, 2026
Foreign banks showed strongest policy easing transmission during the rate-cut cycle. They lowered lending rates more sharply than other bank types. Deposit rates also saw steeper reductions from foreign banks. The Reserve Bank of India reduced its repo rate by 1.25 percentage points. This easing cycle occurred between February 2025 and May 2026.
Published on: July 22, 2026
Godrej Capital acquired Kanakadurga Finance's gold loan business to expand its consumer finance segment. This acquisition aims to build a Rs 1 lakh crore assets under management franchise by 2031. Kanakadurga Finance's business adds 54 branches and 250 employees to Godrej Capital. The gold loan segment is experiencing significant growth due to rising gold prices. Godrej Capital also launched its wealth management business earlier this year.
Published on: July 22, 2026
Temasek's India exposure fell to USD 42 billion in FY26 from USD 50 billion. This decline was mainly due to a large exit from Schneider Electric. Executives stressed India remains an important and optimistic destination for the firm. The company is overweight on India, with allocations higher than its GDP share. Temasek continues to seek portfolio growth opportunities across various sectors.
Published on: July 22, 2026
Expect an uptick in borrowing costs within India's bond market as uncertainties loom large. The 10-year government bond yield remains under pressure from upside risks. Non-Banking Financial Companies are facing steepest borrowing premiums, outpacing corporate borrowers, who are themselves grappling with increased spreads over public sector counterparts. This environment of macroeconomic unpredictability, along with higher bond yields, could lead to even steeper borrowing rates.
Published on: July 22, 2026
Purple Finance plans to acquire Saksham Gram Credit for rural market expansion. The company also secured equity funding of Rs 108 crore for growth. This acquisition will mark Purple Finance's entry into rural and semi-urban lending. Combined Assets Under Management are expected to reach approximately Rs 850 crore. The deal strengthens distribution networks and supports small finance bank aspirations.
Published on: July 22, 2026
Punjab National Bank is setting its sights on breaking into the elite group of the world's top 100 lenders in the near future. With a significant surge in net profit reported last quarter, the bank is optimistic about accelerating credit growth and diversifying its business interests. Plans include launching wealth management and acquisition finance services, as well as pursuing foreign-currency deposits through a central bank facility.
Published on: July 22, 2026
InsuranceDekho has secured prominent deal with Indian cricket team to elevate its brand visibility. Notably, they are the title sponsor for India's Test series in Sri Lanka and the co-presenting sponsor for the T20I series in Zimbabwe. This strategic move complements their 'Bharat, Khul Kar Khelo' initiative, with the goal of driving greater insurance awareness and accessibility across the nation.
Published on: July 22, 2026
Punjab & Sind Bank is setting ambitious goals, aiming for a staggering ₹4 lakh crore in business by the fiscal year 2028-29. The bank projects a healthy credit growth ranging from eighteen to twenty percent for the current year. To bolster its growth, it is investing in digital transformation projects aimed at enhancing digital lending capabilities and account acquisition strategies.
Published on: July 21, 2026
The optimism follows RBI's disclosure that banks have collectively garnered $20.7 billion under its special incentive window, a pace that has already eased earlier concerns the scheme was struggling for traction. Of the total, FCNR(B) deposits accounted for the largest share at $17.4 billion, mobilised within six weeks of the scheme becoming operational. This was followed by overseas foreign currency borrowings (OFCBs) at $2 billion and external commercial borrowings (ECBs) at $1.3 billion.
Published on: July 21, 2026
Jana Small Finance Bank disclosed a ₹169 crore divergence in gross non-performing assets. The bank's reported GNPAs were lower than the Reserve Bank of India's assessment. This divergence led to an additional ₹42 crore provisioning for the bank. Consequently, the bank's net profit for the fiscal year was reduced. The RBI audit identified under-reported NPAs, necessitating corrections by banks.
Published on: July 21, 2026
Banks are attracting NRI dollar deposits through RBI's FCNR(B) window. These deposits offer projected returns of thirteen to sixteen percent. Customers can borrow multiple times their capital to amplify these dollar yields. However, early redemption carries substantial penalties and lender control over pledged funds. Investors face liquidity constraints and regulatory risks with these leveraged products.
Published on: July 21, 2026
The Supreme Court quashed a 23-year-old criminal complaint against Standard Chartered Bank. This decision provided relief to the bank after a lengthy legal process. The court cited a lack of documentary evidence supporting the complaint. It also noted the trial had not progressed beyond serving summons. The Supreme Court's inherent powers were exercised to end these proceedings.
Published on: July 21, 2026
Banks and financial institutions reported Rs 1.42 lakh crore in fraud over five years. Recovery of Rs 6,389 crore was made during this five-year period. Public sector banks filed recovery suits against 15,577 wilful defaulters by March 2026. These banks also recovered Rs 52,360 crore from wilful defaulters. The Reserve Bank of India has directed banks to avoid borrower harassment.
Published on: July 21, 2026
Foreign banks have facilitated most FCNR(B) deposits under the RBI's swap facility. This concessional swap facility has attracted over twenty billion dollars in total inflows. FCNR(B) deposits accounted for seventeen billion dollars of these significant inflows. Some large state-owned and private banks also hold a substantial share. The facility aims to strengthen India's balance of payments and forex liquidity.
Published on: July 21, 2026
EbixCash secured a perpetual Authorised Dealer Category-II licence from the Reserve Bank of India. This licence allows the company to handle trade and family remittances, previously a bank-dominated segment. The expanded powers enable EbixCash to directly serve small and medium enterprises engaged in international trade.
Published on: July 21, 2026
Punjab National Bank will begin acquisition finance in the third quarter of this fiscal year. The bank aims to mobilize USD 2.5 billion in FCNR (B) deposits by September. This move diversifies the bank's asset portfolio and attracts foreign currency. PNB reported a significant profit jump for the quarter ended June 30.
Published on: July 21, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India has approved Areion Group's acquisition of Aviom India Housing Finance. This approval clears a significant regulatory hurdle for the proposed Rs 936-crore deal. Areion Group promoter Manish Lalwani also received necessary fit-and-proper approval from the regulator. The resolution process will now proceed to the National Company Law Tribunal for final approval. This acquisition brings Areion Group a step closer to completing the transaction.
Published on: July 21, 2026
Top private sector banks reported weaker net interest margins (NIMs) in the June quarter as sluggish retail loan demand pushed them towards lower-yielding corporate loans. HDFC Bank's NIM fell to 3.26%, Kotak Mahindra Bank's dropped to a 19-quarter low of 4.53%, while Axis Bank's stood at 3.46%.
Published on: July 20, 2026
Indian Overseas Bank aims to gather $650 million in foreign currency deposits by September. The bank has already secured $300 million without utilizing leverage options. Overall, the lender plans to raise one billion dollars through deposits and external borrowing. This projection follows a significant 49.3% jump in first quarter net profit. The bank also reported strong growth in advances and net interest income.
Published on: July 20, 2026
Around 55.49 crore UPI users were onboarded by June 2026, Parliament was informed. UPI transactions reached 24,162 crore in volume and Rs 314 lakh crore in value. NPCI International Payments is expanding UPI and RuPay to global markets. Security measures and international linkages enhance UPI's safety and reach. Government and regulators address fintech ecosystem issues and consumer protection.
Published on: July 20, 2026
In a remarkable financial boost, India's central bank recorded significant foreign exchange inflows of $20.72 billion, primarily through a swap facility provided by the Reserve Bank of India. Out of this amount, Foreign Currency Non-Resident Deposits accounted for $17.41 billion. Meanwhile, External Commercial Borrowings contributed $1.34 billion, and Overseas Foreign Currency Borrowings brought in an additional $1.97 billion, enhancing the country’s economic standing.
Published on: July 20, 2026
A noticeable gap between credit and deposit growth is troubling the banking landscape. Consumers are shifting their savings from traditional deposits to diverse financial options. Amid geopolitical uncertainties and rising oil costs, companies are requesting more working capital loans. To alleviate this funding pressure, newly introduced FCNR(B) deposits could provide a short-term remedy. It is projected that savings will increasingly gravitate towards the five-year maturity category.
Published on: July 20, 2026
HDFC Bank has delayed recommending CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan's reappointment to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as its independent directors conduct an additional review, Reuters reported citing sources. The review is examining media reports alleging the bank offered preferential rates on certain large deposits, though sources said no wrongdoing has been found so far. The board is expected to decide after the review concludes, likely in early August.
Published on: July 20, 2026
Banks anticipate a surge in FCNR-B deposits before the September deadline. Initial inflows have been below expectations, but partnerships are being forged. Demand from non-resident Indians remains strong, especially from the Middle East. Lenders are intensifying outreach efforts to attract more overseas funds. Mobilisation is expected to accelerate closer to the scheme's conclusion.
Published on: July 20, 2026
Corporate lending at top Indian private banks surged significantly in the June quarter. This corporate loan growth far outpaced retail credit expansion, reaching 26% on average. Higher bond yields pushed companies back to mainstream lenders for working capital needs. This revival lifted overall bank credit growth to its fastest pace in over two years. Sectors like commercial real estate and infrastructure saw increased demand for loans.
Published on: July 20, 2026
In June 2026, Axis Bank announced a further investment of up to ?381 crore in Axis Max Life Insurance, taking the combined shareholding of Axis Bank and its subsidiaries-Axis Capital and Axis Securities-from 19.02% to 19.99%. Max Financial Services holds 80.01%.
Published on: July 19, 2026
The RBI has asked banks to resolve long-pending mismatches between trade and payment records worth thousands of crores. Banks must verify documents and transactions to regularise genuine export-import cases. Clearing old EDPMS and IDPMS entries could improve compliance, prevent businesses from being flagged and ensure more accurate trade data.
Published on: July 19, 2026
Expected FCNR(B) deposit inflows are now projected at fifty to fifty-five billion dollars. Taxation complexities for nonresidents and tighter West Asian liquidity are impacting these mobilizations. Early estimates had not fully factored in the tax impact on non-resident Indians. The Reserve Bank of India's special incentives for this program will conclude on September thirtieth. HDFC Bank is pursuing a three-pronged approach to maximize its deposit mobilization efforts.
Published on: July 19, 2026
Indian banks report robust loan growth driven by corporate demand. Companies are shifting from expensive bond markets to cheaper bank borrowings. This trend is expected to continue for the next two quarters. Banks possess healthy balance sheets and strong capital buffers. Loan demand is seen across various sectors like electronics and automobiles.
Published on: July 19, 2026
Trade and NBFC credit are expected to remain among the fastest-growing segments of India's banking system, supported by rising formalisation of economic activity, deeper financial penetration and the expanding reach of organised lenders, according to a report by Ashika Institutional Equities. The report said continued adoption of GST, digital payments and cash-flow-based underwriting will support credit expansion, while banks are likely to increasingly favour well-capitalised NBFCs with diversified funding profiles and healthy asset quality.
Published on: July 19, 2026
Punjab National Bank is seeking a partner for its merger and acquisition financing portfolio. The bank aims to gather $2.5 billion in special FCNR(B) deposits and has already mobilized funds. Its corporate loan book is projected to exceed four lakh crore rupees this fiscal year. PNB is actively focusing on renewable energy and emerging sectors like hydrogen capacity.
Published on: July 18, 2026
Axis Bank has appointed Rajeev Mantri as its new finance chief. Mantri joins Axis Bank after stepping down from Bandhan Bank in June. He brings nearly three decades of extensive finance experience to his new role. His appointment fills the vacancy left by Puneet Sharma's recent resignation. Mantri satisfies all eligibility criteria set by the Reserve Bank of India.
Published on: July 18, 2026
Experts suggest focusing on who bears UPI merchant discount rate costs. Introducing this fee could increase business operating expenses and squeeze margins. Small merchants and kirana stores may face significant challenges with this change. UPI's success as a public digital infrastructure is at stake. Policymakers must balance sustainability with UPI's broader economic and strategic value.
Published on: July 18, 2026
The scheme allows customers to borrow up to 12 times their deposit amount and offers indicative effective annual returns of up to 16.2%, depending on the investment size and tenure, according to offer documents accessed by ET. Under the FCNR(B) Special Opportunity Deposit with Structured Loan Facility, the bank is offering dollar deposit rates of up to 6.60% for deposits above $5 million with maturities of three to five years.
Published on: July 17, 2026
Banks face challenges extending collateral-free loans up to twenty lakh rupees. Some accounts are not covered by the government guarantee scheme for small firms. Many borrowers are unwilling to pay additional guarantee fees for these loans. Lenders plan to approach the government and RBI regarding these issues. This situation impacts credit access for micro and small enterprises.
Published on: July 17, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India has imposed penalties on six financial companies. Muthoot Finance received a Rs 5.80 lakh fine for risk management failures. Avail Financial Services was fined for director conflicts and exposure breaches. PAN Emami Cosmed faced penalties for exceeding credit exposure limits. Satya MicroCapital was penalized for incorrect NPA classification after restructuring.
Published on: July 17, 2026
State Bank of India mobilized nearly two billion dollars under a central bank incentive. This amount significantly surpasses other state-owned and private sector banks' efforts. Other lenders like Bank of Baroda and Canara Bank raised smaller sums. Banks are now focusing on attracting overseas currency inflows from the Indian diaspora. This strategy aims to provide greater flexibility for high-net-worth clients.
Published on: July 16, 2026
Private insurers want Irdai to change proposed investment norms for unlisted companies. They suggest linking exposure limits to shareholders' funds instead of surplus. This change could unlock billions for investment in privately held businesses. The proposed framework may expand sector investment capacity significantly. Insurers seek greater flexibility in managing investment portfolios.
Published on: July 16, 2026
