Recent News
Banking/Finance-Industry-Economic Times
Health insurance strengthened its position as the largest segment in India’s non-life insurance industry in FY26, with its share rising to 40.8% from 38.6% a year earlier. The segment grew 15.4% to about Rs 1.4 lakh crore, outpacing the overall non-life industry growth of 9.3%, which took total gross direct premium income close to Rs 3.4 lakh crore.
Published on: May 9, 2026
The Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana is vital for the government's 'Insurance for All by 2047' goal. Launched in 2015, it offers life cover of Rs 2 lakh for an annual premium of Rs 436. The scheme has enrolled over 27 crore individuals and disbursed Rs 17,600 crore in claims.
Published on: May 8, 2026
Chairman C S Setty said that the bank, which has the highest market share in the highly competitive affordable housing segment, has seen the average loan size increase to Rs 51 lakh now, compared to around Rs 35-40 lakh two years ago.
Published on: May 8, 2026
The RBI said the bank failed to put in place a system of using KYC Identifier assigned by Central KYC Records Registry for the purpose of establishing an account-based relationship with customers.
Published on: May 8, 2026
Bank credit growth picked up pace to 16 percent in the fortnight ending April 30. Deposits saw a year-on-year growth of 12.3 percent. This marks an acceleration from the previous fortnight. Outstanding credit reached Rs 212.12 lakh crore. Deposits in the system stood at Rs 258.64 lakh crore. The credit-deposit ratio was 82.01 percent.
Published on: May 8, 2026
The government is contemplating a substantial expansion of insurance benefits within its renowned Jan Suraksha initiatives. This strategy is designed to bolster social safety nets for low-income families and informal sector workers.
Published on: May 8, 2026
State Bank of India’s board will meet on May 12 to consider raising up to $2 billion through long-term foreign currency bonds in FY27 via public offers or private placements. Meanwhile, Axis Bank has secured a $500 million three-year loan from Japan’s MUFG at SOFR plus 85 basis points, with the funds aimed at lending and general business needs.
Published on: May 8, 2026
Financial services secretary M Nagaraju warned the banking community about the potential risks posed by Anthropic's Mythos AI model. He emphasized that banking risks now extend beyond traditional financial concerns to include technology and cyber threats, urging institutions to prepare for potential public release of such advanced AI.
Published on: May 7, 2026
Indian banks are taking steps to ensure the safety of their staff in West Asia. Some banks have already moved operations to India to manage wholesale activities remotely. This comes after the government advised banks to assess risks and provide support. The situation in the region is being closely monitored, with a focus on business continuity and staff well-being.
Published on: May 7, 2026
Muthoot Microfin is shifting focus from unsecured loans to business diversification. The company aims to reduce its microfinance asset share to 60% by 2030. It plans to enter two-wheeler financing this festive season. Muthoot Microfin targets growing its assets under management to Rs 30000 crore by 2030. This strategy aims to mitigate risks in the microfinance sector.
Published on: May 7, 2026
In a pivotal stride towards economic recovery, the government has unveiled ECLGS 5.0, aimed at fortifying MSMEs and the airline industry amidst ongoing challenges. With an unprecedented allocation of Rs 2.55 lakh crore in extra credit, State Bank of India is gearing up to contribute around Rs 70,000 crore to Rs 80,000 crore.
Published on: May 7, 2026
Axis Bank, India's third-largest private lender, has secured a $500 million offshore loan from Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group. This three-year facility will support the bank's lending and general business needs. The loan comes as Indian banks face challenges with loan growth outpacing deposit growth. Axis Bank's loans grew 19% while deposits rose 14% in the year ended March.
Published on: May 7, 2026
Indian financial authorities are alerting banks to the significant risks from advanced AI models. Secretary M Nagaraju highlighted the potential threat of AI like Anthropic Mythos. He stressed the need for banks to strengthen cyber defenses and operational resilience. SBI Chairman CS Setty echoed these concerns, noting AI's dual role in defense and offense.
Published on: May 7, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India has approved Kotak Mahindra Bank's increased stake in AU Small Finance Bank and Federal Bank. Kotak can now hold almost 9.99 percent in both lenders. This move allows Kotak to build significant minority stakes. The approvals were confirmed through regulatory filings. Markets showed a mild reaction to the development.
Published on: May 7, 2026
Paytm, the fintech major, has decided against seeking a Non-Banking Financial Company license. The company prefers a partnership model for lending operations. This comes after Paytm Payments Bank's license was cancelled by the RBI. Paytm reported a consolidated profit of Rs 183 crore in its fourth quarter, a significant turnaround from the previous year. Revenue also saw a healthy increase.
Published on: May 7, 2026
Indian banks are well-prepared for the new expected credit loss framework. Fitch Ratings confirms sufficient capitalisation. The framework starts April 1, 2027. A slight decrease in common equity tier 1 is anticipated. Banks can use a four-year transition period. Initial provisions are higher than forecast. This supports a positive outlook for Indian banks.
Published on: May 7, 2026
Fairfax India is set to increase its ownership in IIFL Capital to 51 percent. This move involves an investment of 20 billion rupees. The capital infusion will bolster IIFL Capital's financial standing. It will also support the company's expansion across various financial services. This strategic investment comes amid a competitive market landscape for brokerages and wealth managers.
Published on: May 7, 2026
HDFC Bank's governance review is nearing completion. Law firms are expected to report no significant issues. This development paves the way for the reappointment of CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan. The Reserve Bank of India is reportedly comfortable with this decision. The bank's stability is crucial for the Indian economy. This news has positively impacted the bank's stock.
Published on: May 6, 2026
An Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister paper has proposed shifting priority sector lending focus from economic efficiency to social equity, suggesting outdated categories be removed to give banks more flexibility.
Published on: May 6, 2026
As healthcare expenses soar, Star Health is bracing for premium increases in the next fiscal year. In a proactive move, the insurer is rolling out a series of affordable health insurance options tailored for smaller urban areas. These plans will incorporate a curated list of hospitals to not only streamline costs but also enhance accessibility for policyholders in these communities.
Published on: May 6, 2026
PhonePe has launched an AI-driven system to significantly accelerate merchant payment gateway integrations. This new tool, powered by AI coding assistants and PhonePe's 'Integration Intelligence,' reduces integration times from weeks to mere minutes. Businesses can now onboard faster and start accepting payments sooner, with a particular focus on empowering small and medium enterprises.
Published on: May 6, 2026
Punjab National Bank is boosting its cybersecurity spending by over 50% this financial year. The bank is investing heavily in technology to protect against digital threats, including those posed by advanced AI. This move comes as regulators and banks assess preparedness for AI-related risks. PNB is also accelerating the purchase of security tools and has made its audit process continuous.
Published on: May 6, 2026
Jammu and Kashmir Bank achieved its highest-ever annual profit of Rs 2,326.47 crore for the financial year 2025-26. This marks a significant year-on-year growth of over 13 percent. The bank also reported a strong quarterly net profit of nearly Rs 800 crore. Despite challenges, the bank demonstrated resilience and sustained improvement in asset quality.
Published on: May 6, 2026
The government has approved a new credit scheme, ECLGS 5.0, to support airlines and small businesses facing economic challenges. This initiative will provide significant additional credit. Two new semiconductor manufacturing units are also set to be established. Additionally, railway infrastructure projects and a ship repair facility have received approval, boosting industrial capacity and employment opportunities across the nation.
Published on: May 6, 2026
In light of recent fluctuations in gold prices prompted by international unrest, CSB Bank is reassessing its approach to gold-backed lending, particularly with gold jewellery. This strategic pivot will see the bank prioritize wholesale and small business loans, anticipating a more measured growth in its gold loan portfolio this year.
Published on: May 5, 2026
Julius Baer has appointed Kunal Sumaya as interim country head for India. He will replace Umang Papneja, who is leaving after four years. Papneja will stay until July. Julius Baer is expanding its presence in India, a key growth market. Sumaya, with 17 years at the firm, will focus on onshore growth and the global Indian client base.
Published on: May 5, 2026
The Bombay High Court has quashed a police complaint against HDFC Bank MD Sashidhar Jagdishan. The court found the FIR to be a counterblast to recovery proceedings. It stated that the complaint lacked justification for investigation. The court also noted the matter stemmed from civil disputes and recovery actions.
Published on: May 5, 2026
Bank loans for washing machines and televisions are falling. Banks are now focusing on credit cards for these purchases. Non-banking finance companies are taking over this market. This trend is driven by the small loan amounts involved. Consumer durable loans represent a tiny fraction of total bank lending. This shift is expected to continue.
Published on: May 5, 2026
Punjab National Bank is seeing strong digital growth, sanctioning one in three loans digitally and crossing ₹1 lakh crore in digital sanctions. The bank reported a 14% profit jump for the fourth quarter of FY26. PNB anticipates further growth in retail term deposits and aims for a 12-13% credit growth in FY27. Digital transactions now exceed 95% of total transactions.
Published on: May 5, 2026
The Department of Financial Services has approved Viability Plan 2.0 for Regional Rural Banks. This three-year plan, from 2025-26 to 2027-28, aims to boost financial stability and operational efficiency. It focuses on four key pillars: operational excellence, asset quality, profitability, and growth. The plan will monitor critical metrics like CRAR and digital adoption.
Published on: May 5, 2026
Indian banks saw strong credit growth of 15.9 percent in the 2025-26 fiscal year. This reflects a vibrant economy and high demand for loans. Services, personal loans, agriculture, and industry all contributed to this expansion. The Finance Ministry highlighted India's resilience as the world's fastest-growing major economy amidst global challenges.
Published on: May 5, 2026
CSB Bank, a lender backed by Prem Watsa, is adopting a cautious stance on gold loans following global uncertainties. The bank intends to shift its focus towards wholesale and small business lending. Having completed its digital transformation, CSB Bank is now poised to expand its product offerings.
Published on: May 5, 2026
The Union Cabinet has approved Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme 5.0. This scheme will support businesses facing liquidity issues. It offers credit guarantee coverage for MSMEs and non-MSMEs. The airline sector also receives support. This initiative aims to maintain operations and protect jobs. It ensures continuity in domestic production amid global disruptions.
Published on: May 5, 2026
The submissions were made before a bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and Vijay Bishnoi which was hearing a plea filed by journalist Sucheta Dalal seeking a direction to set up a mechanism to inform the legal heirs of deceased depositors about the unclaimed deposits lying dormant in bank accounts.
Published on: May 5, 2026
The Bombay High Court has dismissed a bribery case against HDFC Bank MD Sashidhar Jagdishan. The court ruled the complaint was a reaction to the bank's efforts to recover over Rs 65 crore. It cited strained relations between hospital trustees as a factor. The court found no justification for the bribery allegations.
Published on: May 5, 2026
Industry veteran Deepak Parekh stated the banking and financial services sector is not facing major systemic risks from global geopolitical uncertainties. He anticipates a short-term slowdown in loan growth. Real estate investment trusts are growing in India. Insurance penetration remains low. Deposit mobilization has moderated as retail investors favor mutual funds. Artificial intelligence's impact on finance is still evolving.
Published on: May 5, 2026
Star Health aims for Rs 24,000 crore in Gross Written Premium this fiscal, up from Rs 20,400 crore last year, with plans to launch two affordable products for smaller towns. The company, targeting Rs 30,000 crore by FY28, saw significant claim settlements in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, boosting regional GWP and policy numbers.
Published on: May 5, 2026
RBI's repo rate cuts in FY26 were only partially passed on to borrowers, with lending rates declining but not matching the full policy reduction. While weighted average lending rates fell by 93 basis points, the transmission varied across bank types and loan segments, leading to estimated borrower savings of Rs 19,000 crore.
Published on: May 5, 2026
Major firms like Adani, Bharti Airtel, Genpact, and ZF Friedrichshafen are setting up treasury operations in India's GIFT City. This tax-neutral finance zone offers cheaper funding and lower taxes on remitting dividends. Seventeen corporate treasuries are expected to begin operations in the next three months. This move aims to rival financial hubs like Singapore and Dubai, attracting global capital management.
Published on: May 5, 2026
TP premiums rose 9.3% in FY26, compared with 9% growth in OD, taking overall motor insurance expansion to about 9% on an estimated base of ?1.08 lakh crore. This contrasts with FY24, when OD grew a stronger 17.4% against roughly 10% for TP, supported by robust vehicle sales and pricing improvements. In FY25, OD grew at 8.1% while TP grew at 7.8%. The latest shift comes despite no increase in regulated TP premium rates since the pandemic.
Published on: May 3, 2026
The move is aimed at improving customer engagement as household savings shift from bank deposits to market-linked instruments and risk products. Indian Bank plans to set up a wealth management vertical targeting high net worth individuals, while sectoral leader State Bank of India aims to grow its wealth assets under management fivefold to Rs 15 lakh crore by 2030.
Published on: May 3, 2026
Global mobile money transactions surpassed $2 trillion in 2025, doubling in value within four years. This growth is fueled by increased user activity and a shift towards everyday merchant payments, which saw a 42% rise. Providers are also expanding into savings and insurance, boosting sector profitability despite ongoing regulatory and fraud challenges.
Published on: May 3, 2026
Punjab & Sind Bank is targeting a significant milestone of Rs 3 lakh crore in total business by the end of the current financial year. This ambitious goal is driven by expected loan growth and deposit expansion. To fuel this expansion, the bank plans to raise substantial funds through equity and debt issuances.
Published on: May 3, 2026
Central Asia's venture capital funding hit a record USD 320 million in 2025. This growth was boosted by two major deals. However, the region faces a substantial capital gap and needs more startups to invest in. Cross-border integration is increasing. Systemic reforms are crucial for future growth and to avoid stagnation.
Published on: May 3, 2026
"Foreign investment in this sector shall be subject to compliance with the provisions of the Insurance Act, 1938(4 of 1938), and the condition that companies receiving FDI shall obtain necessary licence or approval from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India to undertake insurance and related activities," the notification stated.
Published on: May 2, 2026
The central government has notified 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in insurance companies under the automatic route, allowing foreign investors to fully invest in the sector without prior approvals, according to a report by ET Now citing agencies.
Published on: May 2, 2026
Axis Bank has opened its first digital locker branch in New Delhi. This new facility aims to provide advanced security and customer experience through automated locker services. The bank is responding to a growing demand for safe deposit lockers, especially in urban areas. Industry estimates predict a significant increase in locker requirements by 2030.
Published on: May 2, 2026
A new committee will examine public sector banks' capital needs. India aims to boost its corporate bond market, allowing more companies access to funds. This initiative seeks to ensure capital reaches all borrowers, including small businesses and farmers, at competitive rates. Better regulation is emphasized for financial markets.
Published on: May 1, 2026
The National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) is stepping up its game with the launch of four specialized divisions that will focus on monitoring, oversight, investigation, and disciplinary actions. Prompted by a recent Delhi High Court judgment regarding its authority, this strategic reorganization emphasizes independence among its units.
Published on: May 1, 2026
While banks are championing artificial intelligence with hefty investments, the anticipated benefits are falling short. According to a McKinsey report, legacy systems are stifling AI innovation. The core problem is the tendency to tack AI onto existing modes of operation rather than reinventing them.
Published on: May 1, 2026
