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Banking/Finance-Industry-Economic Times
The report noted that while private banks remain the primary lenders to enterprises, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) are steadily gaining share, particularly among sole proprietors, where they now command over 41 per cent of the lending share.
Published on: December 25, 2025
High-street banks are now demanding testimonials on 'sources of funds' from wealthy Indians, NRIs, and businesses looking to move money abroad. This comes as the rupee's slide against the US dollar tempts individuals to remit funds overseas, with banks insisting on CA validation for these transactions.
Published on: December 24, 2025
Hillhouse Investment Management is vying with Temasek for a stake in Quest Global. The deal is valued at approximately $4.5 billion. This investment is part of Quest Global's pre-IPO fundraising. A decision on the new investor is expected soon. Quest Global is preparing for a potential IPO and may relocate its headquarters to Bengaluru.
Published on: December 24, 2025
Credit card spending in Mumbai saw an 11% dip in November, returning to pre-festive levels at ₹1.90 lakh crore, though still up 12% year-on-year. Despite this, new card issuances rose, with HDFC Bank leading additions. Analysts attribute the spending slowdown to post-GST normalization and cautious consumer behavior, expecting a mid-single-digit growth ahead.
Published on: December 24, 2025
Aviom India Housing Finance promoter Kajal Ilmi has submitted a revised settlement offer of ₹554 crore upfront, aiming to repay lenders and withdraw bankruptcy proceedings. This comes after Unity Small Finance Bank emerged as the winning bidder in a challenge auction for the company. The proposal includes an equity infusion and aims to maximize value for stakeholders.
Published on: December 24, 2025
Novelis' holding company has secured an $800 million loan. This funding will support equity infusion into Novelis. The capital is needed due to elevated requirements. A fire at the Oswego facility significantly impacted operations. The loan aims to help restart full operations. Hindalco Industries is providing support to its US subsidiary.
Published on: December 23, 2025
India's fair trade regulator, CCI, has approved two significant deals. Blackstone will acquire a 9.99 per cent stake in Federal Bank through warrants. This move allows Blackstone to nominate a director to the bank's board. In a separate decision, CCI cleared Tata Steel's acquisition of full control over Tata BlueScope Steel.
Published on: December 23, 2025
HDFC Bank has significantly boosted its CSR spending, investing Rs 1,068.03 crore in 2024-25, a Rs 123 crore increase. Over a decade, its 'Parivartan' initiative has positively impacted over 10.5 crore lives across India, focusing on inclusive and sustainable development in key areas like rural upliftment and financial inclusion.
Published on: December 23, 2025
India's credit card growth is slowing. New card issuances have dropped significantly. Private banks are increasing their market share in credit cards. Meanwhile, public sector banks are gaining ground in personal, home, and auto loans. This shift indicates evolving trends in consumer credit across different banking sectors.
Published on: December 23, 2025
A new insurance law provision raises concerns for directors. It may force many to step down from insurance boards. This impacts bank-promoted ventures where directors also serve lenders. The current wording could lead to confusion and board instability. Insurers seek clarification to avoid disruption. This change aims for better governance but might create unintended consequences for existing structures.
Published on: December 22, 2025
Six companies had shown interest in acquiring Aviom India Housing Finance under the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)-monitored process but eventually three of them participated at the challenge auction process that concluded last week.
Published on: December 22, 2025
Of the four public sector general insurers, only listed New India Assurance is profitable while National Insurance, United India Insurance and Oriental Insurance remain loss-making despite a marginal turnaround.
Published on: December 22, 2025
Paytm Arab Payments has approved selling a 49 percent stake to Abbar Global Opportunities Holdings Limited. This deal is valued at approximately Rs 19 crore. Abbar Global is a special purpose vehicle owned by Mohamed Ali Rashed Alabbar. This move is part of Paytm's strategy to expand its technology-led merchant payments and financial services.
Published on: December 22, 2025
LIC Housing Finance has lowered its home loan interest rates to 7.15% starting December 22, 2025. This reduction, following the RBI's repo rate cut, aims to boost homebuyer sentiment by making home ownership more accessible. The move reinforces the company's dedication to affordability in the housing market.
Published on: December 22, 2025
State Bank of India chairman CS Setty anticipates corporate investment will resume as consumption stabilizes. The bank projects India's economy to grow over 7.5% in FY27. SBI aims to avoid equity dilution for the next five years and targets becoming the first bank to achieve 1 lakh crore in annual net profit.
Published on: December 22, 2025
Credit card outstandings, despite fewer delinquencies, fell to 4.7% of total retail loans in October 2025, from 5% a year earlier, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data showed. Growth in outstanding credit card balances within total retail loans slowed sharply to 7.7% in October 2025, from 16.9% a year earlier.
Published on: December 21, 2025
SBI Chairman C S Setty announced the bank will reassess its construction finance policy for residential real estate, emphasising accountability and transparency. For commercial projects, developers need 40-50% tenant commitment to secure loans, aiming to avoid unoccupied buildings. Interest rates will be linked to MCLR, with NBFCs advised to lower operational costs for cheaper housing loans.
Published on: December 20, 2025
IIFL Finance has appointed former RBI Deputy Governor B P Kanungo as its non-executive chairman, leveraging his extensive experience in central banking and financial regulation. The company also disclosed a tax payment of Rs 1.47 crore following a notice under the Income Tax Act, stating no material impact on its operations.
Published on: December 20, 2025
Japan's MUFG Bank is allocating an impressive 39,620 crore to acquire a 20% stake in Shriram Finance. Dubbed the largest foreign direct investment in India's financial sector, this venture is set to fortify Shriram Finance's capital base and turbocharge its growth trajectory.
Published on: December 20, 2025
Piramal Finance is selling its 14.72% stake in Shriram Life Insurance to Sanlam Emerging Markets for ₹600 crore. This move aligns with Piramal's strategy to exit non-core assets and reinvest in its lending business. The transaction is expected to close by March 31, 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
Published on: December 19, 2025
The Reserve Bank of India has fined Kotak Mahindra Bank Rs 61.95 lakh. The penalty is for not following rules on basic savings accounts and business correspondents. The bank also gave incorrect information to credit information companies. These violations were found during a recent inspection of the bank's financial position.
Published on: December 19, 2025
The recruitment drive was undertaken to induct young and dynamic talent into SBI's junior management cadre through one of the most significant hiring initiatives in the industry, building the bank's leadership pipeline and its long-term commitment to excellence in banking services, SBI said in a statement.
Published on: December 19, 2025
Japan's MUFG Bank is investing Rs 39,620 crore in Shriram Finance. This significant foreign direct investment will give MUFG a 20% equity stake. The partnership aims to boost Shriram Finance's growth in India's MSME and retail markets. MUFG plans to collaborate with Shriram Finance to enhance its services and reach. This move strengthens MUFG's presence in India's rapidly expanding economy.
Published on: December 19, 2025
Japanese mega banks are significantly increasing their investments in India's financial sector, seeking growth beyond their saturated home market. MUFG's substantial stake in Shriram Finance exemplifies this trend, joining recent deals by Mizuho and Sumitomo Mitsui. India's robust economic growth and rising credit demand offer Japanese institutions a compelling alternative to Japan's demographic challenges.
Published on: December 19, 2025
Parliament has passed the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill 2025, a move expected to boost the insurance sector's growth and accessibility. The legislation allows 100% foreign direct investment, strengthens policyholder protection, and enhances regulatory oversight, aiming for greater transparency and accountability across the ecosystem.
Published on: December 19, 2025
India's financial sector is experiencing a surge in major deals during 2025. Foreign banks are actively acquiring significant stakes in Indian lenders. These transactions, totaling $8 billion by September, mark a substantial increase. Key deals include MUFG's investment in Shriram Finance and Emirates NBD's acquisition of RBL Bank. Other notable investments involve SMBC, Blackstone, and Warburg Pincus.
Published on: December 19, 2025
Shriram Finance is set to receive a significant investment of Rs 39,617 crore from Japan's MUFG Bank. This preferential issue will grant MUFG a 20% stake in the company. The deal requires shareholder and regulatory approvals. Shriram Finance's board has also approved minority protection rights for MUFG and a non-compete fee payment.
Published on: December 19, 2025
India is rolling out significant financial services reforms, including allowing 100% foreign ownership in insurance and pension sectors, to attract foreign capital and fuel economic growth. These measures aim to boost investment in equities and long-term projects, supporting Prime Minister Modi's developed economy goal by 2047 amidst global trade tensions.
Published on: December 19, 2025
Standard Chartered Bank finds itself amidst a serious investigation involving its Bengaluru priority banking sector, as suspicions arise over the diversion of funds exceeding 80 crore rupees from accounts of high-net-worth individuals. This inquiry was initiated following the troubling report of a client who lost 2.7 crore rupees.
Published on: December 19, 2025
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group is set to invest $4.45 billion for a 20% stake in Shriram Finance, marking the largest FDI in India's financial services sector. This strategic move paves the way for an eventual acquisition, with MUFG aiming to increase its holding and gain majority control over time.
Published on: December 19, 2025
HDFC Bank and Bank of Baroda have collectively secured $1.5 billion in overseas loans, bolstering their liquidity amidst stabilizing interest rates. HDFC Bank raised $1 billion through a three-and-a-half-year loan, while BoB secured $500 million via a five-year pact, with MUFG and HSBC involved in the transactions.
Published on: December 18, 2025
Parliament's amendments to insurance laws aim to boost coverage, enhance policyholder protection, and strengthen regulatory oversight, aligning with India's development goals. The changes, including a Policyholders’ Education and Protection Fund and removal of FDI caps, are expected to deepen insurance penetration and support sector growth.
Published on: December 18, 2025
On the principle of 'One State One RRB', the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, has consolidated 26 Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) across 11 states/UTs, effective from May 1, 2025.
Published on: December 18, 2025
ICICI Bank has been issued a Goods and Services Tax (GST) demand notice of Rs 238 crore by tax authorities for alleged short payment. The notice includes Rs 216.27 crore in tax and Rs 21.62 crore as penalty. The bank intends to contest the order through legal channels.
Published on: December 18, 2025
Fitch Ratings maintains a 'Neutral' outlook for India's auto loan ABS sector for 2026, anticipating stable asset performance driven by resilient economic growth. Strong domestic demand and improved agricultural output are expected to support loan performance, with delinquency levels projected to remain stable.
Published on: December 18, 2025
In its order, the central government referred to multiple ADT-4 forms filed under Section 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013 by the bank's statutory auditors. An ADT-4 dated May 12, 2025 flagged accounting discrepancies aggregating about ₹1,959.78 crore for the period from FY2015-16 to FY2023-24.
Published on: December 17, 2025
The Reserve Bank of India has imposed strict restrictions on Gauhati Co-operative Urban Bank. New loans are prohibited, and depositors can only withdraw up to 35,000 rupees for six months. These measures are in response to liquidity problems and supervisory concerns. The bank's operations are significantly curtailed to protect depositors' interests. The RBI will continue to monitor the situation closely.
Published on: December 17, 2025
The Rajya Sabha has passed the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025, raising the FDI limit in the insurance sector to 100%. This move aims to extend insurance coverage to all by 2047 and facilitate mergers, while also establishing a Policyholders' Education and Protection Fund.
Published on: December 17, 2025
Mizuho Financial Group is acquiring a controlling stake in Indian investment bank Avendus, allowing KKR to exit its nine-year-old investment. The deal values Avendus at ₹5,900 crore, translating to a 3.5x return for KKR.
Published on: December 17, 2025
State Bank of India's Managing Director Ashwini Kumar Tewari will continue in his role. The Centre has approved an extension of his tenure. He will now serve until December 31, 2027. This follows his current term ending in January 2026. Tewari previously led SBI Card. His reappointment is effective from when he assumes charge.
Published on: December 17, 2025
The Supreme Court said banks can be held liable for deficiency of service if laxity leads to cyber frauds such as digital arrests, and stressed the need for an early-warning system to alert account holders. Citing losses of about ₹3,000 crore, the court called the scale of such frauds shocking and urged the government and regulators to plug systemic gaps.
Published on: December 17, 2025
Shriram Finance's board will convene to consider a potential equity stake sale to Japan's MUFG, with reports indicating advanced talks for a 20% stake valued at approximately Rs 23,200 crore. This move signifies growing Japanese interest in Indian financial services and could represent the largest FDI in the NBFC sector to date.
Published on: December 17, 2025
Mizuho Securities is set to acquire a majority stake in Indian investment bank Avendus from KKR. This move will make Avendus a consolidated subsidiary of the Japanese financial group. The acquisition highlights the increasing presence of Japanese financial institutions in India's rapidly growing economy.
Published on: December 17, 2025
State Bank of India's chairman CS Setty has reshuffled top management portfolios following the arrival of new MD Ravi Ranjan. Ranjan will now oversee risk, compliance, and stressed assets, while Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh takes charge of international banking, global markets, and technology. The changes aim to streamline operations and leverage expertise across key banking functions.
Published on: December 16, 2025
Kotak Mahindra Bank is restructuring its microfinance portfolio, significantly reducing joint liability group (JLG) loans to focus on individually underwritten loans. The bank aims to rebuild its microfinance book to previous levels, cautiously expanding to manage the cyclical nature of the business. Early indicators for its new underwriting model are encouraging, with improved collection efficiency.
Published on: December 16, 2025
The scheme would encourage banks to lend to microfinance institutions (MFIs), especially the smaller ones, which are facing liquidity crunch amid limited access to bank funding. An announcement to this end is likely in the 2026 budget, people cited above said. The likely size of the guarantee programme is not known.
Published on: December 16, 2025
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha Bill, 2025, proposing to raise FDI in the insurance sector to 100%. The bill aims to provide insurance to all by 2047, amending key insurance laws and establishing a policyholder protection fund. This move seeks to accelerate sector growth and enhance policyholder security.
Published on: December 16, 2025
HDFC Bank has secured RBI approval for its group entities to collectively hold up to 9.50% in IndusInd Bank. This approval, valid for one year until December 14, 2026, allows for aggregate investments by entities like HDFC Mutual Fund and HDFC Life. The bank sought this increase as combined group investments were projected to exceed the previous 5% limit.
Published on: December 16, 2025
The time taken to put a cyber insurance cover in place has shrunk dramatically to just a few days from six to seven months earlier, as companies move quickly to hedge against operational disruption, regulatory fines and potential indemnification exposure, said insurers and brokers.
Published on: December 15, 2025
The bank has not yet finalised the clawback period, which is likely to span two to three years. The proposed action is based on findings from multiple internal and external reports commissioned by the bank, including reviews conducted by Grant Thornton, PwC and EY, they said. The three executives were at the helm of IndusInd when the non-state bank discovered accounting discrepancies in internal derivative trades, which caused it a loss of about Rs 2,000 crore.
Published on: December 15, 2025
