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Banking/Finance-Industry-Economic Times
The Reserve Bank of India has updated its External Commercial Borrowings rules. Borrowing limits have been raised, and maturity requirements are now more flexible. These changes aim to support the growing trend of Indian companies raising funds through ECBs. The new norms offer greater ease for businesses seeking foreign capital.
Published on: February 17, 2026
Industry data up to December 2025 showed that banks sold Rs 24,814 crore retail non-performing assets (NPAs) to asset reconstruction companies (ARC). That compares with Rs 9,093 crore of retail bad loans sold up to September.
Published on: February 17, 2026
Banks are flagging a new ATM fraud to the Reserve Bank of India. This power-off fraud tricks systems into dispensing cash during withdrawals. Banks want clearer rules to avoid paying for these fraudulent transactions. Existing compensation guidelines are being exploited. This issue is causing significant disputes and financial losses for banks across India.
Published on: February 16, 2026
Bank of America's Bernard Mensah sees India as a prime investment destination, citing its growing middle class, strong institutions, and reformist government. The bank is increasing its India limits, anticipating more M&A activity fueled by regulatory liberalization and a focus on supply chain resilience. Despite geopolitical risks, Mensah believes capitalism's core architecture remains intact.
Published on: February 16, 2026
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra met with MSME representatives, wherein he stressed that better access to formal credit for MSMEs is a top priority. The sector is vital for India's economy. The RBI and government are taking steps to help. MSMEs are encouraged to formalize and use digital payments. Participants shared feedback on credit flow challenges.
Published on: February 16, 2026
In-Solutions Global Ltd has secured crucial authorization from the Reserve Bank of India. This approval covers online, offline, and cross-border payment aggregation. ISG now joins a select group of companies enabling unified merchant payment solutions. The company can manage domestic and international transactions, offering a comprehensive payment aggregation stack for businesses and financial institutions.
Published on: February 16, 2026
The era of digital payments is upon us, with UPI now the preferred method, leaving cash transactions behind. A fresh report calls attention to the potential of RuPay debit cards, stressing their importance in rural and semi-urban regions. Recommendations from the finance ministry include launching special merchant programs and simplifying small transactions.
Published on: February 16, 2026
When we started in 1976, George (Roberts), Jerry (Jerome Kohlberg Jr), and I were three people with $120,000 and a conviction that companies could be run better. It was a real risk. We had no fund and no brand, just the belief that ownership and incentives needed to be aligned, says Henry Kravis, cofounder, KKR.
Published on: February 16, 2026
Investment giant KKR sees immense potential in India, committing billions to its growing economy. Cofounder Henry Kravis highlights the increasing quality of Indian companies and the firm's expanding strategies, particularly in private credit. He emphasizes the critical need for better financing for small and medium-sized enterprises to fuel job creation and economic growth.
Published on: February 16, 2026
Non-banking finance companies (NBFC) can now factor in DLGs when setting aside buffers for potential loan losses, provided the guarantee forms an integral part of the loan arrangement, the RBI said last week.
Published on: February 15, 2026
Religare Enterprises Ltd (REL), backed by the Burman family, has approved a plan to split its financial services and insurance businesses into two separate listed companies. REL will retain its stake in Care Health Insurance Ltd, while the financial services operations will move to a subsidiary, Religare Finvest Ltd (RFL).
Published on: February 15, 2026
Three senior bankers at Raine Group’s India unit, including country head Gaurav Mehta, are set to leave the boutique advisory firm to start a new investment banking venture, according to people familiar with the matter. Managing directors Naveen Asopa and Girish Punjabi are also departing.
Published on: February 15, 2026
The RBI approval, communicated on February 13, 2026, is in connection with the definitive agreements executed on March 20, 2025, under which Bain Capital committed to invest approximately Rs 4,385 crore to acquire an 18 per cent stake on a fully diluted basis through preferential allotment of equity shares and warrants at a price of Rs 236 per share, Manappuram Finance said in a statement.
Published on: February 14, 2026
Two banks have already shown interest. Bank of Baroda and ICICI Bank's applications have come, Axis Bank's is a work-in-progress, and a consortium led by Union Bank and Daiichi is also exploring participation, PFRDA chairman Sivasubramanian Ramann said.
Published on: February 13, 2026
Mizuho Bank aims to build a Japan-India investment corridor using its banking strength and the Avendus Capital acquisition, as CEO Masahiko Kato highlights rising Japanese investor interest and India’s growing strategic appeal.
Published on: February 13, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India is introducing new rules to make credit more accessible. Banks will no longer need 'no dues' certificates from borrowers. A quarter of new bank branches will open in smaller towns. Lenders must maintain a high credit-deposit ratio in rural areas. These changes aim to boost credit flow and financial inclusion across India.
Published on: February 13, 2026
Where bank financing is for the purpose of refinancing of existing term loans, it shall be ensured that the financing is only for completed projects that have received a completion certificate (CC), occupation certificate (OC). Further lending to a REIT by a bank shall only be by way of loans not involving bullet or ballooning principal repayments, the RBI said.
Published on: February 13, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India has updated rules for acquisition financing. Banks can now offer loans for stake increases above 26% to 90%. Stricter financial criteria apply to borrowers. The RBI also increased the amount individuals can borrow against shares to Rs 1 crore. New limits are set for loans against securities, effective April 1, 2026.
Published on: February 13, 2026
Indian banks can now finance company acquisitions. The Reserve Bank of India has allowed lenders to fund up to 20% of their capital for these deals. This opens new credit growth avenues for Indian banks. They can lend up to 75% of the acquisition value for both listed and unlisted companies.
Published on: February 13, 2026
Capital Small Finance Bank is set for major growth. The bank aims to double its business to Rs 16,000 crore by 2029. This expansion will be driven by a projected annual growth of 23 to 24 percent. The bank will continue to focus on secured lending, with MSME loans leading the way.
Published on: February 13, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India has approved Sanjay Agarwal's re-appointment as Managing Director of AU Small Finance Bank. This marks his third term, effective April 19. The approval comes as the bank aims to become a universal lender. AU Small Finance Bank is currently the largest small finance lender in India.
Published on: February 13, 2026
Public sector banks have significantly increased their share in credit card spending, reaching 22.2% in December 2025. This growth is attributed to higher usage by existing cardholders, robust festive demand, and expanded reach into salaried segments, particularly driven by large PSBs like SBI Cards. The integration of RuPay credit cards with UPI has also fueled this expansion.
Published on: February 13, 2026
HDFC Bank and two global financial firms are exploring buying a stake in CreditAccess Grameen. Axis Bank is also in talks. CreditAccess India BV, the owner, is looking to sell its majority stake. This move aims to provide an exit for patient investors. The microfinance market is showing signs of recovery. CreditAccess Grameen is financially strong and poised for growth.
Published on: February 12, 2026
Recent regulations from the Reserve Bank of India could dampen the momentum of credit life insurance, a product often paired with retail loans. The new guidelines prohibit banks from linking insurance policies directly to loan approvals, a move designed to enhance transparency and safeguard consumers from potential misinformation.
Published on: February 12, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India has proposed draft guidelines directing banks and housing finance companies to follow stricter rules while using recovery agents. Banks must give borrowers written details of assigned agents, avoid setting targets that may lead to harsh practices, and not engage agents if a grievance is already filed.
Published on: February 12, 2026
Payment digitisation rose further in the six months to September 2025, extending a year-long trend, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said. The RBI’s Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI) stood at 516.76 in September 2025, up from 465.33 a year earlier and 493.22 in March 2025.
Published on: February 12, 2026
Kotak Alternate has successfully secured Rs 3,900 crore in its inaugural fundraising round, making it a significant milestone as the largest first-time fundraising by an Indian platform from local investors. This venture will target promising stable income avenues and growth chances, directing funds towards cash-flow-positive assets and mid to large-scale enterprises, with an emphasis on safeguarding capital.
Published on: February 12, 2026
Liquidity, which was tight just two months ago, has swung into its largest surplus in six months. The RBI has stayed away till now from draining any short-term cash, prompting analysts to ask whether the authority is allowing easier financial conditions to enforce the transmission of earlier rate cuts to the broader economy.
Published on: February 12, 2026
Canara Bank is selling ₹577 crore debt of Supreme Housing and Hospitality. A Swiss challenge auction is planned. The bank has also filed a petition to restart insolvency proceedings. This follows a failed one-time settlement offer by the company. The auction aims to gauge investor interest. Bids are due February 21. An electronic auction is scheduled for March 13.
Published on: February 11, 2026
Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor Swaminathan J emphasized that banking ethics are crucial for financial system safety. He highlighted that strong ethical standards protect customers, employees, and institutions. Ethics prevent minor issues from escalating. Regulatory discipline ensures institutional reliability and credibility. Transparency in digital banking is vital for customer understanding.
Published on: February 11, 2026
IDFC FIRST Bank has secured a crucial nod from the Reserve Bank of India. ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company, along with group entities of ICICI Bank, can now acquire up to 9.95% of the bank's paid-up share capital. This development marks a significant step for the bank. The approval is subject to specific conditions and compliance with relevant regulations.
Published on: February 11, 2026
Vivriti Asset Management plans to launch a diversified bond fund of ₹5,000 crore in the second quarter of the next financial year, with a greenshoe option of ₹2,000 crore, chief investment officer Soumendra Ghosh said. The firm is also close to closing its existing ₹2,200-crore bond fund after securing commitments of over ₹2,100 crore.
Published on: February 11, 2026
In an exciting strategic pivot, Tamilnad Mercantile Bank is setting the stage for revenue growth by revamping its workforce. Plans are underway to equip over 50% of staff with essential sales skills, accompanied by cutting-edge technology that will automate daily tasks. Furthermore, the bank is on the lookout for over 200 fresh hires.
Published on: February 11, 2026
While speaking at the Axis Bank Champions Awards ceremony, the RBI DG said, " the temptation to cut corners, to postpone a difficult disclosure, to take a convenient interpretation, or to treat a complaint as an inconvenience. Ethics is what stops small compromises from becoming large problems. It is not about being perfect. It is about how you handle grey areas, and how fairly and quickly you correct a mistake," he said.
Published on: February 11, 2026
Tamilnad Mercantile Bank is shifting its focus to boost revenues. Over half its staff will be retrained for sales roles. Technology investments will automate many routine tasks. The bank plans to hire over 200 new employees. This strategic move aims to enhance customer engagement and expand its business segments.
Published on: February 11, 2026
Goldman Sachs is significantly increasing its investment in India, shifting from a "future growth story" to a present opportunity. This strategic pivot has already boosted its rankings in Indian equity offerings and mergers, demonstrating a commitment to capturing market share in the world's fastest-growing developing economy.
Published on: February 11, 2026
Piramal Finance secured $400 million through an external commercial borrowing (ECB) package from a consortium including Deutsche Bank, SMBC, Axis Bank, DBS, and Far Eastern International Bank. The 42-month facility will see about half the principal repaid as a bullet at maturity, priced at SOFR +175 bps.
Published on: February 10, 2026
Indian banks are slowing hiring due to automation, AI, and digital tools reducing the need for large staff increases. HDFC Bank added 5,000 employees in December 2025, reaching 2,15,000, while Axis Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank saw declines in headcount.
Published on: February 10, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India has announced that Tata Motors Finance and Piramal Enterprises have surrendered their registration certificates. Six other non-banking finance companies also surrendered their licenses. The central bank is now seeking public comments on proposed amendments to exempt certain NBFCs from registration.
Published on: February 10, 2026
Bank Strike: Banking services may see limited disruption on February 12, 2026. The State Bank of India has announced a nationwide bank strike. Customers are advised of potential impacts. This action by the country's largest public sector bank will affect operations. Work is expected to be impacted to a limited extent during the strike.
Published on: February 10, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India is proposing new lending rules for urban cooperative banks. These banks may soon be allowed to increase unsecured loans to 20 percent of their total assets. Individual loan limits will also be enhanced. Public feedback on these draft proposals is invited until March 4, 2026. This move aims to strengthen the banking sector.
Published on: February 10, 2026
Banks lending to the National Cooperative Development Corporation will gain priority sector status from January 19, 2026. This move aims to boost funds for cooperative societies. The Reserve Bank of India is also strengthening cooperative banks through various measures. These include branch expansion, increased housing loan limits, and improved governance.
Published on: February 10, 2026
India bank FDI inflows: Total FDI inflow includes equity inflow, equity capital of unincorporated bodies, re-invested earnings, and other capital, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
Published on: February 10, 2026
Under the transaction, investment funds affiliated with Carlyle Asia Partners will invest ₹2,100 crore (around $230 million) in Nido. This includes a secondary purchase of a 45% stake from Edelweiss and a primary equity infusion of ₹1,500 crore to fund future growth. Post-transaction, Edelweiss will continue to hold a significant minority stake in the business, it said.
Published on: February 10, 2026
Citigroup has appointed Ankur Khurana as the new head of its Commercial Bank in India. This move highlights the US lender's commitment to expanding its commercial banking services across Asia. Khurana brings extensive experience from her previous leadership roles at Standard Chartered and Credit Suisse. Her expertise will be crucial in bolstering Citi's presence and client coverage in the region.
Published on: February 10, 2026
Asia-focused Hillhouse Investment Management is nearing a deal to acquire a 5% stake in Quest Global. The engineering services firm is valued at approximately $4.5 billion. This investment is part of Quest Global's pre-IPO fundraising. Singapore's Temasek may also secure a smaller stake. Quest Global is also considering a reverse flip to list on Indian stock exchanges.
Published on: February 10, 2026
India's banking sector outlook is stable. Moody's Ratings projects low non-performing assets. Robust economic growth will support the sector's fundamentals. Profitability is expected to remain stable. Loan growth will align with deposits. Banks are well-capitalised. Strong economic growth will support asset quality.
Published on: February 9, 2026
The promoter group is looking to raise about ₹2,000 crore through a combination of promoter-level borrowing and debt at the operating company, according to people familiar with the discussions.
Published on: February 9, 2026
Areion Group secured the winning bid for Aviom India Housing Finance. Secured lenders unanimously backed Areion's Rs 936-crore offer. This plan offers lenders a recovery of about 65%. Unity Small Finance Bank had placed a higher bid but with conditions. Lenders preferred Areion's unconditional offer for certainty of recovery.
Published on: February 9, 2026
Amid a wave of rising AI-generated frauds, banks and regulators are responding with strengthened security controls, multi-factor authentication, real-time fraud-monitoring systems and customer awareness campaigns. As a customer protection measure, the RBI in its February Monetary Policy announced compensation of up to Rs 25,000 for small-value payment frauds if the customers are genuinely cheated.
Published on: February 9, 2026
