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Banking/Finance-Industry-Economic Times
The all-time high dividend declared on Friday is 6.7 per cent greater than Rs 2.69 lakh crore for the 2024-25 fiscal. urplus transfer by RBI alone accounts for 91 per cent of the budgeted non-tax revenue under 'dividend/surplus of Reserve Bank of India, Nationalised Banks & Financial Institutions' head for FY27.
Published on: May 22, 2026
In the realm of Indian general insurance, a significant portion of profits arises from investment income. This reliance dilutes their operational strength compared to international players.
Published on: May 22, 2026
SBI customers are urged to use ATMs, customer service points, and online services like YONO and UPI. A two-day staff strike is planned for May 25. Efforts are underway to provide essential services in branches. The strike, if it proceeds, could impact operations for five days. Staff demands include recruitment and changes to pension policies.
Published on: May 22, 2026
SBI Mutual Fund has increased its holding in Bandhan Bank. The fund now owns over 5 percent of the bank's paid-up share capital. This stake was finalized on May 20, 2026. SBI Mutual Fund acquired additional shares from the open market on that day. Bandhan Bank's shares saw a slight increase in trading on Friday.
Published on: May 22, 2026
Indian non-life insurance saw robust growth in April 2026. Retail health premiums surged 31 percent year-on-year. Motor insurance also performed well. Private players and standalone health insurers are gaining market share from public sector companies. Commercial lines faced challenges, though marine and engineering segments showed resilience. This indicates a dynamic shift in the insurance landscape.
Published on: May 22, 2026
Aditya Birla Capital plans to inject Rs 3,500 crore into its lending business. This comes from a Rs 4,000 crore preferential issue. Grasim Industries will contribute Rs 2,880 crore. International Finance Corporation will invest Rs 920 crore. The company seeks shareholder approval for this significant expansion. This move aims to boost its already substantial lending portfolio.
Published on: May 22, 2026
The Supreme Court has noted a troubling trend where banks like State Bank of India are casual in sanctioning large corporate loans. However, they impose difficult conditions on ordinary citizens seeking small personal loans. The court suggested the government frame policies for easier loan access for the less privileged.
Published on: May 21, 2026
The government's Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme 5.0 is set to bolster micro, small, and medium enterprises. Experts believe this initiative will help banks avoid a rise in bad loans. The scheme aims to provide guaranteed credit, easing financial stress for businesses. Lenders are actively engaging eligible borrowers to ensure early adoption of this crucial support mechanism.
Published on: May 21, 2026
Central Bank of India is set to expand its services with new initiatives including launching credit cards and a wealth management business. The bank will also open a branch in Gift City. These moves aim to drive business growth and strengthen its market position. The bank is focusing on capability building and enhancing digital platforms to attract and retain corporate clients.
Published on: May 21, 2026
Indian companies significantly boosted overseas investments in April. Direct investments surged to $3.37 billion, more than doubling from March. Equity investments led this growth. Coforge was a major investor, with other companies like Lupin and Wingify Software also making substantial commitments. These investments spanned various sectors and regions, indicating active global expansion by Indian businesses.
Published on: May 21, 2026
SBI staff, under the All India State Bank of India Staff Federation, are threatening a two-day nationwide strike from May 25 over demands including adequate employee recruitment and stopping outsourcing of permanent jobs. The strike, potentially impacting operations for five days due to weekends and an Eid holiday, will be preceded by a conciliation meeting on May 23.
Published on: May 21, 2026
Fino Payments Bank board accepted Rishi Gupta's resignation as MD and CEO. This decision came even after the board found him fit and proper for a second term. Gupta had requested voluntary early retirement. The board also extended Ketan Merchant's interim CEO tenure for up to three months.
Published on: May 21, 2026
The CBI has filed its first chargesheet in a major corruption case. Fifteen individuals, including bank officials and Haryana government employees, are accused of misappropriating Rs 504 crore. The funds were allegedly siphoned off from government accounts through collusion. The investigation is ongoing, with more chargesheets expected soon. This probe has expanded to include IAS officers.
Published on: May 21, 2026
Banks must prioritize customer experience to stay relevant, evolving branches into 'phygital' advisory hubs, according to an EY India report. The future of banking hinges on a blend of human interaction and AI, focusing on anticipating needs and providing timely support. While personalization is growing, trust in chatbots lags, highlighting a need for empathy and robust data privacy alongside automation.
Published on: May 21, 2026
Private banks saw their profitability dip in FY26. Net interest margins faced pressure as loan rates adjusted faster than deposit rates in a falling interest rate environment. Treasury income also declined. This led to a moderation in return on equity for major lenders like HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, and ICICI Bank. Experts anticipate these challenges to persist in FY27.
Published on: May 21, 2026
Insurers may soon see relaxed investment rules for real estate and infrastructure trusts. The regulator is considering a combined 6% exposure limit, up from the current 3% for each. Strong investor interest in recent infrastructure offerings, like the Raajmarg InvIT, has fueled demands for greater insurer participation in these long-duration yield assets.
Published on: May 21, 2026
BHIM Payments App saw a significant 300% growth in FY26. Monthly transactions surged to 21.6 crore in March 2026. Cashback offers are a key growth driver. The app aims to expand to feature phones. NBSL is partnering with banks to embed BHIM technology into their mobile applications. This move will deepen the digital payment ecosystem across India.
Published on: May 20, 2026
Banks are fully supporting the new Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme 5.0. This scheme aims to help businesses facing challenges due to the West Asia conflict. Government officials highlighted its importance for MSMEs in Maharashtra. The scheme provides working capital support. A digital portal simplifies loan applications. This initiative will accelerate credit delivery to eligible businesses.
Published on: May 20, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India is proposing to allow lenders to disable certain mobile phone functions for loan defaulters, specifically for devices financed by the loan. These restrictions, effective October 2026, will be tightly regulated, excluding essential services and requiring a graduated approach. The RBI also introduced broader recovery conduct rules, including agent certification and data privacy mandates.
Published on: May 20, 2026
Global ratings agency Moodys Ratings has affirmed IndusInd Bank's ratings. The outlook has been revised to stable from negative. This reflects stabilising senior leadership and easing funding and liquidity pressures. Operating conditions are improving. Profitability is expected to improve gradually over the next 12 to 18 months. Moderate balance sheet growth is also anticipated.
Published on: May 20, 2026
Aditya Birla Capital is raising Rs 4,000 crore for future growth. The Aditya Birla Group will invest Rs 3,080 crore and IFC will invest Rs 980 crore. This capital infusion will fund growth objectives, including lending and investments. The company aims to expand access to financing for entrepreneurs and businesses. This move supports India's economic transformation and financial inclusion.
Published on: May 20, 2026
Standard Chartered plans to cut over 7,000 jobs in four years, replacing human capital with technology, particularly impacting back-office roles in India. This move aligns with a broader trend of financial firms leveraging AI and tech hubs in India for both support and higher-value functions, though some, like Wells Fargo, are also consolidating operations.
Published on: May 20, 2026
Financial institutions are urged to guide Atal Pension Yojana subscribers towards higher pension slabs. Many subscribers remain in the minimum Rs 1,000 monthly pension category. This amount may not be sufficient in the future. Banks must counsel individuals to choose plans reflecting future needs and current affordability. Efforts are also underway to re-examine the scheme for potentially higher pension payouts.
Published on: May 20, 2026
Central Bank of India is planning a major nationwide expansion with the opening of 150 new branches across India. To support its growth strategy, the public sector lender will recruit around 1,400 employees, including new officers, while also strengthening operations across its subsidiaries. The move is aimed at enhancing customer outreach, improving banking services, and accelerating business growth in key markets.
Published on: May 20, 2026
BHIM Payments App saw a significant 301% surge in transaction volumes during FY26. More users embraced the platform for daily purchases like groceries and dining. West Bengal showed strong growth, with peer-to-merchant payments dominating. The app's accessibility and new features are driving this increased adoption across India.
Published on: May 20, 2026
The Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled up the Finance Ministry over the 2023 write-off of Yes Bank’s Rs 8,415 crore AT-1 bonds and asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to produce Cabinet meeting records, quorum details and related documents by 3 PM.
Published on: May 20, 2026
Amid the turbulent times following the West Asia escalations, financial leaders expressed strong confidence in the resilience of the Indian economy and its banking architecture. They dismissed immediate panic over dipping foreign exchange reserves and raging geopolitical tensions.
Published on: May 20, 2026
Indian insurers are opposing new rules for executive pay. The regulator wants to link compensation to customer service, not just profits. Insurers argue a one-size-fits-all approach won't work for all companies. They seek flexibility in setting performance goals. This comes amid increased scrutiny of claims and customer service.
Published on: May 19, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India is proposing new rules for banks. These rules will standardize how banks report their capital strength. This applies to all banks, including foreign ones. The goal is to make it easier for people to understand and compare bank performance. Banks will need to use specific formats and report figures in rupees crore.
Published on: May 19, 2026
Banks have asked the Reserve Bank of India to relax new lending rules for Infrastructure Investment Trusts. The proposed three-year operational track record requirement could delay infrastructure monetisation and new project funding. Lenders prefer asset quality over trust age for financing eligibility. This change aims to ensure smoother fund recycling and attract global investors for new infrastructure projects.
Published on: May 19, 2026
Indian banks are increasingly offering loans against mutual funds. This move targets younger, tech-savvy customers who prefer market-linked investments. Banks are leveraging digital platforms for a seamless process. This product is expected to gain popularity in the coming years as more people invest in mutual funds.
Published on: May 19, 2026
HDFC Bank has implemented a work-from-home policy for up to two days a week for employees in Business and Corporate Enabling Functions for the next 30 days. This decision aligns with Prime Minister Modi's call to conserve fuel amidst rising crude oil prices. Customer-facing operations will remain unaffected.
Published on: May 19, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India has cancelled the license of The Yashwant Co-operative Bank, Phaltan, Maharashtra, citing inadequate capital and poor earning prospects. The bank's operations will cease from May 19, 2026, with depositors to receive insurance claims up to Rs 5 lakh. Approximately 99.02% of depositors are expected to receive their full deposit amounts.
Published on: May 19, 2026
Star Health and Allied Insurance is launching an affordable health insurance product for tier-2 and tier-3 cities, with premiums 20% lower than existing plans. This move aims to increase insurance penetration in smaller towns where affordability is a key barrier. The insurer is also developing a preferred hospital network called Pratham to enhance customer experience.
Published on: May 19, 2026
Prudential plans to acquire a controlling stake in Bharti Life Insurance. This move requires Prudential to reduce its holding in ICICI Prudential Life Insurance. The insurer is expected to request 12 to 18 months from the regulator for this stake dilution. ICICI Bank will maintain majority ownership in ICICI Prudential Life Insurance.
Published on: May 19, 2026
Central Bank of India is set to launch its IFSC Banking Unit at GIFT City next month with an aim to expand its international banking operations. The bank will offer specialised services and access to international financial markets for corporate clients.
Published on: May 19, 2026
The IRDAI is developing a more detailed framework for performance-linked key performance indicators (KPIs) for insurance company executives. This initiative aims to enhance oversight on claims settlement, customer complaints, and expense management, pushing for sharper accountability standards and measurable parameters in senior management evaluations.
Published on: May 19, 2026
"The decline in the level of revolvers has impacted profitability," ICICI Bank group CFO Anindya Banerjee said, adding that the business remained profitable and retained multiple levers-including cost management and rewards optimisation-to sustain returns. "It is a business one would continue to have a very strong focus on."
Published on: May 18, 2026
"Senior executives and board members at HDFC Bank are understood to be in favour of maintaining continuity at the top level until the ongoing legal review is completed and its findings are discussed by the board," a bank official said. "The view within the bank is that initiating the process for appointing a new chairman before the review concludes could be premature and may complicate governance discussions currently underway."
Published on: May 18, 2026
UPI processed most payment transactions in India by volume in late 2025. RTGS handled significant value with low volume. NEFT offered versatility. Digital payments saw explosive growth from 2021 to 2025. UPI's rise led to a sharp decline in debit card usage for everyday retail payments.
Published on: May 18, 2026
State Bank of India Staff Federation protested in Kolkata demanding recruitment and an end to mis-selling insurance. Employees will strike nationwide on May 25 and 26. The federation alleges issues with resolving employee concerns and agreements. Previous protests included badge-wearing and demonstrations. Future actions involve candle marches and the planned strike.
Published on: May 18, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India has placed restrictions on Etawah-based Nagar Sahakari Bank. Customers can withdraw a maximum of Rs 10,000. The bank cannot grant new loans or accept fresh deposits without RBI approval. These measures are in place for six months to protect depositors. The RBI will monitor the bank's financial health and adjust the directions as needed.
Published on: May 18, 2026
Liberty Mutual Insurance has increased its stake in Liberty General Insurance to 74%, strengthening its commitment to India’s fast-growing insurance market. Following an earlier stake hike in September 2025, the company plans to expand distribution networks and deepen its presence across retail and commercial insurance segments, while capitalising on rising insurance penetration opportunities in India.
Published on: May 18, 2026
Jana Small Finance Bank is raising Rs 728 crore by selling equity shares, with Shruti Lohia's firm set to acquire around 4% and TVS Venu Group taking a 9.9% stake on a fully diluted basis. The bank is planning to upgrade to a universal bank, having reapplied for a license after an initial rejection.
Published on: May 18, 2026
Indian authorities are exploring ways to revive the long-delayed sale of a majority stake in IDBI Bank after bids fell short of expectations earlier this year. Officials are considering lowering the reserve price by up to 20% and reducing reliance on the bank’s market price to make the deal more attractive to buyers, according to people familiar with the matter.
Published on: May 18, 2026
India’s finance ministry has directed state-run banks, insurers and financial institutions to cut costs through measures such as limiting travel, holding meetings virtually and shifting to electric vehicles. The order applies to institutions including State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and Life Insurance Corporation of India.
Published on: May 18, 2026
ICICI Bank will maintain its majority stake in ICICI Prudential Life Insurance following its partner Prudential's acquisition of a controlling stake in Bharti Life. This move necessitates Prudential reducing its holding in ICICI Prudential Life to below 10%. Despite market jitters, ICICI Bank reaffirms its long-term commitment to the life insurer.
Published on: May 18, 2026
HDFC AMC has reported a cyber-security incident. An anonymous source claimed access to its IT systems. The company is assessing the impact. Business continuity is not expected to be affected. This incident highlights rising cyber risks for Indian businesses. Digital fraud cases have significantly increased. Financial institutions face growing vulnerabilities.
Published on: May 18, 2026
Muthoot Fincorp is gearing up for a monumental ₹4,000 crore IPO, seeking to ignite its expansion plans and harness the momentum of its current growth trajectory. With an optimistic eye on the future, the company is poised to navigate market fluctuations and continue its upward path. The funds raised will be pivotal in propelling further innovations and initiatives.
Published on: May 17, 2026
Bharti Enterprises will pare its stake in the company to 25% from 85% while 360 One Asset Management will sell its entire 15% holding and exit the venture, the companies announced on Sunday.
Published on: May 17, 2026
