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Banking/Finance-Industry-Economic Times
Quadria Capital is eyeing a strategic acquisition of a majority interest in Samarth Lifesciences, a move that could value the transaction at around Rs 4,500 crore. With ambitions for growth, Samarth Lifesciences is on the lookout for investment, especially after prior negotiations with alternative investors faltered over price evaluations.
Published on: April 23, 2026
Jio Financial Services and Allianz Group from Germany are joining forces in an exciting new insurance initiative. This equal partnership will concentrate on providing general and health insurance products uniquely designed for Indian consumers.
Published on: April 22, 2026
PNB Housing Finance anticipates strong loan portfolio expansion of 18-20 percent this fiscal year. The company aims to reach a significant loan book of one lakh crore rupees by FY27. This growth will be fueled by a strategic focus on affordable and emerging market segments. Recoveries from written-off loans are expected to maintain benign credit costs.
Published on: April 22, 2026
State Bank of India chairman CS Setty foresees artificial intelligence revolutionizing financial markets. AI will enhance risk management and operational efficiency. Institutions like Clearing Corp of India will shift from post-trade processing to pre-emptive risk management. The future demands intelligent scale and agile systems. Cybersecurity and operational resilience remain paramount as markets digitize.
Published on: April 22, 2026
State-owned Punjab National Bank has partnered with Kiwi to launch the RuPay-based PNB Kiwi Credit Card. It offers digital onboarding, UPI integration and 0.5–1.5% cashback. The move aims to expand credit access, especially in semi-urban and rural areas, amid rising UPI adoption.
Published on: April 22, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India has unveiled draft guidelines for prepaid payment instruments. These new rules aim to strengthen compliance and customer protection. A key proposal includes UPI-linked wallets for foreign visitors. The framework also pushes for deeper integration of prepaid instruments with UPI. Dormant balances will be managed more strictly.
Published on: April 22, 2026
Indian bank credit growth is set to slow down to under 12 percent this financial year. This moderation is driven by the ongoing West Asia conflict and changing interest rates. Small businesses and unsecured loans may see increased defaults. Banks will be cautious in lending to vulnerable sectors.
Published on: April 22, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India has approved the appointment of Debasish Panda, a former IAS officer and ex-chairman of IRDAI, as the part-time chairman of Bandhan Bank for three years. Panda, who previously served as Secretary of the Department of Financial Services, will succeed Anup Kumar Sinha.
Published on: April 22, 2026
The next 25 years in finance will prioritize intelligent scale, not just size. Artificial intelligence will be key for risk management and efficiency. Global integration and digital assets are also shaping the future. Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India has eased restrictions on offshore non-deliverable forward trading as rupee market volatility subsides. This move aims to support rupee internationalization.
Published on: April 22, 2026
Bandhan Bank has secured prior approval from the Reserve Bank of India for Debasish Panda's appointment as its part-time chairman. Panda's tenure will span three years, commencing from the date he assumes charge. This strategic move follows Panda's extensive experience in the financial sector, including his previous role as chairman of IRDAI.
Published on: April 22, 2026
Jio Financial Services and Allianz Group are partnering to launch a new insurance venture in India. This 50:50 joint venture will offer general and health insurance solutions. It combines Jio's digital reach with Allianz's global insurance expertise. The venture aims to expand insurance access for individuals and businesses. Operations will commence after regulatory approvals.
Published on: April 22, 2026
With this membership, Pay Point India now has direct access to key payment systems—Real Time Gross Settlement and National Electronic Funds Transfer—without relying on partner banks.
Published on: April 22, 2026
India's central bank is actively engaging with global counterparts and local institutions to assess potential cybersecurity threats from Anthropic's new AI model, Mythos. The Reserve Bank of India is exploring safeguards and may seek direct access to the AI to identify vulnerabilities, emphasizing data localization for Indian customer information.
Published on: April 22, 2026
Cybercrime is undermining the traditional trust associated with bank brands, forcing a reevaluation of communication strategies. Current anti-cybercrime campaigns often blame victims, failing to address systemic weaknesses and eroding customer confidence. Banks must invest in real-time fraud prevention and demonstrate genuine intent to protect customers, rebuilding credibility through consistent action rather than just advertising.
Published on: April 22, 2026
HDFC Bank posted a strong FY26 performance despite recent governance-related headlines and leadership changes, with CreditSights noting that these developments are unlikely to have any meaningful impact on its credit profile or stability. The bank reported a 10.9% rise in net profit to Rs 74,700 crore, supported by 12.1% loan growth, robust deposit mobilisation, and continued best-in-class asset quality, with gross NPAs falling to 1.15% and credit costs at multi-quarter lows. Capital buffers remained strong with a CET1 ratio of 17.3%, underscoring resilience even as external macro risks persist.
Published on: April 22, 2026
India’s life insurance industry recorded a 16% rise in new business premiums to ₹4.59 lakh crore in FY26, driven by GST exemption benefits, stronger demand for regular premium policies, and a strategic shift towards higher-margin protection and long-term savings products.
Published on: April 21, 2026
HDFC Life's board has approved Vibha Padalkar's reappointment as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. This new term will begin on September 12, 2026, and will last for five years. Shareholder and regulatory approvals are still pending. This decision ensures leadership continuity for the company. Padalkar has not faced any debarment from regulatory authorities.
Published on: April 21, 2026
The State Bank of India is asking the Supreme Court to reconsider a recent ruling. The judgment prevents telecom spectrum from being treated as an asset during insolvency. SBI warns this could significantly impact banks and infrastructure financing. The bank argues the ruling overlooks key issues for lenders. This decision affects recovery prospects in various regulated sectors.
Published on: April 21, 2026
Nippon India Mutual Fund has launched 'Har Ghar Investor,' an awareness campaign to boost retail investor participation and promote disciplined investing. The initiative aims to encourage at least one household member to invest in mutual funds, addressing a significant gap in the market.
Published on: April 21, 2026
DBS Bank India has launched DBS Aspire, a new banking proposition targeting the emerging affluent segment with a total relationship value of ₹10 lakh or a ₹2 lakh average savings balance. The offering provides premium banking access, including a dedicated relationship manager and zero forex mark-up on international spends, aiming to be a long-term partner as customers grow their wealth.
Published on: April 21, 2026
PNB Housing Finance has guided for 18–20% loan growth this fiscal, up from 15% in FY26, and expects no impact on housing demand from the West Asia crisis. The lender targets a ₹1 lakh crore loan book by FY27, led by affordable and emerging segments, while margins are seen at 3.55–3.65%.
Published on: April 21, 2026
The Serious Fraud Investigation Office is investigating IndusInd Bank's derivatives portfolio. Major audit firms associated with the bank over the last decade have been summoned. This probe follows questioning of former bank officials. The irregularities are estimated to have caused losses of around ₹2,000 crore. The investigation aims to uncover corporate governance issues and accounting discrepancies.
Published on: April 20, 2026
Health insurance coverage in India has seen a major jump. Rural areas now have more people insured than urban centers. Government schemes are driving this growth. Out-of-pocket hospital expenses have also been reported. Morbidity levels have risen, with infections being the main reason for hospitalisation. Institutional deliveries are now almost universal across the country.
Published on: April 20, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India has made a pivotal move by retracting its earlier April 1 directive, which had restricted banks from offering non-deliverable forward contracts and barred the rebooking of cancelled foreign exchange derivative contracts. This reversal allows banks to enjoy increased operational flexibility, fostering a more fluid trading environment.
Published on: April 20, 2026
Indian consumer sector investment declined in FY26. Investors are now favoring smaller, diversified deals over large bets. Deal volume, however, increased significantly. This indicates a market shift towards sustainable growth and operational discipline. Mega deals are absent, but early-stage funding shows resilience. Companies focus on filling gaps rather than just scaling up.
Published on: April 19, 2026
Bank credit growth is set to outpace deposit expansion in fiscal 2027. Analysts predict credit will grow 12-14% while deposits rise 10-12%. This trend follows a pattern where credit has consistently grown faster than deposits for over a decade. Revised liquidity norms may help manage this gap. Declining CASA ratios are a concern, impacting bank profitability.
Published on: April 19, 2026
The Indian government is taking action against non-profits holding unused foreign funds. Registrations are being cancelled for organizations that have not utilized foreign donations received years ago. A new bill aims to further tighten controls, potentially freezing funds and restricting asset management for these entities. This signals a shift towards greater accountability in the non-profit sector.
Published on: April 19, 2026
Microfinance lending rates are rising for the poorest borrowers. This is happening despite a government credit guarantee scheme designed to lower these rates. Microfinance companies cite their own increased borrowing expenses as the main reason. They are paying more to banks for funds. This trend is impacting the cost for end borrowers.
Published on: April 19, 2026
The Supreme Court has officially concluded the hearings related to the Additional Tier-1 bond write-down of Yes Bank, with a verdict now on the horizon. This case follows the bank's dramatic near-collapse back in 2020, leading to an aggressive write-down of ₹8,415 crore in bonds, sparking a flurry of legal action from aggrieved investors.
Published on: April 19, 2026
On overall credit expansion, the survey said lenders are positive and anticipate continued momentum in non-food credit. The survey, which covered 24 banks across segments, was released on Sunday.
Published on: April 19, 2026
Indian banks are preparing for a quantum computing future. The finance ministry has asked public sector banks to explore quantum-resistant encryption. This move aims to secure financial systems against future threats. Experts warn quantum computers could break current encryption. India's National Quantum Mission is also building a quantum communication network.
Published on: April 19, 2026
Brookfield India Real Estate Trust is raising Rs 2,600 crore through a Qualified Institutional Placement. Major investors include IFC, Whiteoak Capital, HDFC Life Insurance, Axis Max Life Insurance, and PPFAS Mutual Fund. The funds will support acquisitions and debt repayment. This fundraising follows significant capital raised since 2023. The REIT has expanded its operational assets considerably.
Published on: April 19, 2026
Indian banks anticipate robust non-food credit growth of 11-13% from January-June 2026, driven by improving balance sheets and steady economic activity. Retail and SME segments are expected to lead this expansion, while industrial credit will see a more measured recovery. Most bankers foresee a stable monetary policy stance.
Published on: April 19, 2026
Global development banks are joining forces to help countries navigate economic challenges. They are combining resources and knowledge to manage immediate pressures and build future resilience. The banks are ready to provide timely support to manage risks and protect vulnerable populations. Collaboration will focus on private sector growth, job creation, and sustainable development.
Published on: April 18, 2026
Visa is reportedly appointing Suresh Sethi, former CEO of Protean eGov Technologies, as its new India country head. Sethi, with extensive experience in banking and tech, succeeds Sandeep Ghosh. This leadership transition occurs as Visa intensifies its focus on digital payments and regional partnerships, aiming for continued growth and innovation in the Indian market.
Published on: April 17, 2026
India has authorized 17 banks to import gold and silver. This authorization is effective for three years from April 1, 2026. The move resolves a customs clearance delay that had stalled shipments. This decision brings relief to importers and ensures smooth trade of precious metals. The new authorization is valid until March 31, 2029.
Published on: April 17, 2026
Indian banks are likely to keep asset quality under control over the next two years, with gross non-performing assets (NPAs) projected at 2.0-2.2 per cent by March 2027, only a shade higher than the estimated historic low of 2.0 per cent as of March 2026, according to ratingas agency Crisil Ratings. The resilience will be led by strong corporate balance sheets, even as the MSME segment faces pressure from the ongoing West Asia conflict.
Published on: April 17, 2026
Aditya Birla Housing Finance has secured Rs 2,750 crore. This funding comes from selling a 14.29 percent stake to Indriya Ltd. Indriya Ltd is part of PE investor Advent International. Aditya Birla Housing Finance is no longer a wholly-owned subsidiary. Aditya Birla Capital now holds 85.505 percent of the housing finance firm.
Published on: April 17, 2026
The central government has permitted 15 top banks, including the State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, Bank of India and others to import gold and silver from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2029.
Published on: April 17, 2026
Ahana introduces a new solution for co-operative banks. It aims to simplify Reserve Bank of India reporting. The system uses a special data model. This will reduce manual work and errors. Banks can expect faster reporting cycles. Audit readiness will also improve. The solution consolidates data for better accuracy and consistency.
Published on: April 17, 2026
Women are actively managing their wealth but face a 'Fluency Gap' in financial guidance. A new HSBC report reveals affluent women are intentional about finances from their 20s. However, fewer than half feel supported by advisors. The study calls for personalized, adaptable advice that evolves with women's changing life stages and priorities.
Published on: April 17, 2026
HDFC Bank's financial health and leadership remain robust even after the resignation of its part-time chairman. Investors can be assured of the bank's financial strength and earning capacity. The bank's balance sheet is low risk and its dividend policy is clear. The board structure aligns with global standards for large banks.
Published on: April 16, 2026
Sushanta Kumar Mohanty has taken charge as executive director at Bank of Maharashtra. His appointment is for a three-year term. Mohanty previously served as chief general manager at Bank of Baroda. He brings over three decades of banking experience to his new role. This significant development marks a new chapter for the bank.
Published on: April 16, 2026
Indian banks are now requiring corporates to provide documentation for dollar forward transactions. This move follows recent currency volatility and new regulations. Banks are scrutinizing clients and setting limits based on past performance. The Reserve Bank of India has not mandated this, but banks are taking extra precautions to avoid FEMA violations amid a dollar crunch.
Published on: April 16, 2026
Consumer goods-focused NG Electro Products has secured Rs 150 crore in funding from JM Financial Private Equity and family offices. The capital infusion will fuel expansion of manufacturing capacity, accelerate R&D and product innovation, and bolster quality and compliance infrastructure. This investment aims to strengthen the company's footprint and deepen its product innovation capabilities.
Published on: April 16, 2026
HDFC Bank is injecting Rs 1,000 crore into HDFC Life Insurance. This investment will increase HDFC Bank's ownership to over 50%. The capital infusion aims to strengthen HDFC Life's financial position. The insurer's solvency ratio is expected to rise significantly. This move prepares HDFC Life for future growth and evolving regulations.
Published on: April 16, 2026
Bank credit saw a significant 16% rise, reaching ₹219 lakh crore. Deposits grew 13.4% to ₹267.8 lakh crore by March 31, 2026. Investments also increased by 4.7%. This year-end surge in deposits and credit is a common trend. In the last fortnight alone, banks gathered ₹12 lakh crore in deposits and lent ₹6.1 lakh crore.
Published on: April 15, 2026
Satin Growth Alternatives has secured SEBI approval to launch a ₹200 crore AIF focused on women-led businesses, aiming to drive inclusive growth, sustainability, and impactful investments across emerging sectors in India.
Published on: April 15, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India has eased rules for non-banking financial companies. NBFCs can now open branches without prior approval in most situations. This change aims to simplify business operations. Deposit-taking NBFCs have specific conditions based on their net owned funds and credit ratings for opening branches or appointing agents.
Published on: April 15, 2026
In the next fiscal year, non-banking finance companies are likely to increase their borrowing from banks due to the attractive lower interest rates available. Additionally, the unpredictable geopolitical landscape is making external commercial borrowings less appealing. To mitigate funding challenges, NBFCs may turn to securitisation for support.
Published on: April 15, 2026
