Recent News
Banking/Finance-Industry-Economic Times
A fatal Learjet 45 crash near Pune, killing five, is expected to trigger insurance claims of approximately ₹50 crore. The aircraft, insured by ICICI Lombard, was attempting to land when it crashed. This follows another aviation insurance claim of ₹18 crore earlier this month.
Published on: January 28, 2026
Indian private banks increased loan write-offs by over 22% in the December quarter. This move aims to clean balance sheets. Despite low reported bad loan ratios, underlying stress persists, especially in retail and unsecured lending. Banks are proactively managing credit costs. This trend highlights ongoing asset quality pressures that observers are watching closely.
Published on: January 28, 2026
PNB Housing Finance aims to balance growth and margins under a new leader with a five-year tenure, following frequent leadership changes. The company is shifting focus to higher-yielding affordable and mid-market housing loans, targeting a 45-50% share by FY28. This strategy, coupled with funding new developers, seeks to improve profitability and address investor concerns.
Published on: January 28, 2026
This government backing aims to support the sector facing delinquencies and funding challenges. The scheme will incentivize banks to lend to microfinance institutions, especially smaller ones. It will be implemented outside the union budget framework and announced after Cabinet clearance.
Published on: January 28, 2026
ATM cash withdrawals saw a dip in 2025. However, people took out more money per transaction. CMS Info Systems reported this trend. Digital payments also grew significantly. Insurance spending rose, while education, hospitality, and entertainment saw reduced spending. This reflects shifts in consumer behavior.
Published on: January 28, 2026
The proposed fundraise will be used to refinance a dollar bond backed by shares of Tata Sons, held through group entity Goswami Infratech, due to mature in April. The new transaction is expected to mirror the structure of the earlier deal, with Tata Sons shares continuing as collateral.
Published on: January 27, 2026
Seven out of eight public sector banks that released quarterly results so far held on to or improved margins from the previous three months, helping them maintain profitability despite a challenging macro environment.
Published on: January 27, 2026
Credit card usage in Mumbai saw an 8% rebound last month, reaching ₹2.05 lakh crore due to seasonal demand and year-end spending. Net new card additions hit a three-month high of over 900,000, boosting the total active cards to 115.7 million. Analysts anticipate steady spending momentum, supported by ongoing consumption trends and festive demand.
Published on: January 27, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India is introducing new rules to help banks manage loans affected by natural disasters. These guidelines will allow banks to offer relief to borrowers impacted by events like floods and landslides. The aim is to provide timely support while ensuring financial stability. The new framework is expected to be implemented from April 1st, following public feedback.
Published on: January 27, 2026
The strike by the UFBU, an umbrella body of nine unions representing officers and employees, materialised after a conciliation meeting with the Chief Labour Commissioner on January 23 failed to yield a positive outcome.
Published on: January 27, 2026
An industry perspective on the reforms and incentives Budget 2026 could introduce to strengthen insurance adoption, manage emerging risks and support inclusive growth.
Published on: January 27, 2026
Prime Minister Modi has invited global investors to India's burgeoning energy sector, highlighting a USD 500 billion opportunity. He emphasized the nation's ambition to become the world's largest refining hub, urging investments in refining, LNG, city gas distribution, and exploration. India aims for USD 100 billion in oil and gas investments by 2030, expanding refining capacity and exploration scope.
Published on: January 27, 2026
IIFL Finance witnessed a strong third quarter driven by a significant recovery in gold loans, with mortgages expected to gain momentum. The company's shift towards secured lending has stabilized cash flows and improved asset quality, with NPAs declining. Management anticipates consistent growth and profitability as legacy issues resolve and technology adoption accelerates.
Published on: January 26, 2026
Banking services across India face disruption on Tuesday, January 27. Public sector banks will remain closed due to a nationwide strike. Employees are demanding a five-day work week. This follows a failed conciliation meeting. With banks already closed on Sunday and Republic Day, this strike will cause a three-day service halt. Digital services and ATMs may also see localized issues.
Published on: January 26, 2026
KKR plans to invest tens of billions of dollars in India over the next 5-10 years, identifying it as a priority strategic market. The firm sees compelling opportunities in India's consumption, growth, and digital advancements, alongside infrastructure and private credit. While valuations have risen, KKR believes they remain attractive relative to the country's strong growth prospects.
Published on: January 25, 2026
Lenders have argued that the Stage 2 classification of crop loans should be linked to the crop season and pitched a classification similar to that of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans, which are linked to the agricultural crop cycle.
Published on: January 25, 2026
The UK, France, and China show high bank credit-to-GDP ratios. This suggests substantial lending to businesses, individuals, and across borders. Germany and Japan also demonstrate high levels of credit penetration, aligning with financial systems that rely heavily on banks.
Published on: January 25, 2026
Microfinance lenders are showing signs of recovery after a prolonged bad loan cycle. Leading institutions like Bandhan Bank, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, and CreditAccess Grameen reported stable non-performing assets and improved margins. This performance suggests a normalization of business, offering relief to stakeholders and indicating a positive outlook for the sector.
Published on: January 25, 2026
Karnataka secured Rs 13,070 crore in investment commitments at the WEF meet in Davos, spanning sectors like renewable energy, data centres, and advanced manufacturing. Global leaders lauded the state's industry-friendly environment and skilled workforce, paving the way for accelerated projects and strengthening Karnataka's competitive edge in global trade.
Published on: January 24, 2026
2026 Budget household factors: Indian households anticipate the Budget to bring financial relief. Expectations focus on income tax reductions and measures to lower the cost of goods through local production. Citizens also seek employment schemes and affordable housing support. These demands highlight a desire for immediate financial stability and long-term economic strengthening.
Published on: January 24, 2026
Bank employee unions will strike on January 27. This follows failed conciliation talks. Public sector banks may face disruptions. The strike adds to the January 26 public holiday closure. Operations could be significantly affected. Unions are demanding a five-day work week. Discussions with government and Indian Banks' Association yielded no positive results. The strike is confirmed.
Published on: January 23, 2026
The Bombay High Court has granted interim relief to several insurance companies by staying GST demands on co-insurance premiums and ceding commissions, holding that the levy appears to be contrary to CBIC circulars. The stay applies until the next hearing.
Published on: January 23, 2026
India’s fast-growing markets and digital banking are pulling more households into the financial system, but investor education and safeguards are not keeping pace, said Matthew Blake of the World Economic Forum.
Published on: January 23, 2026
If the strike proceeds, it will disrupt public sector banking operations for three consecutive days, with January 25 and 26 being holidays.
Published on: January 23, 2026
State Bank of India has channeled CSR funds towards critical initiatives in Kolar District, supporting an early intervention program for 200 children with developmental delays and providing 300 clubfoot braces for 150 affected children. This follows recent contributions to school upgrades, medical equipment, tree plantation, and an e-ambulance for the Indian Army.
Published on: January 23, 2026
India's Axis Bank has paused plans to sell a stake in its consumer lending arm, Axis Finance. This decision follows the central bank's easing of proposed restrictions on overlapping business activities between banks and their subsidiaries. The move allows Axis Bank to re-evaluate its capital-raising needs for Axis Finance.
Published on: January 23, 2026
The Bombay High Court has provided interim relief to over a dozen insurance companies. A significant GST demand and associated penalties amounting to over Rs 10,000 crore have been temporarily stayed. This order offers immediate respite to companies like Aditya Birla Health Insurance and Oriental Insurance.
Published on: January 23, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India is injecting over 23 billion dollars into the banking system. This move aims to ease funding conditions. The central bank will use three key instruments. These include open market purchases of government bonds. A dollar-rupee buy/sell foreign exchange swap is also planned. Additionally, a variable rate repo auction will be conducted.
Published on: January 23, 2026
The Bombay High Court has put a hold on GST demands exceeding ten thousand crore rupees. These demands were made against thirteen insurance companies. The court's decision follows circulars from the CBIC that exclude co-insurance premiums and ceding commission from GST. Recovery of these disputed tax demands is now stayed. The case will be heard again on February 18.
Published on: January 23, 2026
Brookfield-backed Chronos Properties has renewed a Rs 148 crore bank guarantee. This action keeps them in contention for acquiring IL&FS's Bandra Kurla Complex property. The company submitted demand drafts to the National Company Law Tribunal. This follows a directive from the insolvency appellate tribunal. The appellate tribunal had ordered the renewal within a month to prevent disqualification.
Published on: January 23, 2026
IndusInd Bank has appointed former SBI MD Arijit Basu as its new Non-Executive Independent Director and Part-Time Chairman, effective January 31, 2026. Basu, who brings extensive banking experience, will serve a three-year term. This appointment follows the completion of Sunil Mehta's tenure as chairman.
Published on: January 23, 2026
IndusInd Bank has appointed Arijit Basu as Non-Executive Independent Director and Part-time Chairman for a three-year term starting January 31, 2026. Basu, a seasoned banker with experience at SBI and HDB Financial Services, will succeed Sunil Mehta. His appointment aligns with regulatory requirements and brings extensive financial sector expertise to the bank's leadership.
Published on: January 23, 2026
Davos meeting: India being currently down is a short-term phenomenon in a long-term bull market for stocks in the country; India provides almost a unique growth path, says tephen Schwarzman, founder and CEO of Blackstone.
Published on: January 23, 2026
Non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) saw their lending grow by 22% in the period leading up to the end of December. This expansion was faster than that of bank advances, which reported a 14.4% growth during the same timeframe. NBFCs, excluding bank credit to these companies, had outstanding loans totaling Rs 35.8 lakh crore.
Published on: January 22, 2026
Gold loan NBFCs are set for significant growth. Assets under management are projected to reach over Rs 4 lakh crore by March 2027. This surge is driven by rising gold prices and a shift towards secured credit. NBFCs are expanding their reach to meet borrower demand. Regulatory changes are also expected to support this expansion.
Published on: January 22, 2026
Roha Housing Finance has secured Rs 400 crore from alternative credit investors. This capital will fuel expansion, aiming to grow assets under management to Rs 5,000 crore. The funds are infused as CCD and CCPS, strengthening the company's capital base. This strategic move supports Roha Housing Finance's growth in the affordable housing segment.
Published on: January 22, 2026
PNB Housing Finance is set to boost its business by funding new, small-scale real estate developers. The company is also re-entering construction finance for bigger developers. This strategy aims to increase profit margins by focusing on segments that yield higher returns than prime borrowers. The lender plans to grow its overall business by 17-18% in the coming fiscal year.
Published on: January 22, 2026
Financial resources for businesses saw a significant 15% increase, reaching Rs 298 lakh crore by December. This growth was fueled by both banks and non-bank lenders. Non-bank credit now forms a substantial 47% of these total flows. NBFCs are expanding lending faster than banks. Corporate bond issuance also contributed to this positive trend.
Published on: January 22, 2026
State Bank of India Chairman Challa Sreenivasulu Setty is attending the World Economic Forum in Davos. He is discussing the bank's focus on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. India's economic and technological growth is a key highlight at the forum. Union Ministers are also presenting India's progress in renewable energy and semiconductors. India is set to become the world's third-largest economy.
Published on: January 22, 2026
Potential suitors for IDBI Bank's disinvestment face uncertainty regarding renaming the lender post-acquisition. The RBI previously rejected a rebranding proposal when LIC invested, citing IDBI's reclassification as a private sector bank. This lack of clarity could impact the bidding process, though progress is expected.
Published on: January 21, 2026
In his resignation letter addressed to the company's board of directors, Ratra said that after careful thought and personal reflection, he had decided to explore entrepreneurial opportunities.
Published on: January 21, 2026
Public sector banks are now actively pursuing QR-code led merchant payments. This move challenges established fintech players like BharatPe, PhonePe, and Paytm. Banks aim to capture revenue and data opportunities in this growing digital payment ecosystem.
Published on: January 21, 2026
SBI Chairman Challa Sreenivasulu Setty anticipates a private investment rebound once US tariff issues resolve. He believes SBI can achieve its growth aims organically, focusing on AI to boost efficiency. Setty also noted room for consolidation in public sector banking, but SBI does not need inorganic growth. Savings accounts are stable, but current accounts are impacted by government cash management.
Published on: January 21, 2026
The NCLAT has issued an extension of legal protection for the directors at the helm of the newly formed IL&FS board. Consequently, banks are now required to acquire tribunal authorization prior to pursuing claims against these directors for being wilful defaulters. This ruling upholds the safeguards that were previously set in place after the government assumed control.
Published on: January 21, 2026
Several Indian banks are modifying their lending approaches in response to current market dynamics. Federal Bank and Yes Bank have reduced their retail lending activities, particularly focusing on housing loans which typically offer lower returns. They are also scaling back loans to large corporations that are seeking favorable interest rates.
Published on: January 20, 2026
HDFC Bank announced a significant development today. The Reserve Bank of India has given its approval for Kaizad Bharucha's re-appointment. He will continue as the Whole-time Director, also known as Deputy Managing Director, for another three years. This term will commence from April 19, 2026.
Published on: January 20, 2026
India's fair trade regulator, CCI, has approved Emirates NBD Bank's acquisition of a majority stake in RBL Bank. This move follows an agreement for Emirates NBD to invest approximately USD 3 billion in RBL Bank. The CCI also cleared Apollo Hospitals Enterprise's acquisition of an additional stake in Apollo Health and Lifestyle Ltd.
Published on: January 20, 2026
The meeting would be chaired by Department of Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju and likely to be attended by NABARD Chairman, SIDBI CMD and Executive Director concerned of Reserve Bank of India, sources said.
Published on: January 20, 2026
AU Small Finance Bank is preparing for its universal lender transition. The bank has proposed continuity in senior management and strengthened its board. This comes as AU Small Finance Bank reported a 26% rise in third quarter net profit. The bank is also appointing new independent directors.
Published on: January 20, 2026
New Reserve Bank of India rules will allow private banks to pay significantly higher dividends than state-owned banks. This shift is due to linking payouts to core capital instead of total capital. While ceilings are rising, banks are expected to continue conserving capital. The changes aim for a more robust dividend distribution framework for the banking sector.
Published on: January 20, 2026
