All Blog's

No Post's Available Uploading Soon ...

Search by keyword

Recent News

Banking/Finance-Industry-Economic Times

LIC launches revamped Jeevan Sathi policy

LIC has introduced a new Jeevan Sathi plan. This plan provides both savings and protection. It is a joint life policy covering a married individual and their spouse. The minimum sum assured is Rs 3,00,000. The minimum entry age is 18 years. The maximum entry age depends on the chosen plan option.

Published on: May 27, 2026


Indian banks more exposed to West Asia crisis among APAC region: Moody's

Indian banks face significant exposure due to energy import reliance. Higher fuel costs will strain consumers and businesses, increasing credit stress. Non-bank lenders with unsecured retail loans are particularly vulnerable. Despite these pressures, Indian banks possess strong capital buffers.

Published on: May 27, 2026


IDFC First Bank receives Rs 514.82 crore insurance payout on microfinance defaults, expects full provision write-back

IDFC First Bank has successfully secured a substantial allocation of over Rs 500 crore from the Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units. This funding is targeted at eligible microfinance loans and is expected to enhance the bank's financial performance by allowing it to reverse previously set aside provisions for defaults.

Published on: May 27, 2026


FinMin to meet chiefs of PSU banks on Fri to review credit flow to agri, MSME sectors

Public sector banks posted record profits of Rs 1.98 lakh crore in the financial year ended March 2026. The finance ministry will meet bank chiefs to review performance and credit flow to agriculture and MSMEs. Discussions will also cover regional rural banks, digital frauds, and recovery mechanisms. This meeting follows a period of strong profitability and business growth for PSBs.

Published on: May 27, 2026


Insurance sector may face impact if West Asia crisis prolongs: LIC chief Doraiswamy

The insurance sector may face moderation if the Middle East crisis persists, potentially reducing people's income and impacting spending and saving patterns, according to LIC CEO R Doraiswamy. He also stated that LIC is prepared for further stake dilution by the Centre, awaiting the right market conditions. LIC recently reported a 23% increase in net profit for the March quarter.

Published on: May 27, 2026


MFI portfolio dips 9 pc in April on private banks' cautious stance: Report

In what can bring some cheer to the industry battling a host of challenges on asset quality for over a year, assets unpaid for over 30 days declined to 2.5 per cent in April 2026 from 6.4 per cent in the year-ago period.

Published on: May 27, 2026


Irdai asks insurers to tie senior exec performance to customer service

India's insurance regulator, Irdai, is changing how insurance company executives are evaluated. Performance and pay will now be linked to customer results, not just financial numbers. Insurers must also share more data on product performance and customer service. This aims to build trust and accountability.

Published on: May 27, 2026


Govt health spending triples to Rs 3.85 lakh crore in 2022-23: National Health Accounts

Government spending on healthcare has surged to Rs 3.85 lakh crore in 2022-23, nearly tripling from a decade ago. This increased public investment has led to a substantial drop in household out-of-pocket expenses for treatment. The share of government health spending in GDP has also risen. This indicates a positive shift towards more affordable and accessible healthcare for all citizens.

Published on: May 27, 2026


Banking sector key to realising Viksit Bharat vision: SBI Chairman C S Setty

SBI is set to play a key role in India's growth. The bank is focusing on a 'Digital First, Customer First' strategy. Investments in technology, data, and AI will create a responsive banking ecosystem. SBI aims to deliver personalized experiences across all channels. Physical branches will integrate with digital platforms for an omni-channel approach.

Published on: May 27, 2026


HDFC Bank 'strongly' rejects Rs 45 cr payment route wrongdoing

HDFC Bank has strongly denied media reports alleging wrongdoing. The bank stated its internal oversight, audit, and control systems are robust. This clarification follows a report about an internal investigation into Rs 45 crore payments. The payments were reportedly disguised as marketing expenses to a public sector undertaking. HDFC Bank maintains its commitment to transparency and strong governance.

Published on: May 27, 2026


Banks need to act fast as customers turn to AI for stock picks and savings yields: McKinsey & Company

Customers are embracing generative AI at an unprecedented pace. This rapid adoption is outpacing traditional technologies, leaving banks with limited time to adapt. Consumers are already using AI for sophisticated financial tasks, even outperforming professional stock pickers. Banks must quickly evolve their products and services to meet this growing demand and trust in AI.

Published on: May 27, 2026


India said to prepare Rs 10,000 crore LIC stake sale next month

India is preparing to launch a new share sale for Life Insurance Corporation of India next month. This offering could bring in as much as Rs 10,000 crore. The government intends to sell a stake of approximately 2% to institutional investors. This move is part of ongoing efforts to increase public shareholding in the state-run insurer.

Published on: May 27, 2026


ATM cash loaders demand more money to cover increasing expenses

Cash logistics firms are urging banks for higher ATM replenishment fees due to escalating operational costs. Soaring fuel prices and increased minimum wages are pushing expenses up by an estimated 15-20%. A surge in replenishment trips, driven by demand-supply gaps, further inflates fuel expenses. The industry is exploring ways to optimize trips to manage these rising costs.

Published on: May 27, 2026


Banks seek RBI guidance as multiple nominations create claim settlement hurdles

Banks are facing difficulties settling claims when multiple people are nominated on accounts. This is causing operational problems for financial institutions. They are now seeking guidance from the Reserve Bank of India. Existing rules allow up to four nominees. Issues arise when nominees do not claim jointly. Courts have also added to the confusion with differing judgments.

Published on: May 27, 2026


ICICI Bank adds most credit cards in April amid rising competition

Axis Bank added 63,446 cards in April, less than half its February tally. Kotak Mahindra Bank remained steady at 33,038 additions. "We are focused on growing the business and growing it with the right set of customers in a profitable way," said ICICI Bank Group chief financial officer Anindya Banerjee. "We have been seeing reasonably steady new customer acquisition and would hope to see better numbers in terms of growth."

Published on: May 26, 2026


Irdai links executive pay at insurers to elimination of unfair practices

The move is part of new KMP performance evaluation rules, under which the regulator has made 50% of key performance indicators (KPIs) mandatory and far more prescriptive than earlier, according to industry executives. For the remaining 50% weightage in performance assessment, the nomination and remuneration committee or board may assign additional role-specific parameters aligned with the insurer's business plan, with the metrics and evaluation criteria required to be clearly defined upfront in the remuneration policy.

Published on: May 26, 2026


RBI approves 3-month extension for Fino Payments Bank interim CEO

Fino Payments Bank announced that the Reserve Bank of India has approved a three-month extension for Ketan Merchant as interim CEO. This follows the earlier approval for his appointment after the arrest of MD and CEO Rishi Gupta. Gupta has since taken voluntary retirement. The bank's shares saw a rise on the BSE.

Published on: May 26, 2026


Nomura Asset, Capital Group, others buy 5.3% stake in Premier Energies for Rs 2,291 cr

Global financial institutions and Indian mutual funds have bought a 5.3 percent stake in Premier Energies. The deal involved promoters selling shares worth over Rs 2,291 crore. This investment comes as Premier Energies secured significant orders for solar cells and modules. The company is expanding its manufacturing capacities for cells and modules.

Published on: May 26, 2026


RBI tightens norms for re-appointment of directors on UCB boards

The Reserve Bank of India has introduced new rules for Urban Co-operative Banks. Directors can now serve for a maximum of ten years. Following this, a mandatory three-year cooling-off period is required before re-appointment. This measure aims to prevent directors from circumventing tenure limits. The new directions are effective immediately, ensuring better governance in these financial institutions.

Published on: May 25, 2026


Private banks likely to outperform govt banks in earnings growth over next 2 years: Report

Private banks are set for stronger earnings growth in the coming two years. Loan growth is expected to be similar for both private and public sector banks. However, private lenders will likely see better profits due to stable margins and fewer risks. Public sector banks may face profitability pressures from various factors. Market valuations are considering current banking sector challenges.

Published on: May 25, 2026


Shriram General Insurance ties up with Piramal Finance for product distribution

Shriram General Insurance has joined hands with Piramal Finance. This collaboration will bring insurance products to more people. Piramal Finance's large network will help SGI reach customers. The partnership focuses on semi-urban and rural markets. It aims to make insurance easily available. This will help protect customer assets and financial futures.

Published on: May 25, 2026


Priority sector lending boosts inclusion, not always guarantee growth: EAC-PM

India's priority sector lending has aided financial inclusion for decades. However, a recent report suggests that simply increasing directed credit might not lead to higher economic growth. The analysis indicates that while these policies have helped reduce poverty, forcing credit into poorer districts may be inefficient. Priority Sector Lending Certificates help banks manage risks associated with these loans.

Published on: May 25, 2026


Lenders urge RBI for hedging support framework to revive overseas borrowing

Indian banks and companies are asking the Reserve Bank of India for help with offshore debt. High costs to protect against currency changes make borrowing abroad more expensive than at home. This is slowing down foreign fundraising. A new support system could lower these costs. This would help bring more foreign money into India and support its economy.

Published on: May 25, 2026


We are ambitious and working to become a top 5 private bank again: Vinay Tonse, MD & CEO, Yes Bank

Yes Bank is embarking on an ambitious journey to enhance its foundational elements—people, processes, products, and technology. With a keen eye on both corporate and retail sectors, the bank is committed to fostering resilient growth. While it remains vigilant about lending to MSMEs in light of geopolitical uncertainties, there's currently no sign of distress.

Published on: May 24, 2026


IRFC to raise ECB loan worth $2 billion to finance large infra projects

Indian Railway Finance Corporation is set to raise USD 2 billion through external commercial borrowing. This funding will primarily be in Japanese yen to support business growth in the current financial year. The company has already secured a loan agreement for USD 1.1 billion.

Published on: May 24, 2026


LIC emerges as highest profit-making financial company in March quarter

Life Insurance Corporation of India has achieved the highest profit in the Indian financial sector for the March quarter. The company reported a significant jump in net profit. State Bank of India and HDFC Bank followed with substantial profits. LIC's assets under management and premium income also saw growth. Vodafone Idea recorded a record quarterly profit due to statutory relief.

Published on: May 24, 2026


HDFC Bank backs Hyderabad luxury housing project with Rs 300 crore

HDFC Bank has provided Rs 300 crore in funding for a Rs 2,000 crore ultra-luxury residential project in Hyderabad's Kokapet. This investment highlights a trend of developers seeking structured financing amid moderating sales and strong demand for premium homes, with Hyderabad leading southern India's luxury market.

Published on: May 23, 2026


Singapore, US, UK lead in foreign cos entering India

Foreign companies are increasingly setting up shop in India. Singapore, the US, the UK, South Korea, and Germany are leading this trend. Registrations reached a nine-year peak in the last fiscal year. This surge highlights growing international business interest in the Indian market. New companies from South Africa, Ghana, and Uzbekistan also entered India for the first time.

Published on: May 22, 2026


PSBs told to draw up plan to boost rural and informal sector lending

Government directs state-run banks to identify successful initiatives for wider adoption. The focus will be on lending to unorganised sectors, marginalised groups, and rural populations. This strategy aims to prevent credit crunches for small borrowers and MSMEs. Discussions will also cover IT updates, loan digitalisation, and risk management. The government seeks to boost credit availability for eligible businesses.

Published on: May 22, 2026


RBI approves ICICI Bank CEO Sandeep Bakhshi’s reappointment till 2028

Sandeep Bakhshi will continue as ICICI Bank's chief executive for another two years. The Reserve Bank of India has approved his reappointment. Bakhshi's term will now extend until October 3, 2028. He has been leading India's second-largest private lender since 2018. The bank recently reported strong net profits for the quarter ending March 31.

Published on: May 22, 2026


SBI staff's 2-day nationwide strike deferred

The scheduled nationwide strike by SBI staff for May 25-26 has been cancelled. This decision comes after successful dialogue between the bank's management and representatives from the employee union in Mumbai.

Published on: May 22, 2026


RBI slaps Rs 10.10 lakh penalty on City Union Bank, 2 more entities

The Reserve Bank of India has levied fines on three financial entities. City Union Bank faced a penalty for incorrect loan charges and data reporting. Mintifi Finserve was fined for delayed customer KYC record uploads. Newa Investments was penalized for appointing directors without prior RBI approval. These actions highlight the RBI's commitment to regulatory adherence.

Published on: May 22, 2026


RBI's record dividend payout to provide partial cushion to stressed govt finances: Experts

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


Reliance on non-core income makes Indian insurers structurally weaker than global peers: Report

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 asks over 52 crore customers to use alternate mediums to transact as staff call two-day strike

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 stake in Bandhan Bank crosses 5 pc

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


Retail health premium growth rises to 31% YoY in April 2026, anchoring non-life insurance sector: Kotak Institutional Securities

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 use Rs 3,500 cr to drive lending business growth

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


Banks casual in granting big loans, strict with small borrowers: SC

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


Govt's credit guarantee to reduce MSME bad loan risks for banks

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 'blessed' with liquidity, now we are building the capability to deploy it better: CMD Kalyan Kumar

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


India Inc's foreign investments more than double in April

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 threatens to go on two-day nationwide strike from May 25

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 CEO Rishi Gupta resigns after 'fit and proper' clearance, interim chief extended

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


CBI files first chargesheet in Haryana Rs 504 crore fund diversion case

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 compete on customer experience to stay relevant: EY report

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


In FY26, private banks' return on equity moderates amid NIM pressure, treasury losses

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


IRDAI may ease norms for insurance cos to invest more in REITs, InvITs

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 sees 300% growth in FY26 driven by cashbacks and user trust

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


Private, govt banks pledge full support to ECLGS 5.0

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