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Crop, fire insurance premiums fall 31%, 26.6% in H1 FY27 amid pricing pressure

In the first half of FY27, crop insurance premiums fell by 31% due to lower rates and discounts. Fire insurance premiums also decreased by 26.6% amidst price competition and discounts across the sector. Public sector insurers saw a sharper decline in crop insurance compared to general insurers, impacting overall growth. Non-life insurance premiums grew 6.1% year-on-year, and health insurance experienced a 20.2% increase.

Published on: October 22, 2026


India commercial insurance rates fall as capacity, competition rise

Commercial insurance rates in India decreased significantly in 2026 due to increased competition among insurers. Property and financial liability insurance rates fell for the fourth consecutive quarter, providing businesses with better terms. Cyber insurance also witnessed a decline, marking the twelfth consecutive quarter of reduced rates in the IMEA region. Insurers became more competitive, allowing businesses to negotiate premiums and coverage more effectively.

Published on: October 22, 2026


Indian Bank raises deposit rates by 15 basis points

Indian Bank managing director Binod Kumar had said earlier that the bank does not have surplus liquidity as it shed Rs 10,000 crore of bulk deposits and slowed term deposits mobilisation during the second quarter while it raised $2.3 billion (about Rs 21,000 crore) of foreign currency non-resident-bank (FCNR-B) deposits using the regulatory window.

Published on: October 22, 2026


Beyond accumulation: Giving every investment a clear role in your portfolio

Building a robust investment portfolio requires a clear understanding of the foundational roles played by both core and satellite investments. Many investors fall into the trap of miscategorizing satellite strategies as core assets, which disrupts the overall balance. While Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs) are becoming increasingly popular, they must be aligned with specific functions in a broader investment strategy.

Published on: October 22, 2026


Explore a steady approach to portfolio tracking

When the market experiences corrections, panic can easily set in for investors, causing them to rethink their long-term commitments. It's common to see reactions to volatility, even when the strategies themselves are unchanged. Success in wealth creation hinges on sticking to a steady approach instead of trying to outsmart market variations. Regularly assessing financial goals and portfolio health helps investors sidestep emotional choices and concentrate on achieving lasting financial outcomes.

Published on: October 22, 2026


India's glittering gold loan sector risks sliding into a dark zone

The gold loan market in India is on a rapid growth trajectory, fueled by true demand alongside possible financial distress among borrowers. According to the Reserve Bank of India, there's significant annual growth in gold loans issued by banks and NBFCs. Heightened competition might bring challenges in assessing borrower viability and repayment options. While regulatory changes aim to create a stable environment, they could introduce operational hurdles for lenders.

Published on: October 22, 2026


A turbulent year at HDFC Bank: Controversies that kept India’s biggest private lender in the headlines

HDFC Bank has faced a turbulent year marked by governance concerns, its former chairman’s abrupt exit, scrutiny of Dubai operations, post-merger profitability challenges and CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan’s departure. A fresh probe into alleged leaks of confidential information adds to the challenges awaiting incoming chief executive Anup Bagchi as the bank seeks to restore investor confidence.

Published on: October 22, 2026


Finance Ministry to invite comments on amended GST return forms from Nov 1

The Finance Ministry will invite comments from businesses on proposed changes to GST return forms. This feedback period will begin on November 1 and remain open until November 30. Additionally, the GST audit process will be streamlined to ensure minimal taxpayer harassment. The updated return forms are set to be applicable from April 1, 2027. Notifications regarding these decisions will be publicly available starting Friday.

Published on: October 22, 2026


The three mutual fund myths that cost investors the most

Investors frequently mistake a lower NAV as a cheaper option, but the actual value remains the same. NFOs are not inherently better than existing funds, as they lack performance history. Smaller funds may provide better returns in certain situations, but this is not universally true. The key factors to consider include the fund's investment philosophy and management quality.

Published on: October 22, 2026


AI is rewriting the rules of investment for India's big-ticket players

Private equity investors in India are integrating artificial intelligence into their investment analysis and strategies. AI is being utilized to assess how it will impact revenues and competitive positions of companies. Investors are now focusing on AI capabilities and their potential to create value in various sectors. Additionally, AI is influencing negotiations by uncovering weaknesses quickly and enabling better assessments of business strength.

Published on: October 22, 2026


Indian banks open cheque books for ₹10,000 crore-plus in M&A funding after RBI rule change

Indian banks have recently engaged in significant M&A deals after the central bank eased financing rules. State Bank of India and other lenders are now financing up to 75% of deal values. The acquisition-financing market is estimated at nearly ₹2 lakh crore due to increased demand. Various large transactions include Crystal Crop Protection's acquisition of FMC Corporation's India business and others.

Published on: October 22, 2026


HDFC Bank begins probe into alleged internal data leak

HDFC Bank is currently investigating potential leaks of confidential information to social media and other outsiders. This internal review aims to assess compliance with the bank's code of conduct and governance standards. The investigation specifically examines communications involving senior management and other sensitive issues. HDFC Bank confirmed the review process after allegations arose regarding two senior executives' involvement.

Published on: October 21, 2026


SBI investigates dark web leak of 3.8 lakh records

State Bank of India is currently investigating a suspected data breach involving customer information found online. The breach reportedly exposed around 375,000 records containing personally identifiable information. SBI activated protocols and engaged cybersecurity experts to assess the extent of the breach. Preliminary analysis revealed that 3,897 customer records included sensitive personal data. Despite this incident, the bank's core business operations and financial performance remain unaffected.

Published on: October 21, 2026


Insurers nearly double private credit fund investments

Over the past two years, insurance companies have notably enhanced their engagement with private credit funds as a strategy to diversify investments and generate better returns for their clients. Insurers are advocating for higher caps on alternative investment fund allocations to strengthen their financial portfolios. Thanks to recent regulatory updates that expanded investment choices, both life and general insurance sectors are now keenly involved in private credit markets.

Published on: October 21, 2026


RBI imposes restrictions on Puducherry Co-op Urban Bank, caps withdrawals

The Reserve Bank of India imposed restrictions on Puducherry Co-operative Urban Bank due to financial instability. Customers are limited to withdrawals of Rs 5,000 over the next six months. The bank's recent lack of compliance with supervisory concerns prompted these regulatory actions. Eligible depositors can claim up to Rs 5 lakh through the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation.

Published on: October 21, 2026


RBL Bank evaluates broking, MF foray as part of expanding capital market activities

Making it clear that no decision has been reached on the subject, its managing director and chief executive R Subramaniakumar said the bank, a subsidiary of UAE's Emirates NBD, will see which activities can be done internally, which can be handled at the group level and the separate units which it needs to form.

Published on: October 21, 2026


PSBs step up AI adoption, cyber resilience under EASE₹ise 8.0 reforms

Public sector banks in India are focusing on adopting artificial intelligence and enhancing cyber security measures. They are modernizing their banking systems to ensure better customer service and financial inclusion. The efforts outlined in the EASE₹ise 8.0 Annual Report aim to strengthen the resilience of these banks. Additionally, banks are developing frameworks to assess climate-related risks and improve accessibility for various groups.

Published on: October 21, 2026


Systemic liquidity seen uneven as some banks continue market borrowing

Several banks in India have been borrowing from the market despite substantial foreign currency non-resident deposits inflow. This situation indicates that excess liquidity is not evenly distributed across the banking sector. Some banks experienced a significant rise in certificates of deposit while others shed expensive deposits. The inability to capitalize on FCNR deposits has led many banks to rely on costly market funding.

Published on: October 21, 2026


Motor third-party insurance growth slows to 9%; Kotak flags possible impact of SC compensation ruling

Motor third-party insurance premiums exhibited a sluggish growth rate of 9 percent year-on-year in September 2026. Insurers have reportedly reduced focus on this segment due to a Supreme Court ruling on compensation for homemakers. The overall motor insurance premiums saw a rise of 13 percent during the same month. SBI General Insurance demonstrated stronger performance compared to other private insurers in the third-party segment.

Published on: October 21, 2026


HDFC Bank investigates two senior executives over alleged leak of business secrets

HDFC Bank conducted an internal investigation after concerns about confidential information being leaked surfaced among executives. The probe discovered that two senior executives disclosed sensitive business strategies to outsiders, prompting further examination. This investigation is ongoing, and the involved executives have already been informed of the findings. The bank is committed to upholding ethical standards and will take appropriate action based on the investigation's results.

Published on: October 21, 2026


SBI probes suspected data breach after 3.75 lakh records surface on dark web

State Bank of India is investigating a suspected data breach involving approximately 3.75 lakh records found online. The bank has engaged cybersecurity experts to assess the extent and risks related to the exposed data. Preliminary analysis has identified nearly 3,900 customer records, which include personally identifiable information. Previously, Central Bank of India experienced a technical glitch affecting its systems but reported no financial losses.

Published on: October 21, 2026


SBI Data Breach: SBI flags dark web exposure of 3,897 customer records; names, mobile numbers, addresses among data leaked

SBI Data Leak: State Bank of India has flagged the suspected exposure of 3,897 customer records containing personally identifiable information on the dark web. The data reportedly includes names, mobile numbers, dates of birth and residential addresses. SBI has initiated incident response measures and engaged an independent cybersecurity agency to investigate the alleged compromise.

Published on: October 21, 2026


IndusInd General Insurance appoints Sharad Mathur as MD & CEO

IndusInd General Insurance has appointed Sharad Mathur as its new Managing Director and CEO. Mathur brings three decades of experience in the insurance and financial services industry to the company. He previously led Universal Sompo General Insurance for over six years, focusing on transformation and distribution growth. At IndusInd, he will concentrate on customer centricity and digital innovation for future growth.

Published on: October 20, 2026


CBDT makes Form 173A mandatory to claim tax exemption on interest and gains from government securities

The Central Board of Direct Taxes has introduced Form 173A for income-tax exemption claims. This new form includes detailed information to be submitted by foreign institutional investors. Exemptions are available for interest and capital gains on government securities according to recent amendments. The Income-tax Act, 2025, provides these exemptions starting from April 1, 2026. The additional requirements aim to streamline the process for eligible investors and organizations.

Published on: October 20, 2026


SBI data breach claim: Hackers allegedly access 3.75 lakh accounts

"The threat actor describes this as the first disclosure of the dataset, Cyberpulse56 said, adding that the authenticity, origin and extent of the alleged exposure are inverified. If legitimate, the data could facilitate identity theft, financial fraud, targeted phishing and fraudulent loan applications, the group said.

Published on: October 19, 2026


Yes Bank's evaluating capital actions to back growth plans

Yes Bank anticipates its Common Equity Tier 1 capital will decline due to a Supreme Court ruling. The ruling reverses the 2020 write-down of additional Tier 1 bonds, impacting the bank's finances. The bank is assessing its capital options and legal responses to the judgment. Despite the challenges, Yes Bank's growth priorities remain intact, with notable year-on-year advances.

Published on: October 19, 2026


Central Bank of India reports technical glitch in RTGS outward system

Central Bank said that no customer suffered any financial loss on account of the incident. The lender has not attributed the disruption to a cyberattack and said the root cause is still under examination.

Published on: October 19, 2026


Yes Bank CET1 may fall to 10% if past AT1 coupons are paid: Crisil

Yes Bank faces a potential decline in core equity capital, projected to fall to around 10% due to accumulated coupon payments on AT1 bonds. Crisil Ratings highlighted a significant liability impact estimated at Rs 6,200 crore, while S&P Global Ratings foresees a reduction in common equity by about Rs 8,400 crore. Despite these concerns, both agencies believe the bank's credit profile will remain stable.

Published on: October 19, 2026


Bank of America arm seeks CCI nod for up to 49.9% in Jio Credit

A summary of proposed transaction noted this involves Jio Credit, a non-banking financial company within the Jio Financial Services group. According to the applicants’ submission, NB Holdings has no direct business operations in India.

Published on: October 19, 2026


Yes Bank weighs capital options after AT1 verdict, coupon liability remains uncertain

Yes Bank is recalibrating its capital strategies in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling which reinstated Rs 8,415 crore of AT1 bonds. This ruling may lower the bank’s CET1 capital ratio by approximately 240 basis points, thus influencing its growth initiatives. Management is still reviewing potential payment duties spurred by the verdict.

Published on: October 19, 2026


Moody's sees limited impact on Fairfax leverage from IDBI Bank takeover

Fairfax Financial Holdings is preparing to acquire a majority stake in IDBI Bank in India. The Canadian investor's acquisition aims to enhance its presence in the growing Indian financial market. Fairfax plans to fund the transaction through various means, ensuring a stable financial position during the process. IDBI Bank has shown improved profitability since 2021, reflecting successful management changes.

Published on: October 19, 2026


IDBI Bank sale to Fairfax: What the Rs52,878 crore deal means

Published on: October 19, 2026


How much can a Zero-Forex credit card save you on an international trip?

International travel entails various expenses that can incur foreign exchange markup charges, impacting overall costs. Understanding forex markup helps travelers identify significant savings by comparing credit card options before applying. A zero-forex card may reduce costs on eligible international transactions, particularly during prolonged trips abroad. Additionally, travelers should evaluate overall benefits such as rewards and insurance besides forex charges.

Published on: October 19, 2026


Public sector banks' Rs 7.8 lakh crore corporate loan pipeline signals capex revival

Public sector banks have revealed a corporate loan pipeline of approximately ₹7.8 lakh crore signaling increased credit demand. Companies are stepping up their investment, particularly in sectors like renewable energy and semiconductor manufacturing. Banks report varied corporate credit growth, with some institutions witnessing over 50% increase year-on-year. Mid-sized and large companies are leading the way in capital expenditure, while smaller suppliers are also finding opportunities.

Published on: October 19, 2026


Challenges ahead for Fairfax's management of IDBI Bank post ₹52,878 crore stake deal approval

Fairfax Financial's subsidiary has acquired a 60.7% stake in IDBI Bank for ₹52,878 crore, leading to potential operational changes. The new management faces challenges such as employee resistance and asset quality improvement. Despite having a higher profitability compared to peers, IDBI Bank's gross non-performing asset ratio remains concerning. The bank's success will rely on its ability to enhance asset quality while maintaining earnings growth.

Published on: October 18, 2026


Correcting rupee against fundamentals ultimately futile, says RBI's ex-guv Subbarao

D Subbarao advocates for allowing the rupee to find its level based on economic fundamentals. He criticizes costly short-term measures that do not address structural issues behind capital outflows. The rupee's recent recovery followed the Reserve Bank of India's measures to reduce dollar demand. Subbarao highlights the importance of tax reforms to attract foreign investment in India.

Published on: October 18, 2026


Private banks' margins fall as FCNR deposits raise funding costs

In the second quarter, leading private sector banks in India reported a drop in net interest margins. This decline was primarily caused by the costs associated with foreign currency non-resident deposits. Analysts noted that the leveraged nature of these deposits significantly impacted profitability. Additionally, banks faced pressure from faster repricing of assets as interest rates declined.

Published on: October 18, 2026


Banks also count cost of insurance payout curbs

Central Bank of India anticipates a 33% decline in bancassurance fees due to proposed regulations. Canara Bank expects a ₹145-crore hit to its fee income from similar changes. Axis Bank aims to mitigate losses through increased sales volumes and alternative income sources. HDFC Bank has not yet assessed the potential impact of the new rules.

Published on: October 18, 2026


Anup Bagchi backs 'exceptional' team as he connects the dots at HDFC Bank

Anup Bagchi is set to take charge as MD and CEO of HDFC Bank starting October 27. He is currently familiarizing himself with the bank's balance sheet and profitability structure. Bagchi aims to engage with regulators, customers, and stakeholders to gather insights before implementing changes. His focus is on understanding the organization's operations rather than rushing into strategic alterations.

Published on: October 18, 2026


Punjab National Bank eyes Rs 6,000 crore quarterly profit after record September earnings

Punjab National Bank reported a record quarterly net profit of Rs 5,532 crore for September 2026. The bank's core operating profit grew by around 29 percent year-on-year despite treasury losses of Rs 1,000 crore. PNB aims to achieve Rs 6,000 crore in net profit in the upcoming quarters due to steady operational performance. Loan growth is being supported by retail, agriculture, and MSME segments during the festive season.

Published on: October 18, 2026


Bandhan Fin to explore health insurance foray post stabilisation of recent acquisitions: Chairman Ghosh

Bandhan Financial Services is exploring opportunities in the health insurance sector after recent acquisitions. The company intends to focus on consolidating its existing businesses before expanding further. Recent acquisitions include IDFC Mutual Fund and Aegon Life Insurance, which will need to be streamlined. A parliamentary panel has suggested introducing a composite insurance license for better market penetration. The group is also considering investment banking and wealth management opportunities.

Published on: October 18, 2026


Sumitomo-backed Yes Bank pegs AT1 bond verdict hit at Rs 5,217 crore

Yes Bank's reported profit for the September quarter could have turned into a loss due to the AT1 bond ruling. The bank's CET-1 ratio would drop significantly if the Supreme Court's decision is fully implemented. Investors are concerned as mutual funds pause investments in the bank's AT1 bonds. Yes Bank is assessing the legal and financial implications of the Supreme Court's judgment.

Published on: October 18, 2026


Yes Bank Q2 profit beats estimates, but Supreme Court's AT1 bond ruling impact not booked as lender weighs further appeal

Yes Bank reported a 65% year-on-year rise in second-quarter profit to Rs 1,080 crore, beating analyst estimates. However, the lender said it could have posted a loss of Rs 5,217 crore had it accounted for the Supreme Court ruling setting aside its Rs 8,400 crore AT1 bond write-off. The bank is evaluating the ruling's financial implications and possible legal options.

Published on: October 17, 2026


HDFC Bank’s post-merger integration work largely behind us, says incoming MD & CEO Anup Bagchi

HDFC Bank has made significant strides in integrating its merger with HDFC Ltd after its completion in July. The bank's incoming CEO, Anup Bagchi, emphasized the importance of maintaining strong credit quality during varying economic cycles. Bagchi also acknowledged the contributions of Deputy Managing Director Kaizad Bharucha and the wider team. The bank plans to further improve its branch network and technology capabilities in the future.

Published on: October 17, 2026


Axis Bank appoints former HDFC Bank veteran Rahul Shukla to head Commercial, Bharat Banking

Axis Bank has appointed Rahul Shukla as the group head of Commercial and Bharat Banking, effective October 19. He brings over three decades of banking experience, previously working at HDFC Bank and Citibank. Shukla's role will focus on accelerating growth and customer relationships in rural and semi-urban markets.

Published on: October 17, 2026


ICICI Bank Q2 net profit rises 20% to ₹14,843 crore; NIM slips to 4.18% as bank flags further pressure in Q3

ICICI Bank reported a 20% year-on-year rise in Q2 net profit to ₹14,843 crore, supported by an 18% increase in net interest income. However, net interest margin narrowed to 4.18% from 4.36% in the previous quarter, with the bank expecting further pressure in Q3 due to foreign currency non-resident bank (FCNR-B) deposit mobilisation and branch expansion costs.

Published on: October 17, 2026


Axis Bank's Freecharge gets in-principle RBI nod to operate as payment aggregator

Axis Bank's digital payments platform Freecharge has received in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India. The approval allows Freecharge to operate under PA-O1 and PA-P1 categories starting in FY27. The bank has reported a 34% year-on-year growth in UPI transaction value for July-September. Digital transactions represented 98% of the total financial transactions during this quarter. Axis Bank continues to expand its digital payments operations, reflecting ongoing investment in technology.

Published on: October 17, 2026


One last bittersweet pitch for HDFC Bank as CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan prepares to exit

HDFC Bank CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan, who will step down on October 26 after deciding against seeking a second reappointment, expressed confidence in the lender’s resilience and growth prospects. He said the bank had overcome regulatory restrictions, the Covid-19 pandemic, a complex merger and monetary tightening, adding that governance issues had been settled.

Published on: October 17, 2026


HDFC Bank deputy MD Kaizad Bharucha to step down on December 31

Kaizad Bharucha has submitted his resignation as deputy managing director of HDFC Bank, effective December 31, 2026. This decision follows the Reserve Bank of India's approval for Anup Bagchi to become the new managing director. Bharucha has served as a whole-time director since June 2014 and would have exceeded the 15-year tenure limit by June 2029. His departure marks a significant leadership change at India’s largest private-sector lender.

Published on: October 17, 2026


Central Bank's net profit ticks up 21% in Q2 FY26

Central Bank of India reported a 21% increase in net profit amounting to Rs 1469 crore for September 2026. Net interest income grew by 26% to Rs 4146 crore, reflecting strong loan growth. Total advances rose by 30% to Rs 3.81 lakh crore, driven by retail, agriculture and MSME sectors. Despite a drop in other income, asset quality improved with net NPA decreasing to 0.31%.

Published on: October 17, 2026