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Real-time checks to improve discipline in credit cycle

Lenders will now report to credit bureaus weekly, a shift from fortnightly, enhancing real-time borrower risk assessment. This move is expected to improve underwriting standards by enabling continuous monitoring and reassessment of borrower risk throughout the loan lifecycle. Digitised lending products will be crucial for this transition, allowing for almost real-time borrower behavior monitoring and faster response to emerging stress.

Published on: March 30, 2026


Branches of LIC to remain open on March 31 to collect premium

Life Insurance Corporation of India branches will operate on March 31. This is to assist policyholders in depositing their insurance premiums. March 31 is a public holiday for Mahavir Jayanti. Normal working hours will be observed. This decision follows an advisory from IRDAI. Policyholders can complete their transactions without hardship.

Published on: March 30, 2026


RBI imposes penalty on Airtel Payments Bank

The Reserve Bank of India has levied a Rs 31.8 lakh penalty on Airtel Payments Bank for failing to disclose certain customer complaints in its financial statements for the fiscal year 2024-25. This action follows a statutory inspection that identified non-compliance with RBI's disclosure norms. The penalty underscores the importance of regulatory adherence in financial reporting.

Published on: March 30, 2026


Banks' export credit, consumer loans decrease, gold loan surges

Bank credit saw robust growth of 14.3 percent by late February. Gold loans surged dramatically, leading sector expansion. Lending to industry and services also climbed significantly. Meanwhile, export and consumer loans experienced a downturn. This overall trend highlights a dynamic shift in credit deployment across various economic segments.

Published on: March 30, 2026


All banking companies to deduct TDS on interest income beyond Rs 50,000 a year

Under the Income Tax law, the tax is to be deducted at source if the interest income from bank/post office deposits exceeds Rs 50,000 for ordinary citizens, or Rs 1 lakh for senior citizens, in a financial year.

Published on: March 30, 2026


Banks take backseat: Bombay High Court upholds PMLA supremacy in asset recovery

Banks in India face a significant ruling from the Bombay High Court. The court declared that anti-money laundering laws take precedence over bank recovery acts. This means properties linked to criminal activities, even if mortgaged to banks, are subject to government attachment. Genuine third parties can seek recourse through special courts. The judgment strengthens the fight against financial crimes nationwide.

Published on: March 30, 2026


HDFC Bank's ex-chair Atanu Chakraborty breaks silence after abrupt exit, speaks of incongruities

Atanu Chakraborty stepped down as HDFC Bank chairman after a two-year internal dilemma. He cited a mismatch in understanding values, ethics, and governance. Chakraborty felt issues in Dubai operations went beyond technicalities. He also noted shareholder returns and cost structures. His departure highlights a philosophical divide on balancing growth and governance.

Published on: March 30, 2026


Banks cannot see, record what valuables customers store in lockers: Nirmala Sitharaman

Banks are unable to inspect the contents of customer lockers. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated this prevents differential insurance coverage based on valuables. The standard coverage for locker holders is fixed at 100 times the annual locker rent in case of any loss. This policy remains in effect for all locker holders.

Published on: March 30, 2026


Kotak Mahindra Prime names insider Suraj Rajappan as CEO

Kotak Mahindra Prime has appointed Suraj Rajappan as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive. He will take charge from June 1 for a three-year term. Rajappan succeeds Shahrukh Todiwala who is retiring. The company aims for disciplined growth and innovation. Rajappan's experience will guide the vehicle financing arm. This leadership change signals a focus on internal talent.

Published on: March 30, 2026


Portable bank A/Cs for better user experience: RBI eyes more power for consumers

These efforts by the central bank come alongside India’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen international payment linkages, including agreements with other countries to integrate domestic fast payment systems and facilitate the acceptance of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

Published on: March 30, 2026


HDFC Bank chairman's sudden exit exposes leadership strains at top Indian lender

HDFC Bank's chairman Atanu Chakraborty resigned citing values and ethics differences. This led to a significant stock drop and put CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan under pressure. Internal rifts and underperformance against peers are raising investor concerns. The bank is facing scrutiny following a major merger and a challenging economic outlook.

Published on: March 30, 2026


UPI cleanup drive: Govt asks banks, NPCI to curb failures, boost success rates

With the digital payment landscape in India experiencing rapid growth, there is a growing call for banks to partner with the National Payments Corporation of India to address the rising number of unsuccessful Unified Payments Interface transactions. This collaboration aims to fortify user trust in the system as smaller banks struggle with increased errors and transaction failures.

Published on: March 30, 2026


Bajaj Finserv plans AI-only fund, direct bets in concert: Sanjiv Bajaj, Chairman & MD

Bajaj Finserv is gearing up to elevate its presence in the artificial intelligence sector. With plans to unveil a specialized private equity fund directed at AI initiatives, the financial services giant is also looking to directly invest in nascent AI startups from its own coffers.

Published on: March 30, 2026


Microfinance sector back on track with higher-value loans

The microfinance market saw growth in February. The total loan book reached Rs 3.29 lakh cr. Loan disbursements increased. Portfolio quality improved. The bad loan ratio declined. Leaders now advocate for disciplined expansion. This follows past issues with over-lending. Overleveraged customers and loan servicing failures caused past crises.

Published on: March 30, 2026


SFIO summons former top executives of IndusInd Bank in accounting probe

The Serious Fraud Investigation Office is investigating IndusInd Bank's accounting irregularities. Key former executives have been summoned for questioning. This probe follows earlier findings by auditors and forensic reports. Meanwhile, Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing is nearing the closure of its preliminary inquiry, finding no evidence of fund diversion.

Published on: March 29, 2026


Pitch perfect for private equity as the IPL investment playbook draws global investors

Several team owners have extended their footprint into overseas T20 leagues such as South Africa's SA20, the UAE's ILT20 and England's The Hundred. This has effectively transformed franchises into multi-league cricket portfolios, transforming them from single-league entities into scalable global platforms with diversified revenue streams and greater upside for investors.

Published on: March 29, 2026


RBI's currency defence could leave banks paying the price

Reserve Bank of India has introduced a bold new daily limit on the open rupee positions held by banks, aiming to counteract the rupee's weakening trend versus the dollar. As a result, banks are now required to trim their dollar assets and offload US currency.

Published on: March 29, 2026


Madhya Pradesh revokes Bank of Baroda ban in less than 24 hours

The order, issued on March 27, had barred the BoB from handling government transactions for five years, citing non-compliance with official instructions on fund transfers under the state's chief minister Kisan Yojana.

Published on: March 29, 2026


CMS Info Systems acquires FSS's ATM managed services business for Rs 115 crore

CMS Info Systems has acquired FSS's ATM Managed Services business. This move signals consolidation in India's ATM sector. The deal adds 8,000 ATMs to CMS's network. This acquisition follows the insolvency of AGS Transact Technologies. CMS aims to become the preferred partner for banks seeking fewer, larger service providers.

Published on: March 29, 2026


CMS acquires FSS' ATM management biz for Rs 115 crore

CMS Info Systems is acquiring Financial Software and Systems' managed services business for Rs 115 crore. This move will significantly boost CMS' ATM management capabilities. The deal is expected to add 8,000 ATMs to CMS' existing portfolio. This acquisition strengthens CMS' position in the end-to-end ATM management sector. It also brings new private sector banking relationships into the fold.

Published on: March 29, 2026


Banks seek relief on new forex cap amid loss risk

Banks have urged the Reserve Bank of India to reconsider its $100 million net open foreign exchange position cap, warning of significant mark-to-market losses and trade unwinding. They propose applying the rule only to future trades to mitigate the impact of the sudden restriction, which aims to curb the rupee's sharp fall.

Published on: March 28, 2026


India's strong growth driven by human capital, digital progress: ICICI Bank CEO Sandeep Bakhshi

ICICI Bank CEO Sandeep Bakhshi was honored at XLRI's convocation. He spoke about India's growth fueled by people and technology. Graduates were urged to learn continuously and lead with purpose. Tata Steel CEO T V Narendran stressed the importance of global awareness and human skills. XLRI celebrated 530 graduates, encouraging them to build an inclusive society.

Published on: March 28, 2026


Qatar's Doha Bank to bid India 'goodbye'

Doha Bank is exiting its branch operations in India. The Qatari bank will close its Mumbai and Kochi branches after more than a decade. It will now operate solely through a representative office in the country. This strategic shift was approved by the bank's board of directors. Doha Bank had launched its India operations in June 2014.

Published on: March 27, 2026


JICA plans to scale up private investment operations in India

Japan International Cooperation Agency plans to boost its private sector investments in India. The agency will focus on projects with significant development impact. This includes sectors like energy, agriculture, and women's empowerment. JICA aims to attract more private capital for impact investments. The agency is also providing substantial loans for key infrastructure projects in India.

Published on: March 27, 2026


Former SBI MD Arijit Basu appointed part-time chairman of IndusInd Bank

Arijit Basu is the new part-time chairman of IndusInd Bank. Shareholders have approved his appointment. Basu has a strong background in banking. He previously chaired HDB Financial Services. He also held leadership roles at State Bank of India and SBI Life Insurance. Sunil Mehta will step down as chairman on January 30. The bank thanked Mehta for his service.

Published on: March 27, 2026


Deposits continues to lag credit growth, credit-deposit ratio at record high

Banks' deposit growth is significantly trailing credit growth, with the gap widening to 300 basis points as of March 15. Deposits grew 10.8% year-on-year, while advances rose 13.8%. This has pushed the credit-deposit ratio above 83% for the first time, signaling increased liquidity risk for banks.

Published on: March 27, 2026


Japan commits $1.73 billion in loans for four projects in India

Japan has extended an Official Development Assistance loan of 275.86 billion yen ($1.73 billion) to India for four key projects spanning urban transport, healthcare and agriculture. The funding aims to boost infrastructure, improve public services and support sustainable development.

Published on: March 27, 2026


Fino Payments Bank defers MD Rishi Gupta's reappointment; awaits RBI review

Fino Payments Bank has paused the re-appointment of its Managing Director, Rishi Gupta. This decision comes as the Reserve Bank of India will reassess Gupta's fit and proper criteria. The bank board withdrew a shareholder vote notice for his reappointment. Gupta was recently granted bail after an arrest related to GST investigations. His candidature remains unaffected pending these reviews.

Published on: March 27, 2026


HDFC Bank chairman Atanu Chakraborty quit due to 'power struggle' with CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan: Report

HDFC Bank's chairman Atanu Chakraborty resigned abruptly due to a power struggle with CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan, stemming from strategic disagreements and governance issues. The dispute intensified over the CEO's reappointment, raising concerns about leadership stability at India's largest private lender.

Published on: March 27, 2026


Banks told to use Grameen Credit Score to assess rural borrowers

Banks are being urged to adopt the Grameen Credit Score for rural borrowers. This move aims to boost access to formal credit for farmers and small businesses. The Grameen Credit Score will help in faster loan assessments. This initiative is expected to benefit first-time borrowers significantly. Discussions are ongoing to include more data points for a comprehensive assessment.

Published on: March 26, 2026


Health insurance records strong growth momentum with premiums exceeding Rs 1.2 lakh crore in FY25

India's health insurance sector is growing strongly. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) has set strict deadlines for processing cashless health insurance claims. This aims to speed up approvals and ensure policyholders get timely medical care. Grievances are being addressed efficiently. Reasons for claim rejections are clarified. These steps foster a trustworthy health insurance system.

Published on: March 26, 2026


What 50% faster AI-driven loan decisions mean for India’s lending sector

While India's loan application process is digitized, underwriting remains a bottleneck. Artificial intelligence is now poised to transform this core risk engine, addressing fragmented data and inconsistent decision-making. This shift promises faster credit access, improved risk calibration, and scalable financial inclusion for India's expanding credit market.

Published on: March 26, 2026


India’s banks face funding crunch as deposit growth falls behind credit

Indian banks are experiencing a funding squeeze. Loan growth is outpacing deposit growth, forcing lenders to use certificates of deposit more. This trend is pushing banks to tap wholesale funding markets. Investments in government securities are also being reduced to support lending. Household savings are shifting towards market-linked instruments, impacting traditional deposit mobilization.

Published on: March 26, 2026


SEBI reviewing HDFC Bank ex-chairman Atanu Chakraborty's exit letter, sources say

India's market regulator, SEBI, is reviewing former HDFC Bank chairman Atanu Chakraborty's resignation letter for potential rule violations. The letter cited "happenings and practices" not aligning with his values, causing a significant stock drop. SEBI is examining directors' fiduciary duties and the adequacy of disclosures by both the bank and Chakraborty.

Published on: March 26, 2026


Indian private banks not at war with bad loans, the troubled turf is inside their homes

Indian Banks Governance Risk: Indian banks are facing new challenges. Investor focus is shifting from bad loans to governance and leadership. Recent events at HDFC Bank, Yes Bank, IDFC First Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and IndusInd Bank highlight these issues. Oversight lapses and boardroom dynamics are now critical. This marks a significant change in how risks are assessed in the banking sector.

Published on: March 26, 2026


Kotak Mahindra Bank fraud case: Relationship Manager Dileep Raghav held for false FD reports

Haryana Police have arrested Dileep Kumar Raghav, a former Kotak Mahindra Bank official. He is accused of sending fake reports about fixed deposits to Panchkula Municipal Corporation. The fraud involves around 150 to 160 crore rupees. Discrepancies emerged during fund reconciliation. The bank is cooperating with investigations and reviewing its processes. Multiple individuals are under scrutiny for potential collusion.

Published on: March 26, 2026


Energy price pressures to drive CPI inflation to 4.5% in FY27: ICICI Bank report

India's retail inflation is projected to reach 4.5 percent in fiscal year 2027. This upward revision by ICICI Bank is driven by increasing energy costs. Higher petrol and diesel prices will now have a greater impact on consumer prices. This change is due to a revised weighting system for goods.

Published on: March 26, 2026


Prudential, HCL edge closer to health cover JV launch

Prudential Plc and HCL Group are close to launching their health insurance joint venture. Regulatory approvals are progressing well. Eased Press Note 3 rules are facilitating the deal. This partnership was delayed for over a year. The venture is structured as a 70:30 partnership. Relaxations in rules are expected to improve foreign investment.

Published on: March 25, 2026


Credit card spending moderates while banks keep adding users

February 2026 witnessed a subtle decline in credit card transactions compared to the previous month, January. Despite this, a year-on-year comparison reveals increased consumer spending. Banks are enthusiastically welcoming new credit card clientele, which hints at a thoughtful growth strategy. The sustained expansion is primarily fueled by advancements in digital services and e-commerce.

Published on: March 25, 2026


RBI nod to acquisition of Sammaan Capital by Avenir Investment RSC

The Reserve Bank of India has greenlit the acquisition of a controlling stake in Sammaan Capital Ltd by an affiliate of Abu Dhabi's International Holding Company. Avenir Investment RSC Ltd will infuse Rs 8,850 crore for an initial 41.23% stake, potentially rising to 63.36%. This regulatory approval moves the transaction closer to completion, pending SEBI's final nod.

Published on: March 25, 2026


Bank employees, officers demand immediate resolution of PLI impasse

The revised PLI formula sought to be imposed by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) is viewed by the workforce as an unilateral and divisive departure from the existing settlement-based PLI scheme evolved through bilateral discussions and incorporated in the bipartite settlement/joint note framework, UFBU said in a statement.

Published on: March 25, 2026


HDFC chairman quits over ‘ethics’: What we know so far and why it matters | Explained

Published on: March 25, 2026


The HNI allure: Inside Kotak’s potential Rs 4,500-crore play for Deutsche Bank’s retail portfolio

Kotak Mahindra Bank is nearing a deal to buy Deutsche Bank's India retail operations. This acquisition, valued at approximately Rs 4,500 crore, will significantly boost Kotak's customer base and urban lending. Deutsche Bank is exiting its retail segment as part of a global strategy. The deal is expected to be announced soon, strengthening Kotak's position in the Indian banking sector.

Published on: March 25, 2026


Kotak Mahindra Bank says KYC, processes in order as it reconciles missing Panchkula deposits worth Rs 150 crore

Kotak Mahindra Bank said it is reconciling fixed deposits and accounts linked to the Municipal Corporation of Panchkula after reports of ₹150 crore missing funds surfaced. The bank said the exercise was initiated at the corporation’s request and a large portion has already been matched. It added that account processes and transactions followed due norms and that it has filed a complaint with local police while cooperating with authorities.

Published on: March 25, 2026


Bank deposits yet to fully reflect repo rate cuts

Banks are struggling to attract deposits as policy rate cuts are slowly reflected in deposit rates. Savers are moving funds to other investments. This situation pressures bank profits. State-run banks are better positioned than private ones. Deposit growth has slowed significantly. Banks are competing for funds, keeping costs high.

Published on: March 24, 2026


RBI takes stock, asks banks to detail West Asia exposure

The Reserve Bank of India is assessing bank exposure to West Asia. This move follows the Iran war's impact on global bonds and energy supply chains. Banks are asked for details on direct and indirect exposures. This includes companies with regional subsidiaries and retail banking through NRIs. The RBI aims to plan potential relief measures if the situation prolongs.

Published on: March 24, 2026


Inside HDFC probe: Boardroom tapes, minutes, whistleblower letters under lens in Chakraborty's exit case

HDFC Bank has engaged domestic and international law firms to investigate the reasons behind former chairman Atanu Chakraborty's sudden departure. The review will scrutinize board meeting records and whistle-blower complaints. This proactive step aims for an objective assessment of the issues raised. The bank is committed to upholding high governance standards.

Published on: March 24, 2026


Kotak Mahindra Bank to absorb lending subsidiary KMIL from April 1

Kotak Mahindra Bank will merge its wholly owned subsidiary, Kotak Mahindra Investments Limited (KMIL), into its own operations by April 1, 2026. This move aligns with RBI regulations and aims to simplify the group structure and enhance operational synergies. KMIL will cease new loan sanctions from the same date, while continuing to service existing obligations.

Published on: March 24, 2026


JP Morgan taps HSBC veteran Rahul Badhwar as India country officer

JP Morgan has appointed Rahul Badhwar as its senior country officer for India. Badhwar joins from HSBC, where he held global sales roles. He will drive JP Morgan's growth strategy in India. Badhwar will be based in Mumbai and report to Sjoerd Leenart. He replaces Kaustubh Kulkarni. This appointment signals a strategic focus on the Indian market.

Published on: March 24, 2026


Unclaimed amount transferred by PSBs to RBI fund at Rs 60,518 crore: MoS Finance

Unclaimed funds in public sector banks, insurance companies, and mutual funds have reached significant levels. Banks hold Rs 60,518 crore, insurers Rs 8,973.89 crore, and mutual funds Rs 3,749.34 crore. Meanwhile, Sovereign Green Bonds are attracting investors. The bid-cover ratio for these bonds remains strong, indicating continued investor confidence in climate finance options.

Published on: March 24, 2026