AI’s next banking frontier is rural India, small businesses
“India has set itself the ambition of becoming a developed economy by 2047. To support that ambition, the next wave of AI in banking must take us deeper into the economy — to rural India, small businesses and customers whose financial histories may not fit conventional [credit] models,” he said. “AI can support better farm-level […]
Brics exploring ways to cut costs, speed up cross-border payments
Speaking at the Ficci-IBA Annual Banking Conference (FIBAC), Malhotra said Brics had a task force on payments and that cross-border payments were an area of interest for all member countries. “Cross-border payments is an area of interest for all of us, including the Brics, because we do feel that there is a lot of scope […]
Trusted, trained and sometimes a threat: The risk within India’s banks
The fraudster doesn’t wear a mask or hack in from outside. The fraudster has the key to enter the system (the login password), a designation, and years of institutional trust. The core banking solution (CBS) has digitised every branch. It has also handed the insider an invisible weapon to attack – to debit accounts, backdate […]
Lending a hand for easier, faster credit to MSMEs with receivables finance
Recent policy measures are reshaping the approach to credit extended to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Instead of just focusing on the credit gap, delayed payments, or payment disputes, the government is building a framework that enables businesses to access liquidity against receivables. The MSME Development (Amendment) Bill and measures for the Trade Receivables […]
PSBs target nearly $30 billion under RBI’s concessional forex swap window
India’s state-owned banks are targeting mobilisation of nearly $30 billion through FCNR(B) deposits, overseas foreign currency borrowings (OFCBs), and external commercial borrowing (ECB) under the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) concessional swap window, data compiled by Business Standard based on these banks’ post-earnings commentary showed. Data shared by the government in Parliament showed that net […]
El Niño, below-normal rainfall could hit NBFCs’ rural loan books
A below-normal monsoon and the risk of El Niño affecting rural cash flows could emerge as key risks for non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) such as Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services (Mahindra Finance), Shriram Finance, HDB Financial Services and others, prompting lenders to step up portfolio monitoring and underwriting in vulnerable segments. The India Meteorological Department […]
NBFC gold jewellery loans jump 69 pc in June, fastest across segments
Non-Banking Financial Company gold loans surged significantly by June 2026. Retail credit remained the primary driver for NBFC lending growth. Housing and vehicle loans also showed robust expansion during this period. Agriculture credit accelerated sharply, while industrial sector growth slowed down. Services sector lending moderated as trade and transport operators expanded credit slower. economictimes https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/banking/finance/banking/nbfc-gold-jewellery-loans-jump-69-pc-in-june-fastest-across-segments-rbi-data/articleshow/133036116.cms
Loans against FCNR B deposits exempt from priority sector
The Reserve Bank of India has announced an exemption for loans against specific foreign currency deposits, particularly fresh FCNR(B) and NRE term deposits. This strategic shift ensures these loans will not factor into the mandatory priority sector lending requirements. Such measures have notably enhanced foreign exchange inflows. Additionally, there is a special facility available for […]
RBI proposes a leverage ratio of 3.5% for ‘important’ global banks
The Reserve Bank of India has proposed new leverage ratio requirements for banks. Globally systemic important banks will face a minimum 3.5% ratio plus a buffer. Domestic systemically important banks will continue with their 4% ratio mandate. Other commercial banks will maintain the existing 3.5% leverage ratio. These proposals align with the Basel Committee on […]
NBFC credit surges 14.4% to ₹59.3 lakh crore in June, retail loans lead growth
Non-banking finance company credit grew 14.4 percent year-on-year in June. Retail loans saw the fastest expansion, increasing by 20.3 percent. Housing and vehicle loans, and gold jewellery loans showed robust growth. Credit to industry expanded by 6.7 percent, while services sector credit grew 17.6 percent. Agriculture and allied activities credit increased significantly by 17.9 percent. […]