Aathira Varier

Aathira Varier

Aathira Varier is a banking and insurance reporter who covers the Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector, with previous experience of covering equity markets. An economics graduate, she uses contextualisation and practical application of theory to communicate technical aspects of her beat.

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Aathira Varier

Credit growth rises to 14.5% in Feb 28 fortnight; deposits expand 12%

Bank credit growth accelerated to 14.5% year-on-year in the fortnight ended February 28, while deposit growth strengthened to nearly 12%, according to RBI data

Updated On: 13 Mar 2026 | 11:45 PM IST

Remittances from West Asia see 20-30% jump in March due to conflict

This is a short-term phenomenon; if the conflict prolongs it would have an adverse impact on remittances, sources said

Updated On: 12 Mar 2026 | 10:57 PM IST

HDFC ERGO General Insurance appoints Parthanil Ghosh as MD & CEO

HDFC ERGO General Insurance appoints Parthanil Ghosh as managing director and chief executive officer from April 16, subject to regulatory approvals

Updated On: 11 Mar 2026 | 7:00 PM IST

Banking sector to maintain strong growth over the next two years: ICRA

Profitability in the banking sector is expected to remain healthy, supported by stronger core earnings

Updated On: 10 Mar 2026 | 8:10 PM IST

Irdai clears Allianz Jio Reinsurance, Kiwi General Insurance to begin ops

In a press release following its 134th board meeting, the regulator said it had granted certificates of registration to one reinsurer and one general insurer

Updated On: 09 Mar 2026 | 11:03 PM IST

Life insurers' NBP rises 18% in Feb 2026; non-life premiums up 10%

Life insurers' new business premiums grew nearly 18% in February 2026, led by LIC's strong performance on a favourable base, while non-life insurers posted about 10% year-on-year premium growth

Updated On: 09 Mar 2026 | 8:13 PM IST

Public sector banks lag private banks in women board seats, shows data

Women CEO in three insurers, zero in banks

Updated On: 08 Mar 2026 | 10:35 PM IST

GIC Re withdraws marine cargo war cover for facultative contracts

State-owned reinsurer GIC Re withdraws marine cargo war cover for facultative reinsurance contracts in several high-risk maritime zones amid rising tensions near the Strait of Hormuz

Updated On: 06 Mar 2026 | 10:46 PM IST

Bihar MFI bill may disrupt operations, delay recoveries, say analysts

Analysts warn Bihar's proposed microfinance regulation could disrupt lending operations, weaken borrower credit discipline, and delay recoveries for NBFC-MFIs, banks and small finance banks

Updated On: 06 Mar 2026 | 5:36 PM IST

RBI policy easing: Share of loans below 9% rate increases to 62.4%

RBI data shows a strong shift in lending patterns after policy easing, with loans priced below 9% rising sharply as PSBs led credit growth and monetary transmission became more visible

Updated On: 05 Mar 2026 | 10:15 PM IST

Gold loan disbursements surge 94% in Q3FY26: Equifax Retail Insights

Gold loan disbursements nearly doubled in Q3 FY26 as borrowers favoured gold-backed credit, with NBFCs leading growth and PSBs contributing the largest share, Equifax data shows

Updated On: 05 Mar 2026 | 10:12 PM IST

Australia's QBE to buy Prism Johnson's 51% stake in Raheja QBE for ₹324 cr

The Australian insurer will fully own the general insurance company after acquisition of 51% stake

Updated On: 05 Mar 2026 | 6:14 PM IST

Ahead of IFRS transition, insurance industry's demand for actuaries rises

However, the industry faces supply limitations and is affected by attrition in the segment

Updated On: 04 Mar 2026 | 10:50 PM IST

Irdai proposes April 2026 shift to Ind AS with parallel reporting phase

To smooth the transition, Irdai has proposed parallel reporting under both Ind AS and Indian GAAP during the first year of implementation

Updated On: 03 Mar 2026 | 9:52 PM IST

Global reinsurers scrap marine hull war cover amid West Asia tensions

Several global reinsurers, including GIC Re, have withdrawn marine hull war cover as West Asia tensions escalate, sharply increasing premiums and raising operational risks for exporters

Updated On: 02 Mar 2026 | 9:54 PM IST

GIC Re to withdraw marine hull war risk cover in high-risk regions

Reinsurer withdraws marine hull war risk cover across key global hotspots, including West Asia and parts of the Black Sea, citing rising geopolitical tensions

Updated On: 02 Mar 2026 | 8:21 AM IST

Gold loan share in bank retail credit doubles to 6% in a year: RBI data

Additionally, the share of gold loans in overall retail loans of banks has now doubled to 6 per cent (January 2026), from 3 per cent as of January 2025

Updated On: 28 Feb 2026 | 12:02 AM IST

RBI workshop urges stronger governance and tech use to fight cyber frauds

At a two-day workshop with 60 banks, RBI called for stronger governance, better internal controls and greater tech adoption to counter rising cyber-enabled financial frauds

Updated On: 26 Feb 2026 | 11:02 PM IST

Gold loans drive 42% surge in secured lending in Q3FY26: Experian

Experian data shows secured loans growing 42% in Q3FY26, led by strong demand for gold loans, even as unsecured lending rebounded and home loans maintained steady momentum

Updated On: 26 Feb 2026 | 7:27 PM IST

Credit card spends dip slightly in January; issuances rise to 116.6 mn

Credit card spending eased to Rs 2 trillion in January after festive highs, though outstanding cards rose to 116.65 million as issuers recalibrated amid tighter norms and shifting customer profiles

Updated On: 25 Feb 2026 | 10:57 PM IST