Axis Bank asset quality may deteriorate more than expected, says Moody's

On October 17, Axis Bank reported a 24 per cent quarter-on-quarter increase in non-performing loans in the quarter that ended September 2017

Global ratings agency Moody's on Thursday said private lender Axis Bank's asset quality may deteriorate further and more than what was previously expected over the next 12-18 months.

In addition, compared to the other rated Indian banks, the bank has been a laggard in recognising its asset quality problems, a credit negative for its credit quality, Moody's said in its statement.

Axis Bank's asset quality deteriorated significantly in the September quarter. On October 17, Axis Bank reported a 24 per cent quarter-on-quarter increase in non-performing loans (NPL) in the quarter that ended September 2017.

The gross NPL ratio increased to