Aathira Varier

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

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

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

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

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

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Several global reinsurers, including GIC Re, have withdrawn marine hull war cover as West Asia tensions escalate, sharply increasing premiums and raising operational risks for exporters

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

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

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

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

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

India needs more qualified actuaries amid RBC, IFRS transition: Irdai Chair

Irdai Chairman Ajay Seth flags acute actuarial talent shortage, says capacity building critical as India adopts risk-based capital norms and aligns with IFRS standards

IFSCA to seek Centre's nod to open insurance-linked securities to investors

IFSCA will approach the Centre for approval to set up an SPV-based framework enabling investments in insurance-linked securities such as catastrophe bonds, aiming to broaden risk-sharing mechanisms

Hospitals becoming insurers could ease health care costs: Devi Shetty

Narayana Health's Devi Prasad Shetty says hospitals launching insurance arms could reduce friction with insurers, improve affordability and expand healthcare access in the coming years

LRS outward remittances fall 4.1% in Apr-Dec FY26 on lower travel spend

Outward remittances under RBI's LRS fell 4.12% YoY in Apr-Dec FY26 to $21.36 bn as travel and education spends moderated, though remittances for investments and property purchases surged

NRI deposit flows fall 16% to $11.2 bn in Apr-Dec 2025, shows RBI data

Inflows into NRI deposits fell nearly 16% in Apr-Dec 2025 to $11.2 bn, led by a sharp drop in FCNR(B) flows, though outstandings across NRE and NRO accounts continued to rise

Distributor commission revamp could raise policyholders' returns: Experts

Industry executives say revising life insurance distributor commissions could improve policyholder returns by lowering acquisition and operating costs, even if premiums remain unchanged

Risk-based deposit rules may dent bank profits by up to ₹12k cr: ICRA

ICRA says the new risk-based deposit insurance premium framework, effective April 2026, could reduce bank profitability by up to ₹12,000 crore a year, though stronger banks may see gains

NBFCs put artificial intelligence to work across lending value chain

Bajaj Finance, L&T Finance and Tata Capital are embedding AI and GenAI across the lending chain-from acquisition to servicing-to enhance growth, efficiency and risk oversight

Life insurance firms propose deferment of frontloaded commissions

Industry players meet Irdai chief; upfront payouts may be deferred to reduce acquisition costs