Page 2 - Aathira Varier

Net household financial savings rise to 7% of GNDI in FY25: RBI report

Net household financial savings increased to 7 per cent of GNDI in FY25 as a sharp decline in financial liabilities outweighed a moderation in gross financial savings

'Strong preference' for cash use despite digital payments growth

Despite rapid growth in digital payments, RBI's survey found that households and small retailers continue to prefer cash, while currency in circulation rose strongly in FY26

GST rationalisation drives surge in Rs 2 crore-plus term insurance covers

Share of policies above Rs 2 crore jumps to 34 per cent in FY26 from 24 per cent in FY25, as cheaper premiums prompt Indians to reassess coverage needs

MFIs recalibrate growth strategy, expand non-microfinance portfolios

Large microfinance institutions are diversifying into retail and MSME lending as regulatory changes and recent sector stress reshape growth strategies

Insurers wary as Irdai tightens executive compensation framework

Irdai's revised compensation norms linking executive pay to customer outcomes and compliance metrics have sparked concerns over growing regulatory intervention

MFI portfolio drops 9% YoY to Rs 3.34 trillion as of April 2026: Equifax

India's microfinance sector saw slower loan growth and disbursements in FY26, though asset quality improved sharply amid tighter underwriting and credit monitoring

Aviva Life targets 3x jump in annualised new business premium in 5 years

The insurer currently has around 350,000 customers and plans to increase annual customer additions from nearly 25,000 at present to 50,000 initially, before gradually scaling up to 75,000

Growth in protection products drives new biz value for life insurers

Higher sales of protection and non-participating products helped life insurers report robust VNB growth in FY26 despite higher operating costs linked to GST changes

Irdai asks insurers to link performance pay with customer service metrics

The insurance regulator has revised remuneration norms for senior executives, mandating stronger focus on claims settlement, grievance redressal and policyholder outcomes

Rupee falls after three-day rally amid spike in crude oil prices

The rupee weakened against the dollar as crude oil prices surged following fresh US strikes on Iran and concerns over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz

Credit card spends rise 7% to ₹1.97 trillion in April 2026: RBI data

Credit card spends rose 7.06 per cent year-on-year in April 2026, driven by growth in PoS and e-commerce transactions, according to RBI data

RBI forms panel to study quantum technology risks in finance sector

RBI has constituted an expert committee to assess risks and opportunities linked to quantum technology and recommend a roadmap for a quantum-secure financial ecosystem

RBI sets 3-year cooling-off for co-op bank directors after 10 years

RBI has mandated a three-year cooling-off period for directors of urban co-operative banks after 10 continuous years on the board

India's extreme heat spell giving parametric insurance a longer season

Extreme heat and erratic weather fuel sharp rise in demand for parametric insurance covers

Net FDI into India rises sharply to $7.65 billion in FY26: RBI data

Net FDI into India rises sharply in FY26, aided by higher gross inflows and reinvested earnings, though portfolio investment flows remain weak

Outward remittances slipped 2% to $28.98 billion in FY26: RBI data

India's outward remittances under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme declined in FY26 amid weaker overseas education and international travel spending

Intermediary-led model keeps insurance costs elevated: Praxis Global

Praxis Global Alliance says high intermediary commissions keep general insurance expense ratios elevated, with renewal business continuing to remain acquisition-cost heavy

LIC Q4 results: Net profit rises 23% to ₹23,420 crore on higher income

LIC reported a 23 per cent rise in fourth-quarter profit on higher premium and investment income, while FY26 profit touched a record Rs 57,419 crore

India's outbound FDI commitments decline 10.8% to $5.6 billion in April

India's outward foreign direct investment commitments fell 10.8 per cent year-on-year in April, led by lower guarantees and debt commitments

Irdai withholds variable pay of some insurers' CEOs over expense targets

Regulator's action follows unmet 'expense of management' targets