Page 4 - Subrata Panda

FCNR (B) returns: Rate differential may cloud inflows despite RBI support

Bankers expect FCNR(B) inflows of $20-45 billion as RBI absorbs hedging costs, though a much narrower India-US interest-rate differential may limit leverage-driven participation

HDFC Bank raises MCLR by up to 10 bps despite RBI holding repo rate steady

The country's largest private-sector lender increased lending benchmarks across tenors, with the sharpest rise in the two-year MCLR despite an unchanged policy rate

RBI launches FCNR(B) swap facility, allows banks flexibility on rates

The forex swap window, open until October 2026, will enable banks to mobilise fresh FCNR(B) deposits while the RBI bears the hedging cost on eligible inflows

PSU external borrowings may top $15 bn on RBI's concessional swap window

State-owned enterprises are expected to accelerate overseas fundraising to tap a funding-cost advantage of about 3 per cent under RBI's new forex swap facility

RBI swap support: Hedge-cost relief likely to lift FCNR(B) rates by 200 bps

RBI to bear hedging costs on FCNR(B) deposits till Sept 2026, aiming to boost NRI inflows and support the rupee amid weak capital flows

Differential deposit rates beyond RBI norms not acceptable: Sanjay Malhotra

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra says banks must remain transparent on deposit rates and cannot offer differential rates beyond categories permitted by the regulator

We may roll out 9 free trade agreements in next 10 months: Piyush Goyal

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said nine recently signed free trade agreements are expected to become operational within 10 months, with several more trade pacts in the pipeline

Sebi warns ICICI Bank over FPI fund repatriation under VRR framework

Market regulator Sebi has warned ICICI Bank for allowing an FPI to repatriate funds before completion of the committed retention period under the Voluntary Retention Route

India shouldn't let headwinds cloud its growth potential: Citi's Fraser

Citi Chair and CEO Jane Fraser says India remains the world's fastest-growing major economy and should stay focused on its long-term growth trajectory

US-India trade deal 99% complete, final talks under way: US envoy Gor

US Ambassador Sergio Gor said negotiators are working through the final technical and legal issues as both sides push to conclude the long-pending trade agreement

Banking resilience now hinges on adapting to new risks: DG Swaminathan

The RBI deputy governor said banks must prepare for emerging risks ranging from cyber threats and AI to geopolitical shocks and climate-related disruptions

SBI chief backs rate pause, says India's growth story goes beyond Sensex

C S Setty urges investors to focus on India's long-term structural transformation rather than short-term market movements

US-India trade deal 99% done, last-mile talks this week: US Ambassador Gor

US Ambassador Sergio Gor says 99 per cent of the bilateral trade pact is in place, with negotiators working to resolve final technical and legal issues during talks in New Delhi

Corporate bond issuances hit 3-year low in Apr-May amid West Asia war

In April-May of FY27, Indian firms raised Rs 1.07 trillion, compared to Rs 2.53 trillion in the same period last year

Indian banks among Asia-Pacific's best-capitalised lenders: S&P data

For banks, a higher leverage ratio is generally a sign of stronger capitalisation, not higher risk

Geopolitical uncertainty slows MSME credit growth: CRIF High Mark

CRIF High Mark said MSME credit growth moderated amid global uncertainty, while early-stage stress surfaced among micro borrowers, manufacturing firms and working-capital loans

Preference for proven credit rating hits first-time borrowers harder

Consumer durable financing has emerged as the primary gateway to formal credit as lenders increasingly favour borrowers with established repayment records

RBI plans cross-border CBDC pilots amid digital currency experiments

Central bank will expand digital rupee experiments in 2026-27, focusing on cross-border payments, asset tokenisation, programmable money and welfare applications

RBI weighs adding 'frictions' to digital payments to tackle online fraud

Central bank is exploring transaction delays, broader customer controls and a kill switch mechanism as digital payment frauds continue to rise in value

Legacy cases lifted bank fraud to ₹48,021 cr in FY26: RBI annual report

Advances account for 85% of all frauds in banking industry in FY26, says regulator in annual report