Finance News

UPI volumes dip in February on fewer days even as daily averages rise

UPI transactions fell month-on-month in February due to the shorter month, but daily volumes and values increased, reflecting steady digital payment adoption across channels

EPFO panel clears new SOP for exempted establishments, CBT to take call

EPFO's Exempted Establishment Committee has approved a consolidated SOP to streamline regulation of exempted establishments, replacing annual audits with risk-based reviews; CBT will review it next

MFI sector continues signs of stabilisation in Q3 FY26: Arohan Financial

Arohan posts 87% jump in Q3 profit as asset quality improves

EMI scheme for deferred customs duty payment to be implemented from April 1

The deferred payment facility will be available to Eligible Manufacturer Importers (EMIs) meeting prescribed criteria related to Customs and GST compliance, turnover, and financial standing

Bihar MFI Bill unlikely to hit RBI-regulated lenders, say experts

Shares of microfinance focused lenders saw sharp drop on Friday

IIFL Home Finance signs $300 mn ADB loan to boost affordable housing

IIFL Home Finance has signed a $300 mn loan pact with ADB to expand affordable housing finance for low-income borrowers, with over a quarter of funds earmarked for green-certified homes

India's forex exchange reserves drop $2.1 billion to $723.6 billion

In the previous reporting week, the overall reserves had jumped by $8.663 billion to a new all-time high of $725.727 billion

RBI gives compliance breather for small-merchant UPI transactions

The clarification follows industry representations seeking clarity on whether PA norms apply to P2PM transactions, which typically involve small merchants and low ticket sizes

Transition path for NBFCs to become universal banks may be in the offing

DFS to again meet on shadow banks next week

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

AI age brings new responsibilities for policymakers: CEA Nageswaran

CEA V Anantha Nageswaran said AI-enabled finance introduces new policy responsibilities, adding that regulators must strengthen oversight as India deepens integration with global capital markets

India may retain $113 bn forex as foreign universities set up campuses

A Knight Frank-Deloitte report says foreign universities establishing campuses in India could help retain $113 billion in foreign currency by 2040, easing large outflows for overseas education

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

RBI's additional liquidity support to wind down after March: Bankers

India's banking system liquidity surplus has averaged around 1.1 per cent of deposits this month, inching past the 1 per cent threshold that the Reserve Bank of India indicated in December

NBFCs' bank licence set to figure at DFS meet on Thursday as reforms loom

The meeting will be attended by senior officials from the Finance Industry Development Council, Sa-Dhan and Microfinance Industry Network

NaBFID's debut CD raises ₹5,000 crore at 6.95% amid strong demand

NaBFID's maiden one-year CD issue raised Rs 5,000 crore at 6.95%, pricing tighter than comparable AIFI issuances and signalling strong investor confidence in short-term funding markets

Draft I-T forms seek tenant-landlord disclosure for claiming tax deduction

The draft forms also propose to entrust auditors with greater responsibility for checking PAN duplication and tax liability arising out of adverse audit observation

DFS secretary encourages composite salary package to boost PSU banks' CASA

DFS Secretary M Nagaraju inaugurates a composite salary account camp in Delhi as public sector banks seek to strengthen CASA balances and deepen customer relationships

RBI could rebuild reserves with dollar buys if rupee gains, says Citi

Although the RBI's reserves are at a record high, boosted by a historic rally in gold, it is carrying a $62 billion short forward book

Labour Ministry to auto-refund small balances in inoperative EPFO accounts

Pilot to cover 7.11 lakh inoperative EPFO accounts with ₹1,000 or less; funds to be auto-credited to Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts without fresh claims