Finance News

RBI draft on INR derivatives may push more banks to expand in GIFT City

RBI's proposal restricting access to rupee NDDCs to banks with IFSC units could deepen lender presence in GIFT City, while offshore ETP rules signal calibrated liberalisation

EPFO likely to link with govt databases to enhance compliance monitoring

EPFO is also expanding data integration with state governments to widen compliance checks. Its payroll data is regularly shared with the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan

Brokers seek six-month pause on RBI curbs on bank lending, document shows

A six-month pause would give market ‌participants time ​to submit feedback, ​conduct impact assessments and engage in constructive consultations, according to the letter

Banks take cautious approach to acquisition financing under new RBI norms

Banks are expected to move slowly on acquisition financing as RBI's conservative norms take effect, with exposure caps, leverage limits and valuation guardrails shaping early deals

Govt asks EPFO to conduct study on impact of workforce formalisation

Panel seeks report in three months amid push on labour codes, eshram and social security coverage

Relaxed ECB norms may lift foreign borrowings by Indian companies

RBI's easing of ECB rules-expanding eligibility, lifting limits and removing pricing caps-is expected to spur offshore fundraising, especially as refinancing demand rises

ICAI to roll out information systems audit standards this month

The Information Systems Audit Standards (ISAS) seek to strengthen the audit process within the country's digital ecosystem

RBI defers UTI framework for OTC derivative transactions to January 2027

The RBI has postponed the implementation of the UTI framework for OTC derivatives to 1 January 2027, extending timelines for reporting and allowing markets more operational flexibility

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

Govt plans to switch ₹25,000 crore bonds through auction on Monday

The auction, scheduled for February 23, plans to convert a basket of government bonds maturing in 2026-27 into longer-tenor papers ranging from 2032 to 2062

RBI mulls allowing banks to trade FX derivatives on offshore ETPs

RBI proposes allowing banks to trade forex derivatives on offshore electronic platforms under tighter safeguards, governance norms and rupee transaction restrictions

Govt weighs AI-based credit scores to expand access to formal finance

The Centre is exploring AI-based credit scoring and UPI-linked credit lines to widen access to formal finance for women, first-time borrowers and vulnerable communities

DFS secy opens CGHS facilitation camps as NIACL launches Ayush mediclaim

M Nagaraju inaugurated NIACL's facilitation camps to raise awareness and onboard CGHS beneficiaries for the new 'Paripoorna Mediclaim Ayush Bima', offering flexible, GST-free health cover

DFS secy urges stronger BC ecosystem, better services and process upgrades

M Nagaraju highlighted the vital role of Business Correspondents in last-mile banking, urging continuous process improvement, service expansion and enhanced digital oversight to meet customer needs

RBI notifies amended ECB framework, eases cost and maturity norms

The central bank said the regulations were finalised after examining feedback received from stakeholders on the draft framework released on October 3, 2025

Going OTP-less: Mastercard, Visa rolling out passkeys for card transactions

For the first time in India, an at-scale, OTP-less authentication framework will allow users to complete credit and debit card transactions

Targeted interventions needed to bolster Rupay debit card: Report

A DFS report shows UPI has overtaken cash as the most preferred payment mode and recommends focused merchant enablement and stronger support for RuPay debit card usage in rural and semi-urban India

Draft rules seek mandatory reporting of offshore related-party ₹-Fx deals

The RBI has proposed expanding reporting norms to require AD Cat-I banks to disclose all offshore related-party rupee FX derivative contracts to CCIL, with phased compliance thresholds over 24 months

UPI emerges as the most preferred mode for transactions now: Report

The evaluation indicates a significant and sustained increase in the adoption of digital payments across diverse socio-economic segments