Page 3 - Banking Sector

RBI exempts FCNR(B), ECB swap positions from banks' NOP-INR limits

The move is expected to support recently announced measures to attract foreign capital, while easing regulatory constraints on banks participating in RBI swap facilities

Bandhan Bank opens 8 new branches across 4 states, expands network to 1,984

Bandhan Bank on Monday announced the opening of eight new branches across Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Haryana, taking its nationwide branch network to 1,984. The bank said four of the new branches were opened in Karnataka, two in Delhi, and one each in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, as part of its expansion strategy. The branches were inagurated in Mysuru, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Gurgaon. "As our network grows, we stay committed to sustainable expansion and delivering innovative, flexible banking solutions that meet evolving customer expectations," Bandhan Bank Executive Director and Chief Business Officer Rajinder Kumar Babbar said. With the latest expansion, Bandhan Bank's presence now spans 35 of the country's 36 states and union territories. The lender serves more than 3.2 crore customers through over 6,380 banking outlets across India, it said. Bandhan Bank said it had a deposit base of Rs 1.66 lakh crore and advances of Rs 1.54 lakh crore as of March 31.

DFS asks banks for details on ATM cash crunch as shortages raise alarms

The government has sought urgent feedback from banks on reported ATM cash replenishment issues amid concerns over cash availability and service disruptions

India's money-market turnover hits record as banks ramp up borrowing

Bank lending expanded at 16.2 per cent in the year through May 15, the fastest clip in two years, with credit demand exceeding deposit growth for the eighth straight month

Bank lending in India hits two-year high as firms favour loans over bonds

Credit growth expanded at 16.2 per cent in the year through May 15, the fastest clip since June 2024, according to the Reserve Bank of India data

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

New bad loan provision measures will tell banks apart under ECL regime

RBI's ECL regime will shift the focus from recognising bad loans to predicting them, making risk management a key differentiator for banks

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

Bank credit growth remains strong at 16.2% despite global uncertainties

Bank lending continued to outpace deposit growth in the fortnight ended May 15, with strong traction in NBFC, retail and industrial credit segments

DFS secy advises PSU banks to ramp up preparedness amid West Asia war

DFS Secretary M Nagaraju reviewed PSU banks' performance and urged them to remain prepared and adaptable in view of the evolving situation in West Asia

MSMEs have made loan requests worth ₹650 cr under ECLGS 5.0: Salee S Nair

In Q4, the bank reported NIM of over 4 per cent largely because, in anticipation of higher deposit costs, we repriced advances earlier

Central Bank of India well-positioned to cross ₹5,000 cr profit in FY27: MD

Central Bank of India is well-positioned to reach the milestone of Rs 5,000 crore annual profit during the current fiscal year after clearing the deferred tax asset, according to the bank's MD and CEO, Kalyan Kumar. In the March quarter of FY26, the state-owned bank took a one-time hit of Rs 632 crore due to the recognition of deferred tax assets at a rate of 25 per cent, as against 35 per cent. "From the current year, we are migrating to the new tax regime and it will give us additional benefit of Rs 600-700 crore in our annual profit that is going to help us in bringing improvement in the bottom line," Kumar told PTI in an interview. Asked if the bank can cross the Rs 5,000 crore milestone in FY27, he said, "The bank booked a profit of Rs 4,369 crore in FY26 and Rs 5,000 crore should not be any challenge for Central Bank of India (going by the current run rate)." Stressing that customer centricity is the most important thing for any financial organisation, he said the company mus

Physical banking to remain core to SBI strategy amid digital expansion

The comments come as SBI sharpens its 'Digital First, Customer First' strategy, with continued investments planned in technology, data analytics, AI, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure

Slice Small Finance Bank posts first-ever ₹48.4 crore net profit in FY26

The Bengaluru-based lender turned profitable following its merger with North East Small Finance Bank, with total income more than doubling in FY26

ICICI Bank's shares jump 2% after RBI okays Sandeep Bakhshi's reappointment

ICICI Bank shares gained after RBI approved the reappointment of Sandeep Bakhshi as MD & CEO for another two years starting October 2026

ECLGS 5.0 finds traction as MSMEs look for buffer amid uncertainty

Banks are seeing early interest in ECLGS 5.0 as MSMEs seek extra liquidity buffers amid rising uncertainty linked to the West Asia crisis

Emirates NBD launches open offer to acquire 26% stake in target company

Emirates NBD launches Rs 11,735 crore open offer to acquire up to 26 per cent stake in RBL Bank after securing regulatory approvals

BC body pitches for IBA-led reforms for fast-growing banking channel

BCRC has sought an IBA standing committee to address BC remuneration, penalties, grievance redressal, and customer service standards under the RBI's draft framework

HDFC Bank, IndusInd, Yes Bank warm up to hybrid mode after PM's WFH call

Some banks are yet to take a call but are expected to review policies and may consider hybrid working for some time

SBI staff threatens to go on two-day nationwide strike from May 25

SBI staff under the aegis of the All India State Bank of India Staff Federation (AISBISF) have threatened to go on a two-day nationwide strike beginning May 25 to press for various demands, including the recruitment of adequate employees. If the strike materialises, it will affect SBI's banking operations for five days nationwide, as the fourth Saturday and Sunday fall before the strike date. Besides, there will be a holiday in many States on account of Eid al-Adha on May 27, a day after strike ends. Demands also include the recruitment of messengers, the recruitment of Armed Guards, and a change of Pension Fund Manager option to NPS Employees, AISBISF said in a statement. The union also demanded that the bank stop outsourcing permanent jobs, as it creates a direct risk of data leaks, misuse, fraud, and identity theft, endangering customer trust and exposing the Bank to severe reputational and legal consequences. Another demand concerns the appointment of the Workmen's Employee ..