Rbi

RBI flags high-cost distribution pressures in insurance sector growth model

The Reserve Bank has flagged structural pressures in the insurance sector, saying premium growth is being increasingly driven by high-cost distribution-led strategies of insurance companies rather than operating efficiency. While posing no near-term systemic risks, the surface-level stability masks emerging structural pressures that could weigh on medium-term sustainability and coverage expansion, RBI said in its latest financial stability report. "A primary pressure is the persistence of a high expense structure, particularly the acquisition costs. Premium growth has been increasingly driven by high-cost distribution-led strategies rather than operating efficiency," the report said. It further said that while in the life insurance sector, frontloaded acquisition costs limited the extent to which scale efficiencies are passed on to policyholders. Furthermore, expected benefits from digitisation remain unrealised. "From a financial stability perspective, continuously elevated expen

January 2026 bank holidays: Check state-wise closures in India this month

January 2025 holiday calendar, which includes a list of bank and national holidays, is now available. For final confirmation, it is recommended to cross-check with institutional and state calendars

Yield curve steepens due to heavy sovereign issues; long-end demand weakens

RBI's FSR says higher G-Sec and SGS supply and softer demand from insurers and pension funds are keeping long-term yields elevated even as short rates fall on easing and liquidity

Over 70% of fintechs' loan book unsecured: Financial Stability Report

Unsecured personal loans dominate fintech lending, with younger borrowers accounting for over half the exposure, as the RBI highlights growth and asset quality trends

India's household debt rises to 41.3% of GDP, above five-year average: RBI

RBI says household debt rose to 41.3% of GDP at end-March 2025, led by consumption-oriented retail loans, even as net financial savings improved in Q4 FY25

External uncertainties may trigger outflows, Fx rate volatility: RBI

RBI flags risks from global shocks, including a sharp US equity correction, that could spur foreign portfolio outflows and rupee volatility, though it says buffers remain adequate

Up to four banks may tap capital buffers in adverse scenarios: RBI

RBI stress tests suggest some banks may need to draw on capital conservation buffers under adverse macro conditions, though minimum capital norms are likely to remain intact

The ATM interchange conundrum: How to make the channel viable again

Stakeholders are pulling in different directions, and the ATM channel has to be reimagined to make it commercially viable. Are there any alternatives?

Growing external borrowings make NBFCs more vulnerable to rupee swings: RBI

RBI says NBFCs' higher foreign currency borrowing has helped steady funding costs, but it raises vulnerability to exchange rate volatility even with most exposure hedged

RBI warns of risks in bank-NBFC interlinkages, asset concentration

The RBI's Financial Stability Report warns that banks are increasingly buying NBFC-originated loans to scale retail portfolios, with nearly 80 per cent of assets sourced from a limited set of non-bank

RBI net short dollar position rises to $66 bn in rupee forwards by Nov end

RBI data shows its outstanding net short dollar position in the rupee forward market rose to $66.04 billion by end-November, up from $63.6 billion at end-October

Microfin borrower indebtedness rises marginally in Sept after two-year dip

RBI's Financial Stability Report shows microfinance borrower indebtedness edged up in September 2025 after a two-year decline, even as credit and active borrowers fell in H1 FY26

High distribution costs limit insurance coverage, says RBI in FSR report

RBI's Financial Stability Report said high distribution-led costs are embedded in pricing, hurting affordability and penetration, while insurers' conservative investing may weaken product appeal

RBI flags stablecoin risks, urges countries to prioritise CBDCs over crypto

In its Financial Stability Report, RBI said central bank money must remain the ultimate settlement asset, warning that stablecoins pose macrofinancial risks and can weaken capital controls

Credit growth nears 12% as deposit growth slows to 9.35% till Dec 15

Credit growth remained strong till December 15, while deposit growth weakened further, widening the credit-deposit gap and underscoring persistent liquidity tightness in the banking system

Are banks open or closed on New Year's Day, Jan 1? Here's state-wise update

January 1, 2026, a Thursday, is New Year's Day in 2026. In the US, January 1st is a federal holiday; in India, it is a restricted holiday. However, in some states, banks are closed, as per the RBI

2025: Year of big-bang reforms aimed at ease of doing business in finance

The Reserve Bank of India rolled out sweeping reforms in 2025 to lower compliance costs and improve ease of doing business, from LCR relief and project finance norms to digital lending rules

Govt plans to amend SARFAESI Act to include special situation funds

Centre is considering amending SARFAESI to include special situation funds as financial institutions and to require borrowers to file representations within 30 days of a demand notice, sources said

RBI rejects bids for 2037 paper at OMO as banks quote prices above market

RBI rejected bids for the 7.18 per cent 2037 security as quoted prices were above market levels, but purchased ₹50,000 crore of gilts in line with the notified amount

Bank NPAs at multi-decade lows as gross NPA ratio falls to 2.1%: RBI data

RBI's Trends and Progress report shows banks' asset quality improved, with gross NPAs down to 2.1% by September 2025 and net NPAs at 0.5%, aided by recoveries and provisioning