Several mid-sized lenders, including Kotak Mahindra Bank, RBL Bank, and IndusInd Bank, are slowing new credit card issuances due to ongoing sector stress and a focus on cleaning up books. This contrasts with larger banks like HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank, which continue aggressive portfolio expansion.
Kotak Mahindra Bank is expanding its mid-market corporate loan book, targeting companies with 500 crore to 1,500 crore in turnover. This segment, which has grown over 35% compounded annually since its launch, is expected to see 20-25% growth over the next five years. The bank aims for this mid-market book to reach at least 20% of its total corporate portfolio.
A NABARD survey reveals a significant boost in rural economic momentum, with 80% of households reporting higher consumption over the past year. This rise in prosperity is attributed to sustained welfare support, strong public investment, GST rate rationalization, and moderating inflation, leading to improved real incomes and purchasing power.
The Reserve Bank of India has relaxed norms for business accounts. Customers can now open current, cash credit, and overdraft accounts more easily. The aggregate exposure limit for opening these accounts without restriction has been raised. New rules will be effective from April 2026. Banks will have specific criteria for maintaining accounts with higher exposures.
WBEZ-FM 91.5 was back on the air live and local Thursday morning after nearly a day without power forced the station to vacate its Navy Pier studios and run network programming.
The Reserve Bank of India has lifted all restrictions on banks opening and maintaining cash credit accounts, offering greater flexibility for short-term working capital loans. Additionally, the central bank eased norms for current and overdraft accounts, allowing banks to maintain them without restriction for customers with exposures under 100 million rupees.
