Punjab National Bank has taken action by suspending twelve staff members linked to unauthorized fund transfers utilizing the branch manager's password. Evidence points to a female employee collaborating with external parties in these transactions. Current estimates of the losses indicate they are below Rs 10 crore, contradicting widespread claims online.
PN Vasudevan's recent announcement of his resignation as managing director of Equitas Small Finance Bank highlights pressing concerns over a conflict of interest involving his daughter's NBFC. Following the news, the bank's shares experienced a drastic dip yet managed a partial recovery before settling lower. This comes on the heels of the bank's impressive Q2 net profit growth, showcasing its strong operational health.
United Forum of IDBI Officers and Employees has expressed opposition to the proposed sale of IDBI Bank. Concerns include potential undervaluation of the bank's assets and the need for public scrutiny. The government plans to transfer a significant stake in IDBI Bank to Fairfax Financial Holdings. This transaction, valued at approximately Rs 53,000 crore, has raised fundamental questions about social responsibilities.
Working-capital demand from banks has increased significantly due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Higher raw-material costs and elongated shipping timelines have led to greater funding needs for corporates. Mid- and large-sized companies reported a 12-20% increase in working-capital requirements. Several private sector banks have recorded strong growth in corporate lending during the recent quarter. This momentum was driven primarily by working capital needs and refinancing efforts.
The finance ministry has defended the valuation process used in the IDBI Bank stake sale, saying the methodology and bidding procedure were reviewed and approved by the core group of secretaries on disinvestment. It said Fairfax’s Rs 81-a-share bid was above the benchmark and independent fair-value estimates, while safeguards such as a double-blind process and limited tax indemnity helped maximise value for the government and LIC.
The Supreme Court has questioned the Reserve Bank of India's effectiveness in preventing digital fraud. Financial institutions must be held accountable for their role in cybercrime under new regulations. A mandatory liability clause is essential to ensure victims are compensated for losses. The court emphasizes that banks should enhance preventive measures against unusual transactions. The Attorney General mentioned that the RBI is working on regulations to address these issues.
NITI Aayog vice-chairman Ashok Lahiri emphasized the need for banks to facilitate connections between businesses and financial resources. He pointed out the low credit-deposit ratio in Eastern India, which hinders investment and economic growth. Lahiri highlighted the importance of investment in infrastructure, industrial expansion, and the MSME sector. Banks could support smaller enterprises with structured credit facilities to help them grow.
Bank credit expanded significantly, reaching Rs 232.54 lakh crore by mid-October 2026, showing a strong 17.94 percent growth. In contrast, bank deposits increased to Rs 284.37 lakh crore, marking a 16.60 percent rise. This growth was fueled by increased liquidity in the banking system and festive season demand. Additionally, commercial banks saw a 9.64 percent rise in government securities, totaling Rs 77.32 lakh crore.
Bank of Baroda's FCNR-B deposits rose to ₹1.03 lakh crore as of September 2026, reflecting substantial growth. The overall global deposits of the bank increased 16.4% year-on-year to reach ₹17.45 lakh crore. Domestic deposits also saw a marked increase of 16.6%, driven by term deposits growing 20.5%. Additionally, the bank reported a 35.8% rise in standalone net profit for the second quarter of FY27.