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Impavid Bulletin

banking

In September, public sector banks cut their interest rates on fresh term deposits by 10 basis points. Private sector banks only reduced their rates by six basis points during the same period. Fresh rupee loan rates declined by six basis points at public sector banks while private banks maintained their rates. The weighted average lending rate for fresh loans fell to 8.51% from 8.61% in August.

PB Fintech has achieved impressive growth within the UAE insurance landscape, notably boosting its premium volumes since FY22. With a strategic plan in place, the company intends to diversify its offerings by introducing health and life insurance solutions geared towards NRIs. Key features will include cross-border protection and simplified claims processing.

The government on Friday constituted a High Level Committee on Banking for Viksit Bharat, appointing former Central Vigilance Commissioner Suresh N Patel as its chairman. RBI Deputy Governor Shirish Chandra Murmu, former Indian Bank MD and CEO Padmaja Chunduru and former RBI Deputy Governor N S Vishwanathan are among its members.

By the close of September, loans against fixed deposits experienced a striking 53% year-on-year spike, reaching Rs 2.17 lakh crore. The demand for gold loans soared to an astonishing 82.6% increase, showcasing robust customer interest throughout India. Personal loans appreciated by 17.3%, hitting Rs 74.3 lakh crore, complemented by growth in agricultural and industrial credits. Overall, the banking sector reported a 19.4% expansion in total credit, amounting to Rs 229.

In response to Rahul Gandhi's opposition to IDBI Bank's privatisation, Nirmala Sitharaman stressed the successful recovery of the bank thanks to the NDA government's strategies. She pointed to the previous UPA government's fiscal mismanagement, which caused notable losses. Sitharaman also discussed the reviewed valuation process for the stake sale, criticising Gandhi for his attempts to politicize banking matters and the undue stress placed on bank staff during earlier administrations.

An analysis of 10 banks shows that reported deposit growth averaged 21.1% year-on-year during July-September. However, excluding the special foreign currency inflows, domestic deposit growth was estimated at just 12.2%-a massive gap of nearly nine percentage points.

The lender is investigating a potential breach of "limited data" pertaining to its vehicle-loan customers. The data was hosted on a third-party software platform operated by Salesforce.

In India, investors are increasingly embracing thematic investing as they explore cryptocurrency and other sectors. This innovative investment style allows individuals to focus on specific trends and ideas rather than sticking to conventional categories. To support this, ZebPay has launched CryptoPacks, offering users curated portfolios that resonate with various themes. These packs simplify investment management and signify a shift toward future-focused digital asset strategies.

The United Forum of IDBI Officers and Employees has opposed the planned sale of IDBI Bank's majority stake. They have requested an immediate suspension of the sale process due to market volatility. The forum argues that the decision lacks adequate justification and transparency. They are calling for a comprehensive review under parliamentary scrutiny, emphasizing the need for caution.