Finance
Top 100 BSE companies see revenue fall to a 3rd in 2024, 5-fold profit rise
The revenue growth of the top 100 large and liquid companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) slowed significantly in 2024 compared to the previous year. While revenues grew by 9%, net profits surged by 32%, five times more than the 7% profit increase in 2023, reflecting successful cost-control measures.
NBFCs to tweak funding mix after RBI relaxes banks' lending norms
Indian NBFCs are expected to modify their funding strategies due to RBI's relaxed lending norms. By reducing risk weight requirements on consumer microfinance loans, banks can now lend more to NBFCs. This will decrease reliance on short-term commercial papers. High-rated NBFCs may initially benefit, with others following suit as banks adjust lending strategies.
Insolvency-bound Jaiprakash Associates must be sold as one unit, not by dividing assets: NCLT
The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has directed that resolution plans to acquire Jaiprakash Associates should be invited for the entire company as a going concern, not in divided business verticals. NCLT ordered the resolution professional to continue with inviting expressions of interest (EOI) for the whole company initially, and only consider splitting if no bids are received.
IIFL Finance opens 7 'Shakti' branches on Women's Day
IIFL Finance has launched seven new gold-loan branches run by female employees across NCR and MMR in celebration of International Women's Day. These 'Shakti' branches emphasize women's empowerment, offering special benefits and financial literacy programs for female entrepreneurs. Each branch provides employment opportunities for up to forty women.
Religare Enterprises withdraws NCLAT petition against CCI order favouring Burman group's stake buy
Religare Enterprises has withdrawn its appeal against the CCI order allowing Burman group entities to acquire a stake in the firm. This follows the Burman Family gaining a controlling stake in Religare Enterprises Limited. The NCLAT dismissed the appeal, and the Burman Family’s total holding now exceeds 50 percent, solidifying their position as the largest shareholders.
Indian corporates need Rs 120 lakh cr debt by FY30 for Capex and working capital: Crisil
Corporate India is projected to raise Rs 115-125 lakh crore in debt between FY26 and FY30 to fund capital expenditure, working capital, and NBFC financing. Around Rs 45-50 lakh crore will be needed for capital expenditure, with the infrastructure sector driving most of the investments.
RBI imposes Rs 76.6 lakh penalty on 4 entities
The Reserve Bank of India imposed penalties totaling Rs 76.6 lakh on four non-banking financial companies for non-compliance with its peer-to-peer lending platform regulations. Fairassets Technologies India, Bridge Fintech Solutions, Rang De P2P Financial Services, and Visionary Financepeer were each penalized based on regulatory deficiencies.
50 pc of Indian women borrowers are aged 25-35: Report
According to the BharatLoan Lending Report 2025, there has been a significant increase in financial independence and credit market participation among India's salaried women. Female borrowers aged 25-35 constitute 50% of this group, with steady annual growth observed. Maharashtra and Karnataka dominate loan disbursements, highlighting regional variations and opportunities for increased lending awareness in North and East India.
Digital lenders, microfinance companies urge RBI to set interest rate formula for small loans
Several digital lenders and microfinance companies have approached the Reserve Bank of India to introduce a formula for calculating interest rates on small-ticket loans. They argue that a regulatory formula would ensure fair pricing, prevent business disruptions, and reduce the risk of regulatory actions. The industry seeks clarity and a framework modelled after practices in other countries.
RBI governor holds meet with fintechs and others, says there is need for compliance by entities new to regulatory space
RBI Governor and Deputy Governors engaged with Payment System Operators and FinTechs, highlighting their role in India's financial growth. They stressed the importance of responsible innovation and regulatory compliance. Feedback on the payment and fintech ecosystem was shared during the session, and RBI reaffirmed its commitment to consultative interactions with industry participants.
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LIC Housing Finance board approves Rs 1.23 lakh cr borrowing budget for FY26
LIC Housing Finance's board has approved borrowing Rs 1.23 lakh crore through various loans and instruments for the fiscal year 2025-2026. This includes issuing bonds, commercial papers, and external commercial borrowing. The company's shares rose by 3.49%, closing at Rs 521.20 on the BSE. This decision aims to streamline the financing process across multiple tranches.
Housing finance market to grow at 15-16% CAGR through 2029-30: CareEdge
CareEdge Ratings forecasts the Indian housing finance market, valued at Rs 33 trillion, to reach Rs 77-81 trillion by 2029-30. The sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15-16%, driven by robust structural elements and government incentives. The market share of Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) remains stable, with considerable growth and improved asset quality observed in recent years.
Jio Financial buys out SBI's stake in payments bank JV
Jio Financial Services will acquire full ownership of Jio Payments Bank after SBI's divestment of its 17.8% stake. With the deal valued at ₹104.54 crore, the transaction awaits the Reserve Bank of India's approval and is expected to conclude within 45 days.
RBI directs large NBFCs to stop new lines of credit and renewals
The Reserve Bank of India has directed large finance companies to stop renewing lines of credit for businesses due to concerns over disguised borrower stress. This credit facility allows flexible fund withdrawals and delayed principal repayment, making NBFCs less capable of gauging borrowers' real-time cash flows.
RuPay now accounts for 16% of credit card spending, says NPCI MD Dilip Asbe
Around 16% of India's credit card spending occurs on the RuPay network, driven by UPI-linked credit cards. With more than 30 banks issuing RuPay credit cards, transactions have significantly increased. The NPCI is expanding its influence with a new R&D centre and efforts to internationalize UPI.
Lenders asked to tighten process for micro loans
The government urges lenders to strengthen credit evaluations and monitor micro loans for self-help groups (SHGs) to avoid multiple loans. A unified business correspondent registry and unique IDs for SHG members are being planned. This move supports financial inclusion, rural enterprise development, and targets identified sectors more effectively, ensuring better fund utilization.
