Banking

Pakistan’s central bank has reduced its benchmark policy rate to 10.5%, signaling a strategic move to support economic growth while managing inflationary pressures. The decision reflects the bank’s assessment of moderating inflation, stable foreign reserves, and the need to stimulate investment and consumption. Analysts note that the rate cut could ease borrowing costs for businesses and households, potentially boosting credit demand and economic activity. However, it also requires careful monitoring to prevent inflationary resurgence.

State Bank of India’s digital platform, YONO, has crossed the milestone of 20 crore users within just two years, underscoring the rapid pace of digital adoption in the country’s banking ecosystem. The growth highlights strong customer preference for integrated banking and lifestyle services delivered through a single platform. Riding on this momentum, the bank is preparing for fresh investments aimed at expanding capabilities, strengthening infrastructure, and enhancing user experience.

State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest lender, has reduced its key lending rates in a move aimed at stimulating credit demand and supporting economic momentum. The decision comes at a time when easing inflationary pressures and a stable monetary environment have encouraged banks to recalibrate borrowing costs. The rate cut is expected to benefit retail borrowers, small businesses, and corporates by lowering equated monthly installments and improving cash flows.

Bank of Maharashtra has announced a reduction in retail loan interest rates, signaling a strategic move to enhance customer acquisition and stimulate lending growth. The rate cuts apply across home, personal, and vehicle loans, making borrowing more affordable for consumers amid rising demand for credit. Analysts suggest that this measure reflects the bank’s efforts to remain competitive in a crowded market, improve loan disbursement volumes, and strengthen its retail portfolio.

Bank of America has formally announced the appointment of Vikram Sahu as its new Chief Executive Officer for India, marking a pivotal leadership transition for the bank’s operations in the country. Sahu, a banking professional with extensive global exposure and deep familiarity with Indian markets, succeeds the outgoing India head. The move signals the bank’s commitment to accelerating its India strategy under fresh stewardship, aiming to strengthen corporate banking, institutional relationships, and on-ground presence amid evolving regulatory and market dynamics.

Indian equity markets ended sharply lower as heavy selling in banking stocks pulled the benchmark indices into negative territory. The Sensex dropped 504 points, while the Nifty retreated amid broad-based weakness led by financials. Investor sentiment remained cautious as concerns over asset quality, global rate expectations, and muted institutional flows weighed on the market. Traders also reacted to mixed global cues and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, prompting a shift toward defensive sectors.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recorded a fresh inflow of ₹74 crore worth of ₹2,000 banknotes during November — reducing the outstanding notes in circulation to ₹5,743 crore as of November 29, 2025. The withdrawal of the ₹2,000 denomination was first announced in May 2023; while these notes remain legal tender, the bulk have been returned via bank deposit/exchange and postal-enabled RBI channels. The latest deposit underscores steady progress in phasing out high-denomination notes and reflects continued public compliance nearly two and a half years since the withdrawal directive.

State Bank of India, the country’s largest lender, expects corporate loan growth to accelerate into double digits in the coming quarters, signaling renewed credit appetite among large enterprises. The bank attributes this anticipated expansion to improving capacity utilization, rising private investment intentions, and stabilizing macroeconomic conditions. While retail lending has remained the dominant growth engine for most banks in recent years, SBI’s projections suggest a shifting credit landscape as corporations revisit long-term capital expenditure plans.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has levied a penalty of Rs. 91 lakh on HDFC Bank following the identification of regulatory violations. The fine reflects shortcomings in the bank’s adherence to compliance norms and operational guidelines mandated by the central banking authority. While HDFC Bank remains one of India’s largest private-sector banks, the penalty underscores RBI’s commitment to enforcing strict regulatory oversight to safeguard financial stability and consumer interests.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to monitor fund transfers more closely through a newly launched net banking platform, aiming to enhance transparency and security in digital transactions. This move comes amid rising concerns over cybersecurity risks and unauthorized fund transfers, reflecting the central bank’s proactive approach to safeguarding the financial ecosystem. The platform will allow the RBI to track transaction patterns in real time, helping detect anomalies and prevent fraud.