BANKING FINANCE - December 2025

PAN-Aadhaar linking deadline ends December 31; non-compliance may inactivate PAN

Taxpayers who fail to link their Permanent Account Number (PAN) with Aadhaar by December 31 risk having their PAN rendered inoperative from January 1, according to an April 3 notification by the Income Tax Department.

Urban cooperative banks unveil digital platforms to modernise operations

The National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation (NUCFDC) has launched two digital platforms Sahakar Digipay and Sahakar Digiloan to enhance payments and lending operations across India's 1,400 urban cooperative banks (UCBs).

Airtel Payments Bank Q2 profit jumps 45% to Rs. 12 crore

Airtel Payments Bank reported a 45 per cent year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit to Rs. 11.2 crore for the quarter ended September 30, driven by strong revenue growth and expanding customer adoption.

SBI in talks with regulators, government to simplify KYC process

The State Bank of India (SBI) is working with regulators and the government to make the Know Your Customer (KYC) and re-KYC processes more seamless and digital-first, according to Chairman C.S. Setty.

SBI wins Global Finance awards for 'World's Best Consumer Bank 2025' and 'Best Bank in India'

State Bank of India (SBI) has been named the World's Best Consumer Bank 2025 and Best Bank in India 2025 by New York-based Global Finance at an event held during the World BankIMF annual meetings.

City Union Bank introduces EPF remittance facility for corporate customers

City Union Bank (CUB) has launched an Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) remittance service on its net banking platform in partnership with the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).

SBI Q2 net profit rises 10% to Rs. 20,160 crore on Yes Bank stake sale

State Bank of India (SBI) reported a 10 per cent rise in standalone net profit to Rs. 20,160 crore for the quarter ended September, supported by steady loan growth and a one-time gain from selling part of its stake in Yes Bank.

SBI enters the $100-billion market-cap club, targets top-10 global bank list

State Bank of India (SBI) has crossed the $100-billion market capitalisation milestone for the first time, with its share price closing at Rs. 960.75 following strong July-September earnings.

Centre opens top PSB positions to private talent under revised eligibility guidelines

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has revised eligibility norms to allow professionals from the private sector and other public financial institutions to compete for top leadership roles in public sector banks (PSBS).

Banks continue to prefer direct assignment over colending despite recent relaxations

Banks are expected to maintain their preference for direct assignment of loans from non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) rather than co-lending partnerships, despite recent regulatory relaxations.

RBI recognises SRPA as self-regulatory body for payment system operators

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted recognition to the Self-Regulated PSO Association (SRPA) as the official self-regulatory organisation for the payment system operator (PSO) ecosystem.

RBI announces relief package to support exporters facing global trade disruptions

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has rolled out a series of trade-related relief measures to help exporters cope with disruptions caused by global headwinds. The package includes easing debt repayment burdens, extending credit periods, and lengthening the timeframe for realisation and repatriation of export proceeds.

RBI issues new nomination rules to ease fund transfers after depositor's death

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has notified the Banking Companies (Nomination) Rules, 2025 and amendments under the Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025, introducing mandatory customer awareness on nominations for deposit accounts, lockers, and safe custody services.

RBI eases export repayment rules, extends timelines amid global trade turmoil

The Reserve Bank of India has eased repayment and compliance rules for exporters, granting additional time to realise export proceeds and offering temporary relief on trade-related loans.

Work on to create large world-class Indian banks: Finance Minister

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India will need several large, globally competitive banks to support its expanding economy, and discussions with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and individual banks have already begun.

RBI announces export relief package with easier repayments and extended credit norms

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India will need several large, globally competitive banks to support its expanding economy, and discussions with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and individual banks have already begun.

GST collection rises 4.6% in October to Rs. 1.96 lakh crore despite tax cuts

India's gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections rose 4.6% in October 2025 to Rs. 1.96 lakh crore, marginally below the Rs. 1.97 lakh crore collected in the same month last year, according to government data.

ChatGPT Go one-year free access launches in India with GPT-5 and advanced tools

OpenAl has rolled out a major India-focused offer: free one-year access to ChatGPT Go for all eligible users, starting November 4, 2025.

GST returns pending for over three years to be time-barred from November: GSTN

Businesses will soon be barred from filing Goods and Services Tax (GST) returns that are more than three years overdue, starting from the November 2025 tax period, the GST Network (GSTN) has announced.

GST collection rises 4.6% in October to Rs. 1.96 lakh crore despite tax cuts

India's gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections rose 4.6% in October 2025 to Rs. 1.96 lakh crore, marginally below the Rs. 1.97 lakh crore collected in the same month last year, according to government data.

US, Singapore account for one-third of India's FDI inflows in FY25: RBI

The United States and Singapore together accounted for more than one-third of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India during FY25, according to provisional results of the Reserve Bank of India's latest census on foreign liabilities and assets (FLA).

India crosses 500 GW power capacity, non-fossil share exceeds 50%

India has crossed a major clean-energy milestone, with total installed electricity capacity touching 500.89 GW as of September 30, 2025, the power ministry announced.

India does not need separate AI law for now, says government panel

A high-level government committee on artificial intelligence has concluded that India does not currently require a standalone law to regulate Al, stating that existing legislation is sufficient to address most foreseeable risks.

Indian sellers export $20 billion via Amazon in a decade

Indian sellers using Amazon's global marketplace have exported goods worth more than $20 billion since 2015, the company said, calling it cumulative ecommerce exports driven largely by small and medium enterprises.

India's maritime sector to draw Rs. 8 trillion investment, create 15 million jobs by 2047: Puri

India's maritime sector is on the cusp of transformational growth and is expected to attract investments worth Rs. 8 trillion while generating nearly 1.5 crore jobs by 2047, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri said at the India Maritime Week 2025.

Support honest taxpayers, simplify GST processes: Sitharaman to officials

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged GST officials to make compliance easier for honest taxpayers while maintaining strict enforcement against evasion, saying GST reforms have contributed to strong festive-season business activity nationwide. She was speaking at the inauguration of a new Central GST building.

India's agriculture exports rise 12% in H1 to $13.93 billion

India's agricultural exports rose nearly 12% in the first half of FY26, driven by higher shipments of non-basmati rice, buffalo meat and pulses, according to data from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

Adani Airports to introduce AI-powered multilingual helpdesk across eight airports

Adani Airport Holdings will roll out an Al-powered, multilingual passenger assistance platform across its eight airports as part of a partnership with AI solutions firm AIONOS.

Wealth of India's top 1% rises 62% since 2000: G20 inequality report

The wealth of India's richest 1% has grown by 62% between 2000 and 2023, according to a landmark report commissioned by the South African Presidency of the G20. Led by Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz, the G20 Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Inequality warned that inequality worldwide has reached \"emergency\" levels, with serious implications for democracy, economic stability and climate action.

Govt approves Rs. 25,000crore export mission, extra credit support for tariff-hit traders

The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs. 25,060-crore Export Promotion Mission (EPM) and an additional Rs. 20,000-crore collateral-free credit window to support exporters facing global trade disruptions and tariff pressures, especially from the US. Priority support will be extended to labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, and marine products.

India improves its rank in global Climate Risk Index

India has improved its position in the global Climate Risk Index (CRI), ranking as the 9th most-affected country by extreme weather events over the 1995-2024 period and 15th in 2024, according to a new report released by Germanwatch.

Govt approves Rs. 25,000crore export mission, extra credit support for tariff-hit traders

The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs. 25,060-crore Export Promotion Mission (EPM) and an additional Rs. 20,000-crore collateral-free credit window to support exporters facing global trade disruptions and tariff pressures, especially from the US.

India improves its rank in global Climate Risk Index

India has improved its position in the global Climate Risk Index (CRI), ranking as the 9th most-affected country by extreme weather events over the 1995-2024 period and 15th in 2024, according to a new report released by Germanwatch.

SEBI intensifies push to curb online investment scams

SEBI has broadened its efforts to safeguard investors from rising online investment fraud by formally engaging with major social media companies and search engines.

Specialised Investment Funds attract Rs. 2,005 crore net inflow in October

Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs), a new mutual fund category, recorded net inflows of Rs. 2,005 crore in October, bringing total assets under management to Rs. 2,010 crore across 10,212 investor accounts, according to AMFI data.

PGIM India Mutual Fund launches multi-asset allocation scheme

PGIM India Mutual Fund has rolled out the PGIM India Multi Asset Allocation Fund (MAAF), an open-ended scheme aimed at long-term capital appreciation through diversified exposure across equity, debt, commodities, and alternative assets.

Domestic pension fund flows into equities hit record high

Domestic pension funds have made their highest-ever net investment in Indian equities, deploying Rs. 41,242 crore during the first nine months of 2025, NSE data shows.

MFs shift to ultra-short debt amid uncertain rate trajectory

Indian mutual funds are increasing allocations to ultra-short-term and money-market instruments as uncertainty clouds the RBI's interest rate outlook.

Master Capital Services receives SEBI nod to enter mutual fund business

Master Capital Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Master Trust, has secured SEBI's in-principle approval to become a mutual fund sponsor.

Capitalmind Mutual Fund launches liquid fund for low-risk investors

Capitalmind Mutual Fund has launched the Capitalmind Liquid Fund, an open-ended liquid scheme designed for investors seeking high liquidity and low volatility.

Axis Mutual Fund debuts micro-investment feature for first-time investors

Axis Mutual Fund has introduced an industry-first micro-investment option enabling new investors to start SIPS with as little as Rs. 100 per scheme.

Wealth Company Mutual Fund gets Sebi's nod to launch Specialised Investment Fund

The Wealth Company Mutual Fund, part of the Pantomath Group, on Tuesday said it has received markets regulator Sebi's approval to launch its Specialised Investment Fund (SIF).

Passive fund AUM rises 5% to Rs. 13.67 lakh crore on strong gold ETF inflows

Passive fund assets grew 5.2% in October to Rs. 13.67 lakh crore, driven largely by inflows into precious metal ETFs, according to AMFI's monthly note.

PPFAS Mutual Fund explains rationale behind proposed large-cap fund launch

PPFAS Mutual Fund, known for its conservative and product-lite approach, has filed draft documents with SEBI to launch a large-cap fund.

NCDEX gets final board approval to launch mutual fund distribution platform

The National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) has received board approval to roll out an electronic mutual fund distribution platform, sources told Bloomberg.

Kerala Bank: Mohanan elected President of Asia's largest Co-op Bank

CPI (M) leader P. Mohanan Master from Kozhikode has been elected as the President of Asia's largest cooperative bank, the Kerala State Cooperative Bank (Kerala Bank).

RBI Director Marathe releases vision document for UCBS: 2025-30 & Beyond

Reserve Bank of India Central Board Director and Sahakar Bharati CoFounder Member Satish Marathe has unveiled the Vision Document for Urban Co-operative Banks for 2025-2030 and beyond.

TJSB Sahakari Bank gets permission for govt banking transactions

In a major policy boost for the cooperative banking banking sector, the Maharashtra Finance Department has approved TJSB Sahakari Bank Ltd., a leading multi-state urban cooperative bank, to handle select government-related banking transactions for the financial year 2025-26.

SC asks Centre to adopt blockchain for property registrations

The Supreme Court said property transactions in India were \"traumatic\" and asked the Centre to take the lead in adopting blockchain technology to make the registration process seamless nationwide.

Bank OTS scheme not a right withour upfront payment: SC

The Supreme Court has ruled that a bank's onetime settlement (OTS) scheme cannot be invoked as a matter of right and that borrowers must strictly comply with its mandatory conditions, including upfront payment of a specified portion of dues, to avail themselves of the benefits of the scheme.

Bank OTS scheme not a right withour upfront payment: SC

Sale of immovable property outside scope of service tax: SC

The Supreme Court ruled that the sale of immovable property, by itself, does not amount to a \"service\" under the Finance Act, 1994, and is therefore outside the scope of service tax, a verdict which experts believe not only seeks to preserve the federal balance but also shields genuine land-sale transactions from service-tax exposure.

Cryptocurrency is 'property' under law, rules Madras HC

In a significant ruling, the Madras High Court has recognised cryptocurrency as a 'property' under Indian law, that is capable of being possessed and held in trust, paving the way for courts to intervene in crypto disputes, according to experts.

Secretary, DFS Highlights New Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters at India Exim Bank Seminar in Kochi

Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Government of India highlighted Government of India (GOI)’s new Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE) to strengthen exporters’ resilience amid global trade uncertainties, at Exim Bank’s Seminar on ‘Redefining Growth: Strategies for Inclusive and Resilient Economic Development in Asia-Pacific’ on November 17, 2025, in Kochi, Kerala.

Axis Bank Strengthens Support for India's Start-Up Ecosystem with the Launch of its Curated Corporate Salary Program

Axis Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks, today announced the launch of its Curated Corporate Salary Program for Employees of Startups under its New Economy Group (NEG). The launch reinforces the Bank’s commitment to supporting new-age enterprises and their workforce with tailored financial, lifestyle, and wellness offerings, further cementing its position as the preferred banking partner for startups across their life cycle — from the growth stage to IPO.

Canara Bank conducts PM JanSuraksha Saturation Campaign at Kodigehalli, Bengaluru Rural

Canara Bank organized a Financial Inclusion Saturation Camp at Kodigehalli Gram Panchayat, Doddaballapura Block, Bengaluru Rural District, Karnataka, as part of the ongoing PM JanSuraksha Saturation Campaign (July 1 – September 30, 2025). The camp witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 700 customers, representing nine neighbouring villages.

Ms Mini T. M. assumes charge as Executive Director of Indian Bank

Ms Mini T.M. has assumed charge as Executive Director of Indian Bank on 24th November, 2025.

De-Dollarization

The US dollar's status has always offered two unique advantages: unparalleled liquidity and the deep trust of global institutions. Since the end of the Second World War, nations have held dollars as reserves, settled trade in dollars, and watched as the currency became the hammer for American economic and political power.

India's Big Bank Merger 2.0

India stands at a defining juncture in its banking journey. As the economy accelerates towards the ambitious $5 trillion target, the demand for robust, well-capitalised, and globally competitive banks has never been more pressing. Public Sector Banks (PSBs), which still account for over 70% of India's banking system, face the dual challenge of supporting mega infrastructure projects while also catering to financial inclusion and MSME credit needs.

India's Fiscal Discipline: A Path to Economic Stability and Growth

A fiscal deficit occurs when a government's total expenditures exceed its total revenues, excluding money from borrowings, within a specific fiscal period, usually a year. It essentially indicates that the government is spending more than it is earning from taxes and other sources of income.

Tackling Trade-Based Money Laundering in the Modern Financial Landscape

TBML schemes can also involve misrepresenting the price, quantity, or type of goods or services in trade transactions. In misrepresentation schemes, the parties involved in the trade transaction may under or over invoice goods or services; issue multiple invoices for the same goods or services.

Synergistic Financing: Unlocking Co- Lending Potential

Co-lending is an arrangement where multiple lenders, typically a bank and a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), partner to provide loans to borrowers. This helps increase lending capacity and reduces risk for individual lenders. Each lender sets their own terms and conditions.

SEBI's game-changing mutual-fund reform

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has fired the opening shot in what could become the most consequential cost reform in Indian finance since liberalisation. Its October 2025 consultation paper on the comprehensive review of the Mutual Fund Regulations, 1996 does more than tweak numbers, it redefines purpose.

The slow game of unclaimed money

Few things are more painful than knowing your family's savings exist but remain out of reach.

Monetary policy calls for robust risk management

The wider autonomy granted to banks is a remarkable feature of the new policy.

RBI CIRCULAR

Amendments to Directions - Compounding of Contraventions under FEMA, 1999 November 24, 2025