AT A CROSSROADS

BANKS ARE FACING CHALLENGES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BALANCE SHEET-ASSETS AS WELL AS LIABILITIES-WHICH ARE PUTTING PRESSURE ON MARGINS.

- ANAND ADHIKARI

THE 29TH BT-KPMG SURVEY OF INDIA'S BEST BANKS AND NBFCS CELEBRATES INSTITUTIONS THAT HAVE THRIVED AND EXCELLED DESPITE THESE CHALLENGES

IN A FINANCIAL services landscape fraught with interest rate and liquidity risks, India's banking sector currently finds itself at a crossroads. The sudden decline in the share of low-cost current account and savings account (CASA) deposits is forcing banks to rethink their strategies. To attract funds, these lenders may need to raise deposit rates-a move that risks narrowing net interest margins (NIMS) and squeezing profitability. Simultaneously, surging unsecured loans now face tighter capital requirements from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). And the micro-loans segment-once seen as a goldmine of fresh credit-is grappling with rising delinquencies, signalling a turning credit cycle.

The stock market valuations of banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) players, too, have corrected in a big way with the sector underperforming in the market.

This is the high-stakes environment in which banks and non-banking financial companies or NBFCs often operate as cycles turn, where navigating a delicate balance between growth, cost efficiency, and customer service becomes the key differentiator. There are some players that have not only endured these headwinds but have excelled. The BT-KPMG Survey of India's Best Banks and NBFCs for 2023-24 shines a spotlight on these stars of resilience and innovation, celebrating their ability to redefine excellence in the face of adversity. (See graphic 'Celebrating the Champions').

THE CHALLENGE OF LIABILITIES