Context: Bandhan Bank has partnered with Bharat Connect, the digital payments platform of NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd. (NBBL), to streamline EMI repayments for its loan customers. This move aims to strengthen the bank’s digital-first approach and promote financial inclusion across India. Key Highlights:
Private Banks Lag Public Banks in Market Capitalisation
Source: BS Context: According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, private sector banks in India underperformed their government-owned counterparts in market capitalisation during July–September 2025, primarily due to trade uncertainties and corporate lending exposure. Market Capitalization (MCAP) MCAP stands for Market Capitalization. It is a measure of the total value of a publicly traded company’s outstanding shares in the stock market. Formula: Market Capitalization (MCAP)=Current Share Price × Total Number of Outstanding Share Private Sector Banks Performance: Reason for Underperformance: Public Sector Banks Performance Reason for Outperformance:
Mission for Atmanirbharta in Pulses
Context: The Union Cabinet approved a ₹ 11,440 crore Mission for Atmanirbharta in Pulses, aimed at boosting domestic pulse production, reducing import reliance, and strengthening India’s food security, nutrition, and environmental sustainability. Pulses are central to the Indian diet, providing protein and micronutrients, but India remains dependent on imports: Challenges in Pulse Production Mission Interventions (2025–26 to 2030–31) Benefits
RBI Slaps Penalties on American Express and HDB Financial Services
Source: ET Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed monetary penalties on American Express Banking Corp and HDB Financial Services Ltd for violating regulatory guidelines. The action was taken after statutory inspections and supervisory evaluations revealed instances of non-compliance. Key Highlights: RBI Norms Involved
Zoho Payments to Launch Physical POS Devices in India
Source: BL Context: Zoho Payments, the fintech subsidiary of Chennai-based SaaS major Zoho, is set to expand its offerings by launching physical Point of Sale (POS) devices and sound boxes to enable credit/debit card and QR code-based payments. This move marks a significant step in Zoho’s strategy to deepen its presence in the payments and fintech ecosystem. Fintech (Financial Technology): Definition, Scope & Importance Fintech, short for Financial Technology, refers to the use of technology and innovation to improve, automate, and simplify financial services. It integrates software, data analytics, and digital platforms to make banking, investing, payments, and insurance more efficient and accessible. Examples – UPI, PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm. In simple terms, fintech makes financial services faster, cheaper, and more user-friendly through digital solutions. Point of Sale (POS) Devices A Point of Sale (POS) device is a machine or system used by merchants to accept payments from customers at the time of purchase. It serves as the final touchpoint in a sales transaction, allowing payments through credit cards, debit cards, UPI, or mobile wallets instead of cash. Key Features of POS Devices
India Launches Foreign Currency Settlement System at GIFT IFSC
Source: Mint Context: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the foreign currency settlement system at GIFT City International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) during the Global Fintech Fest 2025. The system aims to enable real-time settlement of foreign currency transactions, improve liquidity management, and ensure regulatory compliance. Key Features
SEBI Considers Bringing Family Offices Under Regulatory
Source: Mint Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has started discussions about potentially regulating family offices in India. This comes as family-run conglomerates and billionaires increasingly influence the capital markets through investments in publicly traded securities. What are Family Offices? A family office is a private investment and wealth management entity established by ultra-high-net-worth families to manage their assets, investments, taxation, and philanthropy. Globally, family offices manage trillions of dollars in assets, acting as institutional investors in equity, debt, and alternative asset markets. Proposed Measures Under Discussion:
RBI Allows Banks to Fund Corporate Acquisitions
Source: BS Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), on 1 October, proposed allowing banks to finance corporate acquisitions. This is a big change, as banks were previously restricted from this area. The move is expected to make capital cheaper and more available for companies and investors. Background Key Provisions in the Proposal Expected Impact on the Market Regulatory Safeguards The RBI is expected to enforce:
Indian Banks to Overhaul Business Correspondent (BC) Network
Source: BS Context: India’s Business Correspondent (BC) network, the world’s largest boots-on-the-ground channel with 2.5 million agents, is set for a significant revamp. The network is critical for delivering banking services to rural and remote areas. Key Developments: Who Are Business Correspondents (BCs)? Business Correspondents (BCs) are retail agents appointed by banks to provide banking and financial services in areas where it is not viable for banks to open a full-fledged branch.They act as representatives of banks and facilitate financial inclusion by delivering basic banking services at the doorstep of customers, especially in rural and remote areas. Functions of Business Correspondents BCs provide a range of services on behalf of banks, including: Regulatory Framework Challenges in the Current BC Model: Potential Reforms:
SEBI Launches Validated UPI Handles to Secure Investor Payments
Source: Mint Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced @valid UPI handles and the SEBI Check tool to help investors ensure payments are made only to SEBI-registered intermediaries, reducing fraud risk in the securities market. Key Features: Significance:
