Joel Rebello

Banks' leverage on FCNR(B) deposits could pressure profit margins. Overseas interest rates are lower, and lending spreads remain thin. This impacts banks with lower funding costs, like ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank. The FCNR(B) scheme has mobilized over $32 billion by mid-July. Deployment of these funds profitably is key for banks' success.

State Bank of India and HDFC Bank are raising significant dollar funds. These large Indian banks are borrowing from foreign institutions to boost reserves. The banks aim to leverage the Reserve Bank of India's special dollar attraction facility. This move allows them to attract overseas client deposits without hedging costs. Both institutions are actively participating in the international dollar funding market.

State Bank of India raised Rs 4,691 crore through Basel III-compliant Additional Tier 1 bonds at a 7.75% annual coupon. The issue received bids exceeding twice the base size, reflecting strong demand from institutional investors across multiple domestic financial segments.

Banks now have until October 1 to implement new differential interest rate rules. These norms allow varied rates on bulk deposits considering liquidity coverage ratios. The Reserve Bank of India has extended the implementation deadline after bank feedback. Rates for deposits under Rs 3 crore remain outside these new stipulations. Banks must now disclose bulk deposit rates online by 10:00 am daily.

Avaada Group secured ₹12,800 crore financing from three major lenders. This funding will support 2.15 GW of renewable energy projects in Gujarat and Maharashtra. These new projects will commence commercial operations starting March 2027. The financing covers hybrid renewable energy and solar capacity developments. The loans have an aggregate tenure of 21.5 years.

Banking credit to industries showed robust growth, increasing 19.2 percent year on year. Personal loan growth also remained strong, rising 16 percent compared to last year.

Punjab National Bank is set to secure a substantial one billion dollars through a five-year loan arrangement. This initiative is being coordinated with international financiers to enhance participation. The loan will be eligible for the Reserve Bank of India's special swap facility. Indian banks are eager to tap into dollar funds to capitalize on overseas client deposits, targeting potential leveraged investors in the forex-deposit program.

Banks are raising FCNR(B) deposit rates to attract dollars amid global rate increases. ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank have already adjusted their offerings for dollar deposits. Higher overseas borrowing costs and market competition necessitate these rate adjustments. Global benchmark rates have risen since the scheme's operationalization in June. This special scheme for attracting foreign currency closes on September 30.

Bank loans for India's technology infrastructure sector have doubled in two years. This growth reflects India's position as a global hub for data centers. Loans to IT services and digital infrastructure rose significantly year on year. This expansion is driven by data centers, GCCs, and IT enabled services. These segments are now showing robust growth in bank credit.

HSBC India's profit before tax rose four percent in the first half of 2026. Higher revenue from corporate and institutional banking fueled this significant profit increase. The bank's wealth and premier banking division, however, saw profits drop sharply. HSBC India also led in mobilising foreign currency deposits under a special RBI scheme. Globally, HSBC reported a substantial twenty-three percent rise in pre-tax profit.