Saloni Shukla

HDFC Bank is currently investigating potential leaks of confidential information to social media and other outsiders. This internal review aims to assess compliance with the bank's code of conduct and governance standards. The investigation specifically examines communications involving senior management and other sensitive issues. HDFC Bank confirmed the review process after allegations arose regarding two senior executives' involvement.

Indian banks have recently engaged in significant M&A deals after the central bank eased financing rules. State Bank of India and other lenders are now financing up to 75% of deal values. The acquisition-financing market is estimated at nearly ₹2 lakh crore due to increased demand. Various large transactions include Crystal Crop Protection's acquisition of FMC Corporation's India business and others.

Indian banks have financed about a dozen M&A deals involving more than ₹10,000 crore in acquisition funding after the central bank eased takeover-financing rules effective July 1, people familiar with the matter told ET.

The RBI has asked financial entities to remove management and administrative interfaces from public internet access, enforce multi-factor authentication for administrative access, and restrict access to cloud and backend systems on a least-privilege basis. The measures include auditing source code, repositories, configuration files, client applications and cloud storage for exposed credentials, and immediately rotating and purging compromised credentials.

YES Bank's bondholders have not received recent coupon payments which were due shortly after a court ruling. The Supreme Court restored the value of these bonds, raising uncertainty among investors. Bondholders have requested that the trustee clarify the status of unpaid coupons. Another coupon payment is also approaching, adding to the urgency of the situation. Bondholders expect payments to proceed in accordance with the court's ruling and official guidelines.

The National Housing Bank (NHB) has appointed ASA & Associates LLP to conduct a forensic audit of SRG Housing Finance amid allegations of fictitious loan accounts worth ₹300–400 crore, repayment record manipulation and possible fund diversion. The investigation will examine loan disbursements, borrower identities, asset classifications and fund usage, with findings potentially shaping regulatory action and the lenders financial outlook.

SBI Cards reported a 75% year-on-year profit increase to Rs 778 crore in Q2 FY27, driven by lower credit costs and improved asset quality. However, corporate card spending declined, receivables contracted, and net interest margins narrowed.

HDFC Bank and Axis Bank together accounted for nearly 43% of the net additions during September, adding 539,878 cards between them. The two private sector lenders emerged as the largest contributors to fresh additions, followed by SBI Cards.

Unified Fintech Forum is developing a framework to encourage best practices among technology service providers. This initiative aims to improve cybersecurity preparedness and operational resilience in the fintech sector. Banks and fintech companies increasingly rely on third-party vendors for various services and their failures can impact regulated entities. Registration with the Forum may provide these vendors with preference during selection by financial institutions.

Working-capital demand from banks has increased significantly due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Higher raw-material costs and elongated shipping timelines have led to greater funding needs for corporates. Mid- and large-sized companies reported a 12-20% increase in working-capital requirements. Several private sector banks have recorded strong growth in corporate lending during the recent quarter. This momentum was driven primarily by working capital needs and refinancing efforts.