MICROFINANCE SECTOR
Fusion Finance swings to Rs 86.5 crore profit as asset quality improves
Fusion Finance reported a net profit of Rs 86.5 crore in Q2, reversing a year-ago loss of Rs 22.1 crore. Gross NPAs improved to 1.6%, AUM grew 14%, and NIM expanded to 12.5%.
Spandana Sphoorty makes profit in Q2 against a loss year-ago
Spandana Sphoorty Financial reported consolidated Q2 profit of Rs 18 crore, reversing a Rs 249 crore year-ago loss. Assets under management grew 31% to Rs 5,364 crore, while improving asset quality reduced gross and net NPAs.
UP looks beyond Lucknow to boost startups, MSMEs as Aavishkaar, Intellecap partner with Invest UP
With more than 11.5 million MSMEs across the state, Uttar Pradesh is looking beyond its established startup centres to build a wider enterprise ecosystem. A new Invest UP partnership with Aavishkaar Foundation and Intellecap aims to take capital, advisory support and market connections closer to entrepreneurs across its districts.
ESAF Small Finance Bank posts Rs 160 crore Q2 profit as asset quality improves
ESAF Small Finance Bank reported a net profit of Rs 160 crore in Q2, reversing a Rs 116 crore loss in the year-ago period. Improved margins, lower provisions and stronger asset quality supported the turnaround, while advances and deposits grew 25% and 24%, respectively.
Satin Creditcare Q2 profit surges over three-fold as asset quality improves
Satin Creditcare Network reported a more than three-fold rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 176 crore in the second quarter, helped by lower microfinance provisions, portfolio growth and improved asset quality. Its gross NPA ratio improved to 1.9% from 3.5% a year earlier, signalling a recovery from earlier stress.
Bandhan Bank denies acquisition talks with First Abu Dhabi Bank
Bandhan Bank has denied reports of acquisition-related discussions with First Abu Dhabi Bank, calling its reference in a news report factually "incorrect". The lender said it was not involved in any such discussions or proposal.
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These large-, mid- and small-cap stocks can give more than 20% return in 1 year, according to analysts
There is really no doubt about what will happen in the short term. It is going to be tough. Trying to guess the exact day when things will improve is a waste of effort. But a frightened market is exactly when it helps to look the other way. Because markets go too far in both directions, not only the one that is hurting today.

CreditAccess Grameen Q2 profit jumps fourfold to Rs 502 crore
CreditAccess Grameen reported a fourfold rise in Q2 net profit to Rs 502 crore, driven by higher income, lower expenses and credit costs. Improved asset quality prompted upward revisions to profitability guidance, while assets under management grew 19.5%.

NBFC stocks in focus: Rising funding costs threaten margins despite robust loan growth and asset quality
The non-banking financial companies (NBFC) sector is set to enjoy robust earnings, thanks to strong credit demand and consistent asset quality. Nonetheless, the latter half of Financial Year 2026-27 could pose challenges with rising interest rates leading to higher funding costs. Analysts emphasize that successfully managing these costs will be key to sustaining growth, advising cautious investment in resilient NBFCs amid changing market dynamics.

Bandhan Fin to explore health insurance foray post stabilisation of recent acquisitions: Chairman Ghosh
Bandhan Financial Services is exploring opportunities in the health insurance sector after recent acquisitions. The company intends to focus on consolidating its existing businesses before expanding further. Recent acquisitions include IDFC Mutual Fund and Aegon Life Insurance, which will need to be streamlined. A parliamentary panel has suggested introducing a composite insurance license for better market penetration. The group is also considering investment banking and wealth management opportunities.

Axis Bank appoints former HDFC Bank veteran Rahul Shukla to head Commercial, Bharat Banking
Axis Bank has appointed Rahul Shukla as the group head of Commercial and Bharat Banking, effective October 19. He brings over three decades of banking experience, previously working at HDFC Bank and Citibank. Shukla's role will focus on accelerating growth and customer relationships in rural and semi-urban markets.

IHC, First Abu Dhabi eye stake in Bandhan Bank promoter
Early investors GIC & IFC jointly hold 30% in Bandhan Financial Services (BFSL), keen to exit. PE funds tapped too to gauge strategic interest. BFSL, led by Bandhan founder Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, has been working with advisers Jefferies to find strategic investors for 25-32%.

CEA Nageswaran pitches for MSME-specific approach to NPA classification norms
V Anantha Nageswaran emphasized the need to revise non-performing asset classification norms for micro, small and medium enterprises. He highlighted that existing norms do not consider diverse cash flow cycles and working capital requirements. The Chief Economic Advisor pointed out that a uniform global framework is unsuitable for India’s business practices. Additionally, he suggested reducing compliance costs for MSMEs to improve their operational efficiency.

Bank profits may rise 25% in Q2FY27, margins to recover gradually in second half: Report
According to a report by Emkay Research, Indian banks might report a 25.4 percent year-on-year increase in net profit. Higher foreign currency deposits could exert pressure on lending margins, impacting profitability. Loan growth remains healthy, contributing to income increases and reduced provisions for loan losses. Overall banking system growth is anticipated to moderate as FCNR-B funding normalizes.

Weak rains clouds recovery in Rs 3.3 lakh crore microfinance sector
India's microfinance sector, with a market worth ₹3.30 lakh crore, is encountering credit risk hurdles. Key factors include inconsistent rainfall and drought in critical states such as Karnataka and Maharashtra, which deeply influence the agricultural economy tied to rural borrowers. In response, some institutions are exercising caution by closely monitoring high-risk areas, yet the lack of loan protection further exacerbates the financial risks involved.

NFO Insight: Aditya Birla Sun Life Financial Services Sectoral Debt Fund opens for subscription. Is it the right time to invest?
Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund has launched a sectoral debt fund focused on financial services, with relatively high interest rate risk and moderate credit risk. Experts say investors should weigh the fund’s sector concentration and limited track record against potential benefits from attractive yields, while considering diversified debt options for core allocations.

S&P projects 12-14% credit growth this fiscal, warns weak monsoon may hit rural lending
S&P Global forecasts a 12-14% increase in financial sector lending despite potential slowdowns in rural areas. Concerns about weak monsoon rains may negatively impact rural incomes and lending. A projected GDP growth of 7% for India in FY27 reflects steady public investment and improved private sector investments. Economic activity remains strong, although headwinds like inflation could constrain momentum.

S&P sees 12-14% credit growth in India despite rural stress risks
S&P has projected credit growth of 12-14% in India's financial sector, emphasizing concerns about rural credit growth. The potential impact of weak monsoons on agricultural earnings could further exacerbate credit challenges. Economic activity exhibits resilience, supported by strong capital positions of banks and lenders. Public investment remains steady while private investment focuses on specific sectors, showing improvement. Inflation is projected at 5.1% for FY27, amidst challenges from global factors.

Indian banks face a Q2 paradox: FCNR boosts loan growth but margins shrink
Indian banks are heading into the Q2 earnings season with strong loan growth, helped by FCNR(B) deposit inflows, but margins are likely to remain under pressure. Analysts expect healthy earnings growth on lower credit costs and stable asset quality, while favouring large private banks such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank.

Indian banks' Q2FY27 earnings seen rising 11%; FCNR deposits may weigh on margins: Kotak
Indian banks are projected to see an 11 percent year-on-year growth in earnings for the second quarter of FY27. The report anticipates that private sector banks will perform better than public sector banks during this period. Deposit growth is supported by significant FCNR inflows, which may temporarily decrease net interest margins. The outlook for asset quality remains stable, with no major signs of deterioration reported.

These large-, mid- & small-cap stocks can give more than 20% return in 1 year, according to analysts
Oil prices are still up, and so are bond yields, both in the US and in other major markets. And fresh troubles seem to crop up somewhere or the other in the world. That is the reality, and there is no use pretending otherwise. The fact remains that we are living in a world where there is a readjustment taking place. And that is always painful.

Macquarie sees strong earnings recovery for banks, picks 5 stocks to outperform
Macquarie expects Indian banks to deliver 18% EPS growth in FY28, supported by higher margins, stronger loan demand, easing liquidity pressures and stable asset quality. The brokerage upgraded Bank of Baroda, Kotak Mahindra Bank and select financial stocks.

Strong growth for NEDFI during FY 2025–26
NEDFI maintained a strong financial performance during the year, with gross income growing by 4.40% to Rs. 270.82 crore. Interest income increased by 9.73% to Rs. 214.94 crore, while profit before tax stood at Rs. 127.77 crore and net profit at Rs. 92.23 crore.

Share of high-value micro loans rise: Report
The share of high-value microfinance loans above ₹75,000 to individual borrowers rose to 41% in Q1 FY27, from 28% a year earlier, as lenders increasingly focused on existing borrowers with established credit histories.

Who is Michael Kremer, the Nobel laureate set to become World Bank’s next chief economist?
Nobel laureate Michael Kremer will become the World Bank's next chief economist. He is recognized for his experimental approach to alleviating global poverty. Kremer's work has focused on innovations in education and healthcare. He will assume his new role on October 1st. This appointment comes as the organization faces significant development challenges.

First-time borrowers deepen credit reach: Credit uptake among eligible Indians more than doubled to 74% in March from 35% in 2017
Consumer durable loans are leading new-to-credit customers into institutional borrowing. Gold loans and microfinance also significantly contribute to this growing credit access. Institutional credit penetration is expanding beyond major cities into smaller locations. India's retail credit portfolio has seen substantial year-on-year expansion. This trend indicates increasing financial inclusion for many Indian citizens.

Indian banks' names keep fading from your loan documents
The landscape of retail lending is shifting as non-bank lenders swiftly embrace smaller ticket personal and consumer durable loans. NBFCs and fintech firms are not just leading originations by both volume and value; they are redefining lending opportunities as the economy continues to develop. Banks are still integral, providing necessary funding to NBFCs and utilizing securitization, contributing to a dynamic credit ecosystem with expanded avenues for access.

Fairfax to exit IIFL Finance before likely IDBI Bank deal; Blackstone emerges as suitor
Fairfax Financial Holdings is considering selling its IIFL Finance stake. This move supports its planned acquisition of IDBI Bank Ltd. The Canadian firm is in talks with private equity firms for this potential sale. This transaction is part of a larger strategy for the Indian banking sector. The company aims to consolidate its Indian lending investments after the acquisition.

Funding skew deepens in microfinance
Large microfinance companies received 98.1% of sector funding in Q1. This funding concentration reflects financiers playing safer during uncertain economic cycles. Smaller institutions face tighter liquidity and higher borrowing costs, impacting recovery pace. Banks contributed 80.4% of the Rs 21,407 crore debt funding received. NBFC-MFIs remain the largest micro-credit provider with a 44.3% market share.
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