Latest News on Punjab National Bank
JPBEF announces the election of its new leadership team
The Jammu Province Bank Employees Federation (JPBEF) recently concluded its 4th conference at the Indian Institute of Public Administration in Jammu. The two-day event was attended by approximately 150 delegates and observers from various affiliated bank unions and units across the Jammu region. The conference began with an inaugural session, which was attended and inaugurated by C H Venkatchalam, general secretary of the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA). Venkatchalam unfurled the AIBEA flag and lit the traditional lamp, marking the start of the conference.
During the organizational session, the conference unanimously elected new office bearers and central committee members. Tara Singh, from Punjab National Bank, was re-elected as president of the Federation. Raghav Abrol, Lati Ram, and Anil Sotra were elected as vice-presidents, while Arun Kumar Gupta was elected as general secretary. Other key positions were filled by Yogesh Kumar and Harminder Singh as secretaries, Avtar Singh as organizing secretary, and Lucky Jamwal as treasurer.
The conference also elected several assistant secretaries, including Sachin Hans, Sonu Kumar, and Sahil Samnotra. Additionally, five central committee members were elected, including Karan Dogra, Kewal Kumar, Anil Verma, Mukesh Verma, and Sanjeev Sucha. The newly elected office bearers and committee members will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the JPBEF and addressing the concerns of bank employees in the Jammu region.
The conference was a significant event, bringing together representatives from various banks and unions to discuss key issues and elect new leadership. The unanimous election of the new office bearers and committee members demonstrates the unity and cooperation among the members of the JPBEF. The Federation will continue to work towards promoting the interests of bank employees and addressing their concerns, under the leadership of its newly elected office bearers. Overall, the conference was a success, marking an important milestone in the history of the JPBEF.
Upcoming Q3 earnings: Kotak Bank, BHEL, IndiGo, and Hind Zinc set to announce results next week – here are the key dates
The week starting January 19 is expected to be a busy one for corporate earnings, with several major companies across various sectors announcing their financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2025. On Monday, January 19, Punjab National Bank (PNB), IRFC, LTIMindtree, Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL), Hindustan Zinc, and Havells India are among the companies that will report their earnings. Tata Capital and Oberoi Realty will also announce their numbers on the same day.
On Tuesday, January 20, United Spirits, SRF, AU Small Finance Bank, Persistent Systems, Gujarat Gas, IndiaMart InterMesh, and CreditAccess Grameen are scheduled to report their earnings. Wednesday, January 21, will see results from Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Tata Communications, Dalmia Bharat, Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL), Bank of India, UTI Asset Management, and Canara HSBC Life Insurance.
Thursday, January 22, will feature results from InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo), DLF, Bandhan Bank, CAMS, Coforge, and Home First Finance. On Friday, January 23, JSW Steel, Bharat Petroleum (BPCL), IndusInd Bank, Cipla, Adani Green Energy, Urban Company, and Piramal Finance will announce their numbers. The week will conclude with Kotak Mahindra Bank and UltraTech Cement reporting their earnings on Saturday, January 24.
Some of the key companies to watch out for during the week include Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank, which have already announced or are set to announce their earnings. The banking sector will be in focus, with several public and private sector banks reporting their numbers. The IT sector will also be closely watched, with companies like LTIMindtree and Persistent Systems announcing their earnings. Overall, the week is expected to provide valuable insights into the performance of various sectors and companies, and will be closely watched by investors and analysts.
Which Public Sector Bank is likely to emerge as the top performer in the current financial year?
The banking sector is expected to be in the spotlight as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25% on December 5. This move is likely to have a significant impact on the monetary structure of the banking sector, leading to lower interest rates for consumers on loans such as home loans and car loans.
As the season of financial results declaration is underway, several public sector banks are set to release their financial results for the December-end quarter. The Bank of India, Union Bank of India, IDBI Bank, and Central Bank of India have announced the dates for the declaration of their financial results as January 21, January 14, January 17, and January 16, respectively.
However, the three largest public sector banks (PSBs) – State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), and Bank of Baroda – have yet to announce the dates for the declaration of their financial results. Despite this, investors and analysts can draw some expectations from the previous quarter’s results.
The reduction in the repo rate is expected to boost the banking sector’s performance, as it will lead to lower borrowing costs for banks and increased lending to consumers and businesses. This, in turn, is likely to have a positive impact on the banks’ net interest income and profitability.
The upcoming financial results of the public sector banks will be closely watched by investors, analysts, and regulators, as they will provide insights into the impact of the RBI’s monetary policy decisions on the banking sector. The results will also provide a glimpse into the banks’ asset quality, capital adequacy, and overall financial health.
Overall, the banking sector is expected to be in focus in the coming weeks, with the financial results of public sector banks providing valuable insights into the sector’s performance and the impact of the RBI’s policy decisions. As the largest PSBs, SBI, PNB, and Bank of Baroda, are yet to announce their results, their declarations will be closely watched by the market.
Stock Market Updates of Punjab National Bank
Recent Updates
After a 5-year decline, state-run banks see a surge in employee numbers, while private banks experience a 0.9% workforce reduction
The Indian banking sector has seen a shift in employee counts, with public sector banks adding 13,179 employees to reach 9,70,437 in FY25, while private banks saw a 0.86% drop to 8,38,150 employees. State-run banks, which had earlier focused on consolidation and improving balance sheets, have now started to expand their headcount. The largest public sector bank, State Bank of India (SBI), added 3,930 employees to reach 2,36,226 in FY25. SBI plans to hire 18,000 more employees in FY26, including 13,500 clerical posts and 3,000 probationary officers.
The government’s consolidation efforts, which began in 2017 with the merger of five associate banks with SBI, have continued with the merger of 12 banks into four larger entities in 2020. There are talks of a third wave of mergers to reduce the total number of banks to four core anchors. Recently, SBI hired over 1,000 probationary officers and plans to continue hiring.
Among other public sector banks, Punjab National Bank added 397 employees to reach 1,02,746, while Central Bank of India saw a marginal uptick in employee count to 33,081. However, Bank of Baroda and Canara Bank saw a decline in employee count. In the private sector, ICICI Bank saw a significant decline of 7.13% in employee count to 1,30,957, while HDFC Bank added 994 employees to reach 2,14,521. Axis Bank added 121 employees to reach 1,04,453.
The overall headcount in the banking system rose to 18,08,587 from 17,87,566 in FY24. Foreign banks’ employee count stood at 28,041, while small finance banks had 1,77,797 employees, with AU Bank being the largest employer with 50,946. The payments banks had 6,958 employees. The banking sector’s employee count is expected to continue to evolve with the ongoing consolidation and technological advancements.
Eight banks, including PNB, Indian Bank, ICICI Bank, and Jana SFB, have revised their fixed deposit rates, with seniors now eligible for up to 8.00% interest.
The Indian government has maintained the interest rates for small savings schemes for the last quarter of the fiscal year 2024-25. However, several banks have reduced their fixed deposit (FD) rates. In the week ending January 3, 2026, eight banks, including Punjab National Bank (PNB), Indian Bank, and ICICI Bank, among others, revised their FD rates.
For senior citizens, the revised rates vary across banks. Punjab National Bank (PNB), a public sector bank, revised its rates on January 1, 2026. Senior citizens can earn a maximum interest rate of 6.90%, while super seniors (80 years and above) can earn up to 7.20%. The revised rates for seniors at PNB are as follows: 6.60% for one year, 6.80% for more than one year to 389 days, 6.90% for 390 days, and 6.80% for 391 days to 505 days.
The rates for seniors at PNB are also 6.80% for 506 days, 6.80% for 507 days to two years, and 6.80% for more than two years to three years. For longer tenures, the rates are 6.60% for more than three years to 1203 days, 6.55% for 1,204 days, and 6.60% for 1,205 days to five years. The rates for tenures exceeding five years are 6.80% for more than five years to 1894 days, 6.80% for 1,895 days, and 6.80% for 1,896 days to 10 years.
Super seniors at PNB can earn 0.30% (30 basis points) higher interest rates than seniors for tenures up to five years. However, for longer tenures, the rates are the same for both seniors and super seniors. It is essential for senior citizens to review the revised rates and tenures offered by various banks to make informed decisions about their fixed deposits. The reduction in FD rates by several banks may impact the returns on investment for senior citizens, and they should consider these changes when planning their investments.
India Plans to Consolidate State-Run Banks in Next Phase of Mergers, Aiming to Create Lenders of Global Proportions
The Government of India is preparing for the next round of consolidation of public sector banks (PSU banks) with the goal of creating large, globally competitive lenders. The aim is to support India’s long-term economic ambitions and achieve the vision of a developed India by 2047. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has emphasized the need for several large, world-class banks to raise capital, compete globally, and finance large infrastructure and development projects.
Currently, India has 12 public sector banks, with the State Bank of India (SBI) being the largest, ranking 43rd among the world’s top 50 banks. PSU banks account for nearly 60% of the country’s total banking business, making them strategically important in India’s financial system. The government is considering merging small and mid-sized PSU banks with larger lenders, with banks such as Indian Overseas Bank, UCO Bank, and Bank of Maharashtra potentially being merged with larger banks like SBI, Punjab National Bank, or Bank of Baroda.
This is not the first round of consolidation in the Indian banking sector. Since 2017, the number of PSU banks has decreased from 27 to 12 through a series of mergers. Key mergers include the merger of United Bank of India and Oriental Bank of Commerce with Punjab National Bank, and the merger of Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank with Bank of Baroda. SBI has also absorbed five associate banks and Bharatiya Mahila Bank, expanding its balance sheet and branch network.
In addition to consolidation, the government is also progressing with the strategic disinvestment of IDBI Bank. The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) Secretary has indicated that the transaction is expected to be completed by March 2026. The government had sold a 51% stake in IDBI Bank to LIC in 2019, and the remaining stake is now slated for sale to private investors. The goal of these efforts is to create a stronger and more competitive banking sector that can support India’s economic growth and development.
Senior citizens can earn up to 8% interest rate for a 3-year investment; check the complete list of participating banks.
For senior citizens investing for a period of three years, several banks are offering a fixed deposit (FD) rate of up to 8%. This is a significant incentive for seniors who are looking to grow their savings while minimizing risk.
The banks offering these high FD rates for senior citizens include major players in the banking industry. Some of the top banks offering up to 8% FD rates for seniors investing for three years are:
1. Bank of Baroda: Offering 7.75% to 7.95% interest rates for senior citizens, depending on the deposit amount and tenure.
2. Canara Bank: Providing 7.75% to 7.9% interest rates for senior citizens, with varying rates based on deposit amount and tenure.
3. Indian Bank: Offering 7.75% interest rate for senior citizens, with higher rates applicable for larger deposits.
4. Punjab National Bank: Giving 7.75% to 7.9% interest rates for senior citizens, depending on the deposit amount and tenure.
5. State Bank of India (SBI): Offering 7.6% to 7.8% interest rates for senior citizens, with varying rates based on deposit amount and tenure.
6. ICICI Bank: Providing 7.75% to 7.9% interest rates for senior citizens, with higher rates applicable for larger deposits and longer tenures.
7. HDFC Bank: Offering 7.75% to 7.9% interest rates for senior citizens, with varying rates based on deposit amount and tenure.
These high FD rates can help senior citizens earn substantial interest on their deposits, ensuring a steady income stream during their retirement years. It’s essential to note that the interest rates may vary depending on the bank, deposit amount, and tenure chosen.
Before investing, senior citizens should carefully review the terms and conditions of the FD, including any penalties for early withdrawal and the minimum deposit requirements. They should also consider their individual financial goals, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs before making a decision.
It’s worth mentioning that senior citizens can also explore other investment options, such as senior citizen savings schemes, provident funds, and pension plans, which may offer higher returns and additional benefits. However, FDs remain a popular choice for seniors due to their low-risk nature and fixed returns.
In conclusion, the high FD rates offered by banks for senior citizens can be an attractive option for those looking to grow their savings over a three-year period. Seniors should carefully evaluate the various options available, considering their individual financial needs and goals, before making an informed investment decision.
Budget Announcement on PSU Bank Consolidation: Expectations for IOB, UCO, BOI, BOM, and Central Bank Merger Plans
The Indian government is expected to make significant announcements regarding the merger of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) in the upcoming budget. The merger of banks such as Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), UCO Bank, Bank of India (BOI), Bank of Maharashtra (BOM), and Central Bank of India is anticipated to be a key aspect of the budget.
The government’s plan to merge PSBs aims to create larger and more efficient banks, which can compete with private sector banks. The merger is expected to lead to improved financial health, increased lending capabilities, and enhanced customer services. Additionally, the merger will help in reducing the number of PSBs, making them more manageable and allowing for better allocation of resources.
The merger of IOB, UCO, BOI, BOM, and Central Bank is seen as a significant step towards consolidation in the banking sector. The government has already merged several PSBs in the past, resulting in the creation of larger banks such as State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), and Canara Bank. The upcoming merger is expected to further strengthen the banking sector and improve its overall performance.
The budget announcement is expected to provide details on the merger, including the timeline, structure, and benefits for customers and employees. The government may also announce measures to support the merged banks, such as capital infusion, rationalization of branches, and implementation of new technologies. The merger is likely to have a significant impact on the banking sector, and the budget announcement will be closely watched by stakeholders, including customers, employees, and investors.
In recent years, the government has taken several steps to strengthen the banking sector, including the implementation of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and the establishment of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). The merger of PSBs is seen as a key aspect of this effort, aimed at creating a more robust and efficient banking system. The upcoming budget announcement is expected to provide further details on the government’s plans for the banking sector and the merger of PSBs.
Overall, the merger of PSBs is a significant development in the Indian banking sector, and the budget announcement is expected to provide important details on the government’s plans. The merger is likely to have a positive impact on the banking sector, leading to improved financial health, increased lending capabilities, and enhanced customer services. The government’s efforts to strengthen the banking sector are expected to continue, with the merger of PSBs being a key aspect of this effort.
An investigation into the alleged Union Bank fraud case, involving Anmol Ambani, is currently underway by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a fraud case against Jai Anmol Ambani, the elder son of Anil Ambani and chairman of the Reliance Group, for allegedly defrauding Union Bank of India of ₹228.06 crore. The case claims that companies linked to Reliance Home Finance Limited (RHFL) and Reliance Commercial Finance Limited (RCFL) obtained general-purpose corporate loans from the bank, but instead of using the funds as specified, they were diverted elsewhere, violating loan conditions. Jai Anmol, who was serving as Executive Director of Reliance Home Finance at the time, is accused of providing misleading information to the bank and breaching loan terms, along with other directors.
This is the first time Jai Anmol has been named as a direct accused in a significant criminal investigation. The CBI has filed a case against RHFL, RCFL, Jai Anmol, and other unidentified individuals under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prevention of Corruption Act. The complaint was filed directly by Union Bank.
The Anil Ambani-led ADA Group is already facing several fraud-related allegations involving multiple banks, including SBI, Yes Bank, and Punjab National Bank. In June 2025, SBI classified Reliance Communications (RCOM) and Anil Ambani as “fraud” accounts, citing loan defaults exceeding ₹40,000 crore. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has also barred Anil Ambani and 24 others from the securities market for five years, alleging diversion of over ₹5,000 crore from RHFL under the guise of loans.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached assets worth ₹10,117 crore related to the Reliance Group, including properties worth ₹1,120 crore belonging to companies associated with Anil Ambani, as part of an ongoing money-laundering probe. The ED has also summoned Anil Ambani in connection with a separate investigation into an alleged ₹17,000 crore loan fraud. Multiple cases are pending against Anil Ambani’s companies, including Reliance Communications, which has already gone bankrupt, and Reliance Capital and Reliance Infrastructure, which are undergoing insolvency proceedings in the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
Major Development in PSU Bank Consolidation: IOB, UCO, BOI, BOM, and Central Bank Under Consideration for Merger – What’s the Timeline for the Next Phase of PSB Consolidation?
The Indian government is planning to initiate the next phase of public sector bank (PSB) mergers, with several banks on the radar, including Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), UCO Bank, Bank of India (BOI), Bank of Maharashtra (BOM), and Central Bank of India. The merger of these banks is expected to be a significant step towards consolidation in the Indian banking sector.
The government had earlier merged 10 PSBs into four large banks, resulting in the creation of mega banks such as State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), Bank of Baroda (BoB), and Canara Bank. The merger aimed to create stronger and more competitive banks, with improved financial health and increased lending capacity.
The next phase of the merger is expected to be more challenging, as it involves banks with weaker financials. The government is likely to consider factors such as the banks’ financial performance, asset quality, and regional presence before deciding on the mergers. The merger process is expected to be completed in a phased manner, with the first phase likely to involve the merger of smaller banks.
The banks on the radar, including IOB, UCO Bank, BOI, BOM, and Central Bank of India, have been struggling with high non-performing assets (NPAs) and weak financial performance. The merger is expected to help these banks improve their financial health and increase their lending capacity.
The government has not yet announced a specific timeline for the next phase of the merger. However, it is expected to happen soon, as the government is keen to complete the consolidation process in the banking sector. The merger is also expected to lead to job losses, as the merged entity will likely have a reduced workforce.
The PSB merger is part of the government’s broader plan to reform the banking sector and improve its efficiency. The government has also announced several other measures, including the establishment of a bad bank to take over stressed assets and the introduction of a new bank licensing policy. The measures aim to strengthen the banking sector and improve its ability to support economic growth.
In conclusion, the next phase of the PSB merger is expected to involve the merger of several smaller banks, including IOB, UCO Bank, BOI, BOM, and Central Bank of India. The merger is expected to be a significant step towards consolidation in the Indian banking sector and is likely to lead to the creation of stronger and more competitive banks. However, the process is expected to be challenging, and the government will need to carefully consider the financial performance and asset quality of the banks involved.
Should SBI, PNB, and BOB Lead the Next PSU Bank Merger, and What’s the Future for BOI, IOB, BOM, and UCO?
The Indian government’s plan to merge public sector banks (PSBs) has been a topic of discussion in recent years. The goal is to create larger, more efficient banks that can compete with private sector banks. The recent merger of 10 PSBs into four larger banks has been seen as a success, with the merged entities showing improved financial performance. Now, the question is whether the big banks, such as State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), and Bank of Baroda (BOB), should take part in the next merger.
The government has indicated that the next phase of mergers will involve smaller banks, with Bank of India (BOI), Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), Bank of Maharashtra (BOM), and UCO Bank being considered. These banks have been struggling with high non-performing assets (NPAs) and low capital adequacy ratios. Merging them with larger banks like SBI, PNB, and BOB could help them gain scale and improve their financial health.
However, there are arguments against involving the big banks in the next merger. One concern is that it could lead to cultural and operational challenges, as the merged entities would have to integrate different systems and processes. Additionally, the big banks may not want to take on the burden of the smaller banks’ NPAs and other legacy issues.
On the other hand, involving the big banks in the merger could bring several benefits. It could help them expand their reach and customer base, and gain access to new markets and products. It could also help the government achieve its goal of creating fewer, larger banks that can compete with private sector banks.
The potential benefits of the merger for the smaller banks are clear. BOI, IOB, BOM, and UCO Bank would gain access to more resources, expertise, and technology, which could help them improve their financial performance and competitiveness. The merger could also help them reduce their NPAs and improve their capital adequacy ratios.
In conclusion, while there are valid arguments for and against involving the big banks in the next merger, the potential benefits of the merger for the smaller banks are significant. The government should carefully consider the pros and cons and make a decision that is in the best interest of the banking sector and the economy as a whole. If the big banks are involved in the merger, it could lead to the creation of even larger, more efficient banks that can compete with private sector banks and support the country’s economic growth.
Consolidation of PSU Banks: SBI Chief Suggests Additional Mergers Could Be Beneficial As Government Considers Major Overhaul | Business News
The chairman of the State Bank of India (SBI), CS Setty, has expressed support for the Indian government’s plan to merge smaller public sector banks with larger lenders. In an interview with Bloomberg, Setty stated that there is a need for further rationalization in the banking sector, as some smaller banks are still sub-scale. He suggested that another round of consolidation may not be a bad idea, which could lead to the next level of growth and scale in India’s financial space.
The government is considering a plan to merge several small lenders, including Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), Central Bank of India (CBI), Bank of India (BOI), and Bank of Maharashtra (BOM) with larger public sector banks such as Punjab National Bank (PNB), Bank of Baroda (BoB), and SBI. This proposed mega merger is aimed at supporting the next phase of credit expansion and financial sector reforms.
The plan is expected to be taken up at the Cabinet level and then examined by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). This renewed merger push diverges from NITI Aayog’s earlier suggestion to privatize or restructure smaller public sector banks. NITI Aayog had recommended that only a few large state-run lenders, including SBI, PNB, BoB, and Canara Bank, be retained under government control, while the remaining PSBs should either be merged, privatized, or have their government stake reduced.
The proposed merger is expected to drive growth and increase the efficiency of the banking sector. Setty’s support for the plan indicates that the banking industry is open to consolidation, which could lead to the creation of larger, more competitive banks. The government’s plan to merge smaller banks with larger lenders is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
The merger plan is also expected to support the next phase of credit expansion and financial sector reforms. The Indian government has been working to strengthen the banking sector and improve its efficiency, and the proposed merger is a key part of this effort. The plan is expected to be implemented in the near future, and it will be interesting to see how it unfolds and what impact it has on the banking sector.
Overall, the proposed merger of smaller public sector banks with larger lenders is a significant development in the Indian banking sector. It is expected to drive growth, increase efficiency, and support the next phase of credit expansion and financial sector reforms. The support of the SBI chairman for the plan indicates that the banking industry is open to consolidation, and the government’s plan is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
Latest Bank Update: Will Indian Overseas Bank, Central Bank of India, and Bank of India Merge with SBI and Canara Bank?
The Indian government is planning a major overhaul of the country’s banking system by merging smaller public sector banks with larger ones. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the need for a world-class banking system, with the goal of expanding Indian banks to become among the top global banks. The proposed mega-merger plan aims to create larger, more reliable public sector banks. Except for the State Bank of India, Canara Bank, Punjab National Bank, and Bank of Baroda, all other banks in the country could be merged.
Sitharaman stated that discussions have begun with banks to determine how they wish to proceed with the merger. The Reserve Bank of India is also being consulted to gather their views on creating larger banks. According to media reports, the second phase of the merger plan may involve merging Indian Overseas Bank, Central Bank of India, Bank of India, and Bank of Maharashtra with larger banks like Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, and State Bank of India.
This is not the first time the government has undertaken bank mergers. In 2017, five associate banks of SBI and Bharatiya Mahila Bank were merged with the State Bank of India. In 2019, Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank were merged with Bank of Baroda, and in 2020, Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank of India were merged with Punjab National Bank.
The merger is expected to have significant implications for both employees and account holders. While banking deposits, fixed deposits, interest rates, loans, and other services will remain unaffected, account holders may need to obtain new passbooks, chequebooks, and account numbers. Additionally, branch names and addresses may change, requiring customers to visit their bank branches to update their records. Overall, the government’s goal is to create a more robust and efficient banking system that can compete with global banks.
Fixed Deposit rates soar up to 8.05% for general public with 5-year investment term; Check out the complete list of banks
Fixed Deposit (FD) Rates Up to 8.05% for General Citizens Investing for Five Years
In a move to encourage savings and investments, several banks in the country have increased their fixed deposit (FD) interest rates. For general citizens investing for a period of five years, the interest rates can go up to 8.05%. This is a significant increase, making FDs an attractive option for those looking to grow their savings.
List of Banks Offering High FD Rates
Here is a list of banks offering high FD rates for a five-year investment period:
- DCB Bank: 8.05% interest rate for a five-year FD
- Yes Bank: 7.75% interest rate for a five-year FD
- IndusInd Bank: 7.75% interest rate for a five-year FD
- Kotak Mahindra Bank: 7.70% interest rate for a five-year FD
- Axis Bank: 7.60% interest rate for a five-year FD
- HDFC Bank: 7.55% interest rate for a five-year FD
- ICICI Bank: 7.50% interest rate for a five-year FD
- State Bank of India (SBI): 7.40% interest rate for a five-year FD
- Bank of Baroda: 7.35% interest rate for a five-year FD
- Punjab National Bank (PNB): 7.30% interest rate for a five-year FD
Benefits of Investing in FDs
Investing in FDs offers several benefits, including:
- Guaranteed returns: FDs offer a fixed interest rate, ensuring that your investment grows at a guaranteed rate.
- Low risk: FDs are a low-risk investment option, making them suitable for conservative investors.
- Liquidity: FDs can be easily liquidated, allowing you to access your funds when needed.
- Tax benefits: Interest earned on FDs is taxable, but you can claim a tax deduction on the interest income.
How to Invest in FDs
To invest in an FD, you can visit the website of the bank or visit a branch in person. You can also invest through mobile banking or online banking platforms. The minimum deposit amount and investment period may vary depending on the bank and the type of FD.
Overall, investing in FDs can be a great way to grow your savings and earn a fixed income. With interest rates up to 8.05% for a five-year investment period, now is a good time to consider investing in an FD.
Banks are placing early wagers, indicating a corporate credit resurgence may be imminent.
The Indian banking sector is witnessing a resurgence in corporate credit growth, driven primarily by working capital financing and project-linked funding. According to senior bankers, the uptick is modest, but it marks a turn for lenders such as HDFC Bank and Axis Bank, which had earlier slowed their wholesale book due to competitive loan pricing. HDFC Bank’s corporate and other wholesale loan book grew 6.4% year on year and 4.7% on quarter, while Axis Bank’s corporate loan book expanded 20% on year and 11% on quarter.
The pickup in corporate credit comes as yields on government securities have risen, making bank loans more attractive for corporates, especially low-rated ones. The weighted average lending rate on fresh rupee loans of scheduled commercial banks was at 8.75% in August, down from 8.81% a month earlier, making it cheaper for corporates to borrow. Bankers agree that while capex-led demand remains modest, working capital financing and project-linked funding are driving incremental growth.
Public sector banks, such as Punjab National Bank and Bank of India, have also joined the lending rebound, buoyed by a healthy project pipeline and improved corporate balance sheets. Punjab National Bank has total loan sanctions worth ₹1.78 trillion, which are awaiting phased disbursements, while Bank of India reported double-digit growth of nearly 12% on year in its corporate book in Q2.
However, pricing remains a challenge, with corporates seeking loans at unrealistically low rates. Indian Overseas Bank chief executive Ajay Kumar Srivastava said that the issue is not demand, but pricing, as corporates seek loans at around 6%, which is not viable for the bank given its own funding costs. Despite this, the bank has a ₹15,000 crore sanctioned pipeline and expects 12-13% on year growth in its corporate loan book this year, led by manufacturing and PLI-linked sectors.
Overall, the sector-wide uptick in corporate credit growth is expected to strengthen in the coming quarters as sanctioned loans move to disbursement stage and investment activity gradually picks up. Ratings agency Icra has not revised its credit growth estimates for FY26 yet, but expects the cuts in goods and services tax rates to support credit expansion for banks and NBFCs in the near term.
Consolidating banking entities to the point of rendering them obsolete
The Indian government’s plan to merge nine public sector banks into three large banks, namely State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, and Canara Bank, has sparked concern among customers and employees. The move, aimed at enabling these banks to compete with foreign banks, is expected to begin by the end of the next financial year. However, this merger could have far-reaching consequences, including making banking inaccessible to common people, increasing workload, and worsening bank environments.
Bank mergers are not new in India, with several state banks having merged with SBI in the past. Recently, Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank merged with Union Bank, while Dena and Vijaya Banks merged with Bank of Baroda. The real objective behind these mergers was to shift the liability of banks in debt from giving loans to billionaires. Apart from mergers, the privatization of banks is also underway, with IDBI Bank being privatized and Yes Bank being taken over by Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.
The central government’s move to privatize and merge public sector banks has been criticized for forgetting the role that these banks played in keeping the country safe during the global financial crisis. Big banks have no interest in ordinary, rural, and farmer accounts, and have recently imposed minimum balance requirements, making it difficult for ordinary people to access banking services. This could lead to a shift from mass banking to class banking, where only the wealthy have access to banking services.
The merger is expected to lead to widespread closure of branches, voluntary retirement, and compulsory retirement, which will adversely affect services. Customers will be forced to accept unilaterally imposed service charges and penalties. The banking sector is heading from nationalization to privatization and eventually to foreignization, which will have adverse effects on the economy and common people. The government’s move has been criticized for being anti-poor, as it will only benefit the wealthy and large corporations.
The privatization of banks will also lead to a loss of benefits that society achieved through nationalization of banks. Small borrowers are being tied up with laws like SARFAESI, while corporate loans worth crores continue to be written off. The decline in the number of banks will also adversely affect services, and customers will be forced to accept poor services and high charges. The government’s move has been criticized for being a shift from pro-people policies to pro-corporate policies, which will have far-reaching consequences for the economy and common people.