Finance

The Delhi government has launched a ₹55 crore collateral-free loan scheme aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a special focus on women entrepreneurs and MSMEs promoted by Agniveers. Under this initiative, businesses can access loans up to ₹10 crore without the need for collateral, significantly reducing financial barriers to entrepreneurship. The scheme is a collaborative effort with the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), ensuring high loan guarantee coverage to mitigate lender risks.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has questioned the Managing Director of Muthoot Group in connection with an ongoing financial fraud investigation. The probe reportedly revolves around allegations of irregularities in loan disbursements and financial transactions under the group’s operations. The ED’s inquiry forms part of a broader crackdown on corporate financial misconduct, aiming to identify culpable individuals and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks.

Sampre Nutrition Ltd. has announced plans to raise Rs. 355 crore through the issuance of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCBs), marking a significant move to strengthen its financial base and fuel expansion. The proposed fundraising, to be carried out on a preferential basis, aims to support the company’s strategic growth initiatives, including capacity enhancement, product diversification, and global market outreach.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has levied a penalty on Muthoot FinCorp for failing to adhere to certain regulatory norms. The central bank cited lapses in compliance related to operational and reporting standards, emphasizing the importance of strict adherence to statutory guidelines. While the penalty amount was not disclosed, the move underscores the RBI’s commitment to ensuring robust governance and financial discipline within non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a strategic discussion with the CEO of HSBC to explore collaborative avenues for advancing India’s economic growth under the “Viksit Bharat” vision. The dialogue focused on leveraging global capital, enhancing digital infrastructure, and fostering innovation-driven sectors to accelerate development. Key areas included sustainable finance, investment in technology, and strengthening India’s integration into global trade networks.

The recent reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates on automobiles has inadvertently created disruptions in the auto financing market, with several customers cancelling their existing car loans to take advantage of lower vehicle prices. Lenders, dealers, and automakers are grappling with the unexpected fallout as buyers reconsider loan agreements signed prior to the tax revision.

Shringar House, a diversified company with interests spanning finance and investments, has announced details of its upcoming initial public offering (IPO). The offering is set within a defined price band, signaling the company’s intent to raise fresh capital and unlock new growth opportunities. Positioned in a competitive market landscape, the IPO aims to attract institutional as well as retail participation by offering investors exposure to a business model focused on expansion and strategic asset management.

Punjab & Sind Bank has announced a strategic partnership with Maruti Suzuki Finance to expand its retail auto loan portfolio and provide customers with easier financing options for purchasing Maruti Suzuki vehicles. The collaboration aims to streamline the car-buying process by offering competitive interest rates, simplified loan approvals, and tailored financing solutions. This tie-up comes at a time when India’s automobile sector is witnessing steady growth, fueled by rising consumer demand, improving rural incomes, and favorable credit availability.

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) is preparing to raise its maiden external commercial borrowing (ECB) in the financial year 2025–26. This move is aimed at diversifying its funding base and tapping into international capital markets to support rural credit expansion. As the apex development finance institution for agriculture and rural infrastructure, Nabard has historically relied on domestic sources such as bonds and deposits.

Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of the Italian auto giant Piaggio Group, has entered into a strategic partnership with Hinduja Leyland Finance Ltd. (HLFL), one of India’s leading non-banking financial companies. The collaboration aims to strengthen retail financing options for Piaggio’s commercial vehicle customers, particularly in the small and light commercial vehicle segment. This alliance is expected to improve credit accessibility for buyers, support entrepreneurs in the logistics and mobility sector, and enhance overall vehicle sales.