The Indian banking system has demonstrated a robust performance across various metrics, as indicated by the Reserve Bank of India’s latest financial stability report. Notably, banks have experienced sustained improvements in asset quality, high profitability, and maintained a healthy capital position. This positive trend encompasses both public and private sector banks, leading to enhanced attractiveness in the market.
Decline in Non-Performing Loans
The gross non-performing loans of the Indian banking system have reached a 12-year low of 2.8 percent in March, with reductions observed across public, private, and foreign banks. Sector-wise analysis reveals a decline in bad loans across agriculture, industry, services, and personal loans categories. However, challenges persist in segments such as gems and jewellery, construction, and credit card loans. The reduction in bad loans is attributed to a combination of write-offs and a decrease in fresh bad loans, with half-yearly slippages declining across all bank groups. Moreover, banks have improved their provision coverage ratios, witnessed a rise in net interest income, and maintained a healthy capital position.
Resilience to Macroeconomic Shocks
Stress tests conducted to assess the strength of bank balance sheets indicate their ability to absorb macroeconomic shocks. Even in severe stress case scenarios, banks’ capital positions would remain above the minimum requirements. Furthermore, it is projected that bad loans may decrease to 2.5 percent by March 2025 under usual business conditions, reflecting continued improvement.
Areas Requiring Attention
Despite overall improvements, specific areas demand closer scrutiny. While the asset quality of retail loans has shown improvement, private sector banks have witnessed retail loan slippages contributing to 40 percent of fresh additions to bad loans. Moreover, high delinquency levels are observed in consumer credit, particularly in personal loans below Rs 50,000, with a substantial portion of borrowers holding multiple loans. Continuous supervision is necessary to address the risks associated with this segment, as acknowledged by the central bank.
