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Assam inaugurates India first AI phygital Slice bank with paperless deposits and kiosk banking in Guwahati

Assam inaugurates India first AI phygital Slice bank with paperless deposits and kiosk banking in Guwahati

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated Slice Small Finance Bank’s India-first AI-powered “phygital” branch in Guwahati on GS Road. The next-generation banking setup blends physical trust with digital convenience using AI-enabled self-service kiosks, paperless cash deposits and withdrawals, and streamlined digital onboarding. The bank expects to expand access to responsible credit, savings and payments for individuals and small businesses, especially underserved communities, by pairing AI-driven convenience with trusted in-person support. Sarma said it reflects Assam’s readiness for technology-driven banking.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 16 May 2026
India’s financial inclusion is rising but household maturity is lagging badly

India’s financial inclusion is rising but household maturity is lagging badly

India has brought millions into the formal financial system through bank accounts and digital payments, but a new study highlights a deeper problem: household financial maturity. Many families struggle with basics like compounding and inflation, limiting their ability to choose products and plan effectively. Closing this knowledge gap could unlock more inclusive growth and stronger long-term outcomes.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 10 May 2026

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Banks urged to expand digital infrastructure to boost last mile financial access

Banks urged to expand digital infrastructure to boost last mile financial access

Financial services secretary M Nagaraju reviewed progress on financial inclusion schemes with public sector and major private banks, urging them to expand digital infrastructure for stronger last-mile reach. The focus is to improve access for underserved communities, moving services beyond physical branch networks by widening connectivity and adoption of digital financial tools.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 6 May 2026
First time borrowers surge to 4 4 crore even as banks tighten lending rules

First time borrowers surge to 4 4 crore even as banks tighten lending rules

India’s first time borrower base has climbed to 4.4 crore, signalling stronger credit growth and faster financial inclusion even as lenders tighten lending norms. Reports say women’s participation is rising sharply, and consumer durable loans are the main entry route. Despite tougher scrutiny, many of these new borrowers show solid repayment discipline, pointing to scalable opportunities in emerging and younger demographics.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 30 Apr 2026
Finance Ministry reviews financial inclusion progress this week to shape Financial Inclusion 2.0 plans

Finance Ministry reviews financial inclusion progress this week to shape Financial Inclusion 2.0 plans

The Finance Ministry will review progress on financial inclusion this week as it drafts the next phase, Financial Inclusion 2.0. Officials are expected to assess how current schemes are performing, with programs like the Atal Pension Yojana coming under closer scrutiny to decide what to expand, fix, or redesign for broader access and stronger outcomes.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 28 Apr 2026
RBI eases NBFC branch rules empowering gold loan firms to expand credit access nationwide

RBI eases NBFC branch rules empowering gold loan firms to expand credit access nationwide

The RBI has eased branch opening rules for NBFCs, giving gold loan lenders more flexibility to expand their physical footprint. The change is expected to improve the speed and availability of credit for small businesses, farmers, and households, strengthening India’s credit architecture and backing more inclusive, steady economic growth.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 26 Apr 2026

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3 million bottom of pyramid borrowers lost formal credit as rules tighten in fintech

3 million bottom of pyramid borrowers lost formal credit as rules tighten in fintech

An estimated 3 million bottom-of-the-pyramid borrowers have lost access to formal financing over the past nine months, raising concerns that regulatory tightening is diluting India’s financial inclusion push. The shift appears to be hitting lower-income borrowers hardest, potentially reversing gains made by fintech and lenders in expanding credit access to underserved communities.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 24 Apr 2026
UPI growth skips rich states as cash comfort wins Gujarat Karnataka Delhi

UPI growth skips rich states as cash comfort wins Gujarat Karnataka Delhi

A surprising gap is emerging: India’s wealthiest states are moving to cashless payments more slowly, even as UPI adoption accelerates in many others. States such as Tamil Nadu and Andhra have led digital-payment growth, while Gujarat, Karnataka, and Delhi lag. The paradox points to how prosperity can shape payment habits differently than expected.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 24 Apr 2026
Sebi proposes Gift PPI for mutual fund purchases and could change how Indians gift investing

Sebi proposes Gift PPI for mutual fund purchases and could change how Indians gift investing

Sebi has proposed a Gift PPI framework that lets people gift prepaid instruments usable only to buy mutual fund units. The regulator says this can broaden access, pull in first-time investors, and shift gifting away from consumption toward investment. However, the plan comes with tight limits and compliance requirements to keep the system controlled.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 24 Apr 2026
Why India is pushing a fourth merger of regional rural banks

Why India is pushing a fourth merger of regional rural banks

India’s government is considering the next wave of amalgamation among regional rural banks, entering a fourth phase of mergers. The move is intended to strengthen the banking network, improve efficiency, and make smaller lenders more resilient—while raising questions about how services and customers will be impacted in far-flung areas.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 24 Apr 2026

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Suzlon signs initial pact with Korean GS E C to drive India renewable and wind repowering

Suzlon signs initial pact with Korean GS E C to drive India renewable and wind repowering

Suzlon Energy has signed an initial pact with Korean firm GS E&C to partner on India’s renewable energy push, targeting project development and optimization of solutions. The agreement also includes cooperation with Arie Energy LLP on wind farm repowering projects. Separately, AFINIT and Yes Bank inked an MoU aimed at improving financial inclusion.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 24 Apr 2026
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