StanChart Bank to focus on unsecured loans again

Encouraged by the fall in loan losses, Standard Chartered Bank once again plans to focus on unsecured consumer loans. Bank's regional head, consumer banking, stated that Bank has nearly 2.50 million customers and as such may start pushing unsecured loans business. The Bank is looking at its credit card and personal loan business but will not lend at the lower end. Unsecured loans currently account for less than a third of the Bank's Indian consumer assets.(FE 28082010)

Moody's assigns 'C' to SBI

Moody's has assigned a bank financial strength rating (BFSR) of 'C' - to State Bank of India (SBI). This rating reflects the bank's dominant franchise as the largest commercial bank in India,and SBI's sound financial position. SBI is present in all financial sectors through its non-banking subsidiary companies, which we believe provides huge potential for the group to cross-sell it's products,the global credit rating agency said in a report.(BL 28082010)

New India Assurance seeks to use banking correspondents

The RBI with a view to giving a leg-up to financial inclusion,recently permitted banks to appoint banking correspondents (BCs) in areas -typically villages- where opening a branch may not be viable. The BCs could be small businesses, such as kirana shop owners,or even influential individuals. These people provide basic banking services to the local populace on behalf of the bank that has appointed them.New India Assurance has now suggested to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority(IRDA) that the company - and all insurance companies- be allowed to use banking correspondents to service the insurance sector also.At present, according to IRDA's regulations, micro insurance can be sold only directly by the insurance company or through non-governmental organisations or self help groups.The IRDA is considering the idea as said by Mr. Ramadoss,CMD,New India Assurance.(BL 27082010)