IDBI Bank likely to raise equity capital

IDBI Bank may consider raising equity capital, thereby diluting the Govt's stake, over the next 12-15 months. The Bank will explore the options of going in for a right issue, follow-on public offer , qualified institutional payment or preferential placements for raising funds,according to its Chairman and Managing Director,Mr.R.M.Malla. The Union Govt. currently holds a 65% stake in the bank. The bank will also focus on garnering more CASA( current account and savings account) deposits,which currently stands at close to 15% of the Bank's overall deposits. IDBI Bank has done away with the concept of minimum balance on CASA accounts and has waived off most service charges, other than those pertaining to bounced cheques.(BL 06092010)

Shift to card payments to save on cash printing cost: Study

It cost the Govt. nearly Rs 2800 crore to print currency notes in 2009-10.Cash/ currency notes are the preferred mode of payment for most customers,but with printing cost on the rise, it makes sense for the Govt. to reduce usage of these notes and shift cash transactions to a card-based system of payment. Right now, a mere 5% of retail sales or about 90000 crore worth of transactions in India are done through cards(credit & debit).In other words, card transactions reduced cash transactions in the retail sector by about 5% .Given the cost of printing notes,card usage leads to savings of about Rs 140 crore(i.e,5%of Rs 2800 crore), in currency management, says a study conducted by Prof. Ashis Das, Professor of Maths,IIT Bombay.(BL 06092010)

New Banks must be strong for financial inclusion

New entrants in the banking sector should be strong , well capitalised to promote financial inclusion in a cost-effective way, said a top official at the Reserve Bank of India(RBI),which views increased access to financial services as a driver of sustainable economic growth. RBI initiated its process of increasing banking participants with a discussion paper on issues including capital requirements for aspiring banks, for which it has sought public feedback. The Govt. aims to increase access to banking services across geographics , through the new players, with a stated intention of ensuring every village with a population of over 2000 has access to such services by March 2012.(BS 01092010)

Vijaya Bank to focus more on branch expansion

With the Govt. directive to drive up CASA levels ,Vijaya Bank wants to place more emphasis on opening new branches.In 2010, the Bank plans to open about 100 branches,which it believes would give a boost to its CASA (current account savings account) ratio.According to the Executive Director,Vijaya Bank,with more technology driven products such as RTGS,NEFT and speed clearing in the payment and settlement arena, the float funds historically available to banks will continue to get reduced. However, with the daily interest regime ,customers are now comfortable keeping funds in savings account,which also meant easy liquidity and help Bank maintain its CASA level. The Bank's current CASA stands at 24.24%, and it targets a 25% CASA level this year.(BL 30082010)

PNB's online remittance facility

Punjab National Bank has launched PNB NRI Remit- India, an online remittance facility and PNB World Travel Card. The remittance facility is an online cross-border remittance solution to send money from the US to India and has been launched in association with the Bank of New York Mellon, said a release issued by the Bank. The World Travel Card is designed as a prepaid wallet for persons travelling abroad that can be used outside India. It is in association with Master Card and is available in dollar,euro and pound.(BL 30082010)

IDBI Federal Life Insurance

IDBI Fortis Life Insurance Co.Ltd. a joint venture company floated by IDBI Bank, Federal Bank and Fortis Insurance International , has changed its name to IDBI Federal Life Insurance Company Ltd. w.e.f.August 24. The company has obtained the approval of the Registrar of Companies and Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority after completing all legal formalities.There is no change in the shareholding pattern of the company.(BL 28082010)

PSU Banks to woo customers with cheaper loans this festive season

Due to intense competition in the consumer banking, banks are planning to woo individuals with cheaper loans even as interest rates are on the rise. Consumer loans,car loans could be now available at lower rate, even some bank may relax the margin requirements for the customers,it is learnt.Mr. Kamath,CMD, PNB says the bank is planning to lend at lower rates to small borrowers.Car loans, home loans at a fixed rate would be cheaper. However, private banks are not in a mood to bring down the loan rates.(ET 28082010)