Axis Bank introduces iris authentication for Aadhaar-based transactions

Kuala Lumpur [Malaysia], March 12: As a strategic move to refresh and strengthen its core vision, Hong Leong Islamic Bank ("HLB Islamic" or the "Bank") is transitioning to a refreshed consumer-facing brand identity, now known as HLB Islamic, and a strengthened core proposition that approaches financial services not as a series of siloed products and transactions, but as total wealth stewardship through a Shariah-principle-guided life-cycle approach known as Hayat @ HLB Islamic. This evolution is rooted in the Bank's new philosophy, 'Timeless Principles Guiding Tomorrow's Wealth', introduced during its 20th anniversary last December to signal a new chapter in wealth stewardship.

India's non-bank financial companies (NBFCs) are expected to expand faster than traditional banks over the coming decade as lenders adopt artificial intelligence and expand into new loan segments, according to a research report by Nomura.

Dubai [UAE], March 12: Wizz Financial, the global fintech company specializing in cross-border payments and digital wallets, today announced the completion of its first stablecoin-powered cross-border remittance and treasury transaction originating from the United States, with capabilities into 80 countries, in partnership with BitGo Bank & Trust, N.A. ("BitGo"), an OCC-regulated digital asset trust bank and subsidiary of BitGo Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BTGO). Through the partnership, Wizz Financial is utilizing BitGo's institutional-grade wallet infrastructure and e-trade services to facilitate the conversion of fiat currency into stablecoins, enabling near-real-time settlement, enhanced liquidity management, and compliant, scalable cross-border remittance flows across its global network as new corridors are progressively launched.

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], March 12: Swiggy, India's pioneering on-demand convenience platform, and HDFC Bank, India's largest private sector bank, today announced the expansion of their co-branded credit card portfolio with the launch of two new variants: the Swiggy BLCK HDFC Bank Credit Card and the Swiggy Ornge HDFC Bank Credit Card. The Swiggy BLCK and Ornge HDFC Bank Credit Cards are designed to maximize value across food, quick commerce, lifestyle, and travel. Card members will enjoy enhanced, category-leading cashback on Swiggy and premium partner platforms, alongside exclusive instant discounts on Cleartrip and Nykaa. The expanded portfolio offers up to ₹48,000 in annual savings, bringing elevated, everyday benefits to a wider segment of consumers.

Singapore, March 11: Princeton Digital Group (PDG), Asia's leading data center operator, today announced a plan to raise up to USD 5 billion in debt financing this year to fund its contracted capacity across the region.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a new set of prudential norms for banks that cap dividend payouts at a maximum of 75 per cent of Profit After Tax (PAT) for most banks, linking profit distribution more closely with capital strength, profitability and regulatory compliance.

New Delhi [India], March 10: Axis Max Life Insurance Limited, formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Limited ("Axis Max Life"/ "Company") has entered into a strategic Corporate Agent partnership with Saarathi Finance and Credit Private Limited ("Saarathi Finance"), a next-generation greenfield non-banking financial company (NBFC) focused on bridging the credit gap for India's Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], March 10: CreditAccess Grameen Limited (NSE: CREDITACC, BSE: 541770, 'CA Grameen', or the 'Company'), the country's largest Non-Banking Financial Company-Micro Finance Institution (NBFC-MFI), has signed a syndicated social loan facility of USD 75 million, qualifying as an ECB under the automatic route of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). HSBC acted as the Sole Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner for the social loan fund raise, securing participations from HSBC (Gift City), Doha Bank (Qatar), State Bank (Mauritius) Ltd., Bank of China Ltd. (China), and National Development Bank Plc (Sri Lanka). This transaction reinforces CA Grameen's strong track record of raising international funds through innovative financing solutions.

IDFC FIRST Bank announced on Tuesday that it has paid a net principal amount of Rs 645 crore to settle claims arising from an incident at a single branch in Chandigarh. The final payout is Rs 55 crore higher than the initial principal estimate of Rs 590 crore previously disclosed to stock exchanges.

In an interview with ANI, Mishra highlighted that India's heavy reliance on imported "dense energy" makes it a primary target for global price volatility. "Every dollar increase per barrel costs approximately $1.8 billion annually. For instance, a $50 increase in oil prices represents a $90 billion impact, which is more than 2% of our GDP if sustained for a year."