'Credit growth in India remains in double digits, even though corporate borrowing is subdued.''Corporate credit is weak because companies are cash-rich and cautious amid global uncertainty.'IMAGE: SBI Chairman Challa Sreenivasulu Setty during a Press Conference at SBI Head Office, in Mumbai. Photograph: ANI Photo CS Setty, chairman of State Bank of India (SBI), in a conversation with Tamal Bandyopadhyay, at the Business Standard BFSI Insight Summit 2025, discusses the slowdown in credit growth in the econom ...

Core Insights - Corporates are experiencing a slowdown in credit growth, primarily due to their access to multiple funding sources beyond banks and their substantial cash reserves [1][3] - The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) reforms are aimed at enhancing the banking sector's maturity and facilitating private investment [9][10] Credit Growth - Credit growth is not lacking, with RBI data indicating double-digit growth, particularly in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and agriculture, both growing at 16-17% [2][3] - Retail mortgage growth remains healthy, while corporate credit is lagging as companies prefer to utilize their own funds for capital expenditures [3] Private Capital Expenditure - Private capital expenditure cannot solely rely on bank credit; both government and banks are encouraging a return of private investment [4] - Companies are operating at higher capacities, with technology enabling around 90% utilization, and domestic consumption is driving the economy [4] Bank Deposit Mobilization - Bank balance sheets are evolving, with a global trend of banks relying less on deposits and more on market borrowings, a trend also seen in India [5] - Bank deposits have increased by 1.6 times, while mutual funds have tripled, indicating a diversification in savers' asset allocations [5] Current Account and Business Banking - The shift in government current accounts has led public sector banks (PSBs) to aggressively pursue business banking, an area previously dominated by private banks [7][8] RBI Reforms - The RBI has introduced 22 measures reflecting confidence in the banking sector's maturity, including responsible funding for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) [9][10] - M&A financing is a small portion of the overall credit system, which is valued at Rs 220 trillion [10] Entry of Private Sector Professionals - There is no fundamental difference between public and private sector banks apart from ownership; the initiative to allow private sector professionals into PSBs is seen as beneficial [12] - Cultural challenges exist, particularly regarding pay and incentives, which may need to be addressed to attract private talent [13] Balance Sheet Growth - The State Bank of India (SBI) aims to double its balance sheet every six years, driven by nominal GDP growth and technology investments [14] Subsidiary Listings - SBI General Insurance and SBI Mutual Fund are set to be listed, although the timing remains uncertain as both are well-capitalized [15]