Core Insights - Retail depositors and governments are increasingly seeking higher returns on their funds, moving away from traditional bank savings accounts to alternative investment options [1][5][16] - Banks are facing challenges in mobilizing low-cost current account and savings account (CASA) deposits due to the attractiveness of capital markets and other investment avenues [2][4][14] - The shift in depositor behavior indicates a growing demand for better returns and services from banks, highlighting a more competitive landscape for deposit mobilization [16] Group 1: Depositor Behavior - Depositors are diversifying their investments, with funds moving from savings accounts to mutual funds and capital markets [5][15] - Governments are adopting a "just-in-time" principle for fund management, reducing idle funds in current accounts [3][5] - The decline in CASA deposits from 42.88% in Q1FY24 to 39.36% in Q1FY26 reflects changing depositor preferences [11] Group 2: Banking Sector Challenges - Scheduled commercial banks (excluding regional rural banks) saw a decline in CASA deposits from 41.7% in June 2023 to 38.2% in June 2025 [4] - The proportion of high-cost term deposits is increasing, rising from 58.3% in June 2023 to 61.8% in June 2025 [4] - Banks must enhance transaction banking services to attract current account growth, as convenience is a key factor for depositors [6] Group 3: Market Dynamics - Analysts suggest that until alternative investment instruments mature, funds will continue to flow into banks, but this may change with market stabilization [8][7] - The State Bank of India (SBI) is focusing on increasing CASA deposits through customer outreach and relationship building [9][10] - The average savings account rates have decreased significantly, from 4% to 2.5%, while term deposits remain higher, creating a wider differential [12]