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Source: The Hindu BusinessLine

RBL Bank to leverage Emirates NBD network for NRI deposits, trade finance
RBL Bank is using its partner Emirates NBD to grow NRI deposits and trade finance business. The bank aims to use new capital to lower costs and boost profit margins.
RBL Bank is starting a new chapter by using the international network of its promoter, Emirates NBD. The bank wants to grow its NRI (Non-Resident Indian) deposits and trade finance business across the globe. After receiving fresh capital, RBL Bank is now in a strong position to expand its reach and improve its financial health.
The bank has already raised about $150 million under the FCNR(B) scheme (Foreign Currency Non-Resident bank account). They have launched a special NRI banking plan with Emirates NBD. This plan includes banking services in GIFT City (India's international financial hub), better rates for sending money home, and digital banking for NRIs. This is a big move to get more low-cost deposits from overseas Indians, especially in the Middle East.
In the quarter ending June 2026, RBL Bank showed strong growth. The net profit went up by 27% to ₹254 crore. Loans (advances) grew by 23% to reach ₹1,16,223 crore, while total deposits rose by 11% to ₹1,24,829 crore. A key highlight was the Capital Adequacy Ratio (a measure of a bank's capital to its risk), which jumped to a very high 33.3% after the investment from Emirates NBD.
Managing Director R. Subramaniakumar explained that the bank is using this new money wisely. Currently, they are paying off expensive borrowings and not renewing high-cost wholesale deposits (large deposits from big companies that charge high interest). By getting rid of these 'costly' liabilities, the bank saves money. In the coming months, this capital will be used to give out more loans, which will increase the bank's income.
For bank officers, the focus is now on 'Transaction Banking' and the 'Middle East corridor.' RBL Bank wants to handle the trade money flowing between India and countries where Emirates NBD operates. They believe they have a competitive advantage here. The bank also plans to open more branches in key international locations to support this growth. This means more work in cross-border trade and foreign exchange services.
The bank is also looking at the 'Secured Retail' segment. This includes home loans, gold loans, and business loans. They want to sell more products to their existing credit card and deposit customers (cross-selling). Also, big companies that RBL couldn't fund before because of money limits can now be served because the bank has a much larger capital base.
Profits are expected to look even better soon. The Chief Financial Officer, JD Pai, expects the Net Interest Margin (the difference between interest earned and interest paid) to improve by 30 to 40 basis points in the next quarter. One basis point is 0.01%. This is because the bank is replacing high-cost debt with cheaper funds.
Finally, the bank’s asset quality is getting better. Gross NPAs (bad loans) fell to 1.3% from 1.45%. Net NPAs are even lower at 0.37%. With lower operating costs and better recovery, RBL Bank is positioning itself as a stronger player in the Indian private banking space. Aspirants and staff should watch how this partnership with a foreign giant changes RBL's traditional business model.
