MD and CEO Binod Kumar expects gold lending to expand by around 20 per cent, mainly through a higher quantity of pledged gold rather than price gains. The supplied report gives conflicting timelines: its headline says FY27-end, while the body identifies FY25. The target year therefore remains unclear.

Kumar said physical gold provides security for these loans, which also help small businesses fund income-generating activities. The portfolio grew 30 per cent last year as gold prices rose. Cooler prices could moderate growth this year, though demand for quick borrowing remains strong.

Indian Bank plans to retain its lending mix, with retail, agriculture and MSME businesses contributing 65 per cent and corporate lending making up 35 per cent. Its current and savings account deposit ratio is about 40 per cent. Branches achieving their targets increased to 51 per cent this quarter, against roughly 27 per cent last year.

For overseas funding, the bank raised $400 million through four-year bonds issued via its GIFT City branch. It aims to mobilise $1 billion by end-2026, with another $600 million expected in the third quarter of the year cited in the report. Separately, foreign-currency FCNR(B) deposits from NRIs have reached $1.5 billion, with $2 billion expected soon.