RBI Approves Re-appointment of R Subramaniakumar as MD & CEO of RBL Bank

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given its approval for the reappointment of R Subramaniakumar as the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of RBL Bank. The extension is for a three-year period starting from June 23, 2025, to June 22, 2028.

As of 10:23 AM on February 14, RBL Bank Ltd is trading at ₹162.53, down ₹2.02 (1.23%) for the day. Over the past month, the stock has risen by 5.59%, but it remains down by 35.95% over the past year.

Formal Approval from RBI

In a letter dated February 13, 2025, the RBI communicated its decision to reappoint R Subramaniakumar. The bank made this announcement in a filing, stating that it will be seeking shareholder approval for the reappointment as per the necessary regulations.

Current Leadership Details

Subramaniakumar has been serving as the MD & CEO of RBL Bank since June 23, 2022. His current term is set to conclude on June 22, 2025, following which the reappointment will come into effect, subject to shareholder approval.

Compliance with SEBI Regulations

RBL Bank confirmed that Subramaniakumar is not related to any of the bank’s Directors or Key Managerial Personnel. Additionally, he is not debarred from holding the office of Director by any SEBI order or any other regulatory authority. 

This disclosure has been made under Regulation 30 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.

Corporate Governance

The bank stressed the reappointment and its compliance with all regulatory guidelines, the details have been made public on its official website. This aligns with the bank’s compliance with the requirements of Regulation 46(2) of SEBI Listing Regulations.

The next step for the bank is to obtain shareholder approval for the reappointment within the timelines specified. This process is part of standard corporate governance practices. Further updates regarding the reappointment process and its impact on the bank’s strategy are expected once shareholder approval is secured.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Mutual Fund investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

TCS to Modernise UPM’s IT Systems with AI and Automation

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has signed an agreement with UPM to lead an AI-driven upgrade of the company’s IT infrastructure. UPM, a Finland-based company focused on decarbonisation solutions, renewable fibres, and communication papers, aims to adopt an AI-first approach.

The Partnership

TCS will implement its AI-powered autonomous enterprise platform, ignio™, to upgrade system reliability. The company will provide services such as service desk support, workspace management, onsite assistance, business and platform application services, network and connectivity solutions, hybrid cloud services, and Service Integration and Management (SIAM).

Impact on UPM’s IT Infrastructure

The partnership is to boost UPM’s enterprise IT value chain by increasing system readiness and enabling continuous improvement. TCS will also work on improving human-machine collaboration using AI, which will affect 15,800 employees globally. 

UPM has been focusing on integrating AI and automation into its operations to make IT services more cost-effective and scalable. The company operates production facilities in 11 countries and reported an annual turnover of EUR 10.3 billion.

TCS’ Presence in Finland

TCS has been operating in Finland for over 25 years and has been recognised as a top employer in the region. The company has received high customer satisfaction ratings in the Nordic region for the past 15 years.

The agreement between TCS and UPM is expected to bring long-term changes to UPM’s IT framework by introducing AI-based automation and optimising various digital processes.

Market Performance 

As of February 14, 10:43 AM, Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS) is trading at ₹3,919.65, up ₹9.50 (0.24%) for the day. However, the stock has declined 2.91% over the past five days, 7.40% in the past month, and 4.40% over the past year.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Mutual Fund investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Bandhan CRISIL-IBX Financial Services 3-6 Months Debt Index Fund Filed Draft

Bandhan Mutual Fund has introduced the Bandhan CRISIL-IBX Financial Services 3-6 Months Debt Index Fund, an open-ended index fund that tracks the CRISIL-IBX Financial Services 3-6 Months Debt Index. 

The fund aims to deliver returns in line with the benchmark by investing in short-term financial instruments while keeping interest rates and credit risk relatively low.

Asset Allocation

The fund primarily invests 95%-100% of its assets in securities included in the benchmark index. These securities typically include commercial papers (CPs), certificates of deposit (CDs), and short-term corporate bonds. The remaining 0%-5% of the portfolio is allocated to money market instruments and cash equivalents.

Fund Details

  • Category: Index Fund
  • Scheme Type: Open-ended, Constant Maturity Index Fund
  • Face Value: ₹10 per unit
  • NFO Price: ₹10 per unit
  • Benchmark: CRISIL-IBX Financial Services 3-6 Months Debt Index
  • Exit Load: None
  • Liquidity: Available on all business days for subscription and redemption

Risk and Investment Approach

The fund follows a passive investment strategy and does not actively manage securities beyond maintaining alignment with the benchmark. Since the portfolio consists of short-maturity instruments, interest rate sensitivity is lower compared to long-duration debt funds. Tracking error is expected, but the fund will attempt to keep it within the permitted limits, according to the filing.

Management and Operations

The fund is managed by Brijesh Shah and Harshal Joshi. NAVs will be published daily, and monthly portfolio disclosures will be available on the Bandhan Mutual Fund website. The fund is structured to have a low expense ratio, with no distributor commissions in direct plans.

Subscription and Redemption

Investors can purchase or redeem units at NAV-based prices on all business days. The fund is not listed on any stock exchange, but repurchase requests will be processed within three working days. If there is a delay beyond this period, interest at 15% per annum will be paid to investors.

Want to plan regular withdrawals? Our SWP Calculator helps you calculate how much you can withdraw while keeping your investments intact. Try it now!

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Mutual Fund investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

SEBI Seeks Access to Social Media Records for Violation Curb

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has once again approached the government, seeking powers to take down unregulated financial advice from social media platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. 

It has also requested access to call and message data records from these platforms for market investigations. This is the second such request since 2022, with no approval granted so far.

The Need for Access

SEBI has been cracking down on market violations, including insider trading and front-running, but has cited a lack of access to digital communication as a limitation. Many financial influencers operate through WhatsApp groups and Telegram channels, providing stock tips for money. 

The regulator argues that access to such conversations is necessary for its investigations.

Media Companies and Government 

As per the reports, in a letter sent last week, SEBI stated that Meta’s WhatsApp has denied access to its group chats, citing India’s IT laws, which do not classify SEBI as an ‘authorised agency.’ The regulator has asked for the authority to remove messages, links, and groups that violate securities regulations. It has also sought access to digital communication records, a power currently limited to agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and the Income Tax Department.

Telegram, in an email according to the reports, stated that it processes all valid content moderation requests but does not provide access to call data due to its technical structure. Neither SEBI nor the finance ministry has commented on the matter.

Government’s Consideration 

The government is reviewing SEBI’s request, but there is no decision yet. In 2022, SEBI made a similar request, which was not approved. Instead, the government organized a meeting with Meta to discuss access to relevant data.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Mutual Fund investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

ICICI Prudential Active Momentum Fund Filed Draft With SEBI

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund has filed a draft for the ICICI Prudential Active Momentum Fund, an open-ended equity scheme that follows a momentum-based investing strategy. The fund aims to invest in equity and equity-related instruments of companies exhibiting momentum factors.

Investment Allocation

The scheme’s allocation will be:

  • 80-100% in equity and equity-related instruments reflecting momentum factors
  • 0-20% in other equity instruments
  • 0-20% in debt and money market instruments
  • 0-10% in REITs and INVITs​

Benchmark and Risk

The fund will be benchmarked against the Nifty 500 TRI (Total Return Index). As per the draft document, the scheme falls under a high-risk category, meaning investors should evaluate their risk tolerance before considering this investment​.

New Fund Offer and Pricing

During the New Fund Offer (NFO) period, units will be available at a face value of ₹10 per unit. Afterwards, the fund will be open for continuous sale and repurchase within five business days from the allotment date. The minimum investment amount required is ₹5,000, with subsequent investments in multiples of ₹1​.

Exit Load and Expenses

If an investor redeems or switches units within 12 months, a 1% exit load will be applicable. No exit load is charged after this period. The total expense ratio (TER) is capped at 2.25% as per SEBI regulations​.

Subscription and Redemption Options

Investors can subscribe, redeem, or switch units through the ICICI Prudential AMC website, mobile app, and other registered transaction platforms. Systematic Investment Plans (SIP), Systematic Transfer Plans (STP), and Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP) are also available​.

This filing outlines the structure and operational details of the fund. Further updates may follow upon regulatory approvals.

Plan your SBI SIP investments better! Use our easy-to-use SBI SIP Calculator and estimate future returns with just a few clicks. Your financial growth starts here.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Mutual Fund investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Piramal Enterprises Board Approves to Raise ₹450 Crore Through NCDs

Piramal Enterprises Ltd. (PEL) is planning to raise ₹450 crore by issuing non-convertible debentures (NCDs) on a private placement basis. The company’s board approved the proposal on February 13, 2025, according to an exchange filing.

Breakdown of the NCD Issuance

The issuance includes a base size of ₹75 crore, with a green shoe option to retain oversubscription of up to ₹375 crore, bringing the total issue size to ₹450 crore. Each NCD has a face value of ₹1 lakh. These debentures will be listed on the Wholesale Debt Market (WDM) segment of the NSE.

The NCDs come with a coupon rate of 9.10% per annum, with interest paid annually and at the time of redemption. The tenure of the debentures is 3,651 days, with the redemption scheduled for February 23, 2035.

Security and Default Terms

The debentures will be secured through a first-ranking pari-passu charge on the company’s hypothecated assets. The security cover ratio is required to be maintained at or above 1x.

In case of default in interest or principal repayment beyond three months, an additional interest of 2% per annum over the coupon rate will be charged until the default is resolved.

Financial Performance in Q3 FY25

For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, Piramal Enterprises reported a net profit of ₹38.6 crore. This was a shift from a net loss of ₹2,377.6 crore in the same quarter of the previous year.

Revenue fell by 1.1% year-on-year to ₹2,448.6 crore. EBITDA declined 10.8% to ₹1,074.7 crore, with the EBITDA margin dropping from 48.7% in Q3 FY24 to 43.9% in Q3 FY25.

As of 10:17 AM on February 14, shares of Piramal Enterprises Ltd. were trading at ₹943.90, down 2.10% for the day. Over the past month, the stock has declined by 8.01%, but it remains up 6.79% over the past year.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Mutual Fund investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Market Alert: Key Macroeconomic Data Release That Could Impact Investors

Investors should brace themselves for a significant market-moving event next week. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to release four crucial macroeconomic indicators on February 12 at 10:00 AM, and the results could influence investment strategies, stock prices, and overall market sentiment.

Key Data Releases and Previous Figures

Time Event Previous Data
16:00 Inflation Rate YoY 5.22%
16:00 Inflation Rate MoM -0.56%
16:00 Manufacturing Production YoY 5.80%
16:00 Industrial Production YoY (Dec) 5.20%

Why This Data Matters

Inflation Rate

Inflation directly impacts purchasing power, corporate profitability, and consumer demand. Rising inflation increases input costs for companies, squeezes profit margins, and can trigger shifts in monetary policy. Investors closely track inflation to adjust their portfolios, hedge against risks, and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Manufacturing Production

This metric reflects the health of the industrial sector. A strong manufacturing output signals economic expansion, which can drive stock market gains and create sector-specific investment opportunities. A decline, however, might indicate a slowdown, leading to cautious market movements.

Industrial Production

Industrial production serves as a barometer for economic growth. It helps investors gauge business cycles, assess sector performance, and make informed investment decisions. A rise in industrial output often boosts confidence in equities, while a slowdown could signal economic contraction.

What Should Investors Do?

The upcoming data release could influence market volatility and sector rotation. Investors should monitor these indicators closely and be prepared to adjust their strategies based on the economic outlook. Stay informed, assess the potential impact, and position your portfolio accordingly.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. 

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Adani Green Energy Cancels Wind Power Project in Sri Lanka

Adani Green Energy Ltd. has decided to withdraw from its $1 billion wind power project in Sri Lanka. The decision comes despite securing most necessary approvals, with the company citing delays, unresolved environmental clearances, and a pending Supreme Court case as reasons for stepping away.

Project Details and Investment

The project was planned to set up 484 MW wind farms in Mannar and Pooneryn, along with a 220 KV and 400 KV transmission network expansion. Adani Green had already spent $5 million on pre-development activities, including securing clearances and working on land acquisition. 

The company had also engaged in multiple rounds of discussions with the Sri Lankan government and electricity board officials regarding power tariffs.

Government Renegotiation and Delays

In May 2024, Adani Green entered a 20-year power purchase agreement with the Sri Lankan government for the project. However, last month, the government sought to lower the power costs from $0.08 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to $0.06 or less. This led to further discussions, with another Cabinet Appointed Negotiations Committee (CANC) and Project Committee (PC) set to review the terms. 

Finally, the company decided to withdraw amid these renegotiation efforts, calling the project financially unviable.

Environmental and Legal Hurdles

Apart from financial concerns, unresolved environmental approvals in Mannar and an ongoing Supreme Court case added to the uncertainty. The company stated that these issues prolonged the process, making it difficult to move forward.

Statement from Adani Green

In a letter to Sri Lanka’s investment board, Adani Green said its board had deliberated on the situation and decided to withdraw while respecting the country’s sovereign rights. The company also stated that it remains open to future opportunities in Sri Lanka if the government proposes new projects.

Following the announcement, Adani Green Energy shares ended a five-day losing streak and rose 2.1% today, on Thursday. As of 2:56 PM, Adani Green Energy Ltd. is trading at ₹919.50, up ₹2.60 (0.28%) for the day. Over the past month, the stock has risen by 3.34%, but it has declined by 49.35% over the past year.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing

Shilpa Medicare Gains on Approval of Nor-Ursodeoxycholic Acid Tablets for NAFLD Treatment

Shilpa Medicare Limited has announced the approval of its Investigational New Drug (IND), Nor-Ursodeoxycholic Acid (Nor-UDCA) Tablets (500 mg), by the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). The SEC has also recommended granting marketing approval for this drug, specifically for treating Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). This condition affects a significant portion of the global and Indian population and can lead to severe complications if left untreated.

Clinical Trial and Efficacy Results

Shilpa Medicare conducted a Phase 3 clinical trial of Nor-UDCA, enrolling 165 NAFLD patients in a multicentric, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. The trial aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of Nor-UDCA at a daily dose of 1500 mg over 24 weeks. The study met all primary efficacy endpoints, demonstrating a significant reduction in fatty liver stage. Additionally, 83.3% of patients showed a reversal of liver fibrosis, and 90% experienced normalisation of elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) levels within 12 weeks. The treatment was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported.

Significance and Future Prospects

The approval of Nor-UDCA is a major development in the treatment of NAFLD, as it offers advantages over existing therapies. The drug exhibits an enhanced choleretic effect, resistance to amidation, anti-inflammatory properties, and the ability to reduce fibrosis. Shilpa Medicare aims to launch Nor-UDCA in India in the upcoming financial year, with plans to seek regulatory approvals in the European Union and the United States. The company views this achievement as part of its broader mission to provide innovative and affordable healthcare solutions.

Shilpa Medicare Share Performance

As of February 13, 2025, at 1:54 PM, the shares of Shilpa Medicare are trading at ₹675.05 per share, reflecting a surge of 2% from the previous day’s closing price. Over the past month, the stock has increased by 8% and over the last year it has surged by 84.19%.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Top 3 Small-Cap Mutual Funds That Delivered Over 30% Returns in 5 Years

Small-cap mutual funds have garnered significant attention for their ability to generate high returns by investing in companies with strong growth potential. Despite market fluctuations, these funds have continued to attract investors looking to capitalise on emerging opportunities within the small-cap space.

According to the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), inflows into small-cap funds surged in January, demonstrating investors’ confidence in this segment. Small-cap funds recorded net inflows of ₹5,721 crore, up from ₹4,667.7 crore in December, despite broader market volatility.

Top-Performing Small-Cap Mutual Funds

Among various options in the market, three small-cap funds have consistently outperformed over the past 5 years, delivering annualised returns of more than 30%. 

Below is their performance:

Scheme Name AUM ₹s in Cr NAV in ₹ Invested Amount in ₹ Current Value in ₹ Annualised return for 5 year
Quant Small Cap Gr Dir 24,812.54 248.11 1,00,000 5,33,733 39.74
Bank of India Small Cap Dir Gr 1,555.78 46.04 1,00,000 3,77,997 30.43
Nippon India Small Cap Dir Gr 57,009.70 167.66 1,00,000 3,76,485 30.32

Key Insights from the Performance Data

  • Quant Small Cap Fund has emerged as the top performer, delivering a 39.74% annualised return over 5 years. An investment of ₹1,00,000 in this fund would have grown to approximately ₹5.34 lakh.
  • Bank of India Small Cap Fund generated 30.43% annualised returns, with the same investment growing to ₹3.78 lakh.
  • Nippon India Small Cap Fund followed closely with a 30.32% annualised return, turning ₹1,00,000 into ₹3.76 lakh.

While small-cap funds have historically delivered impressive returns, they also come with higher risks due to market volatility. Investors must carefully assess their risk appetite before considering allocations to this segment. Past performance does not guarantee future returns, and it is always advisable to conduct thorough research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Curious about your SBI SIP returns? Get accurate estimates of your investment growth using our SBI SIP Calculator and stay ahead of your financial goals.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Mutual Fund investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.