Annual growth of loans in India FY 2019-2023, by financial institution

During the financial year 2023, the year-on-year growth rate of both banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) in India increased to 18 percent and 17 percent, respectively. In the last three financial years, loan advances by NBFCs remained less than those by banks.

Credit market in India

The organized loan market in India has many players that can be categorized into banks or NBFCs. Traditionally, banks have been the main source of credit for various industries and sectors within the Indian economy. However, in recent years, NBFCs have emerged as a viable alternative to traditional banks, offering services such as loans, savings and investment plans, credit facilities, and insurance among others. While NBFCs are making significant strides, banks are also expanding their presence in the credit market. For example, to compete with NBFCs, banks have been increasing their disbursement of gold loans in recent years.

NBFCs: driving financial inclusion

NBFCs have emerged as a significant force in promoting financial inclusion in India by successfully catering to the underserved segments of society. As of September 2023, NBFCs in the country have disbursed loans and advances amounting to over 450 billion U.S. dollars. The growing market share of NBFCs can be attributed to the lighter and more flexible regulations imposed by the Reserve Bank of India, as well as their focus on specific sectors and niche markets. The NBFC sector has been experiencing double-digit growth recently, and this trend is expected to continue in the near future.