Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on March 25 chaired a meeting to review the preparedness of public sector banks in wake of the stress in banking systems in the US and Europe.

The review focused on PSBs preparedness along with due diligence through adherence to the regulatory framework by focusing on risk management, diversification of deposits and assets base.

During the review meeting, an open discussion was held with the MDs and CEOs of PSBs on the global scenario comprising the failure of the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and the Signature Bank (SB) along with issues leading to the crisis in Credit Suisse. Sitharaman reviewed the exposure of PSBs to this developing external global financial stress from both the short and the long-term perspectives.

She underlined that PSBs must look at business models closely to identify stress points, including concentration risks and adverse exposures. She also told PSBs to use this opportunity to frame detailed crisis management and communication strategies.

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The MD and CEOs of the PSBs apprised the Finance Minister that “they follow best corporate governance practices, adhere to regulatory norms, ensure prudent liquidity management and continue to focus on having robust asset-liability and risk management.”

According to the government’s statement, Sitharaman was also informed by the PSBs that they are vigilant of developments in the global banking sector and are taking all possible steps to safeguard themselves from any potential financial shock. All the major financial parameters indicate stable and resilient PSBs with robust financial health, it said.

After detailed deliberations, the Finance Minister advised PSBs to remain vigilant about the interest rate risks and regularly undertake stress tests. Sitharaman also highlighted that PSBs must leverage the full potential of branches opened in International Financial Services Centres in GIFT City Gujarat to identify international opportunities, including prospects related to Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs).

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FM Sitharaman also advised PSBs to:

– Take focused steps to attract the deposits given the steps taken by the Government to reduce the tax arbitrage in some debt instruments;

– Pivot their strengthened financial position to support credit needs of the growing economy;

– Focus on credit outreach in States where the credit offtake is lower than the national average, particularly in North-East and Eastern parts of the country;

– Enhance business presence in new & emerging areas like One District One Product (ODOP), e-NAM, and drones;

– Aim to increase brick and mortar banking presence in border and coastal areas;

– PSBs should promote the Mahila Samman Bachat Patra announced in the Budget 2023-24 through special drives and campaigns.

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