Categories: BankingCurrent Affairs

Bank Credit Growth Slows to 11.3% While Deposits Rise to 9.7% in October

India’s banking sector witnessed a noticeable shift in financial flows during October 2025. According to the latest data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), credit growth slowed to 11.3% year-on-year, while deposit growth picked up pace to reach 9.7% for the same period. This changing dynamic is significant as it hints at possible shifts in loan demand, banking strategies, and liquidity management.

Credit Growth Trends: A Gradual Slowdown

The total bank credit outstanding stood at approximately ₹193.9 lakh crore as of October 31, 2025. This marks a slight moderation from previous months, reflecting a slower pace of credit expansion across sectors. A reduced appetite for loans, cautious lending by banks, and global economic headwinds may all be contributing factors.

This deceleration has implications for key sectors such as industry, MSMEs, NBFCs, and retail loans. A cautious lending environment can slow investment cycles and impact economic momentum.

Deposit Growth on the Rise

At the same time, bank deposits grew by 9.7%, reaching a base of ₹241.7 lakh crore. This indicates a strong inflow of savings and capital into the banking system. While this provides banks with ample liquidity, the challenge lies in how effectively these funds are deployed.

Higher deposits paired with slower credit growth can affect a bank’s credit-deposit ratio, reducing net interest margins and pushing banks to re-evaluate investment and lending strategies.

Implications of the Credit-Deposit Gap

The narrowing gap between credit and deposit growth signals a potential shift in India’s banking environment,

Liquidity surplus may increase, forcing banks to park excess funds in low-yield assets like government securities.
Net interest margins (NIMs) could come under pressure due to reduced lending opportunities.
Retail and MSME lending may receive more focus as banks seek stable, low-risk credit segments.
Policy signals may emerge if the trend continues, prompting measures to boost credit flow or manage surplus liquidity.

Factors Behind the Trend

Several macroeconomic and sectoral factors could be influencing the current credit and deposit trends,

Reduced credit demand due to inflationary pressures and cautious consumer spending.
Slower credit offtake in sectors like industry and infrastructure.
Flight to safety with depositors preferring stable returns amid global financial uncertainty.
Banking system reforms and tighter credit norms curbing aggressive loan disbursement.