Current Affairs - Finance

Piramal Finance successfully raised USD 350 million from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), marking its first borrowing from development finance institutions. The 5-year loan under the Sustainable Finance Framework aims to expand lending for affordable housing, MSME credit, and women borrowers in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Piramal Finance is also pursuing an additional $150 million from other DFIs to reach a total target of $500 million in FY26. This initiative highlights the institution’s focus on promoting inclusive growth and sustainable financial solutions for underserved segments.

Skydo received final authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India to operate as a Payment Aggregator–Cross Border, marking a major regulatory milestone in India’s fintech sector. This approval enables Skydo to provide regulated cross-border payment services, particularly benefiting MSMEs, exporters, startups, and freelancers. The licence strengthens trust, transparency, and compliance in international transactions, which involve foreign exchange and regulatory oversight. Skydo supports collections in multiple foreign currencies, offers a flat-fee pricing model without forex markups, and ensures faster settlements. The development also contributes to strengthening India’s digital payments ecosystem and export-oriented financial infrastructure.

The Reserve Bank of India has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Delhi Government to support major developmental initiatives. Under this arrangement, RBI will function as the banker, debt manager, and financial agent for the Delhi Government. It will enable market borrowings through State Development Loans (SDLs), assist in efficient cash management, and provide access to low-cost liquidity. The funds raised will be strictly used for capital expenditure, with priority given to Yamuna rejuvenation, water supply, health, transport infrastructure, roads, and flyovers, ensuring long-term developmental impact.

The initiative to verify informal micro enterprises on the Udyam Assist Platform is a collaborative effort between the Department of Posts and SIDBI. In this arrangement, India Post is responsible for conducting nationwide, geo-tagged Contact Point Verification through its extensive field network. The responsibility for providing the technological backbone lies with SIDBI, which supplies the CPV mobile application, supporting systems, and necessary training. This ensures accurate data collection and helps verified enterprises gain smoother access to institutional credit, aligning with SIDBI’s role in promoting MSME development.

Aryaman Finance Ltd is the entity that obtained registration from the Reserve Bank of India on December 24, 2025, as a Type II Non-Banking Financial Institution, classified as a non-deposit taking Investment and Credit Company. This regulatory approval allows the company to legally operate in the lending and credit space. With this development, the parent company, Aryaman Financial Services Ltd, gains the ability to diversify its business operations beyond merchant banking. The RBI license is significant because it marks a strategic expansion into regulated financial activities, strengthening the group’s overall financial services portfolio.