Rate hike unlikely to significantly hit asset quality, says Indian Bank MD

Indian Bank's Managing Director Binod Kumar expects the bank to maintain growth, profitability, and stable asset quality despite high deposit competition. He discussed credit growth, interest rate outlook post-RBI repo rate hike, corporate lending, gold loans, technology investments, and AI's impact on banking jobs. Kumar expects interest rates to rise depending on inflation and US Treasury yields, but not significantly affecting asset quality.

Credit growth is targeted at 14-15% for the current financial year, with retail credit at 15-17% and corporate lending in the lower double digits. He sees strong demand for green energy and data centre projects, expecting growth in those sectors. Banks are struggling to mobilize resources, but Indian Bank has maintained a 1-1.5 percentage point difference between deposit and credit growth.

Kumar is confident in expanding retail lending without compromising asset quality. The bank's capital adequacy ratio is healthy, and additional capital is not immediately required. Indian Bank is investing heavily in technology, with a budget of Rs 2,300 crore this year, and AI will change job roles, creating new opportunities.