Did India's BFSI Deal Activity Really Triple in 2025?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Dec 24 (NationPress) A recent report reveals that the volume of transactions within the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector surged to three times its previous level in the calendar year 2025. The analysis from Equirus Capital indicates that there were 30 deals in total, a substantial increase from just 10 deals in 2024. This uptick involved mergers, acquisitions, and strategic agreements valued at Rs 42,939 crore from banks and non-bank financial companies.
Furthermore, other segments within the BFSI sector recorded transactions amounting to Rs 43,014 crore.
The report sheds light on the performance of non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), which have outperformed both public sector banks and major private banks in terms of share price over the past year.
In terms of performance on a set price index of 100, Indian Bank, Canara Bank, and Bank of India were leaders among public sector banks, scoring 151, 144, and 136, respectively.
L&T Finance led the charge among NBFCs, nearly doubling its value to 204. Within the large private banking sector, IDBI Bank, IDFC First Bank, and Yes Bank showed the strongest share price movements. Notable small private banks that exceeded expectations included RBL Bank, South Indian Bank, and DCB Bank.
Leading investment firms have recently indicated a bullish stance on both banks and NBFCs, noting that net interest margins for banks are expected to improve in FY27. The asset quality for private banks is projected to recover, potentially driving mid-teens earnings growth in FY27, following a sluggish FY26.
NBFCs are experiencing robust earnings growth, fueled by strong demand for credit and improving margins due to declining interest rates, according to the report.
Public sector banks have gained traction in personal, home, and auto loan sectors, while private banks have made significant gains in consumer durables, credit cards, and two-wheelers. Personal loan disbursements increased by about 23% and 35% year-on-year in the first half and second quarter of FY26, respectively, with PSBs’ disbursements soaring 77%, thereby raising their market share by value to 36% in Q2FY26.