Is SFIO Investigating IndusInd Bank for Accounting Irregularities?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Dec 24 (NationPress) The private sector bank, IndusInd Bank, announced on Wednesday that the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) has initiated an inquiry into the bank's operations under Section 212 of the Companies Act, 2013. This investigation aims to gather pertinent information regarding previously identified accounting discrepancies.
According to a regulatory filing, the bank received a letter dated December 23 from the SFIO requesting specific details in connection with the ongoing investigation.
“The Bank has received a letter dated December 23 from SFIO, which pertains to an investigation into the affairs of IndusInd Bank Limited under Section 212 of the Companies Act, 2013, seeking relevant information,” stated the private lender.
IndusInd Bank emphasized its commitment to cooperating fully with law enforcement agencies, ensuring all necessary support is provided.
“The Bank continues to offer full cooperation and support to law enforcement agencies,” the lender reiterated.
Previously, the bank had disclosed that SFIO officials had engaged with its management, indicating that a formal request for information related to identified accounting discrepancies would follow.
Earlier media reports suggested that the Ministry of Corporate Affairs had mandated an SFIO investigation after statutory auditors and forensic examinations flagged serious accounting irregularities due to concerns for public interest.
In March of this year, IndusInd Bank revealed that an internal review had uncovered inconsistencies within its derivatives portfolio.
Subsequently, external agencies were appointed to evaluate the impact and determine the root causes of these issues.
The review identified that numerous derivatives transactions executed between FY16 and FY24 were recorded in a manner inconsistent with established accounting standards.
This led to the bank recognizing notional income in its profit and loss accounts over several years, alongside corresponding balances reflected under assets.
In FY25, the lender wrote off accumulated notional profits amounting to Rs 1,959.98 crore, stemming from these transactions.