CENTRALBK - Central Bank
📢 Recent Corporate Announcements
Central Bank of India has entered into a strategic co-lending partnership with IIFL Finance Limited to expand its loan portfolio. The collaboration will leverage IIFL Finance's extensive network of 4,761 branches and its reported AUM of Rs. 49,027.00 crores as of December 2025. Under this arrangement, IIFL will originate and service loans, while both entities will jointly process proposals based on credit parameters. This move is aimed at increasing outreach to underserved segments and offering competitive interest rates to borrowers.
- Co-lending partnership established with IIFL Finance Limited under RBI guidelines.
- IIFL Finance brings a massive distribution network of 4,761 branches across India.
- IIFL Finance reported Assets Under Management (AUM) of Rs. 49,027.00 crores as of Dec 31, 2025.
- The partnership focuses on retail-focused segments, particularly gold loans and underserved markets.
- IIFL will handle the entire loan lifecycle servicing while sharing credit risk with the bank.
Central Bank of India has entered into a strategic co-lending partnership with IIFL Finance Limited to expand its retail loan reach. IIFL Finance, a leading NBFC with an AUM of Rs. 49,027.00 crores and 4,761 branches, will originate and service the loans. The partnership aims to offer competitive blended interest rates to borrowers, particularly in underserved segments. This collaboration follows the revised RBI Co-Lending Arrangement guidelines issued in November 2025.
- Partnership with IIFL Finance which has a massive AUM of Rs. 49,027.00 crores as of Dec 2025.
- Access to a wide distribution network of 4,761 branches across India for loan origination.
- Focus on retail-focused segments and gold loans to drive portfolio expansion.
- Jointly formulated credit parameters for loan processing with IIFL handling account servicing.
- Compliance with the revised RBI Co-Lending Arrangement (CLA) guidelines dated 28.11.2025.
Central Bank of India has renewed its co-lending partnership with Capri Global Capital Ltd to offer secured Loan Against Property (LAP) and Gold Loans. Capri Global brings a substantial network of 1,331 branches across 19 states and an AUM of ₹23,916 crore as of December 2025. The partnership aims to leverage Capri's origination and servicing capabilities to expand the bank's credit portfolio at competitive rates. This arrangement complies with the revised RBI Co-Lending Arrangement guidelines issued in November 2025.
- Renewal of co-lending partnership with Capri Global Capital Ltd for Secured LAP and Gold Loans
- Capri Global Capital manages a significant AUM of ₹23,916 crore as of December 31, 2025
- Access to an extensive distribution network of 1,331 branches across 19 States and Union Territories
- Adherence to revised RBI Co-Lending Arrangement (CLA) guidelines dated November 28, 2025
- Joint credit processing and blended interest rates designed to enhance customer outreach and portfolio growth
Central Bank of India has entered into a strategic distribution agreement with ICICI Prudential AMC Limited to offer mutual fund products to its customers. ICICI Prudential AMC is a leading asset management company with a total AUM of Rs. 11.15 Lakhs Crores as of December 2025. This partnership is expected to enhance the bank's fee-based income by leveraging its branch network to sell third-party investment products. The collaboration aims to provide value-added services to the bank's customer base while tapping into ICICI Prudential's reach of over 1.5 Crore investors.
- Distribution agreement signed with ICICI Prudential AMC for mutual fund products.
- ICICI Prudential AMC manages a total AUM of Rs. 11.15 Lakhs Crores as of December 2025.
- The partnership targets a service base of more than 1.5 Crore investors.
- Strategic move to boost non-interest income through commissions on third-party products.
Central Bank of India has entered into a strategic distribution agreement with ICICI Prudential AMC to offer mutual fund products to its customers. This partnership allows the bank to leverage ICICI Prudential's massive AUM of Rs. 11.15 Lakh Crores (as of December 2025) and its reach of over 1.5 Crore investors. The move is specifically designed to enhance the bank's non-interest income through commissions and provide diversified investment options to its client base. This collaboration is expected to improve the bank's fee-based revenue profile over the long term.
- Distribution agreement signed with ICICI Prudential AMC for mutual fund products.
- ICICI Prudential AMC reports a total AUM of Rs. 11.15 Lakh Crores as of December 2025.
- The AMC serves more than 1.5 Crore investors, providing a robust product suite for bank customers.
- Aims to unlock value in customer savings and boost the bank's third-party distribution income.
Central Bank of India has informed the stock exchanges regarding a proposed one-day strike scheduled for February 12, 2026. The strike has been called by major unions including AIBEA, BEFI, and AIBOA in support of a broader call by Central Trade Unions. While the bank is taking steps to ensure smooth functioning of its branches and offices, some operational disruptions may occur on the day of the strike. Such events are relatively common in the public sector banking space and typically do not have a lasting impact on financial performance.
- Strike scheduled for a single day on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
- Participation confirmed by AIBEA, BEFI, and AIBOA unions.
- The strike is aligned with a nationwide call by Central Trade Unions.
- Bank management is implementing contingency measures for branch operations.
- Disclosure made under Regulation 30 of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015.
Central Bank of India has entered into a distribution agreement with HSBC Asset Management (India) Private Limited to offer mutual fund products to its customers. This partnership aims to enhance the bank's non-interest income by leveraging its branch network to sell third-party financial products. HSBC AMC is a major player in the industry, reporting a daily average Assets Under Management (AUM) of ₹1,38,654 crore as of December 2025. The move is expected to provide customers with more investment options while diversifying the bank's revenue streams.
- Distribution agreement signed with HSBC Asset Management (India) Private Limited.
- HSBC AMC reported a daily average AUM of ₹1,38,654 crore in December 2025.
- Partnership allows the bank to offer a wide range of mutual fund products to its existing customer base.
- HSBC AMC's scale was significantly bolstered by its acquisition of L&T Investment Management in November 2022.
- The initiative focuses on increasing fee-based income and unlocking value from customer savings.
Central Bank of India has informed the exchanges of a proposed one-day strike on January 27, 2026, called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU). The UFBU represents nine major unions and associations, including AIBEA and AIBOC, which are striking to press for various demands. The bank has stated it is taking necessary measures to ensure the smooth functioning of its branches and offices should the strike materialize. While physical banking services may be disrupted for 24 hours, digital banking channels are expected to remain operational.
- One-day nationwide strike proposed for January 27, 2026, by the UFBU.
- Strike involves 9 major unions including AIBEA, AIBOC, NCBE, and BEFI.
- The strike notice was formally issued via a letter dated January 8, 2026.
- Bank management is implementing contingency plans to maintain branch operations.
CRISIL Ratings has reaffirmed the credit ratings for Central Bank of India's various instruments as of January 22, 2026. The bank's Corporate Credit Rating and Tier II Bonds (Basel III) remain at 'AA/Stable'. Additionally, the rating for proposed Tier I Bonds worth Rs 1,000 crore is maintained at 'AA-/Stable', while the Rs 10,000 crore Certificate of Deposits is reaffirmed at 'A1+'. This reaffirmation indicates a stable credit profile and consistent ability to meet financial obligations.
- Corporate Credit Rating reaffirmed at 'AA' with a 'Stable' outlook by CRISIL.
- Tier II Bonds under Basel III (INE483A08049) maintained at 'AA/Stable'.
- Proposed Tier I Bonds of Rs 1,000 crore reaffirmed at 'AA-/Stable'.
- Proposed Certificate of Deposits of Rs 10,000 crore reaffirmed at the highest short-term rating of 'A1+'.
Central Bank of India reported a record net profit of ₹1,263 crore for Q3 FY26, up 31.7% YoY, with ROA reaching 1.01%. Asset quality showed marked improvement as Gross NPA fell to 2.70% and Net NPA to 0.45%, backed by a high PCR of 96.69%. While credit growth was robust at 19.48% YoY, the bank slightly missed targets for NIM (2.96%) and cost-to-income ratio (57.84%). Management remains confident in future performance, having proactively provided ₹375 crore for ECL transitions and ₹150 crore for employee costs.
- Net profit hit an all-time high of ₹1,263 crore, growing 31.70% YoY.
- Gross NPA improved by 116 bps to 2.70%, while Net NPA stood at 0.45% with a low slippage ratio of 0.25%.
- Total advances grew 19.48% YoY to ₹3.24 lakh crore, with the CD ratio improving to 72%.
- Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR) remains highly resilient at 96.69% including written-off accounts.
- Bank proactively provided ₹375 crore for ECL transition and ₹150 crore for personnel costs.
Central Bank of India reported a strong performance for the quarter ended December 2025, with net profit rising 31.7% YoY to ₹1,263 crore. The bank's asset quality improved significantly, with Net NPA falling to 0.45% and a high Provision Coverage Ratio of 96.69%. Total business grew by 15.77% YoY to ₹7.74 lakh crore, supported by a robust CASA ratio of 47.13%. Return on Assets (ROA) crossed the 1% mark, reflecting sustained operational efficiency and 19 consecutive quarters of profitability.
- Net Profit increased by 31.70% YoY to ₹1,263 crore for the quarter ended Dec 2025.
- Gross NPA improved to 2.70% from 3.86% YoY, while Net NPA declined to a low of 0.45%.
- Total advances grew 19.48% YoY to ₹3.23 lakh crore, driven by strong growth in RAM and Corporate segments.
- Maintains a healthy CASA ratio of 47.13% and a Capital Adequacy Ratio (CRAR) of 16.13%.
- Return on Equity (ROE) improved to 14.47% from 12.85% in the previous year's quarter.
Central Bank of India has officially released the audio recording of its earnings conference call held on January 16, 2026. The call focused on the bank's unaudited financial results for the third quarter and the nine-month period ended December 31, 2025. This disclosure provides transparency by allowing all investors to hear management's commentary on the bank's performance. The recording is accessible via the bank's investor relations website through provided links.
- Audio recording of the earnings call held on January 16, 2026, is now publicly available.
- The call covered financial performance for Q3 and the nine-month period ending December 31, 2025.
- The bank provided direct URLs to the MP3 file and the investor relations portal for easy access.
- This filing follows the prior notification of the scheduled call sent on January 12, 2026.
Central Bank of India has announced its third interim dividend for the financial year 2025-26. The Board of Directors approved a dividend of Rs 0.20 per equity share, which is 2% of the face value of Rs 10. The bank has designated Friday, January 23, 2026, as the record date to identify eligible shareholders. This consistent payout strategy indicates the bank's focus on maintaining shareholder returns throughout the fiscal year.
- Approved 3rd interim dividend of Rs 0.20 per equity share for FY 2025-26
- Dividend payout represents 2% of the face value of Rs 10 per share
- Record date for determining eligibility is fixed as January 23, 2026
- The board meeting for this approval was concluded on January 16, 2026
Central Bank of India reported a strong 31.70% YoY growth in net profit to ₹1,263 crore for Q3 FY26. Asset quality showed significant improvement with Gross NPA falling 116 bps to 2.70% and Net NPA at 0.45%. Total business expanded by 15.77% YoY to ₹7.74 lakh crore, supported by a 19.48% rise in gross advances. Despite a marginal 1.07% dip in Net Interest Income, the bank achieved a milestone Return on Assets (ROA) of 1.01%.
- Net Profit grew 31.70% YoY to ₹1,263 crore, while Operating Profit rose 16.76% to ₹2,292 crore.
- Asset quality improved sharply with Gross NPA at 2.70% (down from 3.86%) and Net NPA at 0.45%.
- Gross Advances increased by 19.48% YoY to ₹3,23,531 crore, driven by 17.89% growth in RAM segments.
- Return on Assets (ROA) improved to 1.01% from 0.87% YoY, and Return on Equity (ROE) rose to 14.47%.
- Total Deposits grew 13.24% YoY to ₹4,50,575 crore with a healthy CASA ratio of 47.13%.
Central Bank of India reported a robust 31.70% YoY growth in net profit to ₹1,263 crore for Q3 FY26, driven by strong credit growth and improved asset quality. Total business reached ₹7.74 lakh crore, a 15.77% increase, with gross advances surging by 19.48% YoY. Asset quality showed significant improvement as the Gross NPA ratio fell by 116 bps to 2.70%, while Net NPA stood at 0.45%. However, Net Interest Margin (NIM) faced pressure, contracting by 49 bps YoY to 2.96%.
- Net Profit increased 31.70% YoY to ₹1,263 crore for the quarter ended December 2025.
- Gross NPA ratio improved significantly to 2.70% from 3.86% YoY; Net NPA ratio at 0.45%.
- Gross Advances grew by 19.48% YoY to ₹3,23,531 crore, led by RAM sector growth.
- Return on Assets (ROA) improved to 1.01% and Return on Equity (ROE) rose to 14.47%.
- CASA ratio remains healthy at 47.13%, providing a stable low-cost deposit base.
Financial Performance
Revenue Growth by Segment
Total income grew 11.5% to INR 39,520 Cr in FY25 from INR 35,434 Cr in FY24. Interest income on advances rose 13.36% YoY to INR 22,339 Cr. Fee-based income for H1FY26 was INR 1,054 Cr, a slight decline of 0.57% YoY. Treasury income saw a significant decline of 52.55% YoY to INR 186 Cr in Q2FY26 compared to INR 392 Cr in Q2FY25.
Geographic Revenue Split
The bank operates a pan-India network of 4,556 branches and 4,174 ATMs as of September 2025. While specific regional revenue percentages are not disclosed, metropolitan cities account for 53.2% of total bank deposits as of March 2025, up from 50.9% in 2020.
Profitability Margins
Net Profit for FY25 was INR 3,785 Cr, up 48.5% from INR 2,549 Cr in FY24. Net Interest Margin (NIM) moderated to 3.05% in FY25 from 3.09% in FY24, further declining to 2.89% in Q2FY26 (a 52 bps YoY drop). Return on Assets (ROA) improved to 0.82% in FY25 from 0.60% in FY24.
EBITDA Margin
Operating profit was impacted by treasury income volatility, falling from INR 664 Cr to INR 186 Cr in a single quarter. Cost-to-Income ratio increased to 62.72% in Q2FY26 from 57.19% in Q2FY25, driven by a 339 bps increase in staff cost share and a 214 bps increase in other operating expenses.
Capital Expenditure
The bank raised INR 1,500 Cr through a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) in March 2025 to strengthen its capital base. Specific historical and planned physical CAPEX for branch infrastructure is not disclosed in INR Cr.
Credit Rating & Borrowing
The bank maintains a strong liquidity profile with a Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) of 241.96% as of September 2025. Cost of deposits increased 21 bps YoY to 4.88% in Q2FY26. Capital Adequacy Ratio (CRAR) stood at 17.34% in H1FY26, well above the 11.5% regulatory requirement.
Operational Drivers
Raw Materials
Not applicable for banking; however, 'Cost of Funds' represents the primary input cost, which stood at 4.88% in Q2FY26, up 13 bps YoY.
Key Suppliers
Not applicable; however, the bank relies on a diversified retail deposit base of INR 4,44,450 Cr as of September 2025 for its lending operations.
Capacity Expansion
Current network includes 4,556 branches and 4,174 ATMs. The bank is expanding its digital footprint through its Supply Chain Finance (SCF) platform and co-lending partnerships which reached an outstanding loan book of INR 14,285.08 Cr by March 2025.
Raw Material Costs
Interest expenses on deposits and borrowings are the primary costs. Cost of deposits rose to 4.88% in Q2FY26. The bank utilizes a high roll-over rate of deposits (above 90%) to manage funding stability.
Manufacturing Efficiency
Not applicable; banking efficiency is measured by the Cost-to-Income ratio, which was 62.72% in Q2FY26, and Yield on Advances, which was 8.36% in Q2FY26 (down 41 bps YoY).
Logistics & Distribution
Distribution is handled through 4,556 physical branches and digital channels. Staff costs, a key distribution expense, represent 39.52% of the Cost-to-Income ratio.
Strategic Growth
Expected Growth Rate
10-16%
Growth Strategy
The bank is shifting its portfolio mix toward a 65:35 RAM-to-Corporate ratio. Growth is driven by co-lending partnerships (INR 14,285.08 Cr outstanding), the launch of a Supply Chain Finance (SCF) platform for vendor/dealer financing, and new MSME schemes like Cent MSE GIFT and Cent MSE SPICE. Strategic focus is on high-yield RAM segments which reached 71.54% of total advances by September 2025.
Products & Services
Home loans (63.32% of retail), MSME loans, Agriculture loans, Corporate Credit (working capital and digital invoice discounting), Mutual Funds (via Bandhan AMC), and Bancassurance.
Brand Portfolio
Central Bank of India, Centbank Home Finance Limited, Centbank Financial Services Limited, Cent MSE GIFT, Cent MSE SPICE.
New Products/Services
Supply Chain Finance (SCF) platform, Cent MSE GIFT (Green Investment), Cent MSE SPICE (Circular Economy), and a Distribution Agreement with Bandhan AMC for Mutual Funds.
Market Expansion
Expansion into underserved segments via co-lending with NBFCs/HFCs. Target sectors for FY26 include labour-intensive industries like Toy Manufacturing, Leather, and Startups.
Market Share & Ranking
Not disclosed in available documents; however, the bank's net advances grew at 16% in FY25, outperforming the industry growth of 12%.
Strategic Alliances
Bandhan AMC (Mutual Fund distribution), PSB Alliance Pvt. Ltd. (Digital SCF), Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. (Anchor-based financing), and Indo Zambia Bank Limited (Joint Venture).
External Factors
Industry Trends
The banking industry is seeing a shift toward digital banking and co-lending. SCB credit growth hit a low of 11.03% in FY25. Public sector banks saw a record cumulative profit of INR 1.78 lakh crore in FY25, a 26% YoY increase.
Competitive Landscape
Competes with other Public Sector Banks and Private Sector Banks. Private banks saw a sharper drop in loan growth (9.5% decline in March 2025) compared to PSBs.
Competitive Moat
Moat is based on sovereign ownership (89.27% GoI stake), a century-old brand legacy, and a robust CASA base that provides a competitive cost of funds compared to the PSB average. These factors ensure systemic support and customer trust.
Macro Economic Sensitivity
Sensitive to MSME sector health and retail overleveraging. Industry-wide non-food credit growth declined from 20.2% to 11.0% in FY25, impacting the bank's growth environment.
Consumer Behavior
Shift toward digital banking and higher-yield term deposits. Term deposits bearing interest above 7% rose to 72.7% of total deposits in March 2025 from 64.2% a year ago.
Geopolitical Risks
Geopolitical uncertainties are cited as potential risks to foreign investment flows and economic sentiment, which could impact the bank's corporate credit book and treasury operations.
Regulatory & Governance
Industry Regulations
Complies with RBI's Priority Sector Lending (PSL) norms, achieving 50.17% of ANBC against the 40% requirement. Transition to the Expected Credit Loss (ECL) provisioning framework is a key monitorable.
Environmental Compliance
The bank factors ESG principles into lending decisions. It launched 'Cent MSE GIFT' for green financing and 'Cent MSE SPICE' for the circular economy. ESG disclosures are currently 'evolving'.
Legal Contingencies
The bank monitors 'Large Value Frauds' through a Special Committee. Specific pending court case values in INR are not disclosed in the available documents.
Risk Analysis
Key Uncertainties
Asset quality vulnerabilities from the co-lending portfolio and potential slippages from the MSME and retail segments. Treasury income volatility remains a risk to quarterly earnings stability.
Geographic Concentration Risk
High concentration in metropolitan areas for deposits (53.2%). The bank has a pan-India branch network of 4,556 units to mitigate regional economic shocks.
Third Party Dependencies
Dependency on co-lending partners (NBFCs/HFCs) for reaching underserved segments and on Bandhan AMC for mutual fund product offerings.
Technology Obsolescence Risk
The bank is mitigating this through investments in digital tools, a new SCF platform, and 'War Rooms' for SMA monitoring using technology.
Credit & Counterparty Risk
Gross NPA ratio was 3.18% in March 2025. Net NPA ratio improved to 0.48% in H1FY26. Solvency level (Net Stressed Assets/Core Equity) is a key monitorable, with a downgrade risk if it exceeds 30%.