

Why Axis Bank wants to be selective on credit, strict on returns
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories.Mumbai: Axis Bank is selectively chasing corporate loan growth in sectors with strong tailwinds, such as data centres, commercial real estate and renewables, while staying “watchful” in the weaker segments, said Vijay Mulbagal, group executive and head of wholesale bank coverage, corporate salary, sustainability and CSR.The private sector lender has also sidestepped the “bidding game” in some aggressively priced loans to state-run firms, as banks grapple with pressure on margins and companies remain cautious on large capital expenditure despite healthy profitability.India’s third-largest private lender reported a 38% growth in corporate loans during the March quarter of FY26, significantly outpacing its rivals. The growth of corporate lending—outstanding loans at ₹4.12 trillion as on 31 March—was also higher than the bank’s retail or small business segments.Mulbagal, who joined from HDFC Bank in 2024, took over the corporate vertical a year ago, told Mint in an interview that the bank has not been reckless and its underwriting standards have been strong, with corporate borrowers rated A- and above at 91% of the book.
Banks look at ratings of companies as a measure of risk—higher the rating, lower is the probability of default.“There are sectors where there are tailwinds, things are working very well, and we will grow in these. And there are sectors which are not growing, or which are de-growing, and we will be watchful there,” said Mulbagal.
“Not that we will stay away, but we will be watchful. Then there are conglomerates that are investing in the country, and we are happy to invest along with them.”However, the bank is vigilant to not hurt its risk-adjusted return on capital, a metric
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