Why banks are under the gun to beat Mutual Funds and emerge out of a big threat
deposit growth due to increasing competition from mutual funds (MFs) and other alternative investment options. At the FICCI-IBA banking conference, Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) chairman, MV Rao, highlighted that mutual funds offer higher returns as they are not subject to the same regulatory restrictions as banks. This has led to a shift in investor preferences towards MFs, making it difficult for banks to maintain a competitive edge in deposit mobilization.
Rao emphasised that the regulatory framework governing banks, such as end-use monitoring and interest rate restrictions, limits their ability to provide attractive returns to depositors. He noted that mutual funds are not required to verify the end-use of funds or prioritize specific sectors, allowing them more flexibility and higher yields. “MFs do not have end-use verifications and restrictions on priority sector or to the MSME or government schemes. That’s why MFs can offer more than bank deposits,” said Rao, who also serves as CEO of Central Bank of India.
Bankers across the sector have expressed concerns about the systemic risks posed by this trend. Rao warned that most MF investors are not conducting proper analysis and may face significant risks in the future if market cycles shift. HSBC India CEO Hitendra Dave added that blaming MFs might not be the solution, as liquidity eventually returns to the banking system. Dave urged banks to study the underlying factors affecting deposit growth rather than focusing solely on MF competition.
SBI Chairman CS
