IDFC First Bank CEO stresses compliance and controls amidst positive banking outlook

V Vaidyanathan, the Managing Director and CEO of IDFC FIRST Bank has emphasised the importance of compliance and controls in business operations, stating that it sends a crucial message for businesses to adhere to regulatory standards.

“The larger message is that people should be more compliant about the way they run their businesses and run them with good controls. I think it's an important message. But coming back to banking as such, things are looking very good. For people who work with compliance and controls, I think the market is very large,” Vaidyanathan was speaking with CNBC-TV18 from the sidelines of the 25th EY Entrepreneurs of the Year Awards.

The banker's comments are significant given that over the past year, the fintech sector in India has been under increased scrutiny by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), with regulatory actions impacting various segments, including digital lending. In 2022, the RBI introduced stringent guidelines for digital lending, aiming to enhance consumer protection and ensure fair lending practices.

More recently, on January 31, 2024, Paytm Payments Bank faced regulatory action from the RBI, further highlighting the evolving regulatory landscape in the country.

Vaidyanathan highlighted the substantial growth opportunities available for emerging banks in the market, especially in terms of deposits. He noted that while larger banks may face more stringent regulatory conditions, emerging banks still have room to expand their deposit base and drive growth.

In the case of IDFC FIRST Bank, deposits have been growing at an impressive rate of 40%, indicating positive momentum in the market.

Vaidyanathan reiterated the importance of listening to regulatory directives, especially regarding deposit requirements and capital adequacy ratios. He emphasised that the entire banking industry is closely monitoring regulatory developments and adapting its strategies accordingly.