Finance Ministry To Hold PSB Confluence With Focus On People-Centric Banking

The Finance Ministry will hold a two-day Public Sector Banks (PSB) Confluence on August 17-18, 2026. Senior leaders of PSBs and public financial institutions are expected to discuss measures aimed at delivering people-centric outcomes in banking. Union Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman, and Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary are expected to attend the meeting.

The confluence will focus on sharing practices among participating institutions, identifying initiatives that can be adopted more widely, and developing time-bound strategies around key banking priorities, according to the finance ministry.

The discussions will cover seven areas: deposit mobilisation, banking for youth, supporting the investment cycle, developing ecosystems for global capability centres, agriculture and horticulture value-chain infrastructure, rethinking the credit card business, and priority sector lending.

Deposit Mobilisation And Credit Access

The deposit mobilisation track will examine ways to strengthen the deposit base of banks and increase the resources available for lending. Discussions on priority sector lending will focus on extending formal credit to underserved segments, according to a PTI report.

The meeting will also look into banking products for young customers. The discussions will consider how banks can address the financial needs of different customer groups through their products and services.

Investment And Global Capability Centres

The investment cycle track will examine measures to facilitate the timely execution of infrastructure projects. Discussions will focus on financing requirements linked to infrastructure and the role of banks and financial institutions in supporting the investment cycle.

Another track will focus on developing ecosystems for global capability centres. The discussions will look into the requirements of these centres and the financial services needed to support their operations.

Each thematic track will be coordinated by a designated group of institutions. Participants will dig into practices adopted by individual institutions and consider initiatives that can be applied more widely across the banking system.

Agriculture, Credit Cards And Rural Infrastructure

The agriculture and horticulture track will focus on strengthening value chains by addressing gaps in post-harvest infrastructure and improving market linkages. The discussions will also cover rural infrastructure requirements related to the movement and marketing of agricultural produce.

The credit card business will form another part of the confluence. Participants will examine the segment as part of the wider discussions on banking products and services.

Around 125 participants are expected at the meeting, including chairmen, managing directors and executive directors of PSBs and public financial institutions.

Institutions, such as NABARD, EXIM Bank, SIDBI, NHB, IIFCL, IFCI and NaBFID are expected to participate. Senior officials from the Indian Banks’ Association and the Department of Financial Services will also attend.

The seven themes have been selected for discussions on how banking and institutional measures can translate into measurable outcomes for customers and other sections of the economy. The overall focus of the confluence will be on people-centric outcomes.