Margin Makeover: RBL Bank Bets on Retail and CV Finance to Boost Profitability

RBL Bank is sharpening its retail strategy with a renewed focus on high-yielding assets, aiming to widen its net interest margins (NIMs) amid industry-wide margin pressures. The private sector lender has announced plans to launch commercial vehicle (CV) and used four-wheeler financing within the next three months, targeting underserved segments in Tier II and III cities.

 

Here’s a detailed look at the bank’s roadmap and what it signals for its growth trajectory.

 

Key Strategic Shifts

 

RBL Bank is shifting its retail loan portfolio mix toward higher-yielding segments to offset a recent decline in overall NIMs, which dropped to 4.89 percent from 5.45 percent  

The bank is targeting an expansion of NIMs to 5.1 percent at the overall level, while maintaining the retail share of its loan book at around 31 percent  

New offerings will include CV financing and used car loans, with a focus on customers just below the prime category to capture better margins  

The bank will also deepen its presence in affordable housing, tractor finance, gold loans, and small business lending  

 

Retail Expansion and Distribution Strategy

 

RBL Bank plans to leverage its existing network of 550 branches and over 1,500 business correspondent touchpoints to penetrate deeper into smaller cities  

The CV financing business will be distributed through the bank’s existing tractor finance team, optimizing operational efficiency  

For used car loans, the bank is exploring partnerships with online car reselling platforms to offer instant loan quotes alongside vehicle listings  

The bank is also repurposing its branch staff—traditionally focused on liabilities—to handle retail credit, maximizing productivity without increasing headcount  

 

Digital and Operational Enhancements

 

RBL Bank will use digital tools and data-driven underwriting to reduce turnaround times and improve customer experience  

The bank is identifying niche customer segments with unmet credit needs, aiming to differentiate itself in a competitive retail lending market  

Cost control remains a priority, with a focus on doing more with existing resources rather than expanding overheads  

 

Challenges and Competitive Landscape

 

The bank acknowledges its position as a challenger in many retail segments and expects stiff competition from established players  

It is also navigating headwinds in its microfinance business, which contributed to a 76 percent drop in Q4 net profit to Rs 86 crore  

Despite these challenges, the bank remains optimistic about gaining market share through targeted, high-margin lending  

 

As RBL Bank pivots toward a more aggressive retail strategy, its success will hinge on execution speed, digital agility, and its ability to serve the next tier of borrowers—those often overlooked but increasingly creditworthy.

 

Sources: Moneycontrol, Rediff Money, Economic Times, Devdiscourse, MSN India June 2025