The rapid growth in lending against gold collateral amid elevated gold price volatility merits continued vigilance, even as asset impairment risks remain contained and LTV (loan-to-value) ratios provide comfortable cushion, according to the RBI’s Financial Stability Report (FSR).

Since March 2024, gold loans have grown at a staggering 42.4% annually (CAGR). To put that into perspective, other non-housing retail loans only grew at about half that speed (23%). Overall, the gold loan portfolio of lenders rose 54.5 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) as of March-end 2026.

Both regular banks and NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies) have been aggressively handing out these loans because gold prices have been so high. When gold is worth more, your gold jewelry can suddenly fetch you a much bigger loan.

FSR assessed that the recent increase in gold loans is driven primarily by existing borrowers, who are using higher gold prices to secure larger loans and roll over existing debt, as indicated by the gap between fresh originations and loan outstanding.

The report cautioned that a prolonged correction in gold prices could weaken collateral protection, increase borrower stress and result in higher delinquencies. Gold loans include agriculture gold loans that are offered against the collateral security of gold jewellery, ornaments and coins.

Right now, the situation is stable, and banks aren’t losing money yet. But the RBI is reminding lenders not to get blinded by the current gold rush. If gold prices take a tumble, a lot of these seemingly “safe” loans could turn into a major headache for the financial system.