National News
Loans against gold surge 128.5% year-on-year to Rs. 3.38 lakh crore
According to the latest RBI data, outstanding gold-backed loans surged 128.5% year-on-year to ₹3.38 lakh crore as of October 2025, and grew 63.6% since March 2025.
Loans against gold jewellery are emerging as the strongest driver of retail credit growth, outpacing all other personal loan categories by a wide margin. According to the latest RBI data, outstanding gold-backed loans surged 128.5% year-on-year to Rs. 3.38 lakh crore as of October 2025, and grew 63.6% since March 2025.
This sharp rise means that nearly one-fourth of all new additions to banks’ personal loan books in the past year came from gold loans alone, underscoring a clear shift in consumer borrowing preferences toward secured, asset-backed credit.
A key factor behind this jump is the May 2024 reclassification, where agricultural loans secured against jewellery were moved into the retail gold-loan category, aligning with regulatory norms. However, even beyond reclassification, demand for loans against jewellery continues to gain momentum due to their speed, flexibility, and lower interest rates compared to unsecured options.
Secured Loans Lead Retail Credit
The broader retail credit ecosystem continues to favour secured lending:
- Housing loans grew 11% to Rs. 31.87 lakh crore
- Vehicle loans rose 12.5% to Rs. 6.77 lakh crore
- Education loans increased 14.7% to Rs. 1.49 lakh crore
In contrast, unsecured credit showed muted growth:
- Consumer durable loans grew just 1%
- Credit card outstanding rose 7.7%
- Other personal loans increased 9.9%
The slowdown in unsecured lending further strengthens the position of gold loans as a dependable, collateral-backed credit option for households, small businesses, and farmers.
Bank Credit Growth Supported by Retail Demand
Overall bank credit grew 11.3% year-on-year to Rs. 193.9 lakh crore, with personal loans remaining the strongest pillar. Services, NBFCs, and MSMEs also contributed significantly to non-retail credit expansion.
A Structural Shift Toward Gold-Backed Finance
The rise of loans against jewellery signals a structural trend:
Indian consumers are increasingly leveraging idle household gold to meet financial needs—without resorting to costlier unsecured borrowing. As banks deepen their gold-loan portfolios with better processes and digital onboarding, this segment is set to remain a high-growth, low-risk driver in the retail credit landscape.
BrandBuzz
The Pearl Edit: Thoughtful Women’s Day Gifting by GIVA
Timeless pearl creations from GIVA that honour the quiet strength, elegance, and individuality of modern women.
For generations, pearls have defined timeless elegance — an evergreen classic that transcends trends and seasons. Effortlessly refined, they carry a quiet sophistication that has remained relevant across eras.
Neither fleeting nor ornamental, pearls embody a kind of understated luxury, graceful, enduring, and always in style.
This Women’s Day, GIVA celebrates women who are building, leading, choosing, and redefining life on their own terms. Women who don’t need to be loud to be powerful, because their presence speaks for itself.
In that spirit, pearls make for a meaningful gift. Timeless yet modern, they move effortlessly from everyday moments to milestone celebrations, making them a thoughtful way to honour the women who inspire us, whether it’s a mentor, a friend, a colleague, or even yourself.
Here are some pearl pieces that make for perfect Women’s Day gifts.
Stay With Me Golden Pendant With Link Chain
For the one who wears her heart unapologetically. A radiant pearl drop pendant set in gold-plated 925 silver, designed with an elegant lattice motif that blends timeless romance with modern craftsmanship. From the Barkha Singh x GIVA Glow in Motion collection, this piece celebrates intricate CNC artistry while offering a refined statement for everyday elegance.
Gold Pearl Centred Diamond Earrings
Elegant and timeless, these 18K BIS-hallmarked gold earrings feature a delicate circular motif with a luminous pearl at the centre, accented by sparkling lab-grown diamonds below. Designed for everyday luxury, they blend classic sophistication with modern brilliance, making them a graceful statement for any occasion.
Rose Gold On Mom’s Path Bracelet
A heartfelt rose gold-plated bracelet crafted in 925 silver, featuring a charming baby shoe motif with enamel detailing, a delicate pearl accent, and a subtle “mom” engraving. Thoughtfully designed to celebrate the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child, it makes for a meaningful keepsake.
Anushka Sharma Silver Drops of Pearls Set
Inspired by the hidden beauty of ocean pearls, the Anushka Sharma Silver Drop of Pearl Set captures effortless elegance with a graceful pearl drop and sparkling zircon accents. Crafted in 925 silver, the set includes a delicate pendant and matching earrings designed to add timeless charm to any look.
Rose Gold Glam Drops Necklace
Graceful and statement-making, this rose gold-plated lariat necklace in 925 silver features a central oblong pearl with delicate cascading strands ending in luminous pearls. Elegant yet contemporary, it’s the perfect piece to elevate evening looks and special occasions with effortless glamour.
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