National News
Muthoot Microfin to start gold loans soon
Muthoot Microfin, part of the Muthoot Pappachan Group, is entering secured lending, including gold loans via co-lending with Muthoot Fincorp, leveraging RBI’s eased qualifying asset norms. The move aims to diversify its ₹12,253 crore AUM and reduce concentration risk
Muthoot Microfin, leveraging relaxed RBI norms, is diversifying into secured lending, including gold loans via co-lending with Muthoot Fincorp. Muthoot Microfin, a part of the Kerala-based Muthoot Pappachan group, is diversifying into secured lending, taking advantage of the easier qualifying asset criteria set by the Reserve Bank of India.
The NBFC-MFI, with Rs 12,253 crore assets under management at the end of June, is all set to foray into gold loans through a co-lending arrangement with its parent, Muthoot Fincorp.
As part of the risk mitigation exercise, the lender also began micro loans against property (LAP) and micro business loans a couple of months ago.
In terms of qualifying asset rules, Muthoot Microfin’s share of microfinance loans given to borrowers with up to Rs 3 lakh annual family income stood at 76%. About 94% of its AUM was given without collateral, while the balance 6% was sanitation loans and loans given to buy products such as solar lamps and mobile phones.
RBI lowered the minimum qualifying asset criteria to 60%, providing all NBFC-MFIs a window to grow secured loans. All pure-play microfinance lenders are now eyeing growth in the secured business to reduce concentration risk.
National News
IAGES Accredited Partner Directory Brings Verified Gold Businesses Together on One Trusted Platform
Hosting More than 700 Accredited Outlets Across 200+ cities, the IAGES Directory Serves as a Bridge Between Consumers Seeking Trustworthy Gold Transactions and Accredited businesses
The Accredited Partner Directory launched by the Indian Association for Gold Excellence and Standards (IAGES) in November, 2025 has gained significant momentum among consumers and gold businesses since its inception. This one-stop digital platform now hosts a growing network of over 700 IAGES partner outlets across 200 cities, allowing consumers to find verified, trusted jewellers nearest to them before they step out to buy or exchange gold.
An IAGES verified business follows a stringent code of conduct that mandates accountability, responsibility and ethical conduct across its entire value chain. IAGES’ Accredited Partner Directory offers consumers trust, confidence and peace of mind, allowing them to explore and choose these verified, third-party assessed gold jewellers nearest to them either by brand name, location, or category.
The accredited entities appearing in the directory include strong national, regional and city-based large, medium and small retailers. The directory not only includes verified gold jewellers, but also lists gold refiners, bullion traders, manufacturers and assaying and hallmarking centres and digital gold retailers.
Kaushlendra Sinha, CEO, IAGES, said:

“The growing list of partners in the IAGES Accredited Partner Directory reflects the gold industry’s readiness to adopt transparent and compliant business practices, building consumer confidence and trust while slowly formalising the gold ecosystem in India. We invite all gold businesses to come forward and join the movement to transform India’s gold industry, one accreditation at a time!”
IAGES is currently running a consumer awareness campaign – ‘Before you exchange or buy gold #PehlaCheckIAGES’ to spread the word about the importance of buying gold only from a verified, credible retailer. The successful campaign has reached 50 million+ consumers through online and offline mediums, while the IAGES website is seeing massive hits every day as consumers check the directory to verify a gold business.
Sumeet Deoda, Vice President – Marketing and Communication, IAGES said:
“Clearly, the IAGES Accredited Partner Directory has been much anticipated by consumers, gold jewellers and gold business entities alike! We are happy to finally share this growing database with the world even as we continue to work towards our goal of changing the gold-buying mindset in India as the first, crucial step towards formalising the industry,”

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