National News
RBI guidelines: Gold, silver allowed as collateral for micro, small enterprises
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced revised guidelines to bolster credit access for micro and small enterprises (MSEs), allowing banks to accept voluntarily pledged gold and silver as collateral for loans up to the collateral-free threshold. This policy, effective for loans sanctioned or renewed from April 1, 2026, mirrors a provision extended to agricultural loans nearly a year ago and aims to support MSE growth without breaching collateral-free mandates.
Key Provisions of the Guidelines
- Collateral-Free Loans as Standard:
Banks must provide loans up to Rs 20 lakh without insisting on collateral security. This applies to all MSE units, including those under the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) run by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC). - Flexible Gold and Silver Collateral:
Borrowers can voluntarily pledge gold or silver for these loans, and banks accepting such collateral will not face regulatory violations. Based on the borrower’s track record and financials, banks may extend collateral-free loans up to Rs 25 lakh under internal policies.
- Risk Mitigation Options:
Lenders can leverage the Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGS) to cover risks, enhancing confidence in unsecured lending. - The RBI’s clarification states:“Accepting gold and silver as collateral pledged voluntarily by borrowers for loans sanctioned by the banks up to the collateral-free limit will not be construed as a violation of the above mandate.”
Implications for MSEs and the Economy
This move addresses a key pain point for MSEs, which often struggle with collateral requirements despite strong growth. RBI data (end-December 2025) shows outstanding MSE credit exceeding Rs 10 lakh crore, with a robust 30% year-on-year increase.
Sectors like gems and jewellery—where gold and silver form core assets—stand to benefit significantly. Artisans and small manufacturers can now leverage household or business-held precious metals for quick funding, potentially spurring innovation, exports, and job creation under schemes like PMEGP.
For banks, the guidelines balance inclusivity with prudence, encouraging lending while offering CGS-backed safeguards. This could accelerate MSE credit expansion, aligning with India’s push for a $5 trillion economy through grassroots entrepreneurship.
National News
MMTC-PAMP Appoints Sidharth Malhotra As Brand Ambassador
As Part Of The Association, Sidharth Will Lead MMTC-PAMP’s New Integrated Campaign, ‘Purest And More,’ Showcasing The Brand’s Expanding Portfolio Across Physical Precious Metals, Digital Investments and Responsible Gold Recycling.
MMTC-PAMP, India’s only London Bullion Market Association (LBMA)-accredited Good Delivery Gold & Silver refiner, today announced acclaimed actor Sidharth Malhotra as its Brand Ambassador, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s journey to strengthen its connection with a new generation of consumers. As part of the association, Sidharth will lead MMTC-PAMP’s new integrated campaign, ‘Purest And More,’ showcasing the brand’s expanding portfolio across physical precious metals, digital investments and responsible gold recycling.
The integrated campaign showcases MMTC-PAMP’s complete ecosystem, from 24K 999.9+ purest gold and silver coins and bars to digital gold and silver, gold recycling, online purchasing and assured buyback services. Through relatable, everyday moments and festive celebrations, the campaign reinforces MMTC-PAMP’s position as India’s most trusted precious metals brand while making gold ownership more relevant, accessible and convenient for today’s consumers.
Announcing the association, Samit Guha, Managing Director and CEO, MMTC-PAMP said:
“We are delighted to welcome Sidharth Malhotra to the MMTC-PAMP family. Sidharth has built a strong reputation through authenticity, credibility and a modern outlook—qualities that closely reflect the values of our brand. As one of India’s most admired and influential actors, he enjoys a deep connect across generations, making him an ideal ambassador as we continue expanding the reach of MMTC PAMP among both seasoned investors and first-time buyers.
This partnership comes at an exciting phase in our growth as we continue to redefine precious metals ownership through innovation, responsible sourcing and world-class quality. Through our ‘Purest And More’ campaign, we are showcasing how MMTC-PAMP today offers far more than physical gold—from digital investments and online buying to gold recycling and assured buyback—while remaining uncompromising on purity and trust.”
The campaign film unfolds through a series of relatable family moments around a wedding celebration, with Sidharth naturally introducing consumers to MMTC-PAMP’s diverse offerings. The storytelling highlights that every MMTC-PAMP offering is backed by the brand’s commitment to purity, trust and convenience while reinforcing its promise of “Purest And More.”
Speaking on the association, Sidharth Malhotra said:
“MMTC-PAMP has built a remarkable reputation for purity, trust and innovation, while also modernising the way people invest in and experience precious metals. Whether it’s celebrating life’s milestones, building long-term wealth or embracing more responsible choices through recycled gold, the brand continues to stay relevant for today’s consumers. I’m excited to be part of this journey and look forward to connecting with people through the ‘Purest And More’ campaign.”
The association brings together one of India’s most recognised actors with one of the country’s most trusted precious metals brands at a time when consumer interest in certified physical gold, digital gold and sustainable precious metals solutions continues to grow. With Sidharth Malhotra as the face of the brand, MMTC-PAMP aims to further strengthen its leadership position while deepening engagement with a younger, digitally connected audience.
The campaign will be amplified across television, digital platforms, social media, print, retail stores and e-commerce channels, with dedicated creatives highlighting key offerings including digital gold and silver, festive gifting, Virasat recycled gold, Akshaya Tritiya, Diwali and MMTC-PAMP’s certified purity credentials.
Link to the TVC (YouTube):
Link to the TVC (Instagram):https://www.instagram.com/p/DciH4s7tim5//
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