National News
RBI tightens gold loans norms; proposes LTV ratio at 75% of pledged gold’s worth
RBI has proposed sweeping changes to how financial institutions lend against gold, tightening oversight in a bid to curb risks and bring greater transparency to a booming segment of the country’s credit market.
In draft guidelines released April 3, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) proposed capping the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio for gold loans at 75% of the pledged gold’s worth. The move would standardize lending limits across banks and nonbank financial companies (NBFCs), ending a pandemic-era relaxation that had allowed NBFCs to lend up to 90% of the value of gold collateral for a year.
The new cap would apply uniformly, regardless of whether loans are intended for consumption, business, or other purposes—a significant shift that levels the regulatory playing field for NBFCs and banks alike.These proposals aim to harmonize regulations across entities while aligning them with risk-taking capabilities according to RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
India is one of the world’s largest consumers of gold, and borrowing against jewelry and bullion is a common way for households and small businesses to access credit. The sector has grown rapidly, particularly through NBFCs that target less formal borrowers, raising concerns about inconsistent lending practices and over-leveraging.
In addition to the LTV cap, the RBI is pushing for enhanced internal controls and transparency. Lenders will be expected to establish their own LTV thresholds based on internal risk assessments. A standardized valuation framework will also be introduced to ensure consistency in assessing gold collateral across branches.
Under the new rules, banks and NBFCs must disclose the reference price of gold used for loan calculations and implement a uniform methodology to evaluate purity and measure gross and net weights. This information must be made publicly available on their websites.
The proposals are part of the RBI’s broader developmental and regulatory agenda. A public consultation process is now underway, and final guidelines are expected later this year.
The central bank’s move signals a growing focus on borrower protection and market discipline in India’s informal lending space, where gold loans remain a crucial—but sometimes opaque—source of credit.
National News
The Season’s Haute Pick: Rahul Desai Brings Luxury Learning On The Go With Loupe Insight Season 4
As luxury and premium Jewellery become increasingly important growth categories, the industry is also confronting a fundamental question, What does luxury truly mean today?
Is it an expensive product? A beautiful store? Highly personalized attention? Or an experience that customers cannot find elsewhere?
Addressing these questions, jewellery industry mentor, coach, and business strategist Rahul Desai has announced the fourth season of his podcast, Loupe Insight. Titled The New Code of Luxury Jewellery, the season brings focused luxury education to professionals on the go, translating an often abstract subject into practical sessions for the jewellery industry.
Today, the terms premium, luxury and ultra-premium are frequently used interchangeably. At the same time, many experiences positioned as luxury are simply examples of good service. This lack of clarity can influence everything from store design, merchandise selection and pricing to communication and customer engagement.
Through the new season, Rahul aims to help jewellers understand these distinctions and build a more relevant approach to luxury.
Rahul Desai, CEO & MD of IIG, and Founder of RD consultancy Said:

“Luxury is becoming a game changer for jewellery businesses, but the word itself is often misunderstood. A larger store, a more expensive collection or better hospitality does not automatically create a luxury brand. Luxury begins when every element, from the product and environment to the conversation and after-sales relationship, delivers a distinct sense of value”
Across the season, Rahul examines how the meaning of luxury is changing from distant aspiration to greater emotional and lifestyle relevance. The episodes explore subjects such as the difference between premium and luxury, the role of experience in creating perceived value, changing customer expectations, personalization, exclusivity and the new codes influencing modern jewellery retail.
The fourth season of Loupe Insight is supported by Sanghi Jewellers, Finestar Diamonds, Polygon, Jwero.ai and Svar, bringing together respected names from across the jewellery industry to support accessible, future-focused learning for the sector.
The season also challenges the belief that luxury is created only through elaborate interiors, chandeliers or champagne. Instead, it asks jewellers to look more closely at the complete customer journey: how a client is welcomed, how a jewel is introduced, how confidently its value is communicated and how the relationship continues after the purchase.
Designed as short, focused episodes, Loupe Insight makes these conversations accessible to business owners, retailers, manufacturers, designers, sales professionals and students. The “luxury on the go” format allows industry professionals to engage with important business ideas while traveling, working or moving through their day.
Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in jewellery education, retail strategy and industry mentoring, Desai brings together global luxury thinking and the realities of operating within India’s relationship-driven jewellery market.
Loupe Insight Season 4: The New Code of Luxury Jewellery continues the podcast’s larger purpose: helping the industry look beyond products and understand the forces shaping the future of jewellery business.
The new season will be available across Loupe Insight’s digital and podcast platforms.
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