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The Future of
Indian Banking

Vasant Chintaman Joshi


Lalitagauri Kulkarni
The Future of Indian Banking
Vasant Chintaman Joshi
Lalitagauri Kulkarni

The Future of Indian


Banking
Vasant Chintaman Joshi Lalitagauri Kulkarni
Pune, India Gokhale Institute of Politics and
Economics
Pune, India

ISBN 978-981-16-9561-2    ISBN 978-981-16-9562-9 (eBook)


https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-9562-9

© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2022
This work is subject to copyright. All rights are solely and exclusively licensed by the
Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of
translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on
microfilms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval,
electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now
known or hereafter developed.
The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this
publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are
exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use.
The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information
in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the
­publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to
the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. The
publisher remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and
­institutional affiliations.

This Palgrave Macmillan imprint is published by the registered company Springer Nature
Singapore Pte Ltd.
The registered company address is: 152 Beach Road, #21-­01/04 Gateway East, Singapore
189721, Singapore
We would like to dedicate this book to Mr. Joshi’s wife Sulabha
and Dr. Kulkarni’s parents who have been the guiding spirits
behind this whole effort.
Preface

Completing this assignment of writing a book on a rather complicated


subject is one of the most arduous works undertaken by the authors. No
doubt the earlier two books also had to be completed under the publish-
er’s exacting standards but the last in the list of our committed tasks
turned out to be extremely problematic and difficult.
We began the work with a plan for meeting and interviewing the offi-
cials (past and present) of the Ministry of Finance and even the retired
governors of the Reserve Bank of India. We had as per our plan a few
meetings at Delhi and at Hyderabad. Barely had we met a few dignitaries,
when all travelling was suspended and the senior member of the team was
advised not even to leave his home because of his advancing age. Even the
planned meetings had to be canceled. In fact, some of the meetings were
canceled by others for fear possibly causing trouble to the senior member!!
The other problems arose because of not being able to go to the librar-
ies, training colleges of banks, zonal offices of banks. We must particularly
mention that the editorial team at Palgrave Macmillan persisted with the
project and encouraged us on end to carry on with the work. We are fully
aware of the effects of all such limitations. We tried and succeeded because
of the immense efforts in overcoming the difficulties. Our family members
spared no efforts to overcome the difficulties once it was clear that we
were determined to carry on the work. True it is, that it was like fighting
with one hand tied at the back.
No efforts were spared by us to adhere to the academic standards in
preparing the manuscript. The book starts with the pandemic and evalu-
ates its impact on banking and finance.

vii
viii PREFACE

Consequent to the lockdown a number of changes followed. The cus-


tomers had to use their mobile phones for their routine banking opera-
tions. Banking at any time and from wherever you might have been,
became the new normal. The customers turned to online shopping and to
mobile apps for money transfer and other operations. Credit and debit
cards became the new normal.
The role of branches underwent a major change. The hands of the
clock would not (and could not) be reversed and a new beginning had to
be made with digital banking. Therefore, thinking of a new technology for
banking operations became the prime necessity. In fact, our approach to
human resource management had to take note of work from home, and
digitized HR or even marketing. True it is that during the transition we
had to think of branch operations. But rationalization of structures, busi-
ness models, regulations, and risk management had to take note of the
greater attention paid to cyber risk and hence two chapters get devoted to
this aspect of working model for banks. A basic change in operation modes
and we had to rethink even the business models currently in vogue.
Naturally, newer layouts for banks’ branches became necessary and we had
to think of the possibility of chat bots working alongside humans in sym-
biotic harmony.
In short, a new beginning had to be made. One cannot solve today’s
problems with yesterday’s solutions. We have to open the windows, look
out and allow fresh air to blow away the old and usher in the new. This
according to us is perhaps the only way to face the future. The book is our
contribution to move in that direction.
In this endeavor our families stood by us like rocks and supported us on
end. They undertook and even now are carrying out any number of chores
connected with book writing. The book would not have seen the light of
the day without their unique guidance and untiring zeal. Thanks, and
more thanks, we are grateful to my daughter Achala, my son-in-law
Kirtikumar and my grandson son Sameer, and would like to raise the
power of the word thanks to its nth degree to convey what we feel from
within. My son Vinay and daughter-in-law Neelima too deserve equal or
greater thanks for all they had to put up with and ensure that the book
writing did not stop. God knows what troubles they had to endure and
what lengths they had to go to ensure its smooth flow on a day-to-­
day basis.
PREFACE ix

We also owe a sense of gratitude to Dr. Kulkarni’s family for all the
disturbances we caused to their otherwise even tenor and smooth flow of
existence.
We are forever thankful to Mr. P.B. Kulkarni for his most valuable
advice and guidance throughout the course of writing of the book. We
owe special thanks to Mr. D. Tapurkar for his innumerable suggestions
and a constant flow of relevant material on diverse topics dealt with in
the book.

Pune, Maharashtra, India Vasant Chintaman Joshi


 Lalitagauri Kulkarni
Contents

1 The Impact of the Pandemic  1


Part I   2
The Global Scenario   3
Part II   6
Measures in India   6
Part III   7
Bibliography   9

2 State of the Financial System: Strengths and Weaknesses 11


Financial System Structure  12
State of Banks’ Finances  13
Government Infusion of Capital  14
Bank Frauds: A Broad Picture  15
Debt Restructuring and Recovery: The Legal Remedies  17
Regulatory Aspects, Use of Stress Test for Soundness  20
Suggestions and Recommendations for Immediate Response  21
Critical Evaluation of Bankers  22
Conclusion  22
Bibliography  23

3 Socio-Political and Technology Aspects 25


Big Data  26
Big Data Analytics  29
Big Data Implementation: Review of Best Practices  30

xi
xii Contents

Cloud Computing  32
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)  33
Rise of AI in Financial Services  34
Augmented and Virtual Reality  36
Bibliography  39

4 Reimagining Banking 41
The New Normal: New Business Model for Banks  41
Open Banking  46
Digital Banking  47
Bibliography  49

5 Banking: New Frontiers 51


E-Banking Facilities for Senior Citizens  52
Bibliography  58

6 Cyber Crimes and Laws 59


The Criminals  61
Motivation for Crime  62
Cyber Crimes  62
Precautions at the Scene of Crime  65
Data Protection  65
Data Diddling  66
Data Leakage  66
Data Spying  66
The Laws  68
Bibliography  68

7 Cyber Risk Management 71


Part I  71
State of Cyber Risk  71
Part II  75
Part III  76
Current Developments  76
Part IV  77
The Regulatory Guidance  77
Basel Committee on Banking Supervision  78
Bank of England: CBEST Testing Overview  80
Contents  xiii

Conclusion  82
Bibliography  82

8 Digital Marketing 83
Interactive Teller Machines  91
Service Terminals  91
Interactive Digital Walls  91
Bibliography  95

9 HR Digitized 97
Part I  97
Keeping Innovation Engine Running  97
Forces Driving Digitization  97
HR Challenges in Banking  98
Making the Promise Come True  98
Digital HR  99
Innovation Culture in HR 103
Conclusion 106
Part II 106
Digitized HR 106
Unlocking the Potential 111
HR Planning and Development 111
Recruitment and Selection 112
Development of Required Manpower 112
Bibliography 117

10 Risk Management119
Inadequacy of Risk Estimation Models 121
Centralized Approach Towards Risk Management 123
Conclusion 124
Bibliography 124

11 Regulation125
Regulating the Financial Systems 125
Part I: Government Borrowing 127
Part II: Reconsidering the Role of Central Banks 128
Digitalization 131
International Adequacy Standards 133
xiv Contents

Foreign Branches of Indian Banks 133


Plan for Regulators 134
RBI Independence 134
Central Bank Autonomy 135
Politics of Monetary Policy 138
Bibliography 138

Index139
List of Figures

Fig. 1.1 COVID-19 impact. (Source: Authors) 8


Fig. 2.1 Financial system in India. (Source: Author) 16
Fig. 7.1 Cyber security framework. (Source: Cyber Security
Framework CSF) 80
Fig. 8.1 Future digital bank. (Source: Authors) 90
Fig. 8.2 Marketing plan in corporate plans 94
Fig. 9.1 Role of HR. (Source: Authors) 115

xv
List of Tables

Table 2.1 Non-performing assets in banks 14


Table 2.2 Source: RBI website and Lok Sabha questions and answers 15
Table 2.3 Bank frauds – a broad picture 16
Table 2.4 NPA recovery 17
Table 6.1 Impact of attacks of criminal activities 64
Table 6.2 Cyber offenses 64
Table 7.1 Cyber crimes and their effects 72
Table 7.2 Incidents reported to F.C.A. UK 73
Table 7.3 External threats 74
Table 7.4 Fraud prevention and awareness 76
Table 9.1 State of HR and challenges ahead 99
Table 9.2 Traditional HR vs. digital HR 101
Table 9.3 Changes imperative in corporate goals and management 114
Table 9.4 Changes in employee mindset 115
Table 9.5 Future of work 116

xvii
CHAPTER 1

The Impact of the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected virtually all the facets of our exis-
tence. In addition to the immediate medical emergency, the pandemic has
exposed and deepened disparities in income level and the availability of
health and financial services. It has also brought to light the dire harshness
of the lives of migrant laborers at the bottom of the economic pyramid.
The resultant suffering and known/unknown tragedies have certainly left
a terrible scar behind. Therefore, we feel that any discussion about what
the future of banking may hold must begin with a careful assessment of
how the pandemic has affected the banking landscape.
For analytical convenience, the chapter is divided into three parts. In
Parts I and II, we chronicle the steps taken by government agencies, com-
mercial banks, and central banks to deal with the financial emergency
caused by the pandemic. In Part III, we attempt to show how banks can
help bring about a degree of post-pandemic stability.
One is aware that not all those who have lost a job would find another.
In fact, some labor-intensive jobs would be hard to come by. Further,
recouping the losses incurred by the industry would be a matter of great
concern. One can’t forget that the economy is fragile and less innova-
tive, and therefore it would not be easy to adapt to changing
circumstances.
Further, the behavior of the economy is somewhat unpredictable. No
one really knows how long a firm facing zero revenue would be able to

© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature 1


Singapore Pte Ltd. 2022
V. C. Joshi, L. Kulkarni, The Future of Indian Banking,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-9562-9_1
2 V. C. JOSHI AND L. KULKARNI

survive. A merely illiquid firm can become insolvent. The banks will have
to make a heroic effort in tilting the balance toward stability and under-
take their normal functions of saving and lending.
We now start with the discussion of the efforts made by financial insti-
tutions (FIs). Basically, they are responding to and accepting the situation
as it comes. At the same time, they have to ensure that they do not waver
from the stabilization effort that they have to undertake.

Part I
The chapter very broadly indicates the difficulties and travails experienced
by financial institutions and details the steps taken to alleviate the difficul-
ties. In the analysis of various aspects of banks’ working we had to stop at
the period ending March 2019 and cover with a broad-brush happening
till March 2020. We were considerably handicapped as required particu-
lars (mainly data) were not available. Many factories were closed. A large
number of workers had gone home (to UP, Bihar, etc.). Transport was not
available to send goods or to bring in raw materials.
Estimates about the extent of disruption and the amount of losses
would have to be mere approximations. The impact of all the disturbances
would be enormous but to quantify these was well-nigh impossible.
The relief measures initiated by the government and banks would no
doubt help a large number of units in the small and medium-sized enter-
prises (S&ME) sector. But how many of them have resumed their opera-
tion or to what extent have their operating cycle is working “normally” is
hard to get at. There is a possibility of certain amount of finances being
directed to “zombie” units too. We were told that banks did have commit-
tees to examine and prune such cases.
One had also to reckon with the fact that most of the banks (public
sector and some even in the private sector) had to deal with the problems
of non-performing assets (NPA).
Some banks were barely out of the prompt corrective action blues.
They could not possibly have borne the “reconstruction” burden on their
own. They too are in need of some props as the next chapter brings out.
In suggesting a broad-based plan for the future (say, digitization of
functions or introduction of AI) we had to assume that over a period the
banks would gain the necessary strength and acquire resources to bring
about the required changes.
1 THE IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC 3

We are aware that banks and financial institutions have to in all likeli-
hood face a huge additional burden of “out of order” accounts and to try
and to bring them “in order”. How soon this would happen is difficult
to guess.
We are per force required to assume the beginning of a “new normal”
and start considering the developments. These are no doubt major disrup-
tions and could lead to differing time lags in reaching the new normal.
There could therefore be “jerky” journeys ahead in the implementation of
the changes suggested by us. Even perceptions at operating levels may
have an impact on the implementation of proposed changes.
One was hoping that the lull in the COVID-19 surge experienced by us
during the last couple of months would be lasting, and that the process of
revival would be underway. However, the current resurgence in the num-
ber of COVID-19 cases belies that hope. Both in the USA and in Europe
the conflict has once again assumed severe proportions and that “lock-
down” has become a “must”.
The only ray of hope is that the preventive vaccine may perhaps be
available if not within the next month (December 2020) or at least in
January 2021 and may help in the prevention of vigorous resurgence of
the pandemic from February 2021.
We could, however, take a cursory review and try undertaking an assess-
ment to review the emerging situation. One undertakes such a study with
the hope that the resurgence may not exasperate the situation at the
“beyond repair” situations. This assumes that the stoppage would not be
long-lasting.
We begin with a review of the wider global picture and against that
background study the remedial steps taken by or proposed by various gov-
ernment regulators.

The Global Scenario


We start with the summary of the conclusion presented by the International
Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

 he Pandemic Impact
T
The global economic crisis will not be quite as grim as was projected ear-
lier but the GDP growth will touch 4.4% and the damage inflicted would
be felt for years. We quote below a letter from the director of IMF and a
blog by the chief economist at IMF, outlining their concerns about the
4 V. C. JOSHI AND L. KULKARNI

likely impact. In a letter to the director of the London School of Economics,


the managing director of the IMF made the following observations:

There is now the risk of severe economic scarring from job losses, bankrupt-
cies and disruption of education…global output may remain well below our
pre-pandemic projections over the medium term. This calamity is far from
overall, the countries now face the long ascent. The path is clouded with
extra ordinary uncertainty. Risks remain very high. These could be from ris-
ing bankruptcies and stretched valuation in financial markets. Many coun-
tries have been extremely vulnerable. The debt levels have increased because
of their fiscal response to the crisis and the heavy output and revenue losses.
(Georgieva, 2020)

 he Path Ahead
T
Where the pandemic persists, it is critical to maintain life lines across the
economy. Tax deferrals, credit guarantees, and monetary accommodation
may be helpful to an extent. The whole matter could be put in a wider
perspective by quoting a blog by Ms. Gita Gopinath, chief economist,
IMF: “This is the worst crisis since the Great Depression and it will take
significant innovation on the policy front at both the national and interna-
tional levels to recover from the calamity” (Gopinath, 2020). The diver-
gence in income between advanced economies and developing economies
triggered by this pandemic is likely to worsen. We are upgrading our fore-
cast for advanced economies for 2020 to 5.8% followed by a rebound in
growth to 3.9% into 2021. For emerging markets and developing coun-
tries we have a downgrade with growth projected to −5.7% in 2020 and
then a 5% recovery in 2021. The crisis will leave a scar well into the
medium term as labor markets take time to heal, investment is held back
by uncertainty and balance sheet problems. Lost schooling will impair
human capital. The cumulative loss in output relative to the pre-pandemic
projected path is expected to grow from US $11 trillion in 2021 to $25
trillion in 2025.

World Bank
The COVID-19 pandemic would push 150 million people into extreme
poverty. Eighty-two percent of the extreme poor would be from middle-­
income countries where the poverty line includes income from US $3.25
to $5.50 a day. Urban dwellers would be particularly affected.
1 THE IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC 5

Amidst such widespread poverty, there are certain regions which suffer
more. This could be because of certain factors. A case in point is the
American Mid-West. A McKinsey study points out a particular case
as under.
Health and economic effects of COVID-19 are exacerbating inequali-
ties between people and places with low-income people either being in
high-contact essential jobs with greater health risks or are facing unem-
ployment. Low-wage earners (earning less than US $40,000 per year)
count for more than 80% of workers vulnerable to lay-offs, furloughs and
reduction in share of income. Equally worrisome is the share of women
and African Americans amongst the sufferers (Manyika et al., 2020).
In addition, we would also refer to the most likely economic conse-
quences that would follow. Such a list is somewhat hypothetical but rea-
sonably plausible.

• The permanence of losses will depend on how soon the losses are
brought under control. How deep will the scars be? In particular,
what will be the impact of unemployment, bad debts, increased pov-
erty and disruption of education?
• There is a likelihood of a vast number of businesses emerging heavily
burdened by debt and many would fail to emerge at all.
• Many economies could end up being smaller and their people poorer
than they otherwise would have been.
• Structural issues. Would we stop traveling for business or stop com-
muting to offices?
• How would we adjust to the virtual world?
• Would governments tend to be more interventionist? Would there
be a Build Back Better movement?
• Would the governments insist on low interest rates for its debts?
• When would fiscal deficits be reduced?

Before we look at the steps taken by central banks/governments we


would also like to draw on conclusions of highly respected observers/
journals like the London Economist about the immediate future and after-
math thereafter.

In 2020 (by the end of it) world economic outlook may be lower by about
8% – the biggest contraction since the World War. In the US, proportion of
Americans (25–54) in the work force fell below 70%, 1/6th of the young
6 V. C. JOSHI AND L. KULKARNI

people lost their job, 89% of the people are likely to be pushed into extreme
poverty. School closures may affect people for decades. In Europe 40 mil-
lion people were on government funded schemes. Public borrowing is
­soaring. It would be around 132% of GDP. Central Banks have created
debts amounting to trillions of dollars.
Supply chain panic has left a lasting impression. The matter has assumed
importance as never before. Healthcare systems, trade wars, supply chain are
all in a melting pot. (Economist, 2020)

The COVID-19 is a global shock like “no other” involving disruptions


to both supply and demand sides. On the supply side:

• Infections reduced labor supply


• Productivity is adversely affected
• Social distancing affects supplies

On the demand side:

• Lay-off and loss of income prospects


• Reduced household consumption and investment
• The extreme uncertainty about path duration posing a vicious cycle
of dampening business and consumer confidence

Part II
It is against this grim environment that we have to appreciate the various
steps taken by the governments. We briefly touch on the steps taken by the
Federal Reserve in the US and by the European Central Banks.
The Central Banks have adopted a policy of what could have been
described as utterly unconventional but now considered
“CONVENTIONAL”. “Do what it takes” is the new mantra. The Federal
Reserve has cut rates 164 times in 147 days!! The benchmark rate has
been slashed to zero. So has the European Central Bank. The EU has initi-
ated lending scheme for EU member countries.

Measures in India
In India, too there has been an action both by the government and the
Reserve Bank. The government extended guarantees for loans sanctioned
1 THE IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC 7

to SMEs and pumped in huge amounts for installment payments to MFIs.


It also extended guarantees and subsidies in specific cases.
A sum of Rs. 500 per month was paid into accounts of PMJDY account
holders. Mudra Loans were granted at a very reasonable rates and sanc-
tioned very promptly.
For the poor, food supplies were made available (25 kg per person)
free. The weekly free supply was to be extended till the end of
November 2020.
The Reserve Bank of India too could be described as being ultra-liberal
in extending loans to the Government of India and would be close to
“Helicopter Money”. They have also been closely monitoring implemen-
tation of state and central government schemes. The RBI support has
been unique and their work along with the Government of India could be
considered exemplary.

Part III
Many bank officials have been informally discussing with us some of their
management issues. They have suggested that we should briefly touch on
the role of bank branches in times to come, the reduction in ATMs, use of
cards and digital operations.
In the same breath they also felt a need to have a sort of composite view
on COVID-19 developments. They realized that the work setup which
was modeled on the factory work (opening and leaving time being fixed)
was becoming anachronistic and that there was a need to change such
rigid operation including “business hours”. New norms for meetings are
in the offing and should be introduced. These are, of course, operational
details and would be soon sorted out.
But their major worry was regarding their views being solicited on
COVID-19 developments. This is quite a done thing. Somehow branch
managers are looked up to and many customers would like to have
their views.
The most important requirement of an official, be it a branch manager,
regional manager or someone still higher in the hierarchy, was to keep a
“cool head”. We are biologically wired to have a “stress response” (flight,
fight or freeze) in the face of volatile environment.
The leaders in the first instance must strictly observe the required rule
in respect of masks and social distancing. More important is the need for
integrative awareness of the changing reality in the world outside. For the
8 V. C. JOSHI AND L. KULKARNI

Covid Impact on Financial Govt Response


Market &
& Govt Policies Recovery

Impact on Staff

+ Travel Industry
+ Advances
Work Force
Impact on Trade COVID-19 Cushioning
Impact

Constant Monitoring:
Staff
Impact on Customers
Industry Outsourced Acvies

Fig. 1.1 COVID-19 impact. (Source: Authors)

sake of easy reference, we have made a diagrammatic representation


(Fig. 1.1) and at the branch level the official may find it useful as a source
of reference. To live up to such a leadership role is extremely useful in
today’s troubled time.
A global perspective presented at the beginning is quite useful. A num-
ber of customers in urban/rural areas have children and relatives overseas
and customers here invariably seek information/guidance and more so if
they have banking relationship.
Lastly, there is a need to be informed about likely changes in the post-­
pandemic period. We conclude with a somewhat out-of-context authority
(the pope) to comment on the economic system and the environment.
These issues are of a global relevance. In his encyclical, citing aspects like
deregulation, weak labor laws, and privatization, the pope blames neolib-
eral doctrines for pushing people (especially in low-income countries) into
extreme poverty and creating vulnerable health systems. Moreover, the
pope lays the blame for surges in the coronavirus and its disproportionate
effect on poor communities squarely at the feet of neo-capitalism and neo-­
liberalism (Francis, 2020).
1 THE IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC 9

Bibliography
Francis, F. T. (2020, October 3). Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tutti of the Holy Father
Francis on Fraternity and Social Friendship. Retrieved from Vatican: http://
www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-­
francesco_20201003_enciclica-­fratelli-­tutti.html
Georgieva, K. (2020, October 8). The Long Ascent: Overcoming the Crisis and
Building a More Resilient Economy. Retrieved from IMF: https://www.imf.
org/en/News/Articles/2020/10/06/sp100620-­the-­long-­ascent-­overcoming-
­the-­crisis-­and-­building-­a-­more-­resilient-­economy
Gopinath, G. (2020, October 13). A Long, Uneven and Uncertain Ascent.
Retrieved from blogs.imf.org: https://blogs.imf.org/2020/10/13/a-
­long-­uneven-­and-­uncertain-­ascent/
Manyika, J., Pinkus, G., & Tuin, M. (2020, November 12). Rethinking the Future
of American Capitalism. Retrieved from McKinsey Global Institute: https://
www.mckinsey.com/featured-­i nsights/long-­t erm-­c apitalism/rethinking-­
the-­future-­of-­american-­capitalism#
The Economist. (2020, October 8). Changing Places. The Economist,
Special Edition. https://www.economist.com/special-­report/2020/10/08/
changing-­places
CHAPTER 2

State of the Financial System: Strengths


and Weaknesses

We have in the first chapter attempted a review of the havoc caused by the
pandemic and efforts made by the Indian authorities to stem the tide. The
financial system had to bear an unimaginable burden. On the one hand,
the banks had to take steps (implementing various government schemes)
to revive economic activities and to ensure that economic losses were min-
imized. Additionally, they were also required to ensure that the average
customers’ need for banking services was met. Even with a meager staff
present, the banks did provide the services to see that the customers’ needs
were met. In the case of small and medium-sized enterprises, banks had to
ensure that the supply chains were restored, staff salaries were being made,
and gradually the amounts of receivables got reduced. In fact, this was a
heroic effort to keep the wheels of commerce and industry churning.
The branches did carry out most of the tasks assigned to them. But
apart from the problems created, there were other weaknesses from which
the system was already suffering. Normally, we should have started our
review with an analysis of financial statements as at the end of 31st March
2020. However, in view of pandemic developments, many of the accounts
were revived though, in fact, they were in the defaulter category earlier.
We have therefore no option but to look at the balance sheets as of 31st
March 2019 to study the strengths and weaknesses of the system as it
existed then. The problems noticed then are still casting their long and
ominous shadows over the system.

© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature 11


Singapore Pte Ltd. 2022
V. C. Joshi, L. Kulkarni, The Future of Indian Banking,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-9562-9_2
12 V. C. JOSHI AND L. KULKARNI

Financial System Structure


At the highest level, financial institutes in India can be divided into two
main groups – banks and non-banks. There are three main types of banks –
commercial banks (these include regional rural banks), co-operative banks,
and payment or small finance banks. The payment or small finance banks
are recent additions.
The non-banks sector is made up of mutual funds, insurance compa-
nies, non-banking financial companies and other institutes like pension
funds, primary dealers.
We now proceed to review what a modern financial system is expected
to carry out. In their report on the future of finance published by the
London School of Economics, Turner, Haldane, and Wooley outline what
the financial system should do (Wooley, 2010). The standard text lists five
main functions:

1. Channeling savings into investments


2. Transferring risks
3. Maturity transformation (including life cycle consumption)
4. Effecting payment
5. Making markets

True it is that it is difficult to see how closely this corresponds to the


stated functions. We also have to critically examine why the system is prone
to boom and bust.
There is one more mechanism that needs to be mentioned. This is a
mechanism which provides contractual certainty and that generates and
verifies the information on which efficient financial intermediation
depends. These include credit rating, accounting and auditing, and finan-
cial analysis as well as the supervisory and regulatory frameworks.

The three components markets, intermediaries, and infrastructure are inex-


tricably intertwined. The various components are expected to work together
to improve the information available to guide the allocation of resources.
High quality information is the raw material for directing resources to their
most efficient use facilitating inter-temporal contract and thus strengthen-
ing growth potential. (Crockett, 2011)
2 STATE OF THE FINANCIAL SYSTEM: STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES 13

State of Banks’ Finances


We would start with an examination of the financial strength/weakness of
the major constituent, viz. the banks.
For the last five years and more particularly since 2015, banks have
been plagued by the problem of non-performing assets (NPA). For
the sake of clarity, we would make a slight deviation, and explain the
term non-performing asset. These are known as non-performing
because the debtor is in default or is in arrears. A loan is in arrears
when interest or principal payments are missed or late. A loan is in
default when the lender considers the loan agreement to be broken
and the debtor is not able to meet the obligation. It must however
be added that generally accounts get recorded as NPAs after a pro-
longed period of non-payment by the borrower. NPAs, as would be
seen, are a great burden on the lender.
Dr. Raghuram Rajan during his tenure as governor, undertook very
thorough evaluation of the bank’s credit portfolios and came to some
astonishing conclusions. The position that survey brought out was that
the “portfolios” and consequently the banks’ financial strength had suf-
fered very badly.
In a note submitted to the Estimates Committee of Parliament, Dr.
Rajan comments on the state of financials as under:

A large number of bad loans were originated in the period 2006–2008 when
economic growth was strong and previous infrastructure projects such as
power plants etc. were completed on time and within the budget. It is at
such times that banks make mistakes. They extrapolate growth and perfor-
mance to the future. So, they are willing to accept a higher leverage in proj-
ects and less promoter equity. Indeed, sometimes banks signed up to lend
based on project reports by the promoters’ investment, without doing their
own due diligence.

This is the phenomenon of irrational exuberance common across coun-


tries at such a phase in the cycle. The matter should not be left here but a
more thorough analysis is required.
Strong demand projections for various projects were shown to
be increasingly unrealistic as domestic demand slowed down
(Rajan, 2018).
It would at this stage be useful to get a comprehensive picture with
quantitative dimensions so that not only the scale of the problem but the
14 V. C. JOSHI AND L. KULKARNI

Table 2.1 Non-performing assets in banks


Non-performing assets Gross NPA in Amounts provided for bad loans
as of 31st March crores of rupees Amounts transferred from operating profits as
Year provisions for bad loans in crores of rupees

2012 117,000 38,177


2013 164,461 43,102
2014 216,739 63,389
2015 278,877 76,837
2016 539,855 160,303
2017 684,733 168,469
2018 895,600 270,953
2019 73,954

Source: Federation

causal analysis by the select committee can be seen in the right context.
Table 2.1 gives details about the NPA in banks and equally important are
details of the “provisions” (funds allocated from profits to cover up these).

Government Infusion of Capital


Before looking at the debt recovery aspect, we would briefly touch on the
capital infused by the government during the years 2013–2020. The total
amount works out to Rs. 338,099. The breakup is as under (Table 2.2):
Balance sheets can be analyzed in a number of ways – mainly depending
on the purpose for which the user wants it. The user may want it for
investment purposes, the management may use it for their own analysis
while the regulators may subject it to stress test and analyze the soundness
or otherwise. The easiest way to appreciate the relationship among the
elements is the analysis of various ratios. A mere look at the ratios high-
lights the aspect which one is examining (capital to assets) and conformity
to the regulatory standards.
The ratio of non-performing loans to gross total loans was 2.4% in
2011 and went as high as 9.11%. The “provisions” ratio [provisions to
NPA] came down from 52.4% to 44%. For additional ratios, please see
Reserve Bank of India (2019) and India: Financial System Stability
Assessment – Press Release and Statement by the Executive Directory for
India (2017).
2 STATE OF THE FINANCIAL SYSTEM: STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES 15

Table 2.2 Source: RBI website and Lok Sabha questions and answers
2013–2014 2014–2015 2015–2016 2016–2017 2017–2018 2018–2019 2019–2020

Rupees 15,000 6990 25,000 24,995 99,900 106,100 60,114


in crores

The deteriorating position of NPAs has obviously caused concern.


Briefly stated the causes for the weakening position can be summed up
as under:
The Parliamentary Estimates committee comments as under:

Dr. Rajan aptly and very succinctly describes the causes as under. “At a time
when the economy was booming and business outlook was very positive,
large corporations were granted loans based on their growth and recent
performance. The corporations grew highly leveraged implying that most
financing was through borrowing rather than promotes equity”.
(Rajan, 2018)

The Estimates Committee of Parliament summarized the causes as under:

• Over-optimism
• Slow growth
• Government permissions for certain work related to project and foot
dragging by authorities
• Loss of promoter and banks’ interest
• Frauds
• Malfeasance
• Diligence by bankers was poor
• RBI review of the credit portfolio left much to be desired

Bank Frauds: A Broad Picture


Top 10 frauds with amounts outstanding over Rs. 1000 crores (Table 2.3).
Further information shows that by 29th August 2019, bank frauds had
jumped 74% by value. Fraudulent transactions had risen to Rs.
71,543 crores.
Public sector banks accounted for 90%, i.e. Rs. 64,509 crores, private
banks Rs. 55.5 crores and foreign banks Rs. 955 crores (Answers, 2019).
16 V. C. JOSHI AND L. KULKARNI

Table 2.3 Bank frauds – a broad picture


Frauds Rs. 1 Frauds Rs. 50 Frauds Rs.
lakh and above crores and 100 crores
above and above

Year Number Amount Number Amount Number Amount


2014–2015 4639 19,455 77 14,998 1 1648
2015–2016 4693 18,699 82 14,791 1 1265
2016–2017 5076 23,934 104 19,110 3 3792
2017–2018 5916 41,167 121 34,714 4 16,395
2018–2019 6801 71,543 322 61,759 4 6505
2019–2020 4412 113,374 308 105,619 21 44,951

Source: Private circular from the Maharashtra State Bank Employees Federation

Commercial Banks
(including Regional Rural banks)

Banks Co-operave banks

Newer Banks like Payment Banks &


Small Finance Banks
Financial
Development Banks
Institutions (mostly wound up now)

Insurance Companies

Non-Banks Mutual Funds

Non-Banking Financial Companies

Others (e.g., Pension Funds, Primary


Dealers)

Fig. 2.1 Financial system in India. (Source: Author)

It is indeed a sad commentary on the working that 97% of the frauds


relate to the credit portfolio.
These figures speak volumes about the state of banking in particular
and the financial system in general. But a further probe reveals the other
financial weaknesses from which the system suffers (Fig. 2.1).
2 STATE OF THE FINANCIAL SYSTEM: STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES 17

Table 2.4 NPA recovery


No. of cases Amt. involved Amt. recovered Percentage

Lok Adalat 4,080,987 53,506 2816 5.3


DRT 52,175 306,499 10,574 8.5
SARFAESI 284,312 289,073 41,876 14.5
IBC 1135 166,600 70,819 42.5
Total 126,084

Source: Authors

Debt Restructuring and Recovery: The Legal Remedies


We briefly review the efforts made for recovery through legal channels.
The Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRT) and Securities and Reconstruction
of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act (SARFAESI
Act) in 2002 was passed with the sole object of expediting the recovery
process. The following table shows the recoveries made through various
channels.
NPA recovery through various channels (Table 2.4).
One fails to understand why efforts were not made through the law
ministry to expedite these matters. The negligible response by the bankers
is absolutely unacceptable. The public sector banks should have clamored
to expedite decisions on these matters. A totally wrong message was given
to the borrowers. Dr. Rajan has pointed out that during 2013–2014,
amount recovered from cases in 2013–2014 under DRT was Rs. 30,590
crores while amount involved was Rs. 236,600 crores (Rajan, Speech,
Issues in banking today, 2016).
The recovery was only 13% of the total amount involved. DRT had to
dispose of cases within 6 months. However, the delays had resulted in
cases being disposed of in about 3–4 years. The backlog continued to
grow and did not come down. In India as would be seen from the earlier
analysis, the recovery is through legal proceedings. These proceedings are
dilatory and the delays are totally counter-productive. As a banker one
knows that the documentation, computerized accounting and limitation
statutes etc. are not at all in question. It is indeed difficult to see why such
delays should occur or even allowed by courts.
Such slow recovery meant that defaulters got advantage over lenders.
They use these borrowed moneys without any interest payments. Further
they had a chance to try and see if they could persuade the bank[s] for a
18 V. C. JOSHI AND L. KULKARNI

one-time settlement. Dr. Rajan rightly says that “Bank loans in such a
system became equity, with a tough promoter enjoying the upside in good
times and forcing the banks to absorb losses in bad times, even while he
holds onto his equity” (Rajan, Speech, Issues in banking today, 2016).
The system had to be made far more effective. The steps taken were:

1. Collect all the required information on who had lent to borrowers –


Load database was created (CRILC) for all those who had borrowed
more than Rs. 5 crores.
2. Stop “Ever Greening” of Projects (facilitating by not showing these
accounts as NPAs and treating them as fully operative!). Banks’ ability
to restructure was stopped. They had to describe the project as NPA.
3. A scheme was put in place to replace promoters. The scheme was called
strategic debt restructuring. Under the scheme weak borrowers could
be replaced.

 he Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code


T
The measures listed above were of some help. Equally important was the
empowerment of banks to refer errant and large borrowers to the process
of insolvency and bankruptcy. Additionally, banks also were empowered to
deal with large errant borrowers through Insolvency and Bankruptcy
Code (IBC).The IBC was aimed at quickly getting NPAs off the books of
banks. The idea was to empower the banks to initiate the IBC process
early. After all, large defaulters were the ones who accounted for a domi-
nant share of NPAs.
Basically, one has to look at three important questions:

• Can the NPAs be recovered in full? Or in a large measure by expro-


priating the assets serving as explicit or implicit collateral for the debt
in question?
• Who would bear the cost of restructuring the cost of unpaid
bank debt?
• Is there a way to ensure that IBC would deter or bring about major
changes so that borrowers exercise greater care and diligence?

So far, we have information on 12 major cases. One is led to conclude


that IBC record is not good enough to make the process, one that which
is particularly useful for recovery from the perspective of the banks and
savings and tax payers.
2 STATE OF THE FINANCIAL SYSTEM: STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES 19

What actually has emerged is that some large corporates while had
assets were liquidated with adverse effect on workers and/or a few white-­
collar employees. True it is that full evidence is not made available in the
public domain. One is not in a position to evaluate the costs and/or the
benefits in that context.
The first case that was decided on by the National Company Law
Tribunal (NCLT), the lenders had to take a haircut of 94%. The number
of cases that have come to light is around 40.

1. One would like to see the reforms for “Debtor in Possession” to


“Creditor in Control” model.
2. The World Bank estimates that it would take about four years for the
process to be completed.

One cannot but help remarking that IBC cannot be a cure for faulty
lending practices of banks and other financial institutions which have
resorted to reckless lending without due diligence and risk mapping to
tackle the situation when corporate borrowers default on the loans. One
has sadly to concur with the observation that IBC may be useful in curing
the symptoms but not the causes.
IBC can never be a panacea for solving all the NPA problems
(Nishank, 2019).
A slight deviation is called for. One would notice that during 2020
most of the PSBs have turned the corner and are showing profits in their
balance sheets. The Government of India has undertaken a massive sup-
port program to revive the economy. Many stressed accounts have now
been regularized and “provisions” made earlier have been reversed. The
result is that most of the banks are no longer in “red”.
The Reserve Bank has advised banks to flag such accounts and to ensure
that under the new dispensation these accounts may be shown to be in
order. They are stressed accounts and have to be treated as such. Additional
“limits” sanctioned are of no consequence. These are the accounts which
could be described as “zombie”. In a slightly different category are
accounts which broadly be described as stand still, i.e. neither active nor
non-performing. (The operations temporarily discontinued.)
Leaving aside the “pandemic” special arrangements, we would turn to
some urgent measures proposed in the “Financial Stability Report –
2019”. The Financial Stability Board (FSB) Report has made a number of
suggestions and also referred to EU Banking Authority Standards. These
20 V. C. JOSHI AND L. KULKARNI

guidelines clarify how “default” is to be treated. We would draw attention


to the stress test and sensitivity analysis methods and also suggest adoption
of the EU technical standards in RBI supervisory checks and Banks’ work-
ing. We briefly touch on some of the requirements “The Ought Element”.

• It should cover all the segments of the financial market. Rigor of


regulation must be uniform amongst all segments to avoid regula-
tory arbitrage.
• Special attention will have to be given to systematically impor-
tant segments.
• Large organizations may require coordinated oversight.
• Institutions may be required to set up buffers in good times. These
could then be used in bad times.
• Excessive leverage has in any case to be avoided.

Under any circumstances, the effort should be to avoid emergence of


vulnerable and volatile institutions. Needless to add that the sector must
move in a manner that excessive risk-taking is avoided at all costs.

Regulatory Aspects, Use of Stress Test


for Soundness

We draw mainly on the analysis undertaken in the Financial Stability


Report (Reserve Bank of India, 2019). Of course, simplified ratio analysis
suggested by the IMF would no doubt be of limited use.
The analysis below examines the soundness from two points of view.

1. Performance – Basically, note is taken of deposit and credit growth and


the share of net income. The “required” provisions are also looked at.
2. In addition, the two analytical tools, viz. the “stress test” and “sensitiv-
ity analysis”, are undertaken to analyze the “resilience”.

Macro Stress Test – They start with a baseline scenario and compare it
with assumed deterioration. One can critically review Tier 1 capital and
other capital ratios and see how the banks would withstand the change.
Sensitivity Analysis – The resilience is examined with respect to credit,
interest rate and liquidity risk. If top three borrowers failed to repay, there
2 STATE OF THE FINANCIAL SYSTEM: STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES 21

would be a considerable adverse impact. Similarly, the impact of deposit


run-off or adverse effect on high quality assets were also looked at.
For a systematic evaluation a reference to urban coops, NBFCs, hous-
ing finance companies, etc., will have to be studied. It would not be wrong
to say that financial system can be visualized as a network if we look at the
bilateral exposure links. FIs do have links with each other for efficiency
gains as also for risk diversification. It must be said that the risks are also
transmitted. Total bilateral exposure amongst entities increased from 31.4
trillion to 36.3 trillion <currency required> by March 2019. In the same
vein, we should note that in the international market, the share of Public
Sector Banks increased substantially from 53.5% to 62.5% (Reserve Bank
of India, 2019).

Suggestions and Recommendations


for Immediate Response

The measures discussed so far cover mainly “short-term” regulatory


impact. Post 2007–2010 crisis, more fundamental views on the way
“banking” should be undertaken have also been articulated. In fact there
have been suggestions that there should be severe restrictions on the way
banks create and lend money. In the following sections we critically review
the theoretical aspects and also suggestions for operational practices that
have been made. We briefly present some of these ideas as our analysis and
suggestions for improvements are to some extent influenced by these the-
oretical developments.
Post financial crisis of 2007–2010 in the US, there has been a flood of
books, research papers, lectures, and seminars to see how a recurrence can
be avoided and the systemic weaknesses are done away with. These are
fundamental propositions on the way “banking” should be conducted.
In the immediate aftermath the three principal players brought out the
books to narrate their experiences of actually handling the crisis.
Subsequently, all the three (Bernanke, Geithner, Paulson) jointly brought
out a work aptly titled “Fire Fighting” (Ben Bernanke, 2019).
These books, in a sense, presented details of how the banks and finan-
cial institutions were saved. The narration was interspersed with the politi-
cal hurdles they had to cross etc. But basically, it also lucidly brought out
how the Fed, Treasury and the New York Reserve Bank all joined hands,
worked in tandem and handled the desperate plan to do what it takes to
save the system.
22 V. C. JOSHI AND L. KULKARNI

Critical Evaluation of Bankers


No doubt the system was saved. But in its aftermath the Financial Services
Industry was mercilessly subjected to criticism. The “Bonus” paid by the
banks to their executives was the target for a major attack. Mervyn King,
the then Governor of Bank of England, had the following to say. “God
may have created the universe but we mortals created paper money and
risky banks. They are man-made institutions, important source of innova-
tion, prosperity and material progress but also of greed, corruption, and
crisis” (King, 2016).
Another vehement criticism (vitriolic at times) came from those who
felt that the bankers’ high salaries were totally undeserved. In fact, lectures
by eminent speakers brought out how anomalous the salary structures
were. The conclusion was that the banks indulging in and undertaking
such risky transactions were entirely on account of their greed for bonuses.
The “trading activities” were nothing but taking undue advantage of some
traders who failed to see the risks inherent to certain securities being sold.
Leaving aside for the moment this highly justifiable criticism, far more
serious objections were raised against the way banking business was han-
dled. The criticism was voiced by Lord Turner (Turner, Lionel Robbins
Memorial Lectures, 2010).
Lord Turner objects to the uncontrolled mortgage lending broaching
the level 120% of GDP. He also is in favor of tightening regulatory con-
trols and also his criticism of officials of financial services authority and
their economic ideology and views (Turner, 2015).

Conclusion
The situation is in a flux and major issues regarding role of banking, nature
of competition and social security are also coming to the fore. These will
have an important bearing on the ideas regarding stability and soundness
of banks. As shown in Chap. 1, the “do what it takes” policy and the
impact of this policy (providing monetary support on the required scale)
may last with us for years to come. And at this stage, one can only wait and
see till the future unfolds.
2 STATE OF THE FINANCIAL SYSTEM: STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES 23

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Penguin Books.
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Economy. Little Brown.
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Partnership.
CHAPTER 3

Socio-Political and Technology Aspects

Consequent to the political change in the USA, there is a possibility that


aspects of economic doctrines like “America first”, opting out of environ-
mental pact, etc. are likely be reversed. To what extent, there is a throw-
back to the earlier ways of working will have to be seen.
Banks and FIs should not find it too difficult to change gears and get
back to an earlier era. These changes in the USA did affect the workings
of banks in so far as the dealings with US banks and entities were con-
cerned. Otherwise the earlier liberalized environment continued to be
operative. Pre-trade agreements, WTO, etc. continued to be operated.
The possibility that under new president, USA would once again go back
to the old doctrine, makes for very easy transition for the other countries
and India in particular.
We, therefore, turn to technology. In the Chap. 4 on Banking, we detail
the findings of the Economic Intelligence Unit on “Advanced Technology
and Banking”.
We begin with a listing of the major technology changes that we
would review and then consider each of these in certain detail. We
must, however, add that many of the core functions are still performed
by humans. However, major restructuring required for technology
changes, are yet to take place. The reasons are not far to seek. Lack of
skilled manpower to handle sophisticated and complicated processes is
one. In addition, the following would also have to be reckoned as con-
tributory factors.

© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature 25


Singapore Pte Ltd. 2022
V. C. Joshi, L. Kulkarni, The Future of Indian Banking,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-9562-9_3
26 V. C. JOSHI AND L. KULKARNI

• Shrinking margins
• Underutilization of assets
• Non-availability of skilled manpower
• Lack of revenue growth/earnings
• Burden of non-performing assets

We would like to draw attention to a very pertinent observation by the


Financial Stability Board (FSB) as early as 2017 (FSB, 2017). They point
out a number of potential benefits and risks as listed below for financial
stability as shown below:

• The more efficient use of information and credit decision. These


would obviously contribute to the creation of an efficient finan-
cial system.
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning would help regulators in
ensuring compliance and increased supervisory effectiveness.
• Of course, there will have to be proper care for data security and
adherence to protocols.
• Adequate training and testing for users to ensure that applications
are doing what they are expected to do.

It is against this background that the industry has to build the sinews
and fibers to meet the challenges ahead.
In what follows, we discuss prevailing technology trends like big data,
cloud computing, AI and ML, and AR/VR, and how all of these tech-
nologies can be used by the banks.

Big Data
Financial institutions have one great asset and it would be the cause for
envy for many others (leaving aside Facebook, Google, etc.). It is not sur-
prising that this data bank has come to be known as “big data”. Very
often, there is a criticism that so called “big data” is not quantified. We do
not subscribe to the view that the concept is of little value because it is not
qualified or defined. We frankly do not subscribe to this view. For the sake
of argument let us look at the definition of the word “wind”. Wind is
defined as movement of air, but how much air or at what speed it should
move is not mentioned. Do these omissions affect our understanding
of wind?
3 SOCIO-POLITICAL AND TECHNOLOGY ASPECTS 27

We now indicate some of the sources from which information can be


accessed. The following sources would provide information on at most a
continuous basis:

• ATMs, mobile phones


• Branches and brokerages
• Financial dailies and journals
• Credit/debit cards
• Loans/mortgages and vehicle loans
• Quarterly and annual financial results
• Pre-stock market opening reaction etc.

We must also add the daily feed of Twitter, mail messages and
complaints.
It is essential that collection, dissemination and collation of data is an
important activity and must be assigned to specific groups.
We, however, do appreciate attempts at bringing about certain preci-
sion and turn to a paper aptly titled “Undefined by Data – Big Data
Definitions”. The term is widely used not merely by academics and indus-
try but by media, consultants, marketing people. The tech companies have
tried to define it by looking at the characteristics. Gartner defines it by
referring to volume, variety, and velocity. Oracle, on the other hand, states
that big data is the derivation of value from business data, augmented with
new structured data. On the other hand, Intel defines it with reference to
data created. It is linked to an organization which generates a median 300
terabytes weekly. Microsoft in its definition links it to serious computing
power used in machine learning, often highly complex set of information
(Ward & Baker, 2013).
It is obvious that these attempts are not fully satisfactory. We however
start with the argument that most readers are aware as to what we are
referring to. Any further quibbling and hair splitting would not throw
greater light on this. We are suggesting a very crude measuring rod. The
data analysis team should feel convinced that their requirements for deduc-
ing inferences are met and that analysts are convinced that what they are
dealing with is big data.
Prof. Nate Silver in his renowned work titled “Signal and Noise” has a
very illuminating comment on the subject – “Sheer numbers have no way
of speaking for themselves. We speak for them. We ascribe meaning to
them in self-serving ways that are detached from their objective reality”
28 V. C. JOSHI AND L. KULKARNI

(Silver, 2012). The failure of risk models in prediction of the crisis shows
how fragile such models are – part of the problem is we try to find mean-
ing where none exists.
If the quantity of information is increasing by 2.5 quintillion, the
amount of knowledge is certainly not increasing. There may be many
hypotheses to test, many data sets to mine, but a relatively constant
amount of truth. We can never make perfectly objective predictions; the
subjective biases can never be removed.
It is against this, that we should look at big data technology and what
it refers to. Basically, the following four aspects are covered in usage.

• Data storage
• Data processing arrangement
• Data management
• Data analytics

Data analysis comprises:

• Query and reporting


• Data visualization
• Predictive modeling
• Optimization
• Simulation
• Geo spatial analysis
• Natural language test and voice analysis

It would be pertinent to issue a general warning regarding the conclu-


sions that are drawn. We must accept a certain degree of uncertainty and
probability. As planners, we would like the organizations to learn to accept
these two elements in the predictions we tend to make.
We now turn to review the data collected by financial institutions. The
sources for getting data are varied. Directed data is obtained from the
direct gaze of surveillance technology on a place or person. Automated
data is obtained from human activities on digital devices, global position-
ing systems, and photographs. Volunteered data is acquired from individ-
uals who willingly give their information, sometimes through a common
system used by a large number of people on social media.
The data could be structured or unstructured. Much of the data is
obviously created in real-time. After all we need to ensure timeliness of
3 SOCIO-POLITICAL AND TECHNOLOGY ASPECTS 29

access to data, data granularity and variety. At this stage, we would turn to
another question that is frequently raised at seminars or at training ses-
sions. Most of the participants are intrigued by the question as to where
exactly does such data gets stored. What happens to the data stored
in cloud?
This data is stored at centers that are built in abandoned mines, beneath
the mountains, and even in underground caverns. Bunkers are becoming
prime spaces for retrofitting data centers. Bunkering data in disaster proof
subterranean centers designed to withstand category 5 hurricanes, electro-
magnetic pulses, and long-lasting storms are becoming increasingly com-
mon. Some organizations require their data to be triple replicated and
distributed in geographically dispersed facilities.
The consumer protection authority in the UK has suggested certain
agreements between the facility providers and their clients. Care has to be
taken to ensure that certain rights which the clients have (when your stor-
age facility is shifted), the client needs to know in advance. Cases of hack-
ing have also come to light and the agreement should be very specific
about the responsibilities of the parties concerned.
At a lecture in Bangalore in December 2016, the author was stopped
and asked to explain the connotation of term “orthogonal” data sets.
These sets are unstructured and could be even in the form of free text.

Big Data Analytics


Big data analytics is a process of examining huge amounts of data. Some
authors categorize it to include even collection, organizing, and critically
analyzing these vast quantities of data. Basically, there are two types –
stream processing and batch processing. In stream processing, the data as
the name suggests, comes in streams and processed as soon as possible in
real time. Storm and Apache Kafka are popular stream processing models.
In batch processing, however, the data is collected and processed/ana-
lyzed at a later time as needed.
Generally, a well-defined system is based on four core attributes.

• Talent – availability plus pipeline


• Capital – seed capital, growth capital, and listed capital
• Policy – regulatory regimes, government programs, taxation policies
• Demand – consumer demand, corporate demand, demand
from other FIs
30 V. C. JOSHI AND L. KULKARNI

It must be stated that this data, apart from being used internally, can be
sold. In view of privacy rules, great care needs to be taken in undertaking
such transactions.
We now detail the areas where results from analysis could be of assis-
tance to the users in the organization.

• Customer focused: Credit scoring, uses of bank products and


schemes like mortgages, consumer credits, alerts for the clients, and
new schemes/products arising from specific problems like fluctua-
tions in client’s income.
• Operations focused: Risk management, market impact analysis.
• Regulatory compliance: Particular attention to privacy protection
and laws relating to it.
• Training and portfolio management.

Big Data Implementation: Review of Best Practices


The earlier information systems relied on captured information. The
emphasis was on capturing transactions (physical/economic). Big data
now poses a challenge to enterprises of a different kind. It arises from
configuration of information pools, past and present, structured and
unstructured, formal and informal, social and economic which are con-
stantly evolving in their constant presentation (Bhimani, 2015). Big data
adds an analytics dimension to organizational capabilities and unleashes a
variety of strategic reorientation.
With the way data flows in strategy, structured information paradigm
gets changed. The firm’s strategies are to a large extent predicated on
technological structures. Information systems are involved in the shifting
dynamics of altered information access and use as part of a wider complex
loop of intervention and analysis. We are now able to capture customer
choices.
At this stage, we must add that great attention will have to be paid to
the quality of data. One can’t forget that big data comprises many systemic
biases. Almost 15% of information obtained is based on Twitter feeds,
drawing conclusions from such information has to be done very carefully.
We now shift our attention to problems of adoption. There are four
main features which pertain to the training of staff. These are – Educate,
Explore, Engage, and Execute.
3 SOCIO-POLITICAL AND TECHNOLOGY ASPECTS 31

1. Educate – To succeed, considerable investment would be necessary


for training the people. Training will have to be focused on knowl-
edge gathering and market observation.
2. Explore – At higher managerial levels emphasis will have to be on
strategy and road map.
3. Engage – Involving staff members in piloting big data initiatives.
Only then could they realize the value of the data and appreciate
requirements at various levels.
4. Execute – Many a time, the data analysts assume a greater role in
deciding on the information collected. During meetings of bankers
with faculty members of management institutes and technology
consultants far greater attention was paid to the requirements of this
group and others played a very passive role. We are of the view that
potential outcomes should be very clearly stated by people who are
responsible for operational results. Potential Outcomes could be
Customer centric, operational, expected risks, new product require-
ments, employee collaboration (indicative).

In conclusion, we would say that great care needs to be taken in record-


ing, retention, and management of information. Data analysis has to dove-
tail in the context of business requirement. Implementation is primarily a
business decision. We are aware that a considerable amount of interaction
will be involved with all concerned.
Many a person have told us that it is always advisable not to be after
“Big Bang Solution”. The best practice would be to start small, identify-
ing specific high value opportunities. Think Big but Act Small.
The following areas will have to be carefully assessed and decided on.

• Specific Plans for Storage, Retention, Discarding, and


Management of data.
• A constant evaluation of data requirements. Perhaps a small group
entrusted with this task would be of great use.
• One has to remember that data analysts use different languages. Care
therefore has to be taken to see that knowledge is transferred to the
concerned staff members.
• The assumptions underlying and the limitations have to be con-
stantly reviewed and examined.
• Previous investment should be properly utilized and not discarded.
32 V. C. JOSHI AND L. KULKARNI

• And lastly, a cultural shift to the data based objective decision making
has to be inculcated amongst the staff members and decision makers.

We must point out to the hurdles which might crop up and prevent the
organization from getting the vast benefits of data analysis. Many a time,
business goals are not clarified properly. One could be hampered by a
shortage of data analysts and operational staff may not quite realize the
difficulties in the use of techniques. There are a number of regulations to
ensure that data in respect of individual customers is very carefully pro-
tected. Important legal issues can come up and strict adherence to such
rules is an absolute must.

Cloud Computing
Despite its many forms, cloud computing services have three distinct char-
acteristics that differentiate them from traditional computing.

1. They are sold on demand, typically by the minute or the hour.


2. They are demand flexible, in that a user can have as much or as little
a service as the user wants.
3. The services and resources are totally managed by the provider. All
that the user needs would be personal computer and internet for
connectivity.

A cloud can be private or public. Vendors in a public cloud can sell it to


anyone and it is a shared resource. A private cloud refers to a proprietary
network or vendor supplied, hosted services to a well-defined set of users.
The goal is to provide easy scalable and secured services.
Recently, Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), UK issued a following
guidelines for the benefit of users and we give below a very brief summary.
(FCA, 2019)

• Customers may (in practice) have a limited scope to tailor the service.
• Provider may move customer data with less visibility and control for
the owner.
• Provider may contract out part of the service provided, without the
customer’s knowledge.
3 SOCIO-POLITICAL AND TECHNOLOGY ASPECTS 33

The “Regulated” firms have additionally to worry about the following


aspects.

• Legal and regulatory considerations


• Risk management
• International standards
• Oversight of service providers
• Data security and protection
• Effective access to data
• Access to business premises
• Continuity

We now do an analysis of an equally significant development viz. use of


AI in financial Services.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine


Learning (ML)
Very broadly AI is aimed at doing things with the help of machines
designed to act intelligently. The contours of AI are not well defined. AI
could broadly be referred to as machines designed to act intelligently and
to mimic human decision making whereas machine learning refers to the
ability of the software to learn and to improve.
One of the scariest of developments in the technology field is the pos-
sibility of machines taking over jobs and robots rendering 24×7 services.
We are aware that some research papers do postulate that unemployment
could be as high as 47–50% in the near future and that this would be the
“normal”.
Leaving aside such apprehensions, AI is a method to find out a pattern.
A pattern is a prediction rule that maps an input to a given output. Simply
put, learning a pattern means fitting a good prediction rule to a good
data set.
We must add that patterns to be discerned in a pretty large data set
(comprising images, texts, and even videos) is radically far more compli-
cated than any pattern that we can imagine. These patterns can then be
put into complicated equations. Lots of data and equations and computa-
tional power would be needed before one can hope for a reliable answer.
The uses to which these technologies can be put have been listed below:
Another random document with
no related content on Scribd:
must have fascinated the gentlemen. Of course I don't know what they
thought"—he glanced slyly at Rada, who turned away blushing.

"Anyway," Pierce went on, "the stewards are omnipotent, you know. So
a transfer was signed and attested, countersigned by the stewards, and a
wire was sent to Weatherby's. It was all in order, I can assure you, and quite
legal. Of course, it was too late to make any immediate announcement, so
the race had to go on as it was, Castor being ridden in Miss Armitage's
colours. But Castor is your horse, Mostyn; no one can dispute that, nor your
right to Anthony Royce's millions. I congratulate you a thousand times.
There, now I've told you everything."

It was when Pierce ceased speaking, and as Mostyn, his eyes fixed upon
Rada, could find no words to reply, that John Clithero stepped across the
room and took the girl's hand in his.

"Bless you for what you have done," he said. "My son has spoken to me
of you to-day, Miss Armitage—your name has been constantly on his lips.
He is afraid that he has offended you; but I don't think that he can have
done so, or you would not have sacrificed yourself for his sake. But I am
sure that he would like to hear you say he is forgiven, and that he will want
to thank you—alone."

He led the girl to Mostyn's bedside, then, followed by all the rest of the
party, stole out of the room.

* * * * * *

"Do you remember," Mostyn whispered, some time later, in Rada's ear,
when all had been explained between them and every difficulty smoothed
away, "do you remember, my darling, the terms of our wonderful wager
upon the coach last Derby Day?"

Rada needed no reflection. "I said I would wager my life that you would
never win a Derby," she murmured, "and I have lost."

"You staked your life, and I have won it," he replied. "That is a finer
thing than money. I am happy, Rada—so very happy! In a single day I have
won a big race—a huge fortune—and, best of all, your life—the life of the
girl I love."

His sound arm was resting on her shoulder. He drew her face to his, and
kissed her on the lips, and this time she did not repel him.

"Do you really love such a little vixen, such a little devil, as I?" she
asked wonderingly.

"You're a 'hangel,'" he answered, laughingly recalling the words of


Samuel Willis. "I always knew it, and to-day you've proved it. Kiss me
again, Rada, and then we'll summon the others and tell them the news."

Smiling softly, she bent and obeyed. "This is better than winning a
Derby!" she sighed happily.

THE END.

London: Ward, Lock & Co., Limited.


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