Karnataka Bank launched "Nava Dhamaka 2026", a suite of nine new banking products and services, on October 15, 2026. The initiative aims to enhance customer experience through digital transformation and technology-driven innovation.

The launch event was held at the Bank’s Bull Temple Road Office in Bengaluru. Managing Director and CEO Raghavendra S Bhat inaugurated the programme, emphasizing the bank's commitment to making banking faster, simpler, and more accessible. The new offerings span investments, digital banking, payments, customer engagement, and lending.

Key features of the new suite

The nine unveiled solutions are designed to strengthen digital payment capabilities and support institutional growth. Key highlights include:

• Wealth Management Platform: A composite online trading platform integrating demat, brokerage, and wealth management facilities.
• Digital Banking Upgrades: A revamped Retail Internet Banking interface with enhanced user experience and improved KBL Mobile Banking features, including Soulabhya Plus Deposits.
• NRI Services: Introduction of UPI services for eligible Non-Resident Indian customers holding NRE/NRO accounts.
• CBDC Integration: PIN-less transactions enabled through the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) platform.
• Institutional Solutions: A comprehensive Point of Sale (POS) solution for temples, mutts, and trusts to facilitate secure digital collections.
• AI and Lending: An AI-enabled Voice Bot for lead validation, the Drop Line Facility under KBL Micromitra for business improvement, and KBL Startup Finance for emerging entrepreneurs.

Strategic focus on digital adoption

The bank stated that these solutions reflect its strategy to combine its trusted banking legacy with emerging technologies. The move addresses the evolving needs of customers by integrating advanced digital tools into core banking services.

Distinguished guests, including former Karnataka State Cricket Association President Brijesh Patel, attended the event. Several attendees shared positive feedback regarding the bank’s customer-centric approach and technological advancements.

The initiative underscores the bank's ongoing efforts to leverage technology for improved service delivery and entrepreneurship support across its network.

Karnataka Bank launched Trade Konnect, a new digital platform enabling customers to submit requests for import, export, and outward cross-border remittance transactions online. The initiative aims to eliminate physical branch visits by providing a seamless digital channel for forex and remittance needs.

The platform was formally inaugurated by Raghavendra S Bhat, Managing Director & CEO, through a virtual ceremony at the bank's head office in Mangaluru. The launch aligns with the bank's broader strategy to accelerate digital transformation and enhance customer experience in international banking services.

Platform capabilities and strategic focus

Trade Konnect is designed to support businesses engaged in international trade and individuals undertaking foreign remittances. By digitizing these processes, the bank intends to improve the ease of doing business and provide secure, efficient access to cross-border financial services anytime and anywhere.

Raghavendra S Bhat stated that the implementation of this platform is a significant step toward enhancing customer convenience. He emphasized that the digital approach prioritizes value addition for customers by simplifying complex forex transaction submissions.

Leadership commentary

Bijji S S, Executive Director, highlighted the bank's focus on leveraging technology to make banking simpler and more accessible. She noted that the platform reinforces the vision of delivering an enhanced digital banking experience by providing a convenient way to submit key cross-border trade and remittance requests.

Launch event details

The virtual launch ceremony was attended by senior executives including Chandrashekar, Chief Business Officer, and Raja B. S., Chief Operating Officer. Jai Shah, Co-Founder & Director-Sales of Kyzer Software (India) Pvt. Ltd., the technology partner for the platform, was also present.