HDFC Bank executed a significant block trade on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) worth ₹93.43 crores, demonstrating substantial institutional activity in one of India's leading private sector banks.

Transaction Details

The block trade involved the exchange of approximately 1,003,142 shares at a uniform price of ₹931.40 per share. The following table summarizes the key transaction parameters:

Block Trade Significance

Block trades represent large-volume transactions that are typically executed outside regular market hours to minimize market impact. These transactions usually involve institutional investors, mutual funds, insurance companies, or other large stakeholders making strategic portfolio adjustments.

The substantial volume of over one million shares indicates significant institutional interest in HDFC Bank's stock. Such transactions are often pre-negotiated between parties and executed at agreed-upon prices, providing liquidity for large investors while maintaining market stability.

Market Context

HDFC Bank, being one of India's largest private sector banks, frequently witnesses institutional activity due to its strong market position and inclusion in major indices. The bank's shares are actively traded by both domestic and foreign institutional investors, making it a preferred choice for large-volume transactions in the banking sector.

HDFC Bank has announced substantial changes to its premium Infinia credit card rewards structure, with the new rates taking effect from January 16, 2026. The modifications primarily target the popular SmartBuy platform, significantly reducing the earning potential for cardholders who frequently use this benefit.

Key Changes to Reward Structure

The most significant change affects the SmartBuy platform, where cardholders purchase brand vouchers through Gyftr. The reward structure changes are outlined below:

These adjustments represent a notable decline in the card's overall benefits, with convenience fees of up to 4% still applying on certain brands, potentially reducing net rewards to approximately 6% for specific purchases.

Market Positioning and Competitive Landscape

The revised reward structure brings the Infinia card more in line with other premium HDFC offerings. The alignment with existing premium cards is demonstrated in the comparison below:

This standardization across the premium card portfolio reduces the Infinia's previously distinctive advantage in the rewards category.

Impact on Cardholders

The revision directly affects the card's value proposition, particularly for affluent users who leveraged the SmartBuy platform to maximize returns. Key considerations for existing cardholders include:

• Reduced earning potential on voucher purchases
• Continued premium annual fee structure
• Need to reassess overall card value and benefits
• Diminished advantage over other HDFC premium offerings

Industry Context

These changes reflect broader trends in the Indian credit card market, where issuers periodically adjust reward structures in response to market conditions and operational costs. The modification represents a strategic realignment of benefits across HDFC's premium card portfolio, standardizing reward rates while maintaining the card's premium positioning in terms of annual fees and other exclusive benefits.