Bandhan Bank has initiated a postal ballot process to seek shareholder approval for the appointment of two directors to its board. The bank aims to strengthen its leadership team with these strategic additions, focusing on enhancing its expertise in finance, technology, and banking operations.

Proposed Appointments

Avijit Mukerji as Non-Executive Non-Independent Director

• Nominated by Bandhan Financial Holdings Limited (BFHL), the bank's promoter
• A Chartered Accountant with over three decades of experience in audit and assurance
• Former partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers India
• Appointment effective from September 25, 2025

Gauri Prosad Sarma as Independent Director

• Brings 37 years of banking experience
• Former Chief General Manager at Punjab National Bank
• Expertise in digital banking, fintech, and IT operations
• Proposed for a three-year term, effective October 28, 2025

Voting Process and Timeline

Shareholders can cast their votes through remote e-voting, with the process facilitated by KFin Technologies Limited, the bank's Registrar and Share Transfer Agent.

Director Profiles

Avijit Mukerji

• Age: 56 years
• Qualifications: B.Com. (Hons.), Chartered Accountant
• Expertise: Accountancy, Finance, Audit, and Assurance
• Other Directorships: Balaji Telefilms Limited, India Carbon Limited, Bandhan Financial Holdings Limited, The Bengal Club Ltd

Gauri Prosad Sarma

• Age: 62 years
• Qualifications: M.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons.)
• Expertise: Banking, Information Technology, Cyber Security, Payment & Settlements, Fintech, and Risk Management
• Other Directorships: B & A Limited, B & A Packaging India Limited

Significance of the Appointments

The proposed appointments are aimed at enhancing the bank's board composition with diverse expertise. Mr. Mukerji's extensive experience in audit and assurance is expected to strengthen the bank's financial oversight. Mr. Sarma's background in banking operations and digital transformation aligns with the bank's focus on technological advancements and operational excellence.

These appointments, if approved, could potentially contribute to Bandhan Bank's strategic direction and governance structure, particularly in areas of financial management, digital banking, and risk assessment.

Shareholders are encouraged to review the detailed profiles and voting instructions provided in the postal ballot notice to make informed decisions on these crucial appointments.

Bandhan Bank , a leading private sector lender, reported its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2026 (Q2FY26), showcasing resilience amid challenging market conditions. The bank's performance reflects ongoing efforts to diversify its portfolio and adapt to changing market dynamics.

Key Financial Highlights

Performance Analysis

Bandhan Bank's Q2FY26 results reflect the impact of recent market changes and the bank's strategic initiatives:

1. Profitability: The bank reported a net profit of Rs 112 crore, down from Rs 937 crore in Q2FY25. This decline was primarily attributed to margin pressure and elevated credit costs.

2. Net Interest Margin: NIM compressed to 5.8% from 6.4% in the previous quarter, mainly due to the impact of a 75 basis point repo rate cut and a 200 basis point MCLR reduction.

3. Loan Book Growth: Gross advances stood at Rs 1.40 lakh crore, showing a 7% year-on-year growth. The non-EEB (Emerging Entrepreneur Business) portfolio grew by 24% YoY, now accounting for 63% of total advances.

4. Deposit Growth: Total deposits increased by 11% YoY to Rs 1.58 lakh crore, outpacing the growth in advances. Retail deposits, including CASA and retail term deposits, grew by 16% YoY.

5. Asset Quality: Gross and net NPA ratios remained stable at 5% and 1.4% respectively. The bank undertook technical write-offs of Rs 865 crore during the quarter.

6. Capital Adequacy: The Capital Adequacy Ratio stands at 18.6%, with Tier I capital at 17.8%, providing adequate headroom for future growth.

Strategic Initiatives and Outlook

Bandhan Bank continues to focus on diversifying its loan portfolio and strengthening its liability franchise:

1. Portfolio Diversification: The secured loan book grew 25% YoY, now accounting for 55% of total advances, up from 47% a year ago.

2. Digital Initiatives: The bank has integrated with various government payment systems, enhancing its role in facilitating digital transactions.

3. Collection Efficiency: Overall collection efficiency, excluding NPAs, improved marginally to 98.0% in Q2FY26 from 97.9% in Q1FY26.

4. Future Outlook: Management expects margin improvement from Q4 onwards as term deposit repricing benefits flow through. The bank remains focused on prudent risk management and identifying new growth avenues.

Partha Pratim Sengupta, Managing Director and CEO of Bandhan Bank, commented on the results: "This quarter's performance reflects a transitional phase for the Bank as we continue to realign our portfolio and operating model in response to the changing environment. We remain confident in the Bank's underlying strength and the initiatives we have undertaken to drive sustainable growth."

As Bandhan Bank navigates through this transitional period, it continues to focus on enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening its digital capabilities, and maintaining a robust capital position to support future growth initiatives.