India's microfinance industry stress continues, to witness muted loan growth till 2Q-3QFY26: Morgan Stanley

New Delhi [India], August 14 : The stress continues in the Indian microfinance industry, which is expected to see muted loan growth for a few more quarters, till 2Q-3QFY26 before recovery begins, noted a report by Morgan Stanley.

The report stated that growth in assets under management (AUM) for microfinance institutions (MFIs) has slowed or even declined in recent quarters. In 4QFY25, some institutions posted double-digit declines in quarterly growth.

It stated, "We see continued stress, muted loan growth for few more quarters (till 2Q-3QF26) before recovery begins"

Highlighting some companies, the report stated that Spandana Sphoorty recorded the sharpest drop at 24 per cent, followed by Asirvad MFI with an 18 per cent fall. IndusInd Bank and Fusion MFI posted declines of 5 per cent.

While Bandhan Bank reported a 7 per cent drop in 1QFY26.

Even for lenders that managed positive growth, such as IIFL Samasta and Muthoot Micro, the pace was much slower than earlier quarters.

The report also highlighted that the Gross non-performing assets (GNPA) or gross stage 3 ratios have also deteriorated. Fusion MFI's GNPA rose from 2.9 per cent in 4QFY24 to 9.4 per cent in 2QFY25 and 12.6 per cent in 3QFY25.

Credit costs remained elevated, reflecting the higher expenses of covering potential loan losses.

Other lenders such as Muthoot Micro, Belstar MFI, and CREDAG also posted high cumulative credit costs, indicating sustained pressure on profitability.

Delinquencies have been high as well. For loans overdue between 31 and 180 days (PAR 31-180), NBFC-MFIs and banks reported similar levels at the end of March 2025, at 7.1 per cent and 6.6 per cent respectively.

The report stated that NBFCs were lower at 3.8 per cent and the overall trend showed a steady rise through FY25.

The data suggested that the sector continues to grapple with asset quality issues, weak growth momentum, and high costs, with signs of recovery expected only after the next few quarters.

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