### **Overview** Central Bank of India, a leading public sector bank and a wholly-owned entity of the Government of India, continues to pursue an aggressive yet strategic transformation focused on digitization, financial inclusion, and sustainable growth. With a legacy spanning over 112 years, the bank has evolved into a digitally empowered institution with deep rural and semi-urban penetration—65% of its 4,545 branches are located in rural and semi-urban (RUSU) areas. As of FY2024–25, the bank maintains a strong **CASA ratio of over 50%**, reflecting stable, low-cost deposit dominance. The bank’s mission is anchored in **inclusive growth**, **technological modernization**, and **customer-centric innovation**, supported by its participation in key national financial inclusion programs such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT), and Atal Pension Yojana (APY). --- ### **Strategic Focus Areas** As of **October 2025**, the bank’s growth strategy is centered on three key verticals: - **Retail & Agriculture Lending** - **MSME Financing** - **Salary Account Acquisition** All three segments are experiencing **strong double-digit growth**, reflecting the effectiveness of targeted initiatives and digital integration. --- ### **Digital Transformation (Cent NEO & Cent eeZ)** The **Cent NEO programme**, launched in June 2025, is the backbone of the bank’s digital operating model. It integrates: - **Cent eeZ mobile app** (now with **8.3 million active users**) - **Digital Lending Platform (DLP)** - **Integrated Customer Care** - **Omni-Channel Platform** The Cent eeZ app offers **over 200 digital services**, including UPI (via BHIM Cent UPI with UPI Lite), insurance, loan applications, and marketplace access. Digital transaction volumes have surged by **over 25% year-on-year**, with UPI users growing by **24.5% to 41.32 lakh**. --- ### **Digital Lending & Financial Inclusion** The **Digital Lending Platform (DLP)**, launched in March 2025, supports online applications for: - Gold Loans - PAPL (Pre-Approved Personal Loans) - Kisan Credit Card (KCC) - Mudra Loans (Shishu, Kishore, Tarun) - MSME & Business Loans AI and machine learning are used to streamline underwriting, particularly for PAPL, reducing processing time and enhancing accuracy. The bank has also launched **digital loans against PPF accounts**, enabling rural and semi-urban customers to access credit digitally. To expand credit outreach, the bank has onboarded **nearly 12 lakh new customers** through digital channels, with **higher average balances** compared to traditional channels. --- ### **Co-Lending & Strategic Partnerships** Central Bank of India is a pioneer in **co-lending**, particularly in the MSME and housing sectors. Since 2021, it has established partnerships with over **14 NBFCs and HFCs**, including: - **Ugro Capital** - **Protium Finance** - **Mamta Projects** - **IKF Finance** - **Clix Capital** - **Arka Fincap** - **ECL Finance** - **Home First Finance** Under this model: - The NBFC originates and services loans. - The bank books **80% of the exposure**, sharing risk and returns. This approach has enabled the bank to expand its **MSME, housing, and gold loan portfolios** while leveraging partner expertise in customer acquisition and last-mile delivery. --- ### **Expanding Access: BC MAXX & Physical Outreach** To bridge the urban-rural divide, the bank launched the **BC MAXX model** in June 2025—a hybrid, low-cost digital banking solution with minimal physical footprint. As of October 2025: - **25 BC MAXX centres** are operational - Target: **250 centres by mid-FY2026** - These units will be deployed in high-growth areas with **15–16% CAGR**, where traditional branches are absent The broader **Business Correspondent (BC) network** stands at **12,800 points**, with plans to expand to **14,000 by FY2026**. Additionally, the bank plans to deploy **638 new ATMs** and enable **Interoperable Cardless Cash Withdrawal (ICCW)** across its ATM network, integrating digital convenience with physical access. --- ### **Technology & Innovation** The bank is investing heavily in emerging technologies: - **AI & Machine Learning**: Tools like **Cent Chanakya** support branch operations, query resolution, credit documentation, and compliance. - **Blockchain, AI, and ML**: Being integrated across customer service, credit, risk, and compliance functions. - **Containerized, microservices-based IT architecture** improves scalability, security, and system resilience. - **API integrations** with platforms like GST, ITR, and third-party data sources enhance lending efficiency. A **3-in-1 account platform** (Demat, trading, banking) is under development, targeting capital market-savvy customers and enhancing CASA retention. --- ### **Retail & Corporate Expansion** - **Salary Account Drive**: Supported by tablets and mobile platforms for branch staff, the bank is aggressively acquiring corporate salary accounts. - **Corporate Banking**: Expansion underway, focusing on structured cash management, supply chain finance, and integrated offerings for large clients. - **Supply Chain Finance Platform**: Launched with **PSB Alliance and Tata Motors**, targeting **₹3,000 crore** in mobilized funds for FY2025–26. - **TReDS Platform**: Achieved **₹14,942 crore turnover** and **₹3,047 crore outstanding**, strengthening its role in MSME invoice financing. --- ### **Bancassurance & Fee-Based Income** Operating under **IRDAI’s Open Architecture model**, the bank partners with: - **LIC, TATA AIA Life, New India Assurance, Bajaj Allianz, and others** Insurance products—including life, health, motor, and property—are sold digitally via the **Cent eeZ superapp**. The bank aims to: - Boost policy volumes - Increase commission income - Roll out innovative bundled solutions - Enhance bancassurance training --- ### **Sustainability & Customer-Centric Initiatives** - **Climate Risk Management**: Integrated into core strategy to build resilience. - **Digital Wealth Management**: Offers online access to investment tools, portfolio management, and market insights. - **Customer-Centric Marketing**: A data-driven, multi-channel strategy includes personalized campaigns, loyalty rewards, and social media engagement (536,000+ followers as of FY2023–24). - **Missed Call Banking**: Since 2021, generated **₹292 crore in leads**, with **₹226 crore converted** into business. --- ### **Key Strengths** - **Public sector trust and legacy** - **Deep rural and semi-urban penetration (65%)** - **Robust CASA ratio (~50.4%)** - **Pan-India presence via 4,545 branches and 18,204+ touchpoints** - **First Mover in co-lending with NBFCs** - **Digital-first transformation with Cent eeZ and DLP** - **Strategic use of AI, data analytics, and fintech partnerships** ---