भाषण
I am delighted to be here amongst all of you in the SBI Banking and Economics Conclave. I sincerely thank Chairperson, SBI for providing me this opportunity to address the leaders of the banking and finance in the country. This Conclave is happening at a time when we are navigating a world of continued uncertainty, geopolitical realignment, and rapid technological change. This brings not only a host of challenges but also many opportunities.
I am delighted to be here amongst all of you in the SBI Banking and Economics Conclave. I sincerely thank Chairperson, SBI for providing me this opportunity to address the leaders of the banking and finance in the country. This Conclave is happening at a time when we are navigating a world of continued uncertainty, geopolitical realignment, and rapid technological change. This brings not only a host of challenges but also many opportunities.
It is a pleasure for me to be here at the Business Standard BFSI Insight Summit. I would like to thank the organisers for this opportunity. 2. In my brief comments, I will be reflecting on the observed economic and financial resilience of emerging markets (EMs) in general, and of the Indian economy, in particular. In this context, it may be noted that at the recently concluded Annual Meetings of the IMF, two contradictory themes prevailed: the unprecedented global policy uncertainty; and the surprising resilience of the economies
It is a pleasure for me to be here at the Business Standard BFSI Insight Summit. I would like to thank the organisers for this opportunity. 2. In my brief comments, I will be reflecting on the observed economic and financial resilience of emerging markets (EMs) in general, and of the Indian economy, in particular. In this context, it may be noted that at the recently concluded Annual Meetings of the IMF, two contradictory themes prevailed: the unprecedented global policy uncertainty; and the surprising resilience of the economies
1. It is a pleasure to welcome all of you to this High-Level Dialogue on Forging Economic Resilience through Digital Public Platforms (DPPs). 2. Thank you for accepting our invitation to be a part of this dialogue. As key decision makers of your esteemed institutions, entrusted with safeguarding the economic heath and resilience of your respective economies, your presence amidst us today adds great value to this occasion. 3. I expect an enriching and fruitful discussion on today’s topic. It is of critical importance, as it has the potential to significantly enhance the economic well-being of our people.
1. It is a pleasure to welcome all of you to this High-Level Dialogue on Forging Economic Resilience through Digital Public Platforms (DPPs). 2. Thank you for accepting our invitation to be a part of this dialogue. As key decision makers of your esteemed institutions, entrusted with safeguarding the economic heath and resilience of your respective economies, your presence amidst us today adds great value to this occasion. 3. I expect an enriching and fruitful discussion on today’s topic. It is of critical importance, as it has the potential to significantly enhance the economic well-being of our people.
Shri C S Setty, Chairman, State Bank of India, Mr Peter Simon, CEO and distinguished delegates of the WSBI, Shri Vinay Tonse, Managing Director, SBI and WSBI Asia Regional President, Friends, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, good evening, everyone! 2. At the outset, congratulations to WSBI for completion of a century, in bringing together savings and retail banks, from over 70 countries, representing the interests of customers of approximately 6,400 banks across all continents.
Shri C S Setty, Chairman, State Bank of India, Mr Peter Simon, CEO and distinguished delegates of the WSBI, Shri Vinay Tonse, Managing Director, SBI and WSBI Asia Regional President, Friends, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, good evening, everyone! 2. At the outset, congratulations to WSBI for completion of a century, in bringing together savings and retail banks, from over 70 countries, representing the interests of customers of approximately 6,400 banks across all continents.
I am very happy to participate in this 6th edition of the Global FinTech Fest (GFF). It is a premier forum where the wizards of technology intersect with the experts of finance. It is a unique forum where young innovators, brimming with bold ideas, converge with the steady wisdom of experienced leaders. This synergy which shapes solutions to common challenges reflects the true spirit of the GFF. This event also reflects India’s ambition to remain at the cutting edge of digital innovation. Over the years, the GFF has gained from strength to strength. I congratulate the organisers for this huge achievement.
I am very happy to participate in this 6th edition of the Global FinTech Fest (GFF). It is a premier forum where the wizards of technology intersect with the experts of finance. It is a unique forum where young innovators, brimming with bold ideas, converge with the steady wisdom of experienced leaders. This synergy which shapes solutions to common challenges reflects the true spirit of the GFF. This event also reflects India’s ambition to remain at the cutting edge of digital innovation. Over the years, the GFF has gained from strength to strength. I congratulate the organisers for this huge achievement.
Opening and Context Setting Good afternoon, distinguished policymakers, members of academia, industry leaders and innovators. It is both a pleasure and a responsibility to address this gathering on a subject that is poised to shape the future of finance, society, and governance alike—Responsible Artificial Intelligence. AI has rapidly evolved from an academic discussion less than a decade back to become an integral part of our daily lives. We encounter it when we unlock our phones, interact with chatbots, and increasingly, when accessing financial services. In just a few years, AI has evolved from an enabling technology to a foundational driver of how individuals and businesses make decisions.
Opening and Context Setting Good afternoon, distinguished policymakers, members of academia, industry leaders and innovators. It is both a pleasure and a responsibility to address this gathering on a subject that is poised to shape the future of finance, society, and governance alike—Responsible Artificial Intelligence. AI has rapidly evolved from an academic discussion less than a decade back to become an integral part of our daily lives. We encounter it when we unlock our phones, interact with chatbots, and increasingly, when accessing financial services. In just a few years, AI has evolved from an enabling technology to a foundational driver of how individuals and businesses make decisions.
Distinguished guests, participants, ladies and gentlemen, a very good evening. I am delighted to address this august gathering of distinguished persons, and key stakeholders across the financial spectrum in the banking transformation summit on the theme of ‘Banking That Builds Bharat: AI-Powered, Credit-Driven’, which is extremely contextual and relevant and encapsulates the spirit of Viksit Bharat.
Distinguished guests, participants, ladies and gentlemen, a very good evening. I am delighted to address this august gathering of distinguished persons, and key stakeholders across the financial spectrum in the banking transformation summit on the theme of ‘Banking That Builds Bharat: AI-Powered, Credit-Driven’, which is extremely contextual and relevant and encapsulates the spirit of Viksit Bharat.
Participants of the ‘Management Development Programme on Financial Market Regulations’, Professors, ladies, and gentlemen. A very good morning to all of you! 2. At the outset, I would like to thank IIM, Kozhikode for inviting me here. It is a pleasure to address such a diverse gathering, ranging from policy veterans to important stakeholders across the financial landscape. The contents of programme span the issues around the regulatory framework of a diverse mix of entities operating in the financial markets including banks, securities firms, and insurance entities.
Participants of the ‘Management Development Programme on Financial Market Regulations’, Professors, ladies, and gentlemen. A very good morning to all of you! 2. At the outset, I would like to thank IIM, Kozhikode for inviting me here. It is a pleasure to address such a diverse gathering, ranging from policy veterans to important stakeholders across the financial landscape. The contents of programme span the issues around the regulatory framework of a diverse mix of entities operating in the financial markets including banks, securities firms, and insurance entities.
Distinguished guests, participants, colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen, Let me at the outset thank the organisers for having me here to share my thoughts on this important topic. Climate risks and green infrastructure financing, as a catalyst for achieving net-zero emissions, has to move over time from the margins of policymaking to the heart of global and national agenda and occasions such as these should help in this endeavour.
Distinguished guests, participants, colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen, Let me at the outset thank the organisers for having me here to share my thoughts on this important topic. Climate risks and green infrastructure financing, as a catalyst for achieving net-zero emissions, has to move over time from the margins of policymaking to the heart of global and national agenda and occasions such as these should help in this endeavour.
Ladies and gentlemen, Good Morning. At the outset, let me thank the organisers for inviting me to deliver the keynote address at this milestone event and congratulate Trans Union CIBIL (TU CIBIL) on its 25th anniversary. Credit reporting and TU CIBIL have grown together in India and the company has made a significant contribution in expanding the footprint of credit reporting in the country.
Ladies and gentlemen, Good Morning. At the outset, let me thank the organisers for inviting me to deliver the keynote address at this milestone event and congratulate Trans Union CIBIL (TU CIBIL) on its 25th anniversary. Credit reporting and TU CIBIL have grown together in India and the company has made a significant contribution in expanding the footprint of credit reporting in the country.
1. Chairman of the Board of Governors, Director of the Institute, Prof and Padma Shree Manindra Agrawal, winner of numerous awards, who was my senior here and who I hold in very high esteem, faculty members, staff, proud parents, family and friends of the graduating students, distinguished guests, and my dear graduating students, alumni, ladies and gentlemen.
1. Chairman of the Board of Governors, Director of the Institute, Prof and Padma Shree Manindra Agrawal, winner of numerous awards, who was my senior here and who I hold in very high esteem, faculty members, staff, proud parents, family and friends of the graduating students, distinguished guests, and my dear graduating students, alumni, ladies and gentlemen.
Distinguished guests, participants, ladies and gentlemen, Good evening. At the outset, let me thank the organisers for inviting me to share some of my thoughts on the theme of financial inclusion. Before that, let me take a moment to acknowledge that today i.e., June 05, 2025, is the World Environment Day, an UN-recognized day that brings together people across the globe in a shared mission to safeguard and restore our planet. This year’s theme of ending plastic pollution is a call to all of us to make a behavioural shift in our daily life choices. In the spirit of preserving the purity of our environment and safeguarding our well-being, let us commit toward making more sustainable choices.
Distinguished guests, participants, ladies and gentlemen, Good evening. At the outset, let me thank the organisers for inviting me to share some of my thoughts on the theme of financial inclusion. Before that, let me take a moment to acknowledge that today i.e., June 05, 2025, is the World Environment Day, an UN-recognized day that brings together people across the globe in a shared mission to safeguard and restore our planet. This year’s theme of ending plastic pollution is a call to all of us to make a behavioural shift in our daily life choices. In the spirit of preserving the purity of our environment and safeguarding our well-being, let us commit toward making more sustainable choices.
Distinguished guests, participants, ladies and gentlemen, Good afternoon At the outset, let me thank the organisers for inviting me and giving me an opportunity to deliver the valedictory address and share some of my thoughts on a subject which continues to engage national as well as global attention. I believe there would have been fruitful deliberations on the topics of green and sustainable finance and the role of financial institutions, opportunities and challenges, aligning of regulatory and policy worlds, facilitating global financing, and integration of climate change aspects in credit risks of the financial institutions. Each of these topics require detailed deliberations and collectively they form the building blocks for creation of a robust ecosystem for green and sustainable finance for the economy and financial system at large.
Distinguished guests, participants, ladies and gentlemen, Good afternoon At the outset, let me thank the organisers for inviting me and giving me an opportunity to deliver the valedictory address and share some of my thoughts on a subject which continues to engage national as well as global attention. I believe there would have been fruitful deliberations on the topics of green and sustainable finance and the role of financial institutions, opportunities and challenges, aligning of regulatory and policy worlds, facilitating global financing, and integration of climate change aspects in credit risks of the financial institutions. Each of these topics require detailed deliberations and collectively they form the building blocks for creation of a robust ecosystem for green and sustainable finance for the economy and financial system at large.
Introduction
Good Morning All!
I thank IIM, Kozhikode and the National Stock Exchange for inviting me to deliver the inaugural address at this Conference. The theme for the conference— “Finance for Growth Amid Creative Disruptions”—captures the essence of the transformation we are witnessing in the financial sector – not just in India but globally. Disruptions in finance are not new, but what sets this era apart is the unprecedented pace and scale of change, fuelled by digitalization, artificial intelligence, and the resulting confluence of these changes leading to emergence of new business models. These changes make it essential for us to understand how to harness them for sustainable economic growth.
Introduction
Good Morning All!
I thank IIM, Kozhikode and the National Stock Exchange for inviting me to deliver the inaugural address at this Conference. The theme for the conference— “Finance for Growth Amid Creative Disruptions”—captures the essence of the transformation we are witnessing in the financial sector – not just in India but globally. Disruptions in finance are not new, but what sets this era apart is the unprecedented pace and scale of change, fuelled by digitalization, artificial intelligence, and the resulting confluence of these changes leading to emergence of new business models. These changes make it essential for us to understand how to harness them for sustainable economic growth.
Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen. At the outset, I would like to thank Shri Ravi Mital, Chairperson, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India for inviting me to this international conclave on the theme ‘Insolvency Resolution: Evolution & Global Perspective’ being held in collaboration with INSOL India. A confluence in the thought processes of policy makers, practitioners and academicians would perhaps help to shape an objective assessment of the resolution & insolvency regime in the country. This should then enable us to chart out a future path for the resolution processes to make it more effective and efficient.
Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen. At the outset, I would like to thank Shri Ravi Mital, Chairperson, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India for inviting me to this international conclave on the theme ‘Insolvency Resolution: Evolution & Global Perspective’ being held in collaboration with INSOL India. A confluence in the thought processes of policy makers, practitioners and academicians would perhaps help to shape an objective assessment of the resolution & insolvency regime in the country. This should then enable us to chart out a future path for the resolution processes to make it more effective and efficient.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies, and Gentlemen, Good Morning. Let me, at the outset, thank the organisers for inviting me here to share my thoughts on climate change, one of the most critical issues we face, not just as individuals, but as the collective global community. 2. As per the latest report from the Copernicus Climate Change Service’s , the year 2024 will be the warmest year in the ERA5 reanalysis dataset, going back to 1940. This was also estimated to be the second-warmest October globally, after October 2023 with the average temperatures 1.65ºC above the pre-industrial level while also marking it the 15th month in a 16-month period where average temperatures were above the 1.5ºC threshold set by the Paris Agreement. Thus, the writing on the wall seems to tell us that unless we collectively take strong action, a grim future lies ahead. The recent tragic events, be it in Valencia, Spain, Wayanad, Kerala, or back-to-back hurricanes in USA, are stark reminders of the perils of climate change that the world at large is exposed to. It impacts our day-to-day lives in one form or other be it through heavy rainfall, flash floods, cyclones, droughts, melting of glaciers, loss of biodiversity, etc., and that too with increased frequency and severity. There can be no doubt therefore that climate change is going to be a major risk for the financial system, economy, and society at large with risks of severe catastrophic events putting at stake our very survival.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies, and Gentlemen, Good Morning. Let me, at the outset, thank the organisers for inviting me here to share my thoughts on climate change, one of the most critical issues we face, not just as individuals, but as the collective global community. 2. As per the latest report from the Copernicus Climate Change Service’s , the year 2024 will be the warmest year in the ERA5 reanalysis dataset, going back to 1940. This was also estimated to be the second-warmest October globally, after October 2023 with the average temperatures 1.65ºC above the pre-industrial level while also marking it the 15th month in a 16-month period where average temperatures were above the 1.5ºC threshold set by the Paris Agreement. Thus, the writing on the wall seems to tell us that unless we collectively take strong action, a grim future lies ahead. The recent tragic events, be it in Valencia, Spain, Wayanad, Kerala, or back-to-back hurricanes in USA, are stark reminders of the perils of climate change that the world at large is exposed to. It impacts our day-to-day lives in one form or other be it through heavy rainfall, flash floods, cyclones, droughts, melting of glaciers, loss of biodiversity, etc., and that too with increased frequency and severity. There can be no doubt therefore that climate change is going to be a major risk for the financial system, economy, and society at large with risks of severe catastrophic events putting at stake our very survival.
Governors and senior dignitaries from Central Banks, eminent participants, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am delighted to be amidst you all at the High-level conference on “Building synergies”, organised on this historic occasion as we celebrate the 90th year of our establishment. The conference is a part of our endeavour to develop a meaningful dialogue and foster cooperation on the issues confronting the Central banks of the global south. It gives me an opportunity to share my thoughts with you today, on paths traversed so far and some of the challenges we are likely to face as Regulators going forward.
Governors and senior dignitaries from Central Banks, eminent participants, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am delighted to be amidst you all at the High-level conference on “Building synergies”, organised on this historic occasion as we celebrate the 90th year of our establishment. The conference is a part of our endeavour to develop a meaningful dialogue and foster cooperation on the issues confronting the Central banks of the global south. It gives me an opportunity to share my thoughts with you today, on paths traversed so far and some of the challenges we are likely to face as Regulators going forward.
I am delighted to be present here today for this second Conference of Directors of the Private Sector Banks. As many of you would be aware, we had organised the first such Conference last year in the month of May on the theme – “Governance in Banks: Driving Sustainable Growth and Stability”. That interaction of the Reserve Bank with the Boards of Directors was very well-received with a strong feedback that such conferences be held on a periodic basis.
I am delighted to be present here today for this second Conference of Directors of the Private Sector Banks. As many of you would be aware, we had organised the first such Conference last year in the month of May on the theme – “Governance in Banks: Driving Sustainable Growth and Stability”. That interaction of the Reserve Bank with the Boards of Directors was very well-received with a strong feedback that such conferences be held on a periodic basis.
I am happy to be here today at the Macro Week 2024 organised by the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE). The Institute has established itself as a leading forum, bringing together public policy practitioners, central bankers, industry leaders, research professionals and scholars to brainstorm on emerging macroeconomic issues. Such discussions, especially on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings, provide fertile ground for rigorous and meaningful interactions on matters of contemporary policy relevance.
I am happy to be here today at the Macro Week 2024 organised by the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE). The Institute has established itself as a leading forum, bringing together public policy practitioners, central bankers, industry leaders, research professionals and scholars to brainstorm on emerging macroeconomic issues. Such discussions, especially on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings, provide fertile ground for rigorous and meaningful interactions on matters of contemporary policy relevance.
Distinguished guests, ladies, and gentlemen, It is a pleasure to be here today at ‘NaBFID’s Infrastructure Conclave’ which provides an excellent opportunity to interact with the participants who play a critical role in India's infrastructural journey. 2. Infrastructure can be thought of as the framework of facilities and systems that enables an economy to function efficiently that can then make possible optimal outcomes for the society at large. It is, therefore, a critical catalyst in fuelling a country’s economic expansion and holistic development. It lays the foundation for a prosperous and equitable society by enhancing productivity, attracting investment, expanding markets, and improving quality of life. India is the fastest growing major economy in the world and as it embarks on an ambitious journey towards emerging as a global economic powerhouse, the role of solid and reliable infrastructure is becoming paramount. Recognizing this, India has made and committed substantial infrastructural investment during recent years via policy measures such as the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, Bharatmala Pariyojana and Sagarmala Pariyojana. An allocation of ₹11.11 lakh crore for capital expenditure in the union budget this year, which is 3.4 per cent of GDP, seeks to reinforce this commitment.
Distinguished guests, ladies, and gentlemen, It is a pleasure to be here today at ‘NaBFID’s Infrastructure Conclave’ which provides an excellent opportunity to interact with the participants who play a critical role in India's infrastructural journey. 2. Infrastructure can be thought of as the framework of facilities and systems that enables an economy to function efficiently that can then make possible optimal outcomes for the society at large. It is, therefore, a critical catalyst in fuelling a country’s economic expansion and holistic development. It lays the foundation for a prosperous and equitable society by enhancing productivity, attracting investment, expanding markets, and improving quality of life. India is the fastest growing major economy in the world and as it embarks on an ambitious journey towards emerging as a global economic powerhouse, the role of solid and reliable infrastructure is becoming paramount. Recognizing this, India has made and committed substantial infrastructural investment during recent years via policy measures such as the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, Bharatmala Pariyojana and Sagarmala Pariyojana. An allocation of ₹11.11 lakh crore for capital expenditure in the union budget this year, which is 3.4 per cent of GDP, seeks to reinforce this commitment.