EASE 9.0 Reforms

The EASE 9.0 reforms, launched in February 2026 by the Department of Financial Services, aim to transform India’s Public Sector Banks (PSBs) into globally competitive, technology-driven, and resilient institutions. The initiative aligns with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and emphasizes technology-led modernization, operational excellence, and socio-economic impact.

Foundational Pillars of EASE 9.0 (R.I.S.E.)

The reforms are structured around four key pillars, abbreviated as R.I.S.E., which define the objectives and priorities of PSBs under this agenda.

1. Risk & Resilience

This pillar focuses on strengthening financial and credit risk management in PSBs. It emphasizes building enterprise-wide operational resilience and developing robust frameworks for risk oversight to ensure stability in an increasingly complex financial environment.

2. Innovation

PSBs are expected to drive technology integration, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Generative AI (GenAI), machine learning (ML), cloud architectures, and microservices. The pillar aims to enhance core banking technology, data management, cybersecurity, and operational processes through innovation.

3. Socio-economic Impact

This pillar promotes inclusive banking by expanding financial access to underserved populations, including rural communities and gig or platform workers. PSBs are expected to align their initiatives with national economic development goals, contributing to equitable growth and social welfare.

4. Excellence

The excellence pillar seeks to improve operational efficiency, governance, and customer-centric processes. It also encourages PSBs to adopt cost-effective next-generation operating models, ensuring better service delivery and institutional performance.

Key Reforms under EASE 9.0

1. GCC Strategy and Leadership

PSBs will implement a Global Capability Centre (GCC) strategy in FY 2026–27 to centralize high-value functions and strengthen talent capabilities. State Bank of India (SBI), which established the first PSB GCC in Karnataka earlier this year, will take the lead. GCCs act as strategic hubs for IT, research, development, and business support, enhancing global competitiveness.

2. Technology Infrastructure Plans

Banks are required to assess active-active data centre models for business continuity. They will also develop core AI stacks, including Large Language Model (LLM) licensing, GPU strategies, and private cloud deployment. Additionally, PSBs will implement enterprise-wide consent management, data tokenisation, and anonymisation to ensure secure and continuous data usage for business and strategic purposes.

3. Collaborative Solutions

PSBs are encouraged to collaborate to provide end-to-end banking solutions. This includes leveraging blockchain technology, advanced risk assessment models, and fraud detection frameworks. Collaborative initiatives will strengthen service delivery, operational efficiency, and competitiveness across PSBs.

Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) GCCs

About BFSI GCCs

BFSI GCCs are 100% owned subsidiaries of global financial institutions, located in talent-rich countries like India. They centralize high-value functions, drive innovation, and provide operational efficiency specifically for the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance sector.

Core Functions

BFSI GCCs specialize in risk management, compliance, fintech solutions, cybersecurity, AI/ML, RegTech, data analytics, and core platform development. These centers have evolved from simple cost-saving hubs to advanced innovation and strategy centers.

India’s Position in the BFSI GCC Ecosystem

India currently hosts 185–190 BFSI GCCs, employing around 540,000 professionals, which is 25% of all GCC employees in the country. The ecosystem is projected to grow from USD 40–41 billion in 2023 to USD 125 billion by 2032. Key hubs include Bengaluru (analytics/engineering), Hyderabad (fintech), Mumbai (financial services core), Pune, Chennai, and Gurugram/NCR.

Highlight: BFSI GCCs have become strategic innovation hubs, contributing to India’s position as a global leader in financial services technology.

Strategic Impact of EASE 9.0

The EASE 9.0 reforms are expected to:

• Enable PSBs to leverage technology for operational efficiency and global competitiveness.

• Foster collaborative innovation through blockchain, AI, and advanced risk management.

• Expand financial inclusion by providing services to underserved communities.

• Support national economic growth by aligning banking practices with strategic development goals.

Highlight: EASE 9.0 prepares PSBs for scale, innovation, and socio-economic impact, making them globally competitive and technologically advanced by 2047.