The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is taking a firmer stance on lenders in the country. This increased scrutiny, while positive for governance and preventing reckless lending, might come at a cost. S&P Global Ratings predicts stricter regulations could slow loan growth and raise borrowing costs for financial institutions.

The RBI's concern stems from a rise in unsecured loans and a potential risk to the financial system. To address this, they've tightened rules on unsecured loans and are now monitoring new areas like mortgage-linked top-up loans. Recent crackdowns on non-compliant lenders highlight the RBI's commitment to a more controlled lending environment.

This stricter approach has its downsides. S&P analysts believe it could slow loan growth from 16% to 14% in the coming year. Additionally, stricter regulations might lead to higher borrowing costs for lenders and disrupt some fintech companies. Investors might also demand a higher return to compensate for the increased regulatory risk.

However, not all analysts share the same outlook. Fitch Ratings believes banks' profitability will remain stable despite the pressure. They predict banks will adjust their strategies, focusing on loans over government securities to bridge the gap between loan and deposit growth. Banks with a strong deposit base are likely to be in a better position to navigate these changes.

The RBI's move signifies a focus on financial stability. While it might lead to some short-term challenges, it is expected to create a more sustainable lending environment in the long run.