Key Points

IndusInd Bank's stock is experiencing a significant decline following the disclosure of suspected fraud and insider trading concerns. SEBI has issued a ban on former CEO Sumant Kathpalia along with other executives from the securities market. This announcement has prompted Ashok P. Hinduja, a prominent figure associated with IndusInd Bank, to assure stakeholders of financial support from IIHL. Amidst the turmoil, RBI has initiated an investigation into the bank’s past accounting and financial practices.

Key Points: SEBI Bars IndusInd Bank's Kathpalia Amid Stock Decline

  • IndusInd Bank stock declined 11% post suspected fraud disclosure
  • SEBI banned former CEO Kathpalia amid insider trading allegations
  • RBI launched investigations into accounting discrepancies at the bank
  • IIHL promises continued support amidst financial turmoil
3 min read

IndusInd Bank's stock in turmoil as SEBI bans CEO from securities market

IndusInd Bank stock falls amid SEBI ban on ex-CEO Kathpalia over insider trading concerns.

"IIHL remains committed to supporting the Bank, as it has done over the past 30 years. - Ashok P. Hinduja"

Mumbai, May 29

The stock of IndusInd Bank has declined 11 per cent since March 10 following the bank's disclosure of suspected fraud and concerns over insider trading.

On March 10, the bank’s then Chief Executive Officer Sumant Kathpalia said during an analyst call that these derivative trades took place over five to seven years ago and came to light when the bank took the review of the portfolio after the RBI's accounting framework, which was identified by September and October 2024.

Soon after, the bank started an internal review in the matter and informed the regulator about it. The bank had also appointed an external agency to validate its internal findings.

On Thursday, the banks’ shares were trading at Rs 813.95 apiece, up Rs 8.80 or 1.09 per cent.

In the latest development, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has barred former Kathpalia and four others from dealing in the share market. SEBI said they were aware of unpublished price sensitive information about the lender's derivative trades.

IndusInd Bank's former executive director and deputy CEO, Arun Khurana, along with head of treasury operations Sushant Sourav, head of GMG operations Rohan Jathanna, and chief administrative officer of consumer banking operations Anil Marco Rao are the other officials named in the order.

The individuals have been restrained from buying, selling or dealing in securities, either directly or indirectly, in any manner until further orders, the SEBI said in an interim order.

Last week, Ashok P. Hinduja, Chairman, IndusInd International Holdings Limited (IIHL) which is the promoter of IndusInd Bank, went into damage-control mode following the announcement of the fraud in the bank that has plunged the lender into a Rs 2,236 crore loss for the January-March quarter.

“Though the capital adequacy of the Bank is quite healthy, for business growth, should any further equity be required, IIHL, as the promoter of IBL, remains committed to supporting the Bank, as it has done over the past 30 years,” Hinduja said in a statement.

The RBI has launched investigations into the accounting discrepancies at IndusInd Bank.

IndusInd Bank said that its Board suspects a fraud involving certain employees, who played a significant role in the lender's accounting and financial reporting, and has directed all necessary actions to be taken under applicable laws, including reporting the matter to regulatory authorities and investigative agencies.

IndusInd Bank’s internal audit department found on May 20 that Rs 172.58 crore had been incorrectly recorded as fee income in the Microfinance (MFI) business over three quarters ending the December quarter, which has since been reversed in the fourth quarter of FY25.

The disclosure follows the abrupt sacking of the IndusInd Bank CEO last month after widespread irregularities were discovered in its foreign exchange derivatives and microfinance portfolio.

—IANS

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is really disappointing from a bank that was considered trustworthy. SEBI should impose heavy penalties - ₹172 crore misreporting is no small amount! Hope RBI's investigation brings all facts to light. Common investors like us suffer the most in such cases.
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Priya M.
As someone with an IndusInd savings account, I'm worried now 😟 The CEO and top officials involved in fraud - how can we trust them with our money? Maybe time to switch banks... At least SEBI acted quickly to ban them from markets.
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Amit S.
The stock crash was expected. But ₹2,236 crore loss in one quarter? That's massive! The promoters saying they'll support is good, but damage is done. Shows how important strong corporate governance is in banking sector.
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Neha T.
This case proves our financial regulators are working. SEBI caught them red-handed! Though I wonder - if this fraud went on for 5-7 years as mentioned, why did it take so long to detect? Auditors need to be more vigilant 🤔
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Sanjay R.
The microfinance irregularities are most concerning - this affects poorest borrowers. Banks play with numbers while common people suffer. Hope RBI imposes strict reforms to prevent such cases in future.
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Kavita P.
As a small investor, I lost money in this crash. But I appreciate that the bank came clean eventually. Better late than never! Hope they clean house properly now. India's banking sector needs more transparency overall.

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