India's formal retail credit penetration more than doubles in a decade

Formal retail credit penetration in India has more than doubled over the past ten years, driven primarily by consumption-led lending such as personal loans. The expansion has notably reached younger borrowers and women, broadening the demographic base of credit users. Northern and central states recorded increased credit activity, while western and southern regions saw relatively moderate growth. Analysts note a shift in borrowing patterns, with credit increasingly used for lifestyle spending rather than asset acquisition.