NBFC full form is Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and they play a critical role in India’s financial system by providing loans, asset financing, and credit services where banks may not always reach. They have emerged as key drivers of financial inclusion, serving rural, semi-urban, and urban customers with tailored lending solutions.
In this article, we present a list of NBFCs, their scale, operations, and strengths, along with updates and regulatory changes that shape the NBFC sector.
What is an NBFC?
Let us first understand what NBFC is from the following points:
An NBFC (Non-Banking Financial Company) is a financial company that provides loans and credit facilities but does not have a full banking license.
The following are some of the benefits of borrowing from NBFCs:
Faster loan approvals with minimal paperwork.
Flexible loan products tailored to individual needs.
Strong presence in rural/semi-urban areas where banks are limited.
Competitive rates in gold loans, vehicle loans, and co-lending products.
Gold loans and microfinance options are not always available at banks.
Challenges and Risks in NBFCs
The following are the risks and challenges associated with NBFCs:
Cannot offer deposit accounts (savings/current).
Higher interest rates in certain loan categories.
Risk of NPAs in rural lending and small borrowers.
Some smaller NBFCs may have limited governance and liquidity issues.
Conclusion
NBFCs in 2026 remain one of the strongest financial factors of India’s credit growth. Leaders like Bajaj Finance, Shriram Finance, Muthoot, Mahindra Finance, and Tata Capital continue to dominate with digital lending, gold loans, and rural credit support. For borrowers looking for fast loans, flexible terms, and localised service, NBFCs are an excellent choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many NBFCs are registered with RBI in India?
As per RBI, there are more than 9,000 registered NBFCs in India, but only a few hundred are systemically important.
Are NBFCs safe like banks?
NBFCs are regulated by RBI but do not offer deposit insurance like banks. Loan services are safe, but savings cannot be parked like in banks.
Which is the largest NBFC in India 2026?
Bajaj Finance remains the largest NBFC in India by AUM and customer base.
Do NBFCs provide digital lending?
Yes, most large NBFCs have mobile apps, digital onboarding, and instant loan approvals through fintech platforms.
Can NBFCs give home and personal loans?
Yes. Many NBFCs like Tata Capital, Aditya Birla Finance, and HDB provide home, personal, SME, and consumer loans.
Diwakar Kumar Singh is a senior content writer with 7+ years of experience in finance technology, including stock markets, IPOs, Pre-IPOs, futures and derivatives. At InvestKraft, Diwakar specialises in creating financial content that simplifies complex financial trends and concepts. Diwakar holds a Post-Graduation degree as well as a gold medal in Finance & Economics from IMT, Hyderabad.
Beyond finance, Diwakar is a dedicated fitness enthusiast and the founder of TheFitnessJournal. He also holds a nutrition certification from ISSA, USA, and writes about health, nutrition and science-backed wellness in a simple and approachable style. His ability to excel in two demanding fields makes him a versatile creator committed to clarity, accuracy and meaningful impact.