Credit access for bottom-of-the-pyramid borrowers in India has slowed as microfinance lenders turn cautious after two years of asset quality stress, increasingly favouring customers with established credit histories. A joint SIDBI-Equifax study shows the share of new-to-credit borrowers fell sharply to 20% from 33% three years ago, reflecting tighter risk filters.

The POS of the microfinance sector declined to ₹2,77,053 crore as at March-end 2026 from ₹3,35,060 crore as at March-end 2025 and ₹3,77,706 crore as at March-end 2024

Credit access for bottom-of-the-pyramid borrowers in India has slowed as microfinance lenders turn cautious after two years of asset quality stress, increasingly favouring…