Aditya Birla Capital is making a major push into India’s gold loan market, with its non-banking financial company (NBFC) arm set to launch dedicated gold-loan operations nationwide. The company plans to build a network of around 1,000 branches over the next three years as it looks to deepen its secured lending business. The company announced the move on Thursday, positioning gold loans as a strategic addition to its existing retail and MSME lending operations.
The new offering will target customers in both urban and semi-urban markets, combining physical branch infrastructure with digital channels.
As part of its initial expansion strategy, Aditya Birla Capital’s NBFC business plans to establish between 200 and 300 dedicated gold loan branches by March 2027. These outlets will be rolled out in phases and will focus on markets identified as having strong potential for .
The broader plan is to scale the network to approximately 1,000 branches within three years. The company expects the expansion to help it establish a wider pan-India presence while strengthening its position in the secured lending segment.
The move also allows the financial services company to leverage its existing customer base and distribution infrastructure to grow the new business.
Company Targets Urban And Semi-Urban Borrowers
Aditya Birla Capital said its gold loan proposition will be designed to serve both existing customers across its financial services ecosystem and new borrowers. The company intends to use an integrated network of physical branches and digital platforms to expand customer access.
The gold loan business will combine branch-based services with omnichannel digital capabilities. According to the company, customers will receive a borrowing experience focused on transparent pricing, secure custody of pledged gold and faster loan disbursals.
Aditya Birla Capital Highlights Secured Lending Strategy
The company described its entry into gold loans as a natural extension of its secured credit strategy. In its exchange filing, Aditya Birla Capital said the business “complements its existing retail and MSME lending franchise, providing customers with a transparent, flexible and collateral-backed credit solution”.
The move comes as gold-backed credit continues to attract lenders seeking to expand secured loan portfolios. For borrowers, gold loans can offer access to funds against pledged jewellery and other eligible gold assets, while lenders benefit from the underlying collateral.
Rakesh Singh, executive director and CEO of Aditya Birla Capital’s NBFC business, said, “Gold loans are witnessing strong structural growth in India, and our entry into this segment is a natural extension of our secured lending strategy.”
Focus On Governance And Customer Experience
The company said it intends to build the new business around governance, risk controls and operational efficiency as it expands its branch footprint. Digital capabilities will also play a role in supporting the physical network and improving customer access.
“We are building our Gold Loan business from the ground up, shaped by these principles, and a strong focus on governance, prudent risk management, operational excellence, and a customer-first approach. As we expand our presence across India, we will leverage our extensive distribution network and digital capabilities to deliver a superior customer experience,” he added.
With the first phase targeting up to 300 branches by March 2027 and the longer-term goal set at about 1,000 outlets, Aditya Birla Capital is positioning gold loans as a significant new growth avenue within its NBFC operations.