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The Government of India has launched the EASE 9.0 reforms agenda to modernize and strengthen Public Sector Banks (PSBs) by integrating advanced technologies, improving productivity, and adopting new operating models. Initiated by the Department of Financial Services in February 2026, the reform programme seeks to transform PSBs into globally competitive institutions aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

EASE 9.0 emphasizes technology-led modernization, institutional resilience, and enhanced governance through a structured reform framework.

Key Reforms under the EASE 9.0 Agenda

1. Global Capability Centre (GCC) Strategy

PSBs will develop a Global Capability Centre (GCC) strategy during FY 2026–27 along with a capacity-building roadmap.

• The State Bank of India (SBI) has established the first GCC among PSBs in Karnataka, setting a model for other banks.
• GCCs are offshore units that perform high-value strategic functions such as IT services, research and development, data analytics, and business support.
• These centres help institutions improve efficiency, innovation, and global integration.

2. Strengthening Technology Infrastructure

Under EASE 9.0, banks will modernize digital infrastructure to ensure operational resilience and scalability.

Key initiatives include:

• Adoption of active-active data centre models to ensure uninterrupted banking services.
• Development of core artificial intelligence (AI) stacks, including:
  • licensing of Large Language Models (LLMs)
  • GPU infrastructure strategies
  • deployment of private cloud-based AI models.
• Creation of enterprise-wide consent management frameworks.
• Implementation of data tokenisation and anonymisation systems to allow secure and continuous use of data for business and analytics purposes.

3. Collaborative and Digital Banking Solutions

PSBs are encouraged to collaborate in building shared technological solutions to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Such collaborative initiatives may include:

• Blockchain-based banking systems
• advanced fraud detection models
• AI-driven risk assessment tools
• integrated digital platforms offering comprehensive banking services.

These measures aim to create scalable and secure financial ecosystems.

Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) Global Capability Centres

Concept and Role: A BFSI Global Capability Centre (GCC) is a wholly owned offshore subsidiary of a global financial institution that centralizes strategic operations in locations with strong talent pools such as India.

Unlike general GCCs, BFSI GCCs specifically support banking and financial institutions in areas including:

• risk management
• regulatory compliance
• cybersecurity
• fintech development
• advanced data analytics.

Evolution of GCCs

Initially established to achieve cost advantages (often 50–60% savings compared to home markets), GCCs have evolved into innovation hubs performing high-end functions such as:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
• cybersecurity solutions
• regulatory technology (RegTech)
• financial platform development
• advanced analytics and automation.

India’s Position in the Global BFSI GCC Ecosystem

India has emerged as a major global hub for BFSI GCCs.

Key statistics include:

• Around 185–190 BFSI GCCs currently operate in India.
• They employ approximately 540,000 professionals, accounting for nearly 25% of total GCC employees in the country.
• The sector is projected to grow from USD 40–41 billion in 2023 to about USD 125 billion by 2032.

Major GCC hubs in India include:

• Bengaluru – analytics and engineering
• Hyderabad – fintech innovation
• Mumbai – financial services core operations
• Pune, Chennai and Gurugram/NCR – technology and support services.

Global financial institutions operating GCCs in India include: JPMorgan Chase, HSBC, Wells Fargo, Citigroup, Standard Chartered, Deutsche Bank, Barclays, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley.

Core Framework of EASE 9.0: The R.I.S.E. Pillars

The reform programme is structured around four foundational pillars:

1. Risk and Resilience

• Strengthening financial and credit risk management.
• Enhancing operational resilience and enterprise-wide risk oversight mechanisms.

2. Innovation: Deep integration of advanced technologies including AI, Generative AI (GenAI), machine learning, cloud architectures, and microservices.

3. Socio-economic Impact

• Expanding inclusive banking services.
• Enhancing access to financial services for underserved populations, including gig and platform workers.

4. Excellence

• Improving governance standards and operational efficiency.
• Creating customer-centric banking processes and cost-effective next-generation operating models.

Significance of EASE 9.0 Reforms

The reforms are expected to:

• strengthen the technological competitiveness of PSBs
• enhance digital banking infrastructure and cybersecurity
• enable innovation-driven financial services
• support financial inclusion and economic growth
• position Indian PSBs as globally competitive institutions.