Public sector banks need to become more youth-friendly and “cool” to win over Gen Z, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Tuesday.
She asked public sector banks (PSBs) to understand why and find better ways to connect with young customers. “I need public sector banks not to be not cool. You should, please get some young people to talk to you. What makes you appear cool?
Speaking at the two-day PSB Confluence 2026, Sitharaman said young people she spoke to preferred private banks because they were “cool”. Sitharaman said. “We should keep pace with expectations of youth,” she said.
Sitharaman Urges Banks to Support Young Entrepreneurs
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has called on public sector banks to enhance their support for young Indians, particularly in understanding credit scores, loans, and government schemes aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs.
Speaking at the PSB Confluence 2026, a two-day event that gathered leaders from public sector banks, financial institutions, and government officials, Sitharaman emphasized the need for banks to be the preferred and trusted choice for the youth.
She stressed that discussions from the event should translate into actionable strategies, urging banks to be prepared for emerging opportunities and to adapt to India’s evolving financial landscape.
