Four-year programme to strengthen financial capability, fraud prevention and livelihood resilience
HSBC India today announced a INR 200 crore, four-year flagship philanthropy programme to strengthen financial literacy across India. The initiative will help communities move from access to active and informed participation in the formal financial system. The programme will build the knowledge, confidence and practical skills people need to use formal and digital financial services safely, make informed decisions, protect themselves from fraud and strengthen their livelihoods and financial resilience. India has made significant progress in expanding financial access. There are ~60 crore Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana accounts that have been opened, including ~33 crore held by women**. The Reserve Bank of India’s Financial Inclusion Index rose to 70 in March 2026 from 67 in March 2025*, reflecting gains across access, usage and quality. Yet, access alone is not enough, and the next phase must enable people to use financial services regularly, safely and confidently, supported by enhanced digital capability and consumer protection. HSBC India’s programme responds to this need by recognising financial capability as a foundational life skill that can strengthen outcomes across education, health, livelihoods and social security.
Hitendra Dave, CEO, HSBC India, said, “India has built the foundations of financial inclusion at scale, but true financial well-being begins with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to use financial services safely. The country’s digital public infrastructure has enabled citizens to access formal financial systems. As digital payments expand, and new technologies transform financial services, financial literacy and protection against fraud become essential to sustaining trust. Partnerships between industry, community, organisations, and academic institutions can help extend these capabilities to underserved communities and advance the vision of Viksit Bharat.”
Aloka Majumdar, MD, Head of Sustainability, HSBC India, added “First-time users of digital financial services can also be particularly vulnerable to phishing, identity theft and other forms of fraud which can cause financial loss and weaken trust in formal services. Our programme goes going beyond awareness-building to develop practical capability and safer financial behaviours, supporting the shift from financial access to lasting financial well-being.”
