FCNR(B) windfall for banks explained: Who got highest inflows and what it means for investors

FCNR(B) deposits offer banks a cheaper and balance-sheet-efficient source of funding, but their finite tenor and initial deployment challenges could pressure margins. While ICICI Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank stand to benefit from higher inflows, IDFC First Bank offers the strongest earnings upside. Investors may see margin pressure initially before stronger liquidity, loan growth and lower funding costs support earnings.