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 also asked banks to help young people better understand credit scores, loans and government schemes, especially those planning to start their own businesses. She asked banks to prepare for new opportunities and meet India’s changing financial needs. The two-day PSB Confluence 2026 brought together public sector bank and financial institution leaders, government officials and experts to discuss the future of banking.
“Public Sector Banks must be the first and most trusted choice of young Indians,” she said. Sitharaman said the discussions should lead to real action.
